Thursday, August 1, 2024

The Deception Game Series Mega Sale!

 

Hi everyone! It’s been a minute, so hopefully, you haven’t forgotten about me! :) I’m reaching out to share some announcements and book deals.

Deception Game Series Mega Sale!

For a limited time only, the Deception Game series is on sale. We’ve slashed the original ebook prices so that the books in the series are now discounted by up to 65% off. If you haven’t had a chance to read the series yet (or you read the first book but never purchased the others) now is the time!


*Sale ends on 8/7/24

The Deception Game Series is Now on Kindle Unlimited!

For all you KU subscribers out there, good news! The Deception Game series is now on Kindle Unlimited, which means you can read the entire series for FREE! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy today!

Summer Reading

What are you reading this summer?


I recently finished The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl and am currently reading Every Summer After by Carley Fortune and Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren.


Other books on my TBR include The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (I know, can you believe I haven’t read it yet?!), The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda, and The Rule Book by Sarah Adams.


As you can see, I’ve shifted a bit in my reading choices. Since I’m writing mostly adult romcom now, it seemed only natural to switch over to reading more books for adults. YA will always be my first love, though.

Summer Recipes

Have you tried any new recipes this summer? If you’re like me, the last thing you want to do during the summer is cook dinner. I would rather be reading a book, lounging by the pool, going on the boat…anything else!


I do still love a good dessert recipe, though. This Hawaiian cake is a family favorite and is the perfect dessert for summer (or a luau!). Enjoy!


Hawaiian Cake

★★★★★

Dessert


Ingredients

1 package yellow cake mix

1 ¼ cup cold milk

1 package 3.4 oz instant pudding mix

1 can 20 oz pineapple crushed drained

1 container cool whip

1 package cream cheese, softened

¼ cup sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla

½ cup flaked coconut toasted (optional)


Directions

Prepare and bake the cake according to package directions using a greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Cool. In a bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix; Let stand to thicken. Stir in pineapple. Spread over cake. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Beat in one cup whipped topping. Fold in remaining topping. Spread over pudding. Sprinkle with coconut. Cover and refrigerate for three hours or overnight.


What’s the Latest?

It’s been a busy few months around here! I love to travel, but I’ve been gone so much these past few months that I only want to be home now. In March, I had the opportunity to fly out to California for a girls’ trip with two of my besties. We toured Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Solvang—so fun! Then in April, my hubby and I went on the trip of a lifetime to Hawaii. We flew to Oahu and then cruised to Maui, Hawaii (The Big Island), and Kauai. It was our first trip to any of the Hawaiian islands and it didn’t disappoint.


In May, I was able to go to Charleston with my mom, sister, and four of my nieces. Since I don’t have any daughters, it was such a joy to be able to spend time with so many girls. We had a blast!


In June, my hubby and I flew out to Utah for my nephew’s wedding. We stayed in Park City for a few days and toured Olympic Park, shopped in the adorable downtown, and tried out some of the restaurants in the area. We love Park City!


Also in June, I attended our church’s all-girls annual youth camp in Virginia. We sang, we danced, we laughed, and we bonded over our love for God and each other. It was a great week!


In July, we spent the 4th with my family in Virginia before heading to New York City for a few days. We ate AMAZING food, saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway, and literally walked almost all of NYC, lol. We also rented scooters and toured around Central Park. On our way home to North Carolina, we stopped near Lancaster, Pennsylvania to see the Amish Country. So beautiful and such a contrast to the hustle and bustle of the busy Big Apple. It was a great trip, but I’m SO happy to be home, and I’m seriously ready for some time to read, write, and relax!


What have you done this summer?

A Publishing Note

I’m sure many of you are wondering when I’m going to release a new book. Well, I’m wondering the same thing, lol! But not to worry. I’m still busy writing, and my agent is still busy trying to sell my work. Send all the good vibes that something will sell soon! I’d love to have another book release in the near future. I have so many words that I want you to read!


Until next time! Love and hugs!


-Kristin

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Catalyst Audiobook, Giveaway, Book Recs & More!

It's my favorite time of year!

The holidays are quickly approaching and the Hallmark movies are calling my name. Anyone else want to curl up with a blanket and a good book (or holiday movie) during this time of year? Maybe even listen to an audiobook? (wink, wink)

I have some exciting news that may add to your holiday joy. Catalyst is now an audiobook, narrated by the extremely talented Victoria Connolly!


If you want to listen to the audiobook and hear how Victoria was able to bring the cast of characters to life, then you can purchase your own copy on Audible or Amazon.

To top it off, I'm giving away 5 FREE COPIES of the Catalyst audiobook. How can you enter to win this amazing prize, you ask? Well, it's easy. Simply reply to this blog post and tell me, "I want it!" and you will automatically be entered to win. Five winners will be chosen using a random generator. Good luck!



News!

I have a new agent! I'm excited to announce that I'm now represented by literary agent Heather Cashman with Storm Literary. Literary agents are highly selective and are considered the gatekeepers between an author and large publishing houses (also known as the Big 5). For those who are seeking to traditionally publish their work, a literary agent is essential. I'm so happy to work with Heather and begin this next chapter of my publishing journey. She signed me for a YA magical realism, but she's working with me on several other books in my backlist. Super excited to see where this partnership takes us!

What Am I Working on Now?

You're probably wondering what's next for me now that the Deception Game series is finished. The good news is that I have more completed books, currently in the hands of my very capable literary agent, with more in the works.

For my current WIP (work in progress), I am completely switching gears. From YA to adult, from dystopian to romcom. I am loving writing something a little more light-hearted and fun. I hope to finish the first draft in the coming weeks.


Publishing Tip 101

I've had a lot of people ask me recently how to get a book published, so I figured it was only appropriate to share that information here. Maybe it will help one of you who are also wondering what it takes to get a book published.

There are many paths to publication, but here are the 3 main ones:

1) Traditional (Literary agent submits to Big 5 or imprint)
2) Small Press
3) Self-Publishing


Let's start with traditional publishing, or in this case, where a writer submits their work to a literary agent in the hopes that the agent will want to sign them and represent them. As I mentioned before, a literary agent is the gatekeeper to the bigger publishing houses. For many of the larger publishing houses, a writer has to have an agent submit their work for them. Most of the large publishing houses do not accept manuscripts from unagented writers. Agents also have their pulse on the market, so they know what's selling and what editors at these publishing houses are looking for. So to traditionally publish with a Big 5 or one of its imprints, you need to have a literary agent.

However, there are many smaller presses who DO accept manuscripts from unagented writers. So if a writer chooses to go this route, they will do their research and then submit their work themselves to these publishing houses. Often times, this means smaller advances (or no advances at all) and less exposure when the book releases.

The third option for getting a book published is self-publishing. Writers will often choose this route because a) they have a really great book that has been overlooked by agents and editors; b) they don't want to fool with trying to get an agent or editor; c) they like to have all creative control. Self-publishing means a writer does everything themselves, from hiring an editor and book cover designer to formatting the interior of the book to marketing and promos. The writer takes on all of the responsibility, but also receives all of the profits (once Amazon, B&N, etc takes their cut).

I personally have dabbled in each one of these publishing options at some point in my writing career. No one way is better than another; it's about a writer's personal journey and what works the best for them. In the end, the goal of any writer is to create a great piece of work and get it into the hands of readers.

Book Recommendations

Looking for some good books to read over the holidays? Well, I have some recommendations for you! My good friend, Michelle Mason, recently released her YA book, My Second Impression of You. If you love sweet romcoms with lovable characters, then you'll love this one.

"Perfect for fans of Tweet Cute and Instant Karma, this YA romcom is a heartfelt story about a girl who thinks she knows everything about love -- until she relives a day and discovers she had it all wrong."




If you love adult romcoms, then I have an adorable one for you! Sarah Adams is the queen of sweet (not too spicy!) romcoms, and I promise she'll have you laughing out loud for most of the book. The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams is about a former professional ballerina who is helplessly in love with her super hot best friend, an NFL football player. But the "friend zone" is not the "end zone" for this girl who wants more than a platonic friendship.



Try This Recipe

It wouldn't be fall without a delicious apple-based dessert. Try out these yummy Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars from Sugar Apron for your next family gathering or if you're just craving something sweet. Enjoy!


Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Yield: 20-24

Ingredients:

Graham/Oats Crust:
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup melted butter, plus more for greasing the plate
  • Cheesecake Layer :
  • 2 8oz package softened cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp corn starch
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Apple Crisp Topping:
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 medium to large apple, peeled and thinly sliced
  • Caramel Topping
Directions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350F.
  2. Prepare one 9x13-inch glass pan by greasing thoroughly with butter or baking spray or a light-colored metal baking pan with foil (be sure to cover the sides—you are going to use this to lift the bars).
  3. In a mixing bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, rolled oats, melted butter and brown sugar together.
  4. Press inside the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  5. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven to cool.
  6. Meanwhile, in the bowl of your electric mixer, blend together cream cheese, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cornstarch and vanilla.
  7. Once well combined, pour on top of your graham cracker/oat crust.
  8. Arrange the thinly sliced apple on top of the cream cheese mixture in a single layer.
  9. Top with the Apple Crisp Topping. Bake at 350F for 40-50 minutes.
  10. Once it's done cooking, cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate overnight.
  11. Cut into squares. Serve with caramel drizzled over top of the cheesecake bars.

Leave a Review 

Lastly, if you've read any of the books in the Deception Game series, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting me. I hope you loved them. And if you left a review for the books, then double thank you. It's amazing how much reviews help authors in this publishing world. It shows publishers that our work is worth publishing, and it also shows Amazon that our work is worth promoting (50 reviews seems to be the magic number). So if you loved the books in the Deception Game series, but you haven't had an opportunity to leave a review yet, please consider leaving a 5-star review. It can be as simple as, "I liked it."

Thank you!





Friday, September 2, 2022

Exciting News & Catalyst Sale!

 

Happy Friday, y'all! Anyone have fun plans for Labor Day weekend? My kids barely started school, but I'm already looking forward to a three-day weekend. With that being said, I have some exciting news (as well as a book promotion!) to share with you.

But before I share my (happy) news and latest promotion, I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself, especially to those who might be new to my blog. And what better way to get to know me than to play one of my favorite games—THIS or THAT!


Here goes!


 

THIS OR THAT:


Vacation or Staycation?

I love traveling and planning vacations, so if money and time permits, it’s vacation all the way.

 

Netflix or Hulu?

It would have to be Netflix for me. I binge-watch way too many shows on Netflix to consider switching to Hulu.

 

Night or morning?

I’m a night girl. But now that my kids are back in school, I’m slowly programming myself to wake up early and exercise before they leave the house.

 

Camping or glamping?

Glamping! I love nature, but I also love a good night’s sleep.


Beach or mountains?

Beach. Give me a good book, some white sand, and the sound of crashing waves, and I'm set!

 

Cooking or being cooked for?

I’ll be honest, I don’t LOVE cooking. So, any time my husband or one of my kids cooks dinner, I’m so incredibly grateful and happy.

 

Play or standup show?

Play, and if it’s a musical, even better.

 

Attend a party or host a party?

Ahh, this is a tricky one. I do love to host parties (and I especially love to plan them) but it is nice to attend someone else’s party and not have to do any of the work, lol.

 

Ketchup or Ranch?

Ranch! Perfect for dipping.

 

Board games or video games?

My kids sometimes make fun of how awful I am at video games, so that would be board games for me.

 

Instagram or Twitter?

Not a huge fan of Twitter, so definitely Instagram.

 

Pizza or Chinese food?

This is an easy one. I LOVE Chinese food and would choose it over pizza any day.

 

Laundry or dishes?

Give me the laundry, please.

 

Chocolate or vanilla?

Do you even have to ask? Of course, it’s chocolate.

 

Zombies or vampires?

Is this seriously a question? Vampires are way better than zombies.

 

Guacamole or salsa?

Definitely guacamole.


Well, that was fun! You probably know WAY more about me now than you've ever wanted to know, lol. Now, on to my exciting news!

News!

I'm super excited to announce that CATALYST is being made into an audiobook and will release in October!!

Over the years, I've had so many readers ask me when CATALYST would become an audiobook, so I'm incredibly stoked to have an amazing narrator (Victoria Connelly) bring this book to life. I've heard a sample of the book, and y'all, it is AMAZING! She's so good at portraying the emotion on the page. I can't wait for it to be out in the world!
 
SALE!

For a limited time, CATALYST (the first book in the Deception Game series) is only $0.99! Grab your copy while you can. Sale ends Tuesday, September 6th. You can purchase your copy HERE or use the link below.
Buy Now
Thank You!

I'm so grateful to everyone who helped me celebrate the release of UNBREAKABLE. It was a whirlwind of a week/month, but I loved seeing all of the beautiful book pics of UNBREAKABLE all over the internet. And, of course, my release party was a special highlight. I had lots of local friends come out and support me. Here are some of my favorite pics from Launch Week! 
Thank you, Beth Ellyn Summer, for this gorgeous pic!

Books and manicures? I'm here for it! Thanks, Tiana Smith, for this beauty!

Love this picture from the fabulously talented Leandra Wallace! <3

UNBREAKABLE book launch party decor.
UNBREAKABLE Launch Party!
Just a few of the friends who came out to support me on my special night.
Author Jamie Dalton and I before our Facebook Live event.

Grateful to all of my friends who came to help me celebrate! <3







Signing books at the UNBREAKABLE launch.


Other News

I've been busy! In case you missed it, I had the opportunity to chat with other authors during the days/weeks following my book release. On Instagram Live, I was in conversation with Michelle Mason, author of YOUR LIFE HAS BEEN DELAYED. On Facebook Live, I chatted with fantasy author Jamie Dalton. And on The Book Corner, I had the chance to talk about the DECEPTION GAME series with DC Gomez. I was also featured in an author interview on Christina Consolino's website. If you'd like to check out my interviews, you can do so at the links below.
 
Buy the Book

Also, it's not too late to grab your copy of UNBREAKABLE! The ebook is available wherever books are sold, and the paperback is available on Amazon. If you want to read the end of this thrilling, unpredictable dystopian saga, then grab your copy today!
Buy Now

Here's What Readers Are Saying About UNBREAKABLE:
"A must-read if you like: feisty, capable heroines; swoon-worthy book boyfriends; futuristic worlds with cool tech; and fast-paced adventures with a crew that has become family. With evocative writing and characters that stick with you after the last page, The Deception Games is a series that dystopian lovers need on their shelf. I'm happy for a terrific conclusion, but sad that it's over!"
"I’ve been waiting for the last book in this series for years and it did not disappoint. I started and finished this in a day. I laughed, I cried… Kristin did it again and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!!"
"Unbreakable is the amazing conclusion to The Deception Game series (my favorite dystopian series ever). Sienna, Trey, Zane and Trina (LOVED getting Trina's POV, btw) all have a voice, and, of course, a gripping journey. Fast-paced, tightly plotted, and characters that'll stay with you forever, Unbreakable is a book you'll never forget."

Buy your copy here

 

Add to Goodreads here.

 

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / Google Play / Smashwords

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