• Cyber Monday Book Sale for the Family

    If you’re like me, holiday shopping from the comfort of home is a convenient blessing. Cyber Monday is in full swing, and I’m so happy to share that seven of my six books are on sale at the same time for only $.99 on Kindle. I’ve organized them by category, and I hope you’ll grab some copies for the bookworms in your family (or for yourself). Women’s Romantic Suspense Take My Hand is on sale for the first time ever. It’s been hovering around the top 10 mark in all of its Amazon categories, which has been so fun to see. Get your copy here. Young Adult Dystopian My Rogues…

  • Author Chat with Mark Wainwright & Giveaway for Middle-Grade Readers

    Just because school is in session doesn’t mean our students shouldn’t read anything but textbooks. As a teacher, I believe that providing young adults with exemplary extra-curricular reading sets them up for success as life-long learners. For my friends with middle-grade readers, this post is for you! I’m grateful to know author Mark Wainwright and be able to recommend his new book, Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon. Keep reading to learn more about Mark, why the young readers in your home might love this story, and how to enter to win a copy. Would you share what inspired you to write this story or how this project began? My…

  • Free Preview of The Revisionary – Now Available!

    Samples have taken a hit since Covid19 struck. I was in a beauty store over the weekend, and the sales clerk apologized that she could no longer give me a sample to find my perfect shade match but assured me I could return the product if I was dissatisfied. Naturally, I understood, but samples can be so helpful in letting us determine if something is a good fit for us or not. That’s why I’m excited to share this news! My publisher has released a special three-chapter sample of The Revisionary, available for free as an e-book! Maybe you’ve never read dystopian before and are curious if you’ll enjoy the…

  • The Revisionary Gets Featured on Grace Filled Fiction Spotlight, Spring 2020

    I’m excited to share that The Revisionary was selected for the Grace Filled Fiction Spotlight this spring! Enjoy this interview about how my dystopian fiction remains relevant for today and what else I have in the works. Q:  What is your latest release/release you chose to spotlight, and what would you like us to know about it? What take away? If its theme is pertinent to the time of year or a holiday that’s coming up, mention that.   Kristen:  THE REVISIONARY presents the theme of finding hope for tomorrow, a timely message given the uncertainty so many are facing today. My heroine Portia sets out to save her brother from a…

  • Writer’s Block: The Basics of Plot Structure

    A story doesn’t just happen. The writer intentionally crafts it from start to finish–from inciting incident to denouement. In this meeting, we talk about the ten basic plots, the components of plot structure, and an example that helps visualize the whole process. As always, there’s a writing activity at the end to help you practice what you’ve learned. Join us on YouTube, and take a moment to comment or share your thoughts on today’s video.

  • Two YA Authors to Read this Spring PLUS a Giveaway!

    Spring weather in Florida is blissful and hints that summer is just around the corner! Maybe you have an official spring break, or maybe, you’re in my camp and don’t technically get one. Regardless, you can still hop in to some spring reading. If you’re a sunshine girl like me, I suggest grabbing a beach towel, some sun protection, and a book you’ve been wanting to read to enjoy the best of both worlds (in my case, Florida and fiction). Perhaps you’ve finished your current read and are looking for something new. If you enjoy young adult fiction, here are two authors worth adding to your list. Also, be sure…

  • The Reactionary: Gratitude Moments

    Coming to the end of a trilogy is a little like crossing the finish line of a half marathon. The only reason I felt amazing at that time is that I’d prepared and trained with friends. Others cheered me on, even though they may have secretly thought I was crazy. This Tuesday, The Reactionary publishes, and I want to start the week with gratitude by saying thank-you to everyone who made crossing this finish line not only possible, but truly unforgettable. My family has been my constant support, and some new faces have joined those ranks throughout this journey, including my sister-in-law Brooke. I also want to say a special…

  • Flag Design Contest: Vote for Your Favorite!

    What teacher doesn’t enjoy seeing her students’ creativity? I sure do! I’m privileged to teach English for Alpha Omega Academy and invited our middle and high school students to design their version of the ASU pennant (the fictitious flag of the dystopian society in my new young adult novel). Today, I’m posting their designs here for you to vote on your favorite. The winner’s name and design will be published in The Revisionary, available for pre-order next month. Below are the submissions, and I’m honestly glad you’re choosing the winner and not me! They are all outstanding and meet the submission guidelines: to design a flag that includes a child, scroll, and olive…

  • Grateful Giveaways & Book Specials

    This week, the Florida Christian Writers’ Conference starts! Several years ago, I discovered this conference and am so grateful I did. If you’re a writer and would like to learn more how conferences can help you in your craft, visit my For Writers page. Each year, I usually leave this conference sleep-deprived but with my cup “brimming over.” I’ve made amazing friends there, enjoyed teaching workshops, and soaked up ideas through the workshops of other writers, editors, and agents. (For any who are reading this post and attending FCWC, I hope you’ll join my workshop called Friend Your Audience on Social Media.) The people are the best part of writers’ conferences, but one…

  • The Revisionary – Coming June 2017

    I have two exciting announcements today! First, I want to congratulate the winner of the random drawing for the Women of Faith books. Drum roll, please. The winner is … Trudy! Thank you to everyone who participated! Remember, even if you didn’t win, you can still get these outstanding resources on Amazon or elsewhere. Also, I’ll be doing several more giveaways this year that you won’t want to miss. Now, for my second big announcement: In partnership with Write Integrity Press, I’m thrilled to share some details about my new young adult fiction novel, releasing this spring! The Revisionary is a dystopian suspense story laced with American history and flashbacks to its…