Friday Book Review: Hidden Affections by Delia Parr

June 17, 2011By Karen Barnett No Comments

What’s the only thing worse than being a divorced woman in 1831? How about being a twice-divorced woman? Delia Parr explores this intriguing plot line in her newest novel, Hidden Affections. After being scammed and then divorced by one man, Anabelle Tyler seeks a fresh start only to be forced into a marriage with an … Read More

An Update on the Writing Process

June 14, 2011By Karen Barnett 4 Comments

Many friends have asked why I haven’t said much about my books lately. Part of that is intentional–now that I am working with an agent and am negotiating with publishing houses, I know professional eyes are watching. There’s nothing like knowing people are observing you to make you want to be (at least pretend to … Read More

Laptops, Lapdogs, Lapcats…

June 8, 2011By Karen Barnett No Comments

I am a goal setter. I make plans. I have dreams.  I also have pets. Pets are natural plan interrupters. Goal-re-setters. My cats and foster puppy can’t seem to understand the concept of working on a laptop. They think laps are meant for them. Why do humans need a laptop when they have a perfectly … Read More

The Countdown?

June 7, 2011By Karen Barnett No Comments

From the moment I picked up my 11-year-old son from school, I knew something was up. “I’ve got to find my 3-DS,” he panted. “They’re doing a special internet update at 6 o’clock!” After a frenzied search of his room, and a little help from the dog (“find it girl!”), the game system was located. … Read More

Tasting our History–Fairley’s Pharmacy

June 3, 2011By Karen Barnett 2 Comments

Writing historical fiction can be challenging. How do you write a scene in a prohibition-era soda fountain (for my up-coming novel, Mistaken) if you’ve never tried a cherry phosphate and can’t even imagine why anyone would order something called an “egg cream?”   The answer? A road trip that involved consuming more calories than anyone should–all in the … Read More

Puppy Love

May 13, 2011By Karen Barnett No Comments

My family has taken in a foster puppy while her owner is recovering from some health problems. My husband has been wanting a dachshund for a while and my kids were eager to have a dog, but I wasn’t so sure. I’ve got a soft spot for all animals, but I’ve always thought of myself … Read More

Bear with me–Teddy Bear, that is!

May 3, 2011By Karen Barnett 2 Comments

This coming Saturday, I am speaking at our church’s annual mother’s day tea and I am very excited about it. I know–I should be nervous. Anyone who knows me probably figures that I am terrified. But for once–in a very out-of-character fashion–I am not nervous. Maybe it will hit me in a few days. Maybe … Read More