HEAD over to My New Site to Catch up on Everything!

Hey!!

If you're here you're probably wondering why I haven't posted in a while. It's because I've been converting everything to wordpress! SO head over there and check it out!!

Crystalcervantesjohnson.com

While I've been away!

So for a while I unwillingly imploded...Yes, and now I'm back! Alive. And ready. SO I've been in a walker kind of gaze. You know the one where you aimlessly walk around and will eat anything that presents itself as food (No I'm not eating other people). Also I just finished an EXTREME marathon of The Walking Dead, which is why I'm still talking about it! Okay, on a serious note. I'm ready. I've been writing, and also expanding my writing skills.

I've always played with the idea of being a songwriter. I don't have an amazing voice, but I love to write and I love music. Ever since I started playing the guitar it's kind of become my second passion. I guess it's another way for me to express myself and to connect with a different group of people. I also love to tell tell a large story through a small roundabout way. Though I love to do this, it will in no way get in the way of the Deviations series, or others that I am writing. But now that the haze of imploding has faded I am getting back to what I know best: writing.

The Fault in Our Stars

The Book (of amazingness) turned movie!!

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting on my couch staring at my computer. I was writing, but suddenly stopped when I heard the trailer accompanied by the amazing Ed Sheeran. The short commercial was about a girl who had cancer, but it wasn't a story about cancer. Intrigued I looked up the book online and read some reviews. The next morning I got out of bed early and headed straight for the nearest book store. I had this really weird feeling in my gut that this is a book I would want to actually own in a tangible way. I came home later that day and completely forgot about it, until later that night.

It was Saturday night, and I'd slowly cracked the pages to a story that I hadn't anticipated. A story that I couldn't  put down. (Now it's hard for a person like me to not like any form of entertainment; i.e., books, movies, songs, TV shows, but this one...this one was going to change me.) And it's weird because I hear people talk about books that change them, I mean even Hazel Grace and Augustus read a book that changed them, and on some small spectrum I've felt this way-changed, but to be honest I fell in love with the book that not only made me cry, but made me laugh while I was crying. I mean...I just...it's something I've never experienced while reading. But to make matters worse, I read the whole book in less than twelve hours to the TFIOS soundtrack (The music was amazing). I mean really--what the hell was I thinking. But here's the thing, I love the book for more than Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters. I love TFIOS for so much more! The way that it inspires the youth to speak with eloquence and teaches them to not be lazy with their words! Green writes with such amazing words that I hope kids and future generations talk like this...that they find beauty in amazing words, and in all honesty in being smart. I just pray for real people like them out there!

Here we go....Now came the movie...So I pretty much took myself on a date because I didn't want anyone else to see me bawl my eyes out. So there I was munching on my sour patch kids and waiting for it to start. When it finally did my palms began to sweet because I knew what was about to happen. I would fall head-over-heels for a story that was going to take me on a roller coaster (that's only going up--haha Gus would approve) My heart stuttered as Augustus explained his metaphor. I bit the inside of my cheek as he told her that he'd asked the Genies for their wish, and by the time he told her that he loved her I was just...gone. I was lost, and I reveled in it! I reveled in a great book being turned into such an amazing depiction of what it should look like. By the time it came to find out about Augustus, I just felt it all over again; (though, this time no one was around to hold me) I just watched as Hazel Grace gave her eulogy. Then to one of my favorite parts in the book, when Hazel has the moment with her Dad after the funeral. It's my favorite because it's true--it's a privilege to love someone, and no amount of pain changes that (though pain demands to be felt). And the way the scene was filmed was so personal, just like how I read it. 

There wasn't much that they changed in the movie that wasn't in the book, and the things that were changed didn't hinder the story at all. There is one quote that I wish they would have had, which is the one by Augustus, 'My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.' I might have missed it, but I'm pretty sure that it wasn't in there and I wish it would have been. 

Also, I am glad to say that I wasn't the most hysterical woman crying in the theatre, their were quiet a few, and I'm glad that I wasn't the loudest. I'm glad that they kept the integrity of the book, and I'm glad that I had the privilege to read it, and watch it. Also the TFIOS is a pretty amazing fandom! Some serious love for all those who have loved this book from day one! Props for knowing what's good!

Overall, I loved the book and the movie. I know I talked it up and if you hate it I'm sorry, but man oh man...just so many good things come from reading! Okay? Okay.

before and after TFIOS...it took me a minute to gather myself.

Identity Crisis.

After only a few negative reviews I have found myself struggling. Not that I don't know who I am, but I just never thought that I would care what other people thought of my work. I had always told myself that you can have the most delicious peach pie, but there will always be someone that hates peaches (I can't remember where I heard that from, but I liked it so I've applied it to my life). It's weird because I don't mind when someone critics my appearance, or my attitude. I figure that it's going to happen anyway so why let it bother me, but this...my writing-my book, I just didn't expect it to rock me so hard. And I get it, it's just a review, don't pay attention to it, but lately brick after brick it's kicking my ass. Yes I know it's only a few reviews, chin up, and stop being a baby. But maybe, the reviews hit my exact point of what I'm most self conscious about (and I just thought about it). Then it hit me, we all go through this. The ups, and downs of our so finite lives, which in reality is a bittersweet feeling. We need the downs to prove the ups are as amazing as they really are. Am I making sense? I wish I weren't because through writing this I instantly feel better. It could also be the video my husband sent me (he saw and heard the painfully loud thrusts of my fingers as they jammed into my keyboard, and slowly walked away--Live Your Dream, Master Your Life) He's a smart man. But if you're feeling down today, and want to break several (important) items then watch it. I'm sorry for my vaguely random post today...

LLC Network

Little Light-Collective Network

So I've been keeping a little bit of a secret. Well not a secret, but I've been working on something that I think you all will LOVE! AND if you know me, then that means it has to do with writing, and books. If you don't know me, then I just gave it away... Anyways here it goes...

LLC Network

Our goal is to give writers an opportunity to share what they’ve written with others in a unique way. Unlike other publishing sites we want to find you (the writer) the right audience while exposing you to the opportunity of gaining exposure.

How do we want to do this? We want to take what you’ve written and share it with the world on a week-by-week basis. The writer (YOU) will submit a chapter, or an episode each week that consists of 10-15 pages, and we will air it (or post it). Like a TV show, we’ll help advertise and make people aware that your ‘series’ will be airing, and give them the opportunity to read your work.

Once your season (book) is over, we will compile it into an eBook as well as Paperback and set up a purchase link, where you, the author, will garnish 50% of sales, and maintain 100% of the rights to the novel. Depending on how well your series is we will discuss future opportunities with LLC Network.

If you, or anyone you know fits in with this new hybrid way of publishing send them over to LLC Network, where you can read all about us, and learn how to submit today!

Head over to the site for our launch of 'Wait, What!?' that will air on Thursday May 22, 2014!

Spotted

Lately people have been sending me pictures of my book and the places that they find it, or have received it. I think it's awesome and I honestly love seeing it in different places! So from here on out if you have my book, or find it somewhere then you can send me a message, tag me in a photo, or tweet me with it and I'll make sure to put it up on my blog! Thank you for all of the support this truly means the world to me!

My sister ordered five copies to hand out, and framed her amazing drawings!

My cousin bought the book and tagged me a picture of Deviations!

This one is one of my favorites! My cousin in law found this gem at her local library in Terreton, Idaho! Yes! It's freaking amazing, and I love it!!

Winners!!

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a free signed paperback copy of Deviations. The winners are! Please Message me on FB with your address, or email me!

Katrina Wright
Lara Ellis
Ruger Petersen
Ashley Coll
Kelsey LeBlanc

Another Review!

Here's another review! It's so nice to hear what people think!!


Getting your read on--Deviations

Hello Quarter-Life-Crisis!

My Quarter Life Crisis Has Begun....

Yesterday morning I woke up and felt an unusual spring in my step. It was my Twenty-fifth Birthday! I thought to myself this is my year, this is when I make things happen for me. I slowly took my time getting ready for church, and thought of all of the things that I would accomplish this year. Though, by the time church ended I found myself thinking, wow I feel like I'm twenty-four going on eighty, but no. I was twenty-four going on twenty-five. This whole accomplishing my goals thing was going to be hard work, and just thinking about how I would do it made me tired. Will I ever sleep? Should I sleep? I want to sleep. (Just in case you hadn't noticed sleeping is detrimental to me!) What do I need to sacrifice to accomplish what I want to do? Can I even do everything!? It's strange how easily we're fooled into believing the lesser version of ourselves. When I told my husband about it he laughed at me then started to list all of my accomplishments. I shrugged him off and did the next best thing, I took a nap. When I woke my husband surprised me with a watch. I smiled as he told me, 'this is to remind you when it's time for bed'. Suddenly, I thought maybe he was right--maybe I had accomplished a lot in the past twenty-five years.

Later that night we went over to my mother in laws to celebrate my birthday. My mother in law gave me one of the most revitalizing gifts I think I've ever received. Since I was turning 25 she thought up an idea to gift me a box full of 25 things I loved. When I opened the box I didn't realize what it meant until I opened a box of lemons. Yes lemons. Every time I am at my mother-in-laws I always ask for lime and hot sauce, but since there's a lime shortage she got me lemons. Some razor's because I forget to shave my legs. Some of my strange addiction like tic-tacs, kit-kats, bookmarks, sweet and sour candy, and notebooks.Vinegar and baking soda, because my drain gets clogged--because of my mermaid hair--Redken products to keep my mermaid hair in top shape! And other random trinkets that I absolutely adore!

Honestly, I am surrounded with such amazing people, and they all made me feel special, but her gift helped remind me who I was. A writer/reader, with strange addictions. I've never been gifted anything this cool before, and I just wanted to share it with everyone, and thought that maybe this would help give you ideas for mother's day, father's day, or a birthday. 

A quarter of my life is gone. No I am not sad, nor do I feel old. I thought of making a list, or goals of things to accomplish in the next year, but thought against it. I figure, I have plenty of time to write things down. So, this is a joke to myself--this is my quarter life crisis. This is my time to keep going, to keep accomplishing. This is my year to do whatever I want, and enjoy it! I can't wait to finish current projects I'm working on, and the opportunity to work with some amazing people! Cheers to 25!

Enter to win a signed copy of DEVIATIONS!

Do you want a free signed copy of Deviations!? For one week you can get Deviations (the ebook) for free, and win a signed copy of Deviations!!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

On Goodreads? Enter to win a paperback copy of Deviations!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Deviations

by Crystal C. Johnson

Giveaway ends May 10, 2014.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Book Two of the Deviations Series

Hey!!

So, I've had some people email me asking about the next book in the Deviations Series. All I can say about it, is that it will be out late this year/early next year. The cover for it is currently being worked on, which I am ecstatic about! The rounds of edits for the second book will start soon!

Thanks for the support!! There are exciting things coming in regards to Deviations!!

Thank you!!

DIVERGENT--The Movie

Without a doubt I'm that girl who nerds out over my favorite books being turned into movies. I watch trailers, interviews, and schedule the release date in my phone so that when it's time I can rush to the movies and get my tickets early. So of course, last night I geared up for the early showing of Divergent. Thank goodness I have a great support system for these moments (Brooke, Bree, and Debbie). I call these girls with a plan and as always we meet at the theater get our Diet Cokes, Root Beet, popcorn, and any other delicious treat that'll satisfy our sweet-tooth.

As the theater grew dim I felt the same little jitter in my stomach that I had felt when I read the book. As soon as the first image hit the screen I was lost, which surprised me a little because I was so worried that what I saw when I read the book wouldn't be what I saw on screen. I think it's fair to say that they hit it dead-on. Not only did the movie absolutely satisfy me, but  I wanted more. I wanted to run home and crack open Insurgent, and read it all over again.

The city of Chicago looked amazing! It was gritty yet beautiful and honestly better than I could have conjured in my mind. It's been a while since I read Divergent so the brief descriptions of each faction were presented in a way that wasn't tedious, but helpful. One of my favorite parts in the book was The War Games/Ferris Wheel scene. They captured that part of the book and it translated amazingly. It was also fun to see Veronica Roth have her own little cameo as a Dauntless.

I LOVE who they cast as Tris and Four. At first I wasn't sure about Four. I thought, "No, that's not what he looks like." But as soon as he opened his mouth--that voice with those eyes I was lost. The memories of Tobias came flooding back and I was like yep, that's our guy. As my sister-in-law would say, "His eyes pierce through my soul." Yeah, he's that good.

To any movie, music is a really big deal for me (it can either break or make a movie). I feel like I should be able to listen to the music/soundtrack/score and be able to see the book move through my mind. And I can honestly say that the music for Divergent weirded me out at first. However, after watching the movie I realized the music was ridiculously appropriate for the movie. I came home and purchased the score, and love it!

One of the things that I missed in the movie were some of the minor plot lines. I feel that they missed a lot of the character development between Tris and some of her friends in Dauntless. I wish they would have expanded on that a little more and explained why we're supposed to hate Peter. But in all fairness I suppose some things needed to be cut, and if you've read the book you'll get the context clues.

Overall, I would say to go watch the movie and get your Divergent on!

Review

Here's another review from someone who read Deviations. If you're still on the fence go check it out!

http://bookread-mumswritings.blogspot.com/2014/03/book-readers-review.html

Like Deviations on Facebook

If you like Deviations go ahead and like it on Facebook,

Deviations on Facebook

Thanks for the continuing support!

HELLO

HELLO!

It's been a while. Longer than a while, but I'm still here. Well here in the sense that I'm trying to pop out Creations, which is the title for book number 2! So far so good. I just want to take this time and thank everyone who has helped me and bought my book. I appreciate the support and am grateful to everyone who has said nice things about my book or recommended it. I can't lie my favorite part is when someone I know reads the book and emails me about it. It's great to hear all of the great things they have to say.

THANK YOU!! I'll be back soon!!

Little Light Design Collective

Hey everyone I'm a contributor(writer) for an awesome online Magazine called Little Light Design Collective! It is ran by the three most amazing women ever, and has such great ideas for DIY crafts and so much more! If you have a chance go check them out and like their page on facebook! You will not regret it!! Make sure to check out their Valentines Day section, it'll help you with last minute ideas!! Thanks, and Happy Valentines Day!!

Little Light Design Collective

BLOG TOUR HAS BEGUN!

Alright so the blog tour started yesterday! Thanks to my ridiculously talented sister Brooke Berry, who organized the whole tour I can now officially say that it's started!

So the tour kicks off with:

Brooklyn Berry Designs

Not only is her blog fabulous for DIY projects she also has a great section for books to read! Go check it out!!

Links to Purchase Deviations

Smashwords (For different ebook formats):

eBook purchase

Barnes and Noble (Nook):
Nook: eBook

ITunes:
IBooks

Kindle:
U. S Kindle: eBook
Canada Kindle Purchase

Amazon Paperback:
Amazon.com/deviations

Barnes and Noble (Paperback):
Barnes and Noble: Paperback

Createspace (Paperback):
https://www.createspace.com/4609447

Paperback

There are so many fun factors of indie publishing that I was looking forward to. Like being able to have total control over what the cover of my book should be, or the content I get to keep, and even the hours--no days spent editing and formatting. I'm still no professional, but thanks to the amazing people on my side I've been able to accomplish this.

Any who, after getting some feedback from a few readers that the EBook was a little scary, and not appealing me and my sister got together and (she) drew up an alternate cover. The alternate cover below will be featured on print books that will be available at the Amazon store hopefully sometime early next week!

I'm pretty excited about this! I love the image, and it's more glamorized and appealing for those who thought the other cover was too much.

Thanks for the support and I can't wait for this to be available to order next week as a Paperback!!

Chapter 15/17 Excerpts

Chapter 17: Real Freedom

I force myself up and out of my room before the sun rises. Following the river below that flows on the other side of the fence I find a hole that’s big enough for me to fit through, and escape. As soon as I’m free I take off into a full sprint, it feels good to be free again. Of course, not in the sense of real freedom, but for now, this will do. I don’t know where I am going exactly, but I find it easier to breathe today, my legs hurt less, and my body explodes with the endorphins that have been absent for too long. 

The hints of summer

The sky is dark and clouded over. I grab my fair share of bags and toss a few more pieces of jerky to the dog in hopes that he’ll follow us, which he does at his own discretion. We move into the canyons that are deep and narrow, the river below us runs rapidly. The hints of summer are on the horizon as the yellow weeds thin out into fields of green. I lick my lips when the first few drops of rain drizzle down. Soon my limbs begin to tremble as the rain smashes into me. My desire and courage evaporate into nothing as lightening cracks in the sky, the river below us crashing violently against its rock walls. All I want to do is crawl into a hole and wait out the storm. 

Chapter 18 Excerpt

Excerpt--Chapter 18: A date gone wrong...

I silently start packing. I refuse to admit that I am, in fact, afraid of a little rain. Soon the wind rips through the trees, forcing them to lash into each other as they fight back and forth. I keep my hands on the hem of my dress as Renner pulls me along toward the fence. There are figures in the distance that sway with the wind. I let the basket fall and pull my doused hair out of my face for a better look. The closer I get, the harder it becomes to decipher the sways that clump together. Dry lightning cracks across the sky as one takes a step out of the woods. Rain pours down on me and the rustling of the wind draws my focus closer to its disfigured face. I glance behind them and see more clearly, through the trees into the clearing. 

“What are you doing?” he yells over the wind, and then falls eerily silent. 

“Go!” I turn and cling to his arm and pull him toward the gate, “They found us!” 

Before I know it he’s in front of me, pulling me as fast as he can. A few yards from the gate, my feet slip on the muddy grass and I plummet to the earth, “I’m fine.” I yell to Renner, “Go! Get the gate open!”

Release Date: February 4, 2014

I hope everyone had a good Christmas.

So here are some updates. Deviations release date was set back to February 4. Due to editing and formatting I felt that this would be the best. Also it should be available for pre-order within the next two weeks, as soon as that is available I'll let you know.

I'll try and post a few more excerpts in the next couple of days.

Thanks!