It’s extremely cool to see your work show up on lists, and get reviews. This definitely helps authors get recognition and reach readers who might not otherwise consider one of my books. Check out the cool places where my work made the grade.
This week has been too much and then some! I found my self disassociating because of the news, racism, and injustice.
I had to BLOCK some folks on social media (for their own good really cos folks play too much and don’t be ready for the TRUTH).
But I took stock of all that I’m grateful for and gave thanks this week. Also I had the pleasure of celebrating other people’s good news this week. That kept me lifted as well! And now the weekend is here blessing me with rest. 🙏🏾
Celebrate your life today!! Leave nothing on the table. 🥳💜
I’m still celebrating my latest book! This is Not About Love is getting excellent reviews and readership! Thank you to everyone who has shown off your copies and who have written reviews!
Are you curious what all the talk is about? Get a copy for yourself and a friend here
Upcoming Events :
May 1st at 6pm I’ll be in conversation with Almah LaVon Rice! Join us. Email for Registration
BLF Press presents Krystal A. Smith in conversation with Almah LaVon Rice
Good morning Wordsmiths! How you feelin’? You good?
I’m good. So good! 👌🏾
Last night’s book launch went off without a hitch! So much joy, love, book talk, and laughter. Being in community, sharing insights, and performing made me feel so absolutely lifted. This writing life ain’t bad at all.
Big thanks to everyone who joined us last night and asked awesome questions and engaged. Our conversation was not only fun but much needed. There is so much secrecy in publishing and there is no need for it. There is room for all of us.
TINAL book launch crowd: looking good
My next reading event will be May 1st! Details to come. I hope you’ll join me.
Daylight Savings is so unnecessary! ⏰ I don’t know why we even still do this. Is it for farmers? Is it because of the time space continuum? Is this the only way to keep the earth on its axis?
I’m exhausted! Always this springing forward warps my sense of everything! My body has the hardest time adjusting. I’ll be sleepy but can’t sleep.
The weather this week didn’t help either. A little bit of sun ☀️ and a whole lot of rain ☔️ and wind 💨 and tornado 🌪 warnings!
But! 🤗 The week wasn’t all bad. No siree! I got to experience a joyous (virtual) gathering of time traveling letter writing creators! I wrote a letter to my favorite wig – Mermaid Tendrils and tapped into a future self that will be absolutely instrumental in living my best life. #Living🙌🏾
I read two short Black lesbian romance novellas and even got some writing done.📚💜
I got some stellar cocktail recipes and suggestions from my Facebook pals today (hence the late night post) and yummy 😋🍹 My bar cart is adequately stocked again!
This gives me an idea! What if my poetry collection had a signature cocktail🧉 Yep! I’m gonna make one and post it before my book release.
Stay tuned for 💕Love Libations💕🍸😉
In the meantime preorder This is Not About Love and sign up for the launch party on April 10th! I’ll be in conversation with DeMisty D. Bellinger!
Last Tuesday I hopped on the mic (in my living room) and did an impromptu reading from my soon to be released poetry collection This is Not About Love from BLF Press
I’m still new to recording and video (it’s amazing the things “smart” phones can do) but I think I did alright.
This is Ode to Joy.
Krystal A. Smith (me) reading Ode to Joy from my new collection This is Not About Love available for preorder at BLF Press. Release date 4-6-21.
It feels so good to share this poem. Even though 2020 was difficult and so much is still changing I have much to be joyful about.
I hope this piece gives you a little lift. And I hope you’ll check out my collection. Click here to preorder.
Hey there Wordsmiths! I hope you’ve all had a good week! I made it through unscathed so I’m certainly not complaining. Especially since my request for vacation was APPROVED! ✔️
I ordered a couple of books Tuesday (I know, I know, but I NEED them). #TreatYourself 💅🏾
photo by Suad Kamardeen on Unsplash
I also virtually attended Carolina Poets poetry reading on Thursday and that was such a rejuvenating experience.
Galleys for #ThisIsNotAboutLove arrived this week and I’m absolutely smitten! Re-reading the poems in this collection I felt the flow, the energy, the healing all come back just as I felt it while writing. I think there is something in these pages for everyone.
Pre-order info can be found here on the BLF Press website. Readings and events are being scheduled too. I’m so ready to read and perform these poems for you.
This is Not About Love galleys
Valentines Weekend is here and I’m prepped and giddy with anticipation for Valentine’s activities starting tonight! I’m writing gratitude lists, crafting, reading #romance, sipping fizzy beverages and snacking in between naps. I’m celebrating the love I have for myself this year and the love I share with friends and community. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I have to say March has really shown out for me this year. It’s been so exciting and challenging, and motivating. I’m still (in my mind) celebrating the launch of my first ever collection of short stories. Two Moons hit shelves March 20th and the reception so far has been a good one.
We held the book launch the same week at the Raleigh LGBT Center and I had a blast. Sure there was cake and bubbly to share, but for me the real fun was reading my stories out loud, discussing the who, what, why of those stories, and engaging with those of you who came. When I say I can’t wait to do it again, I really, really mean it. Thanks again to everyone who came out Saturday. You made my launch incredible.
Next up I’ll be at North Carolina Writer’s Network Conference (NCWN) in Greensboro, NC on April 21st. I’ll be manning the booth for publisher BLF Press. Come say hi and buy some books.
Speaking of books, if you haven’t already, you can still get signed copies of Two Moons from BLF Press. Click here to go straight to the bookstore. If you have your copy already, please write a review and post it on Goodreads. Reviews make things happen for books. It can be a short sentence or two, what you enjoyed and why. Every review helps get this book in the hands of new readers. Thank you!
Want to keep up with me and my book events? Sign up for my newsletter. A new one comes out in April, don’t miss out. Subscribe to my newsletter
January is so bookish. Did you know? First of all the entire month of January is National Book Month. (This means I can stay home all month and just read, right?)
Today is Book Publisher’s Day! Big ups to my publisher BLF Press who supports women of color writers. Working with BLF Press has changed my life in the most positive ways. It can do the same for you too. Check out the bookstore and treat yo’self.
Also, every day this week is National Book Week! So get your favorite beverage, sit in your favorite spot and read. You know you’re doing the Good Reads Book Challenge. So why not knock out a few books and shorten your TBR pile.
Then to round out the month the fourth week is Celebrity Read a Book Week. I’m not exactly sure what this means. Does a celebrity read a book to someone or just to themselves? I need to dig a little deeper to see what this is all about. But it still could be cool.
Finding out just how bookish January is has given me a boost to pick back up with my reading. For the Goodreads challenge I hope to read 50 books this year. I have completed three books and I’m working on my fourth. I’m also in a book club and doing The Free Black Women’s Library Reading Challenge. That involves 30 books by black women but with other stipulations too. For example I have to read a vintage Black Feminist/Womanist text published before 1999. It’s like an awesome book treasure hunt.
What are your reading goals for 2018? Join a book club or do a challenge if you need some motivation. Just grab some books. It will improve your life!
Krystal A Smith 