writer – According to Kristin

Hope Vista Releases Autobiography, “PREVAIL: Finding Normal”

January 15, 2019January 15, 2019by KristinLeave a Comment

Hope Vista, lead vocalist of alternative rock band VISTA, has released her new autobiography, “PREVAIL: Finding Normal,” out exclusively on Amazon NOW, and readable through the free Kindle app.

Hope Vista is the diet Dr. Pepper drinking, Backstreet Boys loving, vintage-gaming lead vocalist of American alternative rock band VISTA, Also a writer, publicist, and dancer, “PREVAIL: Finding Normal,” is Vista’s first full-length novel, after having earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing Arts at Rowan University in 2015. The autobiography, which she began writing in August 2017, chronologically highlights her life’s most clear-cut events, only to realize that many memories were tainted by a young diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder. As Vista navigates through the pages for each phase of her life, she increasingly works to rediscover and recall moments in time that were once lost in trauma.

Initially a solo artist, Hope Vista’s final EP “PREVAIL,” produced by ZK Productions (Mayday Parade, Set It Off, Cartel), was released in November 2015. Immediately following the release, she founded VISTA, releasing their debut EP shortly after, and garnering praise from publications such as Rock Sound and Alternative Press. Since 2017, VISTA has completed 3 national tours, earned 250,000+ Spotify streams, and opened for Set It Off, Against The Current, and more. Known for her electrifying stage presence, unconventional style, and colorful writing, “PREVAIL: Finding Normal” is nothing short of stimulating, and at many points harrowing. Amidst the bouts of memory loss, Vista successfully pieces together a raw, assertive, and thrilling recollection of her first 25 years of life.

“PREVAIL: Finding Normal” is available through Amazon NOW.

HOPE VISTA | Official Channels

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VISTA | Official Channels

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My Essay, ON THE WAY DOWN, Has Been Published On Anti-Heroin Chic

April 25, 2018April 25, 2018by KristinLeave a Comment

Hey there!

I recently submitted two essays to Anti-Heroin Chic and am happy to report that BOTH have been accepted! ‘On the Way Down’ was published on April 24th and the second essay will be published at a later date.

Both of these essays are extremely personal to me, so I was nervous about submitting them. My only hope is that someone who might be experiencing something similar won’t feel so alone.

‘On the Way Down’ was written about my first major experience with anxiety. Losing someone close to me was a trigger for me and it’s become a part of who I am. I was experimenting with different styles of writing, and I wrote this essay using only semi-colons to give off the effect of experiencing the anxiety I was feeling at the time.

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You can read the essay for yourself by clicking the link below. This will redirect you over to Anti-Heroin Chic:

On the Way Down by Kristin Trujillo

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Issue 2 of Longleaf Review is now LIVE!

April 1, 2018by KristinLeave a Comment

Good morning, everyone!

You may or may not know that some friends and I started an online literary journal called Longleaf Review at the end of 2017. As writers ourselves, we wanted the opportunity to read the work of our peers and to share their work with the world. You can view our titles and credentials HERE.

With that being said, the second issue of our journal went live at midnight last night and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you! You can check out the fabulous work included in the issue by click HERE, where you’ll be redirected to our official website.

You can also check out the list of contributing authors below. We appreciate all of the support from our friends, family, and fellow writers. We hope you have a fantastic weekend and that you help spread the word about our growing journal! This has been one of the most supportive communities I’ve ever been a part of and I, personally, can’t wait to see our little baby grow.

If you’re a writer yourself, we’re accepting submissions for Issue 3 until May 1st. You can find our submissions page & guidelines HERE.

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It’s Official! I’m A Published Poet!

February 25, 2018March 22, 2018by KristinLeave a Comment

Hey there, everyone!

I am so excited to finally be able to post about my first poem that is published in an online literary journal called Mangrove Journal. It’s the official journal put out at the University of Miami and I couldn’t be more ecstatic to be a part of it. Let me tell you how it all came about . . .

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Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved writing. I would write letters to people that I never intended to send. It was my way of expressing my innermost thoughts. I’ve always carried a journal, I was on the yearbook staff in high school, and I had countless notebooks with friends growing up. For some reason, I ventured off into other majors rather than going straight into English, writing or journalism. It wasn’t until my late twenties that I finally admitted to myself that this was the one thing that I was really good at, and the one thing I wanted to pursue.

When I enrolled in the University of Central Florida’s English/Creative Writing program, I signed up for a creative writing class that had one module focusing on poetry. As much as I’ve always loved writing, I’d never really attempted poetry. I felt like it was important for me to step outside of my comfort zone and really try to tackle it. With the help of a fantastic professor, I did well in the poetry module and signed up for two poetry workshops and an independent study in poetry after that semester. I can’t say that I’m the greatest poet who ever lived, but I think for someone who never ventured in that direction, I do pretty well. 😜

This particular poem that was published with Mangrove Journal is one that began as an epic fail. I’d written it as an assignment for class and it earned me a ‘D.’ As a perfectionist, I was devastated and disappointed in myself. I focused on reworking the entire poem and this was the end result. It proves that you can always fix a mistake, and that even if something is awful at first, hard work and dedication can make it great!

I am so incredibly thankful to the editors and everyone involved with the journal for accepting my piece for publication.

You can view the Winter 2017 Online Edition of Mangrove Journal below:

Movie Reviews

Movie Review by Kristin: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN | #GreatestShowman @GreatestShowman

January 25, 2018January 26, 2018by KristinLeave a Comment

Ladies and gentlemen, I finally got to see The Greatest Showman last night!

There’s a new movie theater that I’ve been wanting to check out and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. After work, we headed down there, grabbed a flatbread pizza and lounged in our extra comfy recliner seats. This may not come as a surprise, but I am a sucker for musicals and I’ve been so excited to watch this one–especially because one of my favorite dancers, Shannon Holtzapffel aka The Tattooed Man aka Prince Constantine is in it. But, you know, life happens and I ended up seeing it super late.

SYNOPSIS: “The Greatest Showman” is a bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.

In any case, I really enjoyed it! The soundtrack was absolutely phenomenal and now I’m extra salty that I wasn’t able to be a part of the sing-along viewings they had recently. The movie had a great message about embracing what makes you different, and also to remain true to yourself rather than conforming to society’s idea of perfection just to fit in. I think, in this day and age, these are extremely important messages to convey to younger generations. Bullying is at an all-time high, so it’s important to teach children to be accepting of those who seem different and to be satisfied with themselves despite their own differences. Those messages were never lost throughout the one hour and forty-five minute showtime.

The singing and dancing were fantastic, the cast was great and, while the special effects could have been a bit better, I thought this was a solid musical that everyone should go out and see. Hugh Jackman was the perfect person to play P.T. Barnum. He’s energetic, he’s theatrical and he has a great voice. Fans of Wolverine might be surprised to see him in this kind of role, but most of us knew he got his start doing musicals. Zac Efron and Zendaya were also great, but that was already expected. What wasn’t expected was how good Michelle Williams was playing Barnum’s wife, Charity Barnum. I know she’s a great actress, but she was exceptionally good in this role. Keala Settle plays the role of the “bearded lady” and WOW! She has a powerhouse voice that cuts through every song she’s a part of. This is definitely not the last we’ve heard of her.

I’ve seen some mixed reviews for the film because some thought it was too cheesy. Let’s be honest with ourselves . . . name one musical that hasn’t been cheesy. I’ll wait. I think cheesiness is part of their charm and you’re kidding yourself if you expect otherwise. Go into this one with an open mind and the willingness to have a whole soundtrack stuck in your head for days because that is what will most definitely happen.

Most importantly, show this to your children. Let them dream. Let them be different. Embrace their differences and teach them to be accepting of others. They’re our future, after all.

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30 Questions with Kristin | Part 3 of 3

January 25, 2018by KristinLeave a Comment

YoursTruly

Good morning! Thanks for checking out Part 3 of my Questions with Kristin posts. I might do something like this more often, so stay tuned.

Here’s the last of the questions:

What’s the biggest waste of money you’ve seen?

My number one answer, on a personal level, would be someone spending money on cigarettes. I just imagine rolled up dollar bills being burned away. I’d rather spend my money on something that’ll last. On a larger scale, I would bring back one of my responses to another question and mention celebrities who feel the need to have 10+ cars, gold silverware, Swarovski encrusted refrigerators, etc.

What common misconception do you hate to hear repeated as a fact?

Honestly, I don’t have any. People believe what they want to believe and if it works for them, so be it. I know that people say your hair grows back thicker and faster if you shave it, and I haven’t really known that to be a fact. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I hate it though. To each their own!

Where is the best place to go to meet awesome people?

Hands down, I would have to say a concert. There is so much excitement at a live show and everyone is there to see the same artist, which means you already have at least 2 things in common–a love for music and that particular artist. In my experience, I’ve also met some awesome people at fan conventions.

What food do you crave most?

I don’t know that I crave a certain food, but I’m half Cuban, so I definitely have a sweet tooth. Actually, I’d like to add that I could eat pizza (no pepperoni) every day for the rest of my life lol. I don’t crave it, but I do love it!

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What TV series do you keep coming back and re-watching?

FRIENDS and New Girl, for sure. I also wouldn’t be opposed to re-watching The Vampire Diaries and The Originals though.

Among your friends, what are you best known for?

Knowing who sings certain songs. I’ve been called the human jukebox. Also, I’m the person that friends bring essays and emails to for proofreading and revising haha.

Who of your friends is most like you?

Am I allowed to say my niece? She’s the most like me out of anyone I know. I have similar things in common with certain friends, but I don’t think anyone is really like me. If I had to choose one though, I would probably say Brancey. We both have a love for music that is not understood by most of the people around me. We’ve also had a tough time in the friend department, so we have that in common too.

What was the most traumatizing moment of your life?

In September 2011–just three months after my family reunion that I wrote about in response to another question–I lost my maternal grandmother. Just five months later we lost my maternal grandfather. Both of these were shocking and unexpected, especially because I felt like they were going to live forever. This sparked my anxiety attacks. Then I lost my paternal grandmother in 2014, my golden retriever in 2015 and my father just 2 months after that. All of the losses we experienced during that time were extremely traumatizing, but I have some amazing guardian angels looking out for me!

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from a work of fiction?

I wouldn’t necessarily say that I’ve learned a lesson from a work of fiction, but there are definitely lessons that we need to be reminded of sometimes. There are lessons that younger generations can certainly learn from fiction though. To answer this question, I’ll leave you with three quotes from the Harry Potter series:

What’s something you’ll never do again?

Trust a friend with an untrustworthy guy.

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30 Questions with Kristin | Part 2 of 3

January 24, 2018January 23, 2018by KristinLeave a Comment

YoursTruly

Hello there! Thanks for coming back to read Part Two of my little questionnaire. In an attempt to give you a little insight as to who I am behind the blog, I decided to answer a 30-question questionnaire that I saw on Twitter earlier this week.

This is part two:

In what situation would you feel most out of place in?

This is a tough question to answer because I don’t know that I’ve ever really felt out of place anywhere. I guess it just depends. There was one time that I took my niece to a thing called MagCon. She was with the people her age and I was in the back with the parents who were all much older than me. I felt like I was in limbo between the two groups lol. Maybe a situation like that.

What artist do you really like, but rarely admit to liking?

There isn’t an artist that I would ever deny liking. Everyone has different taste when it comes to music. There are some artists that I really like that come out with shit songs, but I wouldn’t deny liking them because of it. I can tell you an artist that I can’t stand and everyone thinks I’m crazy for it . . . Britney Spears. Other than that, I have no shame admitting to liking boy bands, rappers, rock starts and divas.

What gets you fired up?

One thing that gets me fired up is when celebrities flaunt getting free stuff from big companies. In what universe is it logical that when actors, musicians, etc. make A TON of money on a project, they get free stuff to promote a company when those of us who make crap money have to struggle to make ends meet? Listen, I will gladly model some Nike shoes and Coach bags on Instagram if it means I don’t have to sell a kidney to get them. I see homeless people beginning for money for food and I’m reminded that there are some celebrities who flaunt gold silverware and 10+ cars in their driveways. There are homeless people who would love a new pair of sneakers, but you can find some celebrities showing off their extensive Jordan collection in a sneaker closet–made JUST for sneakers. Be like Ellen DeGeneres. Give nice things to people who deserve a break. I hate seeing news articles in magazines about where to find Kim Kardashian’s $1500 bag. I don’t care where to find it because I can’t even afford the zipper on that thing!

What annoys you most about the fandoms you’re part of?

I’m not really in any fandoms anymore. Unless you count being a part of the TN Kids (Justin Timberlake) fandom, but nothing annoys me about them. Back in my *NSYNC days, I used to hate seeing girls cry when they saw the guys or when they came out on stage. That still bothers me about certain fandoms today. I also see the fandoms that my niece is a part of and I hate seeing these girls sending rude messages to the guys they claim to love. It bothers me even more that those same guys respond to those messages.

What do you do to get rid of stress?

Write or listen to music. Those are the most therapeutic for me.

You have to relive one day of your life forever. Which day do you choose?

There are a few days I would want to relive–my first concert (*NSYNC, of course), the day my niece was born, a trip to New York. I’m about to get really deep here though. I would go back to a day in June 2011. We had a family reunion in Cape May, NJ where we all stayed at this cute little motel on the beach. It was one of my favorite weeks ever. Especially because it was the first one that all of us were able to make it to, and the last one before my grandparents and my father passed away. Everyone had such a great time and I would love to relive any one of those days.

How quickly do you jump to conclusions about people?

I try not to jump to conclusions about anyone because I wouldn’t want anyone doing it to me.

If you were a doll, what accessories would you be sold with?

Sneakers, ripped jeans, a hoodie, an iPhone, headphones and a journal, for sure.

What have you done in life that has given you the most satisfaction?

I felt pretty satisfied when I finally got my Bachelor’s Degree in August 2017. At 33, I was working full-time, going to school, working on my blog and helping to raise my niece. It was difficult, but I managed to do it regardless of how long it took.

What would be the worst thing to put in a piñata?

Cigarettes and pickle juice? I can think of a million responses to this question lol.

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30 Questions with Kristin | Part 1 of 3

January 23, 2018January 23, 2018by KristinLeave a Comment

Good morning, everyone! I saw this questionnaire on Twitter yesterday and thought it might be a great idea to create a blog post answering the questions. It’s 30 questions, but I’ll break it down into three separate posts. We live in a time where people “get to know you” based on quick little pic posts on Instagram or character-limited posts on Twitter. I wanted to give a bit of insight as to who I am away from the screens, so here goes nothing:

Explain your Twitter handle.

I wanted to have the same handles for all of my social media platforms and there was always one that was already taken. So, I tried this one out, it was available, and I liked it. Simple as that! (After I changed it, the show This Is Us aired and it’s one of my favorites. So @thisiskristin_ reminds me of the show now, too)

Who inspires you and why?

To be a walking cliché, I want to say my mother because she’s held my family together for the past 40+ years. When my dad passed away, she took a huge step and moved out of our old house, which I never thought she would do. She’s not the type who likes change, so I was really surprised when she packed up our home of 28 years without hesitation. She’s strong, she’s funny and she’s just the best.

On a professional level, I would have to say one of my friends, Keisha Hatchett. Keisha and I have always had similar interests (i.e. baseball, TV shows and writing), but there’s one huge difference between us. She was determined enough to sell her car and pack her things for an internship in New York. She’s fought her way through internships and freelance jobs to a position at TV Guide and I couldn’t be more proud. We don’t get to talk as much anymore, but she inspires me to fight for what I want and to be a better writer.

Do you care what others think about you?

As much as I try to convince myself that I don’t care what others think about me, I think everyone does on some level. In some areas of my life I really don’t care. But in other areas, I do find myself wondering what people think about me. I haven’t had much luck in the guy department (thanks, Miami), so sometimes I wonder if they thought I wasn’t good enough or whatever. It’s a horrible thing to do, but for the most part I’m the way that I am and, in the end, I think that’s a good thing. While I might care in some aspects, I’m proud of myself for not changing to conform to their idea of perfection.

Also, when you’re a writer who submits work to literary journals, it’s hard not to question your abilities when you receive rejections from people that have no idea who you are. Their opinions are based solely on your work, and it’s so incredible subjective. When I get rejections I start to question whether I should continue pursuing a career in writing, but then I remember that Stephen King, J.K. Rowling and a ton of other authors also received rejections. Look where they are now!

What are you most looking forward to?

At the moment, I’m looking forward to seeing Justin Timberlake live (again) here in South Florida this May! Long-term, I’m looking forward to establishing my career now that I finally have my Bachelor’s Degree in English/Creative Writing.

What is one life rule you follow?

I actually have two that I like to follow:

The most important is to stay true to yourself. I’m okay with having to ask for help rather than trying to pretend like I know everything. I’m not the smartest or the funniest, but I try to be the best version of those things every day. I’m awkward, I have anxiety, and I’m way too trusting of people, but I’ve learned to embrace those things about myself.

The second life rule that I follow is to never go after a guy that one of my friends is interested in or has been interested in. A “friend” of mine didn’t follow that rule, and it resulted in literal heart break for me. I would never inflict that kind of pain on anyone.

What’s your dream job?

When I think about my dream job I immediately picture Liza from the show YOUNGER on TV Land. She works for a publishing company and started her own imprint with her friend, Kelsey. I would love to write for a magazine or to work in publishing. Being able to read books and discover unknown authors would definitely be a dream. Either that or something (anything) in the music industry. Recently, I’ve been looking into being a music journalist–someone who goes to live shows and reviews them.

Which fictional character do you wish you could meet?

I have three, actually. Four (Theo James) from Divergent, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot). All of them are bad ass characters who fight to protect those around them. Corny answer, I know, but it’s true. Plus, they’re all gorgeous.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I actually always wanted to be a writer or singer. Writing and music have always been two of my favorite things, so to be able to do either? That’s what I wanted, and that’s still what I want. It’s taken me a while to figure out where to start, but better late than never!

If you were a cartoon character, who would you be?

A lot of friends have told me I should dress up like Daria for Halloween lol. She’s extremely sarcastic (which I can be) and pessimistic (which I am not), but she kind of looks like me, so I’ll say her. It’s hard to think of a cartoon character that I would want to be anyway lol.

What skill would you like to master?

Oh wow. This is a loaded question because I think there is always a skill that needs to be mastered. Right now I would have to say grammar lol. I always thought I was great when it came to correct grammar in writing, but after taking a course at UCF, I realized just how wrong I was. I mean, I know the basics, but there are so many rules and exceptions when it comes to grammar. I would love to master that for sure.

Well, that’s it for Part One! I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about me. Feel free to comment with some of your answers to these questions! Post Two will be up tomorrow, so stay tuned for that!

Have a great day!

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Adventures at the Dentist

January 20, 2018January 20, 2018by KristinLeave a Comment

YoursTruly

Hey there, everyone! I hope you’re having a great weekend so far!

I wanted to write about my experience at the dentist this morning. BLEH. My family has had their share of dental issues over the years, and I’m no exception. When I was 12, I had to have a something called a palatal expander glued to the roof of my mouth. This was essentially a retainer with a metal bridge in the middle that had a tiny key hole in it. Every night, my mother had to stick a tiny key into that hole and push it towards the back of my mouth. As soon as she did it I would grab my head because of the pain. It was basically breaking the bones in the roof of my mouth because my mouth was too small and I needed braces. It was highly unpleasant and created an embarrassing gap in between my two front teeth. After that was removed, I had my braces put on at 13 and joined the sea of metal-mouthed teens at my middle school.

My braces were removed when I was 15 and way too defiant to wear my removable retainer. I mean, why would it have been removable in the first place if it wasn’t supposed to be removed? Lol. Needless to say, my teeth shifted over the years and, once I was able to work, I paid to have Invisalign. Yes, the person who refused to wear their removable retainer was now paying for removable trays to re-straighten their teeth. When that failed, I paid to have actual braces put on. My teeth hadn’t shifted much, but I was old enough to know how important it is to have a nice smile and I wanted mine as close to perfect as I could get it. So I opted for a permanent retainer when that was over. I guess I’d finally learned my lesson.

This leads me to what happened this morning. I haven’t had a cavity for many years. I don’t even remember when the last time was that I had one filled. I can’t go a day without brushing my teeth and I absolutely love the feeling of clean, smooth teeth. So when I brush, I brush. I made my way to the dentist first thing this morning and was greeted with a string of questions: “Have you ever had braces?” “Are you allergic to any medications or anesthesia?” This was all before the dental hygienist even looked into my mouth. After stabbing me repeatedly in the gums with a sharp instrument, she informs me that there is some bleeding and that she’s going to suggest that I have a deep scaling done. I don’t know about you, but the words “deep scaling” should not be spoken at a dental office. It’s terrifying.

I am about to be 34, I have never smoked a day in my life, I barely drink, I don’t drink sodas and I rarely eat candy. I never bleed when I brush or floss, so someone please explain why my dental hygienist believes that bleeding after being stabbed in the gums is a rare occurrence. I believe she had every intention of coming to the “deep scaling” conclusion even before I sat in that plastic wrapped chair this morning. I would love to see one of them be poked in the gums with a sharp tool to see if they bleed. So, now they’re going to call my shitty insurance company to see if the deep scaling will be covered by my insurance, which I’m sure it won’t be. To be perfectly honest, I really don’t care if it is because I’d rather hear this coming from my actual dentist before making a decision.

Does anyone else have this problem?? Maybe I just have to switch dentists or something. Let me know if you’ve dealt with a similar issue! I’m curious.

Have a great rest of your weekend everyone! & make sure to check out my recent posts because I have some great giveaways going on right now!

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Chronicles of a Borderline Germaphobe

January 19, 2018by KristinLeave a Comment

YoursTruly

Calling myself a full-blown germaphobe is a stretch, but I’m definitely borderline. I’m that person who can’t touch anything in public restrooms. I mean, why the hell would someone use the restroom, wash their hands, and then touch the door handle??? It’s disgusting! I’ve been in the restroom plenty of times to witness someone finish their business and then leave without washing their hands. Which means you have no idea how many others have now spread their nastiness on that measly little door handle. No, thank you!

We’re all aware that we’re experiencing a horrible flu season this year, which makes me extra paranoid about germs. If I’m out in public and someone coughs or sneezes, I head in the opposite direction. I love it when I’m out with my mother or my niece–who are the same exact way–and we give each other a look that says NOPE!! NOT TODAY!!

This leads me to germs at work–the motherload of all my germ issues. I even come home from work and disinfect my cell phone with a Clorox wipe. It’s that bad. About a week ago, someone at work started coughing and blamed it on the MILD winter we had here in Miami. After a full week of recycled paper clips circulating around the office, their persistent coughing throughout the day and their flitting about the office like they’re unaware of this flu epidemic, I decided to ask them what they have–strep throat. STREP THROAT!!! To make matters worse, they told me that their doctor instructed them to wear a mask so as not to spread the germs, but they refuse to “look silly” all day wearing it. There is no amount of Lysol that can cure the anger I have towards this total disregard for others. Why would you consciously come to work when there are people who can’t afford to get sick? The funny thing is that they actually complained about some of us spraying Lysol in the office because it makes them cough more. Sorry, lady. I am not giving up my Lysol spray until you stop hacking up a lung!

To those of you who are not self-proclaimed (borderline) germaphobes, please have consideration for those of us who are. If you’re sick and feel the need to tell everyone how sick you are, stay TF home!! I’ve been sick at work before and I stay at my desk with a can of Lysol and a fresh bottle of hand sanitizer. You know why? Because I have the decency to recognize that people have families and that some people get sicker than others. There is no need to spread around your germs when you could be taking PROPER steps to prevent it.

You have just read the Chronicles of a Borderline Germaphobe. Stay healthy, my friends!

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The Trouble with Writing

January 15, 2018by Kristin4 Comments

YoursTruly

The trouble with writing is writing itself. It’s a push and pull with words that carry weight in our daily lives. They carry weight for the reader, the writer, and the writer’s ego (if they find themselves receiving more rejection letters from literary journals than acceptances). It’s extremely subjective, and sometimes that’s the trouble too.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve expressed myself through writing. I used to keep a box at the top of my closet that held letters I never intended to deliver. Each page was a confession of how I was feeling in that particular moment, and why I couldn’t bare to express those words verbally. It was a way for me to be completely honest with myself and not have to worry about hurting anyone’s feelings, or putting myself in a vulnerable position that I would have to deal with afterward.

Continue reading “The Trouble with Writing” →

Movies

JIGSAW | Available on Digital 1/9 and 4k Ultra HD, Blu-ray Combo & DVD on 1/23 | #jigsawmovie

December 14, 2017December 14, 2017by KristinLeave a Comment

The Trap Is Set When Jigsaw Returns on Digital January 9 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on January 23 from Lionsgate

4K Ultra HD™ to include both Dolby Vision™ and Dolby Atmos^®

The Jigsaw Killer is back and taking his signature brand of twisted scenarios to the next level when Jigsaw arrives on Digital January 9 and on 4K Ultra HD (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand January 23 from Lionsgate. Renown genre directors Michael and Peter Spierig (Daybreakers, Undead) and writers Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger reinvigorate one of the most successful horror franchises of all time with their latest installment starring Tobin Bell (Manson Family Vacation, The Firm, The SAW franchise), Laura Vandervoot (TV’s “Smallville” and “V”), Callum Keith Rennie (TV’s “The Man in the High Castle,” “Californication,” Memento), Brittany Allen (It Stains the Sands Red), Matt Passmore (TV’s “The Glades”), and Hannah Emily Anderson (TV’s “Lizzy Borden Took an Ax”).

In the latest terrifying installment of the legendary SAW series, law enforcement find itself chasing the ghost of a man dead for over a decade, embroiled in a diabolical new game that’s only just begun. Has John Kramer, the infamous Jigsaw Killer, returned from the dead to commit a series of murders and remind the world to be grateful for the gift of life? Or is this a trap set by a different killer with designs of their own?

Immerse yourself within Jigsaw’s world with the release’s extensive Special Features, including an all-new 7-Part Documentary, an Audio Commentary with Producers Mark Burg, Oren Koules, and Peter Block, and “The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” featurette. The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions feature Dolby Atmos audio mixed specifically for the home, to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray also features Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR), growing Lionsgate’s library of titles featuring both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Dolby Vision transforms the TV experience in the home by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Together with the captivating sound of Dolby Atmos, consumers will experience both cutting-edge imaging and state-of-the-art sound technology for a fully immersive entertainment experience.

The must-see Jigsaw will be available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD for the suggested retail price of $42.99, $39.99, and $29.95, respectively.

4K UHD / BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

Audio Commentary with Producers Mark Burg, Oren Koules, and Peter Block
“I Speak for the Dead: The Legacy of Jigsaw” 7-Part Documentary
- “A New Game”
- “You Know His Name”
- “Survival of the Fittest”
- “Death by Design”
- “Blood Sacrifice”
- “The Source of Fear”
- “The Truth Will Set You Free”
“The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” Featurette

DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES

“I Speak for the Dead: The Legacy of Jigsaw” 7-Part Documentary
- “A New Game”
- “You Know His Name”
- “Survival of the Fittest”
- “Death by Design”
- “Blood Sacrifice”
- “The Source of Fear”
- “The Truth Will Set You Free”
“The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” Featurette

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

Audio Commentary with Producers Mark Burg, Oren Koules, and Peter Block
“The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” Featurette

Official Channels:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #JigsawMovie

Giveaway, Movies

Enter to Win: FLATLINERS | #Giveaway #FlatlinersMovie

December 14, 2017December 14, 2017by KristinLeave a Comment

Academy Award^® nominee Ellen Page (Best Actress, Juno, 2007), Diego Luna (Rogue One) and Nina Dobrev (“The Vampire Diaries”) star in the contemporary take on the 90’s fan favorite FLATLINERS, available now on digital (as of December 12) and on Blu-ray^™ and DVD December 26 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Also experiencing the chilling consequences of exploring the one line that should never be crossed are James Norton (“War & Peace”), Kiersey Clemons (Justice League) and Kiefer Sutherland (the original Flatliners).

The bonus content for FLATLINERS on digital, Blu-ray and DVD includes two behind-the-scenes featurettes. “Just What the Doctor Ordered” catches the cast and crew reflecting on working with Director Niels Arden Oplev (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009), Dead Man Down), along with an interview from Niels on his directing style and vision. In “The Ultimate Question,” the cast and crew decide whether or not they would flatline if they could and offer the revealing reasons behind their decisions.

The FLATLINERS digital and Blu-ray releases are loaded with additional exclusive bonus material, including deleted and extended scenes, plus two more behind-the-scenes featurettes. The featurette “Reviving a Cult Classic” explores the differences in tone, concepts and creative design from the original film and the update, featuring comments from producer and film icon Michael Douglas, while in “Making the Rounds,” the cast shares what intrigued them most about their characters, their experiences on the set, and their favorite film moments.

SYNOPSIS: Five medical students, hoping to gain insight into the mystery of what lies beyond the confines of life, embark on a daring and dangerous experiment. By stopping their hearts for short periods of time, each triggers a near-death experience. As the investigation becomes more and more perilous, they are forced to confront the sins of their pasts, as well as contend with the supernatural consequences of trespassing to the other side.

Here’s what you have to do to enter the giveaway…

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER, INSTAGRAM AND/OR FACEBOOK & MESSAGE ME ON THE RESPECTIVE PLATFORM(S) WITH THE HASHTAG #A2Kflatliners

Hint: The more places you follow, the better your chances at winning! 😉

Yes, that’s all you have to do!

This promotion will end December 20 at 10:00 AM (eastern time). Only one entry per person. No purchase necessary. U.S. residents are eligible to enter. Winners will be contacted via email. AccordingtoKristin.com and other promotional partners are not responsible for lost, stolen, or misdirected mail.

Directed by Niels Arden Oplev with a story by Peter Filardi and a screenplay by Ben Ripley, FLATLINERS was produced by Laurence Mark, Michael Douglas and Peter Safran and executive produced by Michael Bederman, Robert Mitas, David Blackman, Brian Oliver and Hassan Taher.

Digital & Blu-ray Bonus Materials Include:

Deleted & Extended Scenes
Four Featurettes
- “Reviving a Cult Classic”
- “Making the Rounds”
- “Just What the Director Ordered”
- “The Ultimate Question”

DVD Bonus Materials Include:

Two Featurettes:
- “Just What the Director Ordered”
- “The Ultimate Question”

FLATLINERS has a run time of approximately 110 minutes and is rated PG-13 for violence and terror, sexual content, language, thematic material, and some drug references.

Official Channels:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #FlatlinersMovie

Movies

MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE | Epic Final Trailer Released!

December 8, 2017December 8, 2017by KristinLeave a Comment

Together they fight to the WCKD end!

20th Century Fox has released the epic final trailer for MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE. Witness the last chapter in the trilogy from director Wes Ball!

SYNOPSIS: In the epic finale to the Maze Runner saga, Thomas leads his group of escaped Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary Last City, a WCKD-controlled labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived in the maze.

MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE will be in theaters everywhere on January 26, 2018!

MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE

Action-Adventure
Release: January 26, 2018
Director: Wes Ball
Produced by: Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Joe Hartwick Jr., p.g.a., Wes Ball, p.g.a., Lee Stollman
Written by: T.S. Nowlin
Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Giancarlo Espositio, Aidan Gillen, Ki Hong Lee, Barry Pepper, Patricia Clarkson

Official Channels:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #DeathCure

Movie Reviews

Movie Review by Kristin: THE WORDS

November 29, 2017November 29, 2017by KristinLeave a Comment

The-Words-Australian-movie-poster[1] Hey there, movie lovers!

After binge watching The Punisher over the past week, I remembered hearing about this movie that Ben Barnes was in a few years ago and decided to check it out.

THE WORDS was released back in 2012 and stars Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, Jeremy Irons and Ben Barnes.

SYNOPSIS: Rory Jansen, a struggling writer, aspires to be the next great literary voice. When he discovers a lost manuscript in a weathered attaché case, he realizes he possesses something extraordinary that he desperately wishes he had created. Rory decides to pass the work off as his own and finally receives the recognition he desperately craves. However, he soon learns that living with his choice will not be as easy as he thought as he faces a moral dilemma that will make him take a hard look at the man he has become.

I actually enjoyed watching this movie. As a writer, I often find myself questioning my own writing abilities. I can’t tell you how many times in a day I sit and ask myself if I’m good enough to pursue this as a career. I’ve read pieces written by others and I wish I had half of the imagination that they had to create such works of art. The truth is that it all depends on who is reading your work. So, that aspect of the movie really intrigued me. I knew how Rory Jansen felt on a personal level.

While there wasn’t any action in this movie, there was heart and relatability. It may not be for everyone – especially those who are unaware of the trials and tribulations that come along with being a writer. It’s not my favorite movie in the world, but I’m happy I was able to watch it.

Bradley Cooper plays Rory Jansen and does a great job! He’s charming and determined to find his place in the literary world, which is definitely not as easy as one might think. I don’t agree with plagiarizing a novel the way that he does, but I don’t think his intention was to actually have the manuscript published. We all find inspiration in the most random of places, so I think Rory was retyping the manuscript in order to find his own inspiration within this story that he fell in love with. When he saw how excited and proud his wife was, he ran with it.

I enjoyed the concept of a story within a story here as well. I don’t know that the point of it all was as cut and dry as I was expecting, but I overlooked that. It was also a bit disappointing that Ben Barnes’s character as the Young Man barely had any lines. His role was instrumental in the telling of the story, but he’s a fabulous, underestimated actor and I wish they would have given the man some more lines! In any case, even with very few lines, he delivers a fantastic performance. One can even argue whether he is the main character of the story.

Perhaps the movie could have made a stronger impact if it had been just a little bit longer. It leaves the audience with so many unanswered questions and I think tying up a few of them might have been more effective.

As I mentioned, this wasn’t my favorite movie, but if you’re a writer I would recommend watching it. If nothing else, just as a reminder that even through all of the rejection letters and silence from literary agencies and magazines, success can be found in the most unexpected places. Also, don’t plagiarize . . . that’s not cool!

Blog

Happy Thanksgiving from According to Kristin!

November 23, 2017November 23, 2017by KristinLeave a Comment

Happy-Thanksgiving-Images

Happy Thanksgiving from According to Kristin!!

I just wanted to take a minute to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving, and to let you know that I am thankful for YOU! I started this blog because a friend encouraged me (thanks Mike) and I haven’t looked back since. I love talking about music, TV, movies and more, so the fact that I get to do that on here really is a blessing. The blog is still growing every day, and for that I’m thankful as well.

So have a great day however you celebrate! Know that you have a friend here at According to Kristin who appreciates you very much . . .

– Kristin

Entertainment News, Movies

Star Studded Red Carpet During LA Premiere of THE SHAPE OF WATER

November 19, 2017by KristinLeave a Comment

On November 15 the stars came out for the Los Angeles red carpet premiere of the critically acclaimed film, THE SHAPE OF WATER. The film’s director, Guillermo del Toro, and cast, Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, Sally Hawkins and Richard Jenkins were among those present.

SYNOPSIS: An other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment.

Below are photos of the event:

Director Guillermo Del Toro

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and Director Guillermo Del Toro

Sally Hawkins

Octavia Spencer

Michael Shannon

Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Jones, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Sally Hawkins, Guillermo Del Toro and Octavia Spencer

THE SHAPE OF WATER releases nationally in theaters on December 22.

Movies

FLATLINERS | Available on Digital 12/12 and on Blu-ray & DVD 12/26 | #Flatliners

November 14, 2017November 14, 2017by KristinLeave a Comment

You Haven’t Lived Until You’ve Died with Academy Award^® Nominee Ellen Page, Diego Luna & Nina Dobrev

FLATLINERS

Debuting on Digital December 12 on Blu-ray^™ & DVD December 26

Digital & Blu-ray Include Deleted Scenes & Four Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes!

FLATLINERS_2017_BD_3D_PACKSHOT[2][1] Academy Award^® nominee Ellen Page (Best Actress, Juno, 2007), Diego Luna (Rogue One) and Nina Dobrev (“The Vampire Diaries”) star in the contemporary take on the 90’s fan favorite FLATLINERS, debuting on digital December 12 and on Blu-ray^™ and DVD December 26 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Also experiencing the chilling consequences of exploring the one line that should never be crossed are James Norton (“War & Peace”), Kiersey Clemons (Justice League) and Kiefer Sutherland (the original Flatliners).

SYNOPSIS: Five medical students, hoping to gain insight into the mystery of what lies beyond the confines of life, embark on a daring and dangerous experiment. By stopping their hearts for short periods of time, each triggers a near-death experience. As the investigation becomes more and more perilous, they are forced to confront the sins of their pasts, as well as contend with the supernatural consequences of trespassing to the other side.

To view this information in Spanish, please click below:

Continue reading “FLATLINERS | Available on Digital 12/12 and on Blu-ray & DVD 12/26 | #Flatliners” →

#MusicMonday, Music

#MusicMonday | Sam Smith, Maroon 5, One Republic, Jordan Fisher, In Real Life & Fall Out Boy

October 9, 2017October 22, 2017by KristinLeave a Comment

What’s up, everyone??

Welcome to #MusicMonday here at According to Kristin! I’ve been wanting to get a bit more personal on the blog, and Music is the most personal for me…so here we are! I’ll be posting here on certain Mondays, and sometimes I might add in a podcast or two. I’m hoping to have guests on and even try scheduling some interviews, so if you have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know! Let me know what you’re currently listening to, what albums and tours you’re excited about. You can even tag me on Twitter with a performance you think I should check out. I’m open to all suggestions!

I’ve always been a music fanatic, so I’m sure Mondays will be extra therapeutic for me now as I’ll be able to discuss all of the aspects that make up one of my first loves. Music is my escape from the world. When I’m stressed at work, the power of an ear bud is priceless. I just pop one into my ear and the calmness takes over. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without it (both music, and the ear bud lol).

So, here are some of the things that have interested me in the music world this week:

Sam Smith has (finally) announced a new album and tour, following the release of his newest single, “Too Good At Goodbyes.” The single is lit and the album and tour are sure to be just as incredible-it IS Sam Smith, after all. The album is titled “The Thrill Of It All” and will be available on November 3rd. You can pre-order the album on his web store HERE. You can also follow him on Twitter and Instagram by clicking on the respective links.

Not to be left out, Maroon 5 (@maroon5) also announced details for their new album, titled “Red Pill Blues,” set to be released on the same day, November 3rd. Here is the track listing for both the 12-Track Standard Edition and the 15-Track Deluxe Edition of their sixth studio album:

12-Track STANDARD EDITION TRACK LISTING

Best 4 U
What Lovers Do feat. SZA
Wait
Lips On You
Bet My Heart
Help Me Out with Julia Michaels
Who I Am feat. ft. LunchMoney Lewis
Whiskey ft. A$AP Rocky
Girls Like You
Closure

15-Track DELUXE EDITION TRACK LISTING

Best 4 U
What Lovers Do feat. SZA
Wait
Lips On You
Bet My Heart
Help Me Out with Julia Michaels
Who I Am feat. ft. LunchMoney Lewis
Whiskey ft. A$AP Rocky
Girls Like You
Closure
Denim Jacket
Visions
Plastic Rose
Don’t Wanna Know ft. Kendrick Lamar
Cold ft. Future

One song that I’m really enjoying this week is One Republic‘s “Rich Love,” and you can catch the video for that below:

If you haven’t seen One Republic (@onerepublic) live before, I strongly suggest you change that. I saw them in West Palm Beach, FL when they went on tour with The Script (who will definitely make an appearance on #MusicMonday) and it was nothing short of amazing. They’re high energy throughout the whole show and their vocals are always on point. Do it and you can thank me later!

The next two artists that I want to mention are both signed to Hollywood Records.

Jordan Fisher (@jordan_fisher) is a triple-threat who is soon to be dominating the charts with his upcoming debut album. He’s currently dancing his way to the mirror ball trophy on Dancing With the Stars, he has a new single, “Mess,” which was released last week and an album that is on its way to the shelves. Not sure if you familiar with him? He was on Broadway with the hit show Hamilton, he was on Disney’s Teen Beach Movie and he also played Doody on the live version of Grease. Check out his new single, “Mess,” wherever you download/stream music and also feel free to check out his videos on YouTube. Again…you can thank me later! I’m just wondering if dude could show me how to dance lol!

I’ve posted a few times about In Real Life (@inreallife) because they’re new to the scene and they deserve the exposure. I was exposed to them when my niece started watching ABC’s Boy Band, and my friend Jesus @thisfunktional got a chance to speak with them out in California last week at the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor event. I was excited for them when I found out that they’ll be under Johnny Wright’s wing for the duration (hopefully) of their career because he’s worked with some of the best in the industry! Their debut single, “Eyes Closed,” has done well since its release and they have a fantastic marketing team that has been putting them in some of the best places since the show ended. They’re currently playing little shows while they record new music and they just wrapped a music video for their original Christmas song that should be released soon.

fall-out-boy-mania-art-2017-billboard-embed

Last, but certainly not least…my little sis, Brancey, absolutely loves Fall Out Boy (@falloutboy), so it wouldn’t be a discussion about music without talking about their new single and their pushed back “Mania” album, set to release in January 2018.

You can hear Brancey and I rambling on the podcast below. Also, don’t mind the little section in the middle where Skype decided it hated us and cut off our recording lol. Shout out to Jesus for splicing them together for us lmao!

Blog

Be the Change | #prayforlasvegas #prayfortheworld

October 2, 2017by KristinLeave a Comment

YoursTruly

I woke up this morning and did what I always do before getting ready for work…I checked my social media. The first post I saw was from a friend of mine who wrote, “Deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. I am speechless.” I echoed that statement and had to take a moment before looking up details.

The headlines read, “50+ dead, 400+ injured in Las Vegas at Route 91 Music Festival.”

This is devastating. Absolutely heartbreaking. As someone who would be lost without music, I can not fathom the idea that thousands of fans who feel the same way gathered at a live show last night, not knowing that someone would rob them of that happy, carefree experience of being surrounded by people who shared that same passion for music. I can not fathom the idea that these artists have to fear not only being a potential victim at their own show, but having to watch thousands of fans scramble for safety. I can not fathom the idea that younger generations are being robbed of these experiences and, instead, are replacing them with the fear of being in a public setting with no metal detectors.

How many more shootings have to take place? How many more innocent lives have to be lost? How many families have to grieve for their loved ones because of a faulty gun law system in this country? That man had no reason to carry multiple automatic weapons and the amount of ammo he had in that hotel room. No one has a reason for that.

Our freedom, and the freedom of our children, is being threatened and it’s saddening.

Now more than ever, we need to be kind to people. We need to pay attention to the details. If you, or someone you know, is hurting, speak up. There are people who are willing to help you. If you’ve decided to end your own life, don’t take the lives of others with you. Suicide is not the answer, but neither is mass murder. Be the change we need in this world we’re all sharing.

I didn’t know anyone at the festival this past weekend, but it could’ve easily happened at any of the countless live shows I’ve taken my niece to. That’s a scary, infuriating thought.

My thoughts are with all of the victims and their families. I hope things change sooner rather than later.

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The Trap Is Set When Jigsaw Returns on Digital January 9 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on January 23 from Lionsgate

4K Ultra HD™ to include both Dolby Vision™ and Dolby Atmos®

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4K Ultra HD™ to include both Dolby Vision™ and Dolby Atmos^®