Over the years I’ve recommended many writing aids–books to assist with plotting, characters, or navigating the publishing world. Today I want to recommend a book for inspiration. Dancing on the Head of a Pen: The Practice of a Writing Life is a wonderful journey into the heart and mind of a writer. Written by Robert Benson, … Read More
Author: Karen Barnett
Shaking it up: Comparing the 1906 and 1989 Earthquakes
Did you know today is the 25th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake? I doubt folks in the Bay area are celebrating with balloons and cake, but I’ve already seen many of my friends posting the “Where were you when this happened?” type of questions on the internet. Having spent years researching the 1906 San Francisco … Read More
ACFW Mix & Mingle
The 2014 American Christian Fiction Writers Conference (ACFW) is quickly approaching, and I’m seeing many excited “Who’s going?” posts popping up on Facebook. I hadn’t planned on attending this year, but after one of my dear friends–Marilyn Rhoads–became a finalist in the ACFW Genesis contest, I couldn’t wait to cheer her on at the awards gala. … Read More
Tell Me: What Makes Great Historical Fiction?
I’m curious . . . what makes a historical novel “great” in your eyes? What features draw you into the story? For some it may be the romantic thread, for others it could be a desire to experience a specific time period. Here are four characteristics of great historical fiction that never fail to hook me. … Read More
The Winner of the Reader Photo Contest is…
A couple of months ago I decided to do a fun contest. I encouraged readers to send me a photo of someone reading Out of the Ruins for a chance of winning a $25 Starbucks gift card. We’re well past the deadline, so it’s time to choose a winner. Only I can’t. I love them ALL. … Read More
GIVEAWAY celebrating MISTAKEN’s Cascade Award!
I just returned from the Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference, and I’m thrilled to announce that my debut novel, MISTAKEN, took home a Cascade Award in the Published Historical Fiction Category. [In celebration of this win, I’m hosting a special GIVEAWAY. The winner can choose either a copy of Mistaken or my newest release, Out … Read More
Weary Writer? Time to Recharge!
I’ve taken it easy the last couple of weeks, relaxing as the flurry of book launch activities has died down. Signings, FB parties, interviews, radio–it was all a bit intense. Good, but intense. There are still a few media things floating around out there, but the pace has slowed down. To be honest, I was … Read More
Trivia Answers, Prize Winners, and More!
Happy Friday, everyone! I wanted to thank all of you who attended my Author Chat Party on Facebook last night. What fun we had! I was able to learn so much about my readers, and hopefully you were able to learn a few things about Out of the Ruins and the Golden Gate Chronicles series. My … Read More
Come Join the Party!
I hope you can come join in the fun! Facebook Party ~ I’m thrilled that Abingdon Fiction and Litfuse Publicity have joined forces to throw a Facebook Author Chat party in celebration of Out of the Ruins. You won’t want to miss this–we’ll be giving away a Kindle Fire HDX and a copy of the … Read More
Ta-daaaaa!: A shy girl tap-dances across the Internet
For the past few months I’ve been filling out interview requests regarding my new novel, Out of the Ruins, talking to bookstores about events/signings, writing guest blogs and articles–basically tap-dancing my way across the social media world. Now it’s flooding the internet and I’m seeing my name pop up everywhere. I *hope* I’m not wearing … Read More