Magic Detangling Spray for Writers

March 2, 2010By Karen Barnett 1 Comment

Do you remember that shampoo that promises, “No more tears?” It is a lie. Just so you know — so is that spray that promises, “No more tangles.” My seven-year-old daughter can attest to both of those statements. She loves her long hair, but she hates to have it combed out after it’s been washed. It’s been … Read More

Friday Book Pick: Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana

February 26, 2010By Karen Barnett 3 Comments

Authors Tricia Goyer and Ocienna Fleiss have accomplished a feat that seemed impossible. They have taken every loveable character-type from western romance literature and jam-packed them into one novel — skillfully spinning these wild characters into a single, beautiful story. Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana has it all: an orphan train, mail order brides, the saloon girl with a heart of gold, a … Read More

More Free Books!

February 1, 2010By Karen Barnett 4 Comments

The madness continues: more free e-books are available for download from booksellers Amazon and now Barnes & Noble. Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth is being offered for free download by Amazon and by Barnes and Noble. Also available (by both booksellers) is Robin Jones Gunn’s most recent release from the Katie Weldon series, Peculiar Treasures. Pastor … Read More

Free Books on Amazon!

January 25, 2010By Karen Barnett 3 Comments

Free books? FREE BOOKS??? This is music to my ears! A new marketing trend has recently appeared in the world of publishing and it has many writers and publishers scrambling to either jump on board or to issue condemning statements. Some writers/publishers have begun offering kindle (amazon.com) versions of specific titles for free as a way … Read More

Friday Book Pick: Powers by John B. Olson

January 21, 2010By Karen Barnett No Comments

Mystery, darkness, evil forces and death follow Mariutza from the shelter of Louisana’s swamps into the dizzying brightness of the city lights. Mari must seek out the one person whom she believes can overcome the evil and solve the mysteries surrounding her grandfather’s death before she becomes the next victim. Powers is the followup to John … Read More

The Gambler — Writing hints from Kenny Rogers?

January 12, 2010By Karen Barnett 7 Comments

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

January 11, 2010By Karen Barnett No Comments

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

December 18, 2009By Karen Barnett 3 Comments

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

The Glowing Rock

December 4, 2009By Karen Barnett 4 Comments

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