Kristin Carter-Groulx's Blog
May 13, 2025
Goodreads Mother's Day giveaway contest winners are...
And the Goodreads contest Mother's Day giveaway winners are....
Congrats to the Maritimes!
Peter King of Corberrie, Nova Scotia
and
Amanda-Lee Do of Neguac, New Brunswick
You've both won a signed and personalized copy of "My Day in Perth"! In the mail to you soon!
My Day in Perth
Congrats to the Maritimes!
Peter King of Corberrie, Nova Scotia
and
Amanda-Lee Do of Neguac, New Brunswick
You've both won a signed and personalized copy of "My Day in Perth"! In the mail to you soon!
My Day in Perth
April 16, 2014
Another vote for books!
As a writer, we only want the very best for our readers imaginations. Thus, we diligently create elaborate worlds and details, but leave enough out for the creative mind to fill in the blanks. I find this to ultimately be true when comparing virtually any novel to what is shown on the screen, be it in a television show or movie. Books take the cake.
That being said, I love a good interpretation. Over the past few years I found myself watching "Game of Thrones" for example. I always found the episodes too short and too much crammed into a single one. I wanted more. I didn't realize at first they were based on books, until my husband pointed them out at the bookstore and we purchased a set. I'm currently reading the series and finding I enjoy it more than the show, but also I see the characters now as the show creators see them, played by the actors they portray. Same was true for "Harry Potter", although I had read the first book prior to the movie coming out. Afterwards, I could not unsee the characters as the actors had portrayed them. I wonder if this was also true as JK Rowling had been writing the books? I wonder if when she wrote about Harry, if she pictured the actor in her mind and how it would look on screen?
This is one of the reasons I am happy to have completed my own series. There were no actors to compare; only ones from my own imagination. I often wonder if the book series did go to screen, who would play my mains? I would hope for some unknowns, as having an overly popular actor playing a role from a book can sometimes be a distraction. Sometimes.
So, next time you find yourself engrossed in a show or a movie, look to see if it was based off of a book. You may be surprised just how many of them are.
What's next on my list of things to see? "Divergent"... and yes, it is based off of a book ;)
That being said, I love a good interpretation. Over the past few years I found myself watching "Game of Thrones" for example. I always found the episodes too short and too much crammed into a single one. I wanted more. I didn't realize at first they were based on books, until my husband pointed them out at the bookstore and we purchased a set. I'm currently reading the series and finding I enjoy it more than the show, but also I see the characters now as the show creators see them, played by the actors they portray. Same was true for "Harry Potter", although I had read the first book prior to the movie coming out. Afterwards, I could not unsee the characters as the actors had portrayed them. I wonder if this was also true as JK Rowling had been writing the books? I wonder if when she wrote about Harry, if she pictured the actor in her mind and how it would look on screen?
This is one of the reasons I am happy to have completed my own series. There were no actors to compare; only ones from my own imagination. I often wonder if the book series did go to screen, who would play my mains? I would hope for some unknowns, as having an overly popular actor playing a role from a book can sometimes be a distraction. Sometimes.
So, next time you find yourself engrossed in a show or a movie, look to see if it was based off of a book. You may be surprised just how many of them are.
What's next on my list of things to see? "Divergent"... and yes, it is based off of a book ;)
February 26, 2014
Spring Fling Book Giveaways!
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Spring is near!
To commemorate my 5 year anniversary for good health, I'm giving away
both books three and four, of which I was in the midst of writing when
I was attacked with a fatal disease that nearly took my life...
but it didn't... I survived it and it's been 5 years past that fateful day
and I couldn't be happier to be celebrating with you! :) The Giveaway contest will be final on March 21st, the first day of Spring!
Enter to win using these links:
Book Three ~
The Oracle of the Missing Dryad
...and...
Book Four ~
The Door of the Thousand Keys
I bid all those who enter Good Luck!
You see, what happened 5 years ago literally brought my life (and those around me) to a stand-still. I was close to wrapping up the ending to book three when it struck me. The disease took so much out of me that I had to write "to be continued" at the last page of book three The Oracle of the Missing Dryad and decided to take the series in a new direction for book four, which continues the storyline. That is why book four The Door of the Thousand Keys has a white cover. It is like my Beatles White Album. It was meant to stand out.
But that was 5 years ago and I'm so much stronger because of it! :)
All the best to those who enter ~
To commemorate my 5 year anniversary for good health, I'm giving away
both books three and four, of which I was in the midst of writing when
I was attacked with a fatal disease that nearly took my life...
but it didn't... I survived it and it's been 5 years past that fateful day
and I couldn't be happier to be celebrating with you! :) The Giveaway contest will be final on March 21st, the first day of Spring!
Enter to win using these links:
Book Three ~
The Oracle of the Missing Dryad
"Sometimes the pages just write themselves... as though, the spirit of the wood still lives between the text, dancing between pages and weaving magic. Alyson meets a tree dryad who helps Alyson on her latest adventure, that is, until the book the spirit is hiding inside of gets stolen and it's up to Alyson to travel through time to find her! For she holds the key that unlocks both the past and the future, and her prophecy is revealed."
...and...
Book Four ~
The Door of the Thousand Keys
"When we feel that all hope is lost, we see our shadow self and have a choice to surrender to our innermost demons or to fight. Alyson meets her own shadow and wrestles for possession of her soul. Will she lose someone special in the process?... Herself? Alyson continues from where we left off in our last adventure, ready to face many new tasks and trials set before her by the Elders. Will she finally uncover her true self? Like diamonds shimmering within, the eyes are said to reveal a person's truest nature. Windows to the soul. Other times they open a portal to a darker world, those with hollow eyes and very little soul - as they are seeking yours to steal to replace the lack of their own. It began with Hremm Nevar. There is only one soul other than Alyson's that can battle these thieves, and that other must combine with Alyson - her twin flame. But first, she must find him. Only her heart can lead the way. She must open another door, ...The Door of The Thousand Keys."
I bid all those who enter Good Luck!
You see, what happened 5 years ago literally brought my life (and those around me) to a stand-still. I was close to wrapping up the ending to book three when it struck me. The disease took so much out of me that I had to write "to be continued" at the last page of book three The Oracle of the Missing Dryad and decided to take the series in a new direction for book four, which continues the storyline. That is why book four The Door of the Thousand Keys has a white cover. It is like my Beatles White Album. It was meant to stand out.
But that was 5 years ago and I'm so much stronger because of it! :)
All the best to those who enter ~
February 3, 2014
Pre-Valentine's Book Signing!
I'm terribly excited to be on board for a book signing at Singing Pebble Books this upcoming Saturday! The last one in December was a lovely success.
So mark your calendars and save the date! Valentine's is just around the corner. Whether you're looking for a book to give, or just a romance to fall in love into, why not crack open the pages of the Alyson Bell series. This book series is recommended for ages 13 to adult and back again (as aren't we all young at heart) :D
~ February 8th, 2014 from 10am-2pm ~
206 Main Street,
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C6 Canada
613) 230-9165
Dear Reader,
If you're new to this series, you're not alone. Though the books have been in the making now for several years, they haven't been mass-produced, and some might say they are hard to find. While they may not be on every bookstores shelves, that doesn't mean they are difficult to obtain. Being an Indie artist means more personalized book signings at venues such as intimately nooked book shops, craft fairs, and even some local festivals. I love getting to know and meeting my future readers. It's the biggest gift to me to be able to sign your book (or intended present to be given) and know that it meant something to both of us... that simple exchange. It's not about money. It's not about fame. It is about being passionate about what you love doing and being able to share that with the world one person at a time.
Won't you be that next person?
Come meet me at Singing Pebble Books. The store itself is filled with more than just books. It is a place of wonder and magic, just as a good book shop should be.
With love,
Author Kristin Groulx
ps... as always, you can find me through my website ~ www.kristingroulx.com and on Facebook
If you're unable to attend the book signing, please feel free to contact me via email at kris@kristingroulx.com to arrange for a signed book ~ as well as books are always available through online retailers such as Amazon, Chapters and Powell's Books.
So mark your calendars and save the date! Valentine's is just around the corner. Whether you're looking for a book to give, or just a romance to fall in love into, why not crack open the pages of the Alyson Bell series. This book series is recommended for ages 13 to adult and back again (as aren't we all young at heart) :D
~ February 8th, 2014 from 10am-2pm ~
206 Main Street,
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C6 Canada
613) 230-9165
Dear Reader,
If you're new to this series, you're not alone. Though the books have been in the making now for several years, they haven't been mass-produced, and some might say they are hard to find. While they may not be on every bookstores shelves, that doesn't mean they are difficult to obtain. Being an Indie artist means more personalized book signings at venues such as intimately nooked book shops, craft fairs, and even some local festivals. I love getting to know and meeting my future readers. It's the biggest gift to me to be able to sign your book (or intended present to be given) and know that it meant something to both of us... that simple exchange. It's not about money. It's not about fame. It is about being passionate about what you love doing and being able to share that with the world one person at a time.
Won't you be that next person?
Come meet me at Singing Pebble Books. The store itself is filled with more than just books. It is a place of wonder and magic, just as a good book shop should be.
With love,
Author Kristin Groulx
ps... as always, you can find me through my website ~ www.kristingroulx.com and on Facebook
If you're unable to attend the book signing, please feel free to contact me via email at kris@kristingroulx.com to arrange for a signed book ~ as well as books are always available through online retailers such as Amazon, Chapters and Powell's Books.
January 29, 2014
The Alyson Bell series is complete!
Welcome to 2014! What a blast it's been since a decade ago, in 2004, when I first sat down at my desk and began writing notes for a ghost story about a teenage witch. Each day, while my then-Kindergartener daughter went off to school, I found myself with a brick of time and creative mindset. I wrote many short stories and poetry, but knew there was something deeper to delve into... writing a novel.
A good friend of mine from high school, Author Eric D. Goodman, had already been working as a writer for many years. I often proofread his works, including his newly published book Tracks: A Novel in Stories. It was through his inspiration and guidance that led me to become the writer that I am today.
I currently live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Things here are just generally bigger. That goes for the birds. Each day upon the beginnings of writing The Ghost of Colby Drive, a raven would appear at my balcony. It was the size of a housecat. Incredible! It had to be visiting for a reason, as it made itself impossible not to notice it. Perhaps it was the ghost of Author Lewis Carroll playing tricks on me. "Have you any idea why a raven is like a writing desk?"
Eric mentioned a contest called NaNoWriMo, which occurs annually in the month of November. The challenge is to write a 50K novel within one months time. I took to the challenge and the first edits of my first book were born. It felt rushed, but many great ideas spawned out from it. I spent the next several years editing and tweaking, inserting and deleting, until things flowed and gave it that haunting feeling I knew I would enjoy reading, thus so would my readers. I still have the original copy of the first edition of GOCD, but it reads very different from the edition that is now in print. Still, I learned many lessons in writing it - most importantly, that the way to write a book, is simply ... to begin.
I sent many letters out to have the book published by traditional houses (as self-publishing wasn't really even beginning to take off until a few years later), and the wait was always the same - roughly six months before a letter would come back stating they were flooded with persons wanting to be the next JK Rowling. While I admire her series, I didn't want to be the "next" of anyone. I just wanted to be me. That was good enough. Three years had passed and I saw opportunity in the dates. I decided then that I would do things myself... the artwork, the writing, the publishing... all of it. It would be hard, but I would learn so much in doing so. The date for the first book to go to print would be on July 7th, 2007 (07/07/07). Consecutively, the other books were written and published ~ book two, The Curse of the Moonless Knight, published on August 8th, 2008 (08/08/08) ~ book three, The Oracle of the Missing Dryad, published on September 9th, 2009 (09/09/09) ~ book four, The Door of the Thousand Keys, published on October 10th, 2010 (10/10/10) and book five, The Crystal Goddess and the Wish Keeper, published on November 11th, 2011 (11/11/11). By the year 2012, I was exhausted and afraid it would show in my writing. As much as I had wanted to have my last book published on the (12/12/12) date, I could physically not get it done. I needed time off. So I took it. In 2013, I had the beginnings of what I needed to complete the last novel in the series. I loved it. It had just the right ending. Book six, The Secret Promise: Return of the Wishing Star, published on Hallowe'en, October 31st, 2013 (31/10/13). I enlisted the talents of an additional voice, 18 year old Daphney Beaulieu, who provided several scenes and the voice to Alyson Bell.
A good friend of mine from high school, Author Eric D. Goodman, had already been working as a writer for many years. I often proofread his works, including his newly published book Tracks: A Novel in Stories. It was through his inspiration and guidance that led me to become the writer that I am today.
I currently live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Things here are just generally bigger. That goes for the birds. Each day upon the beginnings of writing The Ghost of Colby Drive, a raven would appear at my balcony. It was the size of a housecat. Incredible! It had to be visiting for a reason, as it made itself impossible not to notice it. Perhaps it was the ghost of Author Lewis Carroll playing tricks on me. "Have you any idea why a raven is like a writing desk?"
Eric mentioned a contest called NaNoWriMo, which occurs annually in the month of November. The challenge is to write a 50K novel within one months time. I took to the challenge and the first edits of my first book were born. It felt rushed, but many great ideas spawned out from it. I spent the next several years editing and tweaking, inserting and deleting, until things flowed and gave it that haunting feeling I knew I would enjoy reading, thus so would my readers. I still have the original copy of the first edition of GOCD, but it reads very different from the edition that is now in print. Still, I learned many lessons in writing it - most importantly, that the way to write a book, is simply ... to begin.
I sent many letters out to have the book published by traditional houses (as self-publishing wasn't really even beginning to take off until a few years later), and the wait was always the same - roughly six months before a letter would come back stating they were flooded with persons wanting to be the next JK Rowling. While I admire her series, I didn't want to be the "next" of anyone. I just wanted to be me. That was good enough. Three years had passed and I saw opportunity in the dates. I decided then that I would do things myself... the artwork, the writing, the publishing... all of it. It would be hard, but I would learn so much in doing so. The date for the first book to go to print would be on July 7th, 2007 (07/07/07). Consecutively, the other books were written and published ~ book two, The Curse of the Moonless Knight, published on August 8th, 2008 (08/08/08) ~ book three, The Oracle of the Missing Dryad, published on September 9th, 2009 (09/09/09) ~ book four, The Door of the Thousand Keys, published on October 10th, 2010 (10/10/10) and book five, The Crystal Goddess and the Wish Keeper, published on November 11th, 2011 (11/11/11). By the year 2012, I was exhausted and afraid it would show in my writing. As much as I had wanted to have my last book published on the (12/12/12) date, I could physically not get it done. I needed time off. So I took it. In 2013, I had the beginnings of what I needed to complete the last novel in the series. I loved it. It had just the right ending. Book six, The Secret Promise: Return of the Wishing Star, published on Hallowe'en, October 31st, 2013 (31/10/13). I enlisted the talents of an additional voice, 18 year old Daphney Beaulieu, who provided several scenes and the voice to Alyson Bell.
Later this year, there will be a special 7th book added to the series. Alyson Bell's Diary ~ The Book of the Sacred Seven Sisters. I am toying with the idea of only publishing it in hardback, but a softcover might also be available later on, if demand calls for it.
As a thank you to my fans, I am offering giveaways this year here on Goodreads. The first one will be given around Valentine's Day, with 2 autographed and personalized copies of book six available. You can enter to win here:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
Best of luck and happy reading!
Kristin
Additional information about the Alyson Bell series found at http://www.kristingroulx.com
and on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristin...
