Teens only:
A special section devoted to my teen readers

Fan photo, me & 13 year old Daniela,
future dancing queen and Alyson Bell adventurer.

This gal is an amazingly talented dancer well beyond her years!

(...and thanks to those who pointed out the face of the woman in the picture behind my head...
honestly... a little spooky if you ask me ;) ...)

The daily kiss ... Q&A

Q: Does Ethan go away to college in book four?
A: It is a possibility.

Q: Is Woodhaven HS based on any particular HS?
A: Yes and No. Woodhaven is a fictitious name representing several HS's, including one in Woodbridge, Virginia, where I grew up and parts of an old school named E. J. King in Sasebo, Japan. It really had a few ghosts lingering around when I went there :)

Q: Does Hremm Nevar come back in book two?
A: Many things in book two are not what they seem. Such is a night called Hallowe'en. Under the moon of night, a gentleman waits,... for it to disappear. For in the shadows lurks his deepest fear. Could it be Hremm Nevar? Keep reading ;)

Email me your questions at kris@kristingroulx.com and be sure to check out the FAQs/Bio page for many more detailed questions about the author and the Alyson Bell series.

(This is how I envisioned Emelia Finch...)

Who doesn't love to read? Reading books can take you places you never imagined, or maybe you have. Personally, if books were edible, I'd be very full. So technically, why not fill your brain? Fill it with knowledge and new discoveries, and escape in the wonder that is your own imagination. I encourage you to read, to write, to express yourselves creatively.

Every year, I participate in the Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone (Ottawa). 10% of book sales go towards supporting this cause, so purchasing a book from me also is helping a teen somewhere to have a voice.

Tallies for team kristingroulx.com:
2008: $250 donated
2009: $377 donated
2010: $400 donated
2011: TBA

Want to pledge my team?

Having a problem you just need someone to talk to about?... Talk about it with someone. My guidance counselor in high school was a wonderful person to talk with. I think I still owe her a few hours, and probably a pencil too. Big problems might require outside help. Talk with your parents or guidance counselor. Get spiritual, but not suicidal. We all walk different paths; find yours and walk it. We're all different for a reason... celebrate our differences. Promote tolerance and acceptance by being tolerant and accepting. Don't act... BE!

STOPBULLYING

Was I bullied?
Absolutely!
You don't even want to know what names I was called.
I still can't say them. They hurt. Bullying can make even the tallest person feel small. I got beat up several times for not fitting in, or for not wanting to do stuff my friends were doing. I'm happy that I didn't. I couldn't imagine how I'd have turned out if I followed THEIR examples ;P Be strong in your own beliefs. Peer pressure is an ugly monster, but easily defeated if you know how.

And you do. You know you do. Don't cave. Don't stoop to their level. Be strong and be yourself. Someday you'll thank yourself when you look around and realize there is no one around you. Why? Because they are all following YOU.

Be a good leader. Set a good example.

In high school, I was so shy I ate my lunch in the library. But eventually I got into some school activities and found my niche. Playing sports helped a lot with my focus and physical strength. I got involved in a few clubs and student organizations. I was quite a nerd too (and happily will accept the title proudly). I was also a plus size (size 14 in high school)... but that never once was my focus. I still modeled, and danced, and ran for Homecoming Queen (and missed it by 1 vote! Hugs to Sarah K. ... Still <3 you BFF) :)

Because sooner or later, you realize

it's inside what matters

One of the big themes introduced in book one is meditation. Alyson sits upon a rock and reflects upon the huge burden she just faced: moving to another town and leaving behind everything she knew. I learned to meditate at an early age. To go for walks, quiet the mind and listen to the sounds around me. Not only is it good exercise for the mind, but doing it while walking or dancing or biking helps the physical body stay strong too. Currently I like to do yoga for meditation, but I still walk, and dance... and find a little time in each day to sit quietly and reflect.

Want more info on meditation? Yoga centers are great resources, as well as a few online sites that work with Reiki and healing meditations. Of course, anything that quiets the mind and the body so that it can connect and have that mind-body-spirit connection is meditation. Swinging on a swingset, daydreaming, cloud watching, star gazing...

You have it within yourself.

believe it

see it

imagine it

You will do great things in life.

Believe in yourself.

I do.

In each and every one of you.

Wishing you peace in the new year and always,

In love and light,

Kristin Groulx

 

Q: Facebook?
A:

Kristin Groulx on Facebook

Newest Release

Book Four: The Door of the Thousand Keys

ISBN: 978-1430321542

October 2010
(Release Date: 10/10/2010)

Book One: The Ghost of Colby Drive

(Canada) ISBN 978-0-9811315-0-4

July 2007
(Release date 7/7/07)

Click here for a sneak peek inside

Book Two: The Curse of the Moonless Knight

(Canada) ISBN 978-0-9811315-1-1

August 2008
(Release date 8/8/08)

Book Three: The Oracle of the Missing Dryad

(Canada) ISBN 978-0-9811315-2-8

September 2009
(Release Date: 9/9/2009)

Book Four: The Door of the Thousand Keys

(Canada) ISBN 978-0-9811315-4-2

October 2010
(Release Date: 10/10/2010)

Book Five: The Crystal Goddess and the Wish Keeper

ETA: 11/11/2011

I would like to thank all the teens out there who are visiting this site and interested in my novels.

I *especially* want to hear your feedback. It's important to me.

Drop me a note. . .
(and please include where you are from)

kris@
kristingroulx.com

Recent
C omments

From Emily F. on Oct. 27, 2007:
"Hi this is .... My mom told me it would be a good idea if i told you what i thought about the book. Well i loved it. I cant wait for the next one. But was i found funny is my name is Emily F... (E.F). In your book emily's initals were E.F aswell. And my birthday is in august. I found it all really funny. I cant wait for your next book. If i am correct , it is coming out november 1. OK thank you for reading my email and i am looking forward to reading the next book." ~ Emily F., age 13, Ontario, Canada

(just to note, in response to Emily's email,
The Curse of the Moonless Knight will be ETA Fall 2008)

From Janice Z. on Oct. 23, 2007:
"Hi, omg... I lov your book! The cover is sooo cool.. like an optical illusion. I can't wait to read it! ps. When's the next one?" ~ Janice Z., age 16, London, England

From Daniela V. on Oct. 12, 2007:
"I really enjoyed the scene with Sadie and Ethan, when she confronts him... and also all of the newspaper clippings... they looked so real! Very cool!" ~ Daniela V., age 12, Ontario, Canada

From Stephane L. on Sept. 17, 2007:
"I spoke with my cousin Cassandra (she's 14) this weekend, and she said to tell you that your book is the best she's ever read." ~ Stephane L., Ontario, Canada

Read what other authors are saying...

10/7: Author Eric D. Goodman, editor of Writeful, gave mention of me in his Hallowe'en edition of his column:

Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Can You Hear Poe's Heart Beating?

Around Halloween, I often turn to Poe’s writing. It seems to go with the holiday. Sure there’s the horror of Stephen King and the vampires of Anne Rice. But they don’t seem to hold a candle to Poe.

If you’re looking for new voices in the art of the ghost story, be sure to check out these books.

The Ghost of Colby Drive, by Kristin Groulx:

http://www.kristingroulx.com/books.html

10/07: Storyteller John David Hickey (known as JD Hobbes by many) delighted me by attending a formal Hallowe'en event dressed as my main villain, Hremm Nevar!

JOHN DAVID HICKEY~ Québec
David is an engaging teller making good use of his acting experience to add a theatrical spin to his stories. His strong stage presence will keep you on edge as he weaves his tales of mystery, adventure, and laughter. Traditional folktales, fairy tales, underdog stories, Jack stories, tall tales from all cultures and continents.

9/07: Director, Producer and Author Laurie Stewart of Morrighan Films has decided to include mention of my novels in her latest storyline by having her main character reading "The Ghost of Colby Drive"!!! I'm very flattered to take part in the storyline. More info soon!!

7/07: A note to me from Author, (Director and Producer) D.J. MacHale of the Pendragon Series...

"Congratulations Kristin. I'm so happy to see your book in print. Best of luck with it." - D.J.

7/07: Author Eric D. Goodman of Writeful....

"I'm out of town and only limited time on email this week.  But I wanted to offer a big congratulations on the publication of your first novel!  I look forward to reading the published version!" - Eric

I'm very happy to see it in print too! Thanks for the great comments! ;)