Do you ever argue with yourself about exactly what you should be reading? I do. I know should be reading something educational, something that will stretch me, something that will make me grow. But when I end up with a stack of those “should reads,” I find myself longing to read something fun. Eugenia Flora Cooper … Read More
Author: Karen Barnett
The Gambler — Writing hints from Kenny Rogers?
After spending the past few years reading books about the craft of writing, devouring writers’ blogs and attending the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference, I’ve picked up some great tips about navigating the road to getting your novel published. Keep in mind that I haven’t published a novel (yet), so don’t consider ME the expert. I’m just … Read More
Random Thoughts from a Disorganized Mind
I just realized that my last post was from mid-December. Did anyone wonder why I’d dropped off the face of the earth? Well, mainly it was due to my kids being home for Christmas vacation. We kept ourselves busy with board games, Christmas movies and decorating gingerbread houses and the like. Somehow blogging just didn’t … Read More
Your Hands
I have a favorite new song. It’s called “Your Hands” by JJ Heller. I had already listened to it several times on the radio, sang along and downloaded it from ITunes before I discovered why it resonated so deeply with me. Just last night, it hit me –this song IS my book, Shaken. The chorus, … Read More
New Directions?
A whole new world… Remember the words to the Disney song? I was brainstorming about book two today and it hit me. My lead character was interesting in book one (Shaken) because she was broken. By the end of Shaken, she has reached a point of healing. No matter what disaster I throw at her, … Read More
Making Progress
For those of you who are insanely curious, I have posted the most recent update of the first chapter of Shaken. Some of you have read this chapter countless times as I have made changes and I appreciate your interest and dedication in helping me finish this book. When I first started writing, I never realized how many times … Read More
The Glowing Rock
This week I sent the full manuscript of Shaken off for a professional critique. I’m not usually the type to have wild mood swings, but this writing experience is bit like riding a roller coaster. One minute you’re typing away thinking, “This is great! I’m an awesome writer!” and the next minute you’re thinking, “Who … Read More
Beginning the Journey
Christmas is coming. I can no longer deny it. In fact, the holiday train left the station weeks ago. I saw the first decorations well before Halloween. I love Christmas, but it’s difficult to maintain that “Holly Jolly Spirit” for three months. So, when I heard that someone was going to speak to my Moms group about … Read More
Friday Book Pick — Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn
As the weather here in Oregon turns cold and rainy, it makes me want to curl up in a cozy chair with a fuzzy blanket, a cup of cocoa and a good book. I recently found the perfect book for that moment: Robin Jones Gunn’s Finding Father Christmas. Miranda Carson uses her Christmas holiday to travel to … Read More
The Name Game
Back in my college days, I was a big soap opera fan. Lots of us girls would rush back to the dorm at lunchtime with our to-go boxes to watch our soap of choice. As soon as our episode was done, we would filter out and another group of wild-eyed girls would plop down in … Read More