Haunting nightmares of a past that has never been forgotten, life-changing news that leads to thoughts of revenge, a lover facing life in prison, a scandalous plot that turns deadly, deceit and questioning ones faith in God are just a few of the underlying stories told in Dirty Roses. Dirty Roses is the history of and the hope for the "Rose that Grew from Concrete". This character driven novel gives a peek into a part of Washington, D.C.'s culture that often goes unnoticed. From the 80s crack epidemic to "go-go" music to gentrification, Dirty Roses is uniquely written leaving readers both entertained and enlightened. When I wrote this book I took into consideration my responsibility as an author. Dirty Roses is a character driven fiction novel with historical facts and references to many things related to my experiences having been raised in Washington, D.C. Instead of  using my platform as a writer to over dramatize or exaggerate the urban experience, I decided that my story, our stories were best told with authenticity and intellect with a perfect dose of street smarts and spirituality. From drug and alcohol abuse to transcending a poverty mindset to gentrification, Dirty Roses is a complete account of the struggles of women who were born into poverty. Dirty Roses is the story of and the hope for the "rose that grew from concrete." Each characters story is told with candor as the author gives a realistic account of urban experience and explores socio-political themes, redefining "urban lit." Each character supports the vision of the author to not exploit or glamorize the urban experience for the sake of entertainment but rather to deeply examine the actions of those that live it, truthfully and unapologetically. Will these roses be able to escape their pasts or will they be defined by them? As a survivor, activist, and author, Kristina is committed to combining what she experienced as a result of a tumultuous upbringing, her love for American literature and poetry and her fascination with human behavior in a way that entertains and inspires.Kristina is lauded for her shrewd examination of social themes uncommonly written in a way that readers from all backgrounds are able to connect with which separates her from other "urban literature" authors.Other publications include a book of poetry (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow), a self-help memoir (Praise Him for the Pain Too: My Journey from a Victim to a Survivor) and numerous articles, essays, and blogs about at-risk youth, women's issues, sexual and physical abuse, mental health and other socio-economic topics.Today, Kristina lives in Washington, DC where she is a public speaker, entrepreneur and continues to deepen her skills as a writer while challenging herself to evolve as an author.