Welcome Readers and Authors.

As the best-selling author of the Stone Mountain Mystery Series, my goal is to host a blog that shares helpful information about writing, publishing, and promoting books.
After signing a two-book publishing contract with Imajin Books for DESCENT and BLAZE, and now that three books in the Stone Mountain series are published, I understand how much there is to learn about the business of writing and selling books.
When I began writing my novels, I loved reading blogs about the writing process, about how to write, about how to publish, and about anything else to do with writing. And I still do. Now it’s time to return the favour. Over the next few months (or years), I’ll blog about the publishing and book promoting experience. I’ll do my best to share what I learn.
THE LATEST NEWS:
Luzifer-Verlag launches Abwaerts (DESCENT) in Germany. First sale puts Abwaerts at #1 on Kindle!
THE AUTHOR’S GUIDE TO SELLING BOOKS TO NON-BOOKSTORES launches with a blast.
DESCENT goes international with Luzifer-Verlag.
RECENT REVIEWS:
DESCENT is reviewed in THE OTTAWA REVIEW OF BOOKS on January 1st, 2016.
Don Graves. Canadian Mystery Reviews said: Descent is the first in a series of Stone Mountain mysteries. It’s an action packed story. Testosterone, stress, dangerous corners and pain lead to murder on the slopes of this remote ski resort. Kalin Thompson, head of security is ordered to investigate by her boss. A growing list of suspects leads Kalin to wonder if the dead Olympic calibre skier got what he deserved. Descent, a mystery that keeps you riding the lift for one last read and the killer’s identity.
Early Praise for BLAZE:
“Filled with entertaining characters and as fast-paced as the conflagration that gives Blaze its title.” —Joan Barfoot, Scotia Giller Prize and Trillium Book Award shortlisted author
“Evil in a beautiful landscape—Blaze is an inferno of action and tension. Its sizzling plot will keep you guessing until the end.” —Phyllis Smallman, award-winning author of the Sherri Travis murder mysteries
“Kristina Stanley’s latest novel, Blaze, is a fast-paced, hang-on-to-your-seat kind of mystery that will keep you reading until the wee hours of the morning.” —R. J. Harlick, author of the Meg Harris Mysteries
“Gripping action scenes and an engaging heroine make BLAZE a terrific read. Great insight into the risks and dangers of outdoor life by an author who’s been there. The forest fire fighting scenes are especially vivid. Don’t miss this!” —M. H. Callway, Arthur Ellis Finalist, Best First Novel
“Stanley captures the unrelenting brutality of a fire’s ruthless nature. The action and suspense doesn’t end with the blaze.” −Billy Stewart, Professional Firefighter.
DESCENT’S SUCCESS ON AMAZON
#1 Hot New Releases in Women Sleuth Mystery on Amazon.
Early Praise for DESCENT:
Brenda Chapman: Award winning author of the Stonechild and Rouleau Mysteries.
“Murder rocks the competitive ski world in Stanley’s layered tale with enough suspects to keep readers guessing until the last chilling chapter.”
Barbara Fradkin: Author of the Inspector Green Mysteries and two-time winner of the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel.
“In this impressive debut, Kristina Stanley weaves a vivid, chilling tale of jealousy, secrets, and betrayal in a close-knit mountain ski village. Like its likeable young heroine, Kalin Thompson, DESCENT is both tender and tough.”
Garry Ryan: Award-winning author of the Detective Lane mysteries and Blackbird trilogy.
“From the first line, you’re strapped into a Stanley novel. Just turn the page, hang on, and enjoy the ride.”
The endorsing authors are all talented mystery authors, so if you’re looking for a good read, check out their sites.
Congratulations on your publishing contract and enjoy the mystery and adventure that lies ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jan.
LikeLike
I like the new website, Kristina. Which mountain range is in the photo? It’s gorgeous.
LikeLike
Thank you Elinor. It’s a range in the Purcell Mountains near my house. Embarrassingly, I don’t know its name 🙂
LikeLike
Great new look. BTW congrats on Imajin acquiring your books!
LikeLike
Thanks June, on both accounts 🙂
LikeLike
Wow! I’m so thrilled for you. Such awesome news, well deserved, yet rare and mind spinning fantastic. Also l like your new WordPress theme. BTW was your new theme free and what is it’s name?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the nice words. It is in fact mind spinning! The theme is Penscratch, and it is free.
LikeLike
WOW! A BEAR!!! I never saw a bear in real life. You certainly are a courageous dog. You are very alert too. My human said I would probably Bark it too death if I saw it. ( I guess she thinks that’s funny)
LikeLike
really good to see this
LikeLike
Thanks Dean!
LikeLike
We are happy for your success down here on the dog daycare. I’m sure Farley is an inspiration to you. At least, we dogs will find a way to take SOME credit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Farley is always a help. He wags his tail in encouragement when I read out loud.
LikeLike
Hi Kristina – I’m looking forward to hearing from a great line up of mystery authors and thank you for including me in your series. Great idea!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brenda, I’m very excited to have you in the series. It’s a special treat and thanks for participating.
LikeLike
What an exciting time for you and your series, congrats! Look forward to hearing more about the process. Thank you for the post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I followed the Boss Book Club this morning and am looking forward to reading the posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the follow Kristina!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kristina,
We know many of the same bloggers. I counted ten pictures of people I knew. I met you on Sally’s site. Thank you for liking my social sharing button article.
Janice
LikeLiked by 1 person
Janice, you welcome. I like finding new blogs to follow. Ten people. That’s fantastic. I’m going to go look and see who we know in common.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You deserve the success you get. I am glad you got my human interested in reading again
LikeLike
Thank you Mitzi.
LikeLike
You might find this interesting…link: http://www.fastcocreate.com/3050650/4-lessons-in-storytelling-from-a-screenwriter-whos-also-a-dd-dungeon-master?utm_source
LikeLike
Hi Kristina, thank you for the follow. Your blog is great and I look forward to reading more of your posts.
LikeLike
Hi Susan, Thanks for the follow back. It’s great to connect with others out there in cyberland.
LikeLike
I really have a special place in my heart for mystery writers. Although I don’t write it, it’s just one of my favorite genres. I can’t wait to jump into your books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you William. I’m looking forward to your Awethor series. Should find some interesting reads there too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So far, what I have read from these awethors is amazing! Next month I’m going to be leaning more in the horror and thriller side of it. Hopefully you can find a gem once I get the series on its feet. Thanks for reading and I’m definitely going to purchase some of your books soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that makes me smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
http://danalatorre.com/2015/09/18/777-challenge-tag-im-it-and-youre-next/
LikeLike
Congrats on all the wonderful reviews of your book! Thank you for following my blog. I am following you you! Best wishes for much success with your books!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I love finding new blogs to follow too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations for the contract. One more books to put on my to-read list.
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I hope you like it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kristina,
We have met briefly in Pano though my IT brother in law (Paul), I have been working year round here for 7 years. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed Descent as I could relate to everything aspect you wrote about, from mountain life (as I live on mountain), to the PFD (as I am a member), to the ski racer aspects (as I am the catering and GH manager). It kept me glued to each page and I cant wait to get my hands on Blaze. I foresee your series anchoring a permanent section on my bookshelf.
Thank you!
Warmest regards – Rob
LikeLiked by 2 people
Rob, what a fabulous comment. It’s very nice of you to take the time to let me know. Can’t wait till my book signing in the Great Hall on December 12th. I’ll be there with Elinor Florence and Julie MacDonald – two other local authors. Panorama rocks – such great support of local artists.
LikeLike
All the best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
Hi Kristina,
Glad you enjoyed our six word stories own Morgen Bailey’s blog.
Yours is very impressive, looks great! What with sailing, skiing and dogs how on earth do you find time to write?
It’s lovely to hear things are going well for you in the publishing world. Last summer I went to the international book fair in Earls Court, London and whilst wandering around asked various people/publishers what the secret to getting published was. Each of them said that it all came down to luck. The general feedback was, “You can have the best story in the world, written perfectly and with everything required to keep the reader interested, but if you don’t get the lucky break it’s just not going to happen.”
I’d be interested in what your thoughts are on that?
Best,
Mark K
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Mark, Thank you for the good wishes. I submitted DESCNT to the Crime Writers of Canada Unhanged Arthur Award in 2014 and BLAZE to the Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger. Both books were short listed in 2014 for best unpublished crime novel. I believe this is what caused publishers to be interested in my work. I think you can make you own luck – a little bit anyway. My advice to others it to submit your work to competitions that are relevant to your genre and then use the results to find a publisher. I wish you the best in you writing.
LikeLike
Thank you Kristina, any advice is very much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kristina,
You visited my blog a few days ago, and I wanted to come by and say thank you and “hi.” It’s great to see you again. Thank you for liking my Facebook post.
Janice
LikeLike
My pleasure. It’s great to connect.
LikeLike
well done and what compliments and reviews, 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Caroline, Thank you for the lovely comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Kristina — this is awesome! Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Teagan 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations. I agree with one of your statements above. You make your own luck a little. Those who try the hardest and have some talent tend to do better than those who have a lot of talent and try little.
Tim
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats again, Kristina. You’re off to a great start!
Benjamin
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Benjamin
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kristina, I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! @v@ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Viv, You are the best, thank you!
LikeLike
Professional Blog about reading and writing help. There you will be able to find different writing tips, various review types and more!!!
LikeLike
Very nice site. You’ve got a lot going on! Thank you so much for the follow. I look forward to seeing you around the blogs. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your publishing contract! Nice to meet you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on your wonderful reviews on your books! Nice to meet you #getsocial17
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cindy. Great to connect!
LikeLike
Popping in from the get social event.Happy Reading! Joelle from Angels with Attitude Book Reviews
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for following us, so good to meet you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on the books! Popping by from #GetSocial17
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting blog! Visiting from #getsocial17
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi there! Stopping in from the Get Social event. I’m glad you’re sharing your insight for other authors to learn from. As someone who loves to read and talk about books I think the promotional aspect of your blog would be beneficial to me as well so that I can learn how to better help authors find the right audience for their books. I mainly read romance but I also enjoy memoirs and historical non-fiction as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Making #1 in read on Amazon is no easy feat. Congratulations on that. I will have to pick up one of your books sometime! Happy weekend. I hope you get a lot of writing done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Vicky, thank you for stopping by with encouraging words. It’s great to hear from you. Happy writing to you too!
LikeLike
Hi Kristina I was just emailing you to let you know that I am looking forward to hearing from you next week. My book The Hartnetts can be found at Amazon.com as I am not certain how to attach the link and I am on Facebook where I describe myself as the author of The Hartnetts. feel free to have a look at my profile on those two pages
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Tom, did you get the email I sent you yesterday?
LikeLike
Now I have to look you up on Amazon. Are all the books related? Is there one I should start with first?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kellyn. Descent, Blaze and Avalanche are are a series (in that order), Look The Other Way is a standalone novel. Thanks for asking 🙂
LikeLike