Reading and Writing Challenges for 2017

January 1, 2017By Karen Barnett No Comments

I’ve spent today thinking about what lies ahead for 2017. Here are a few things on my list: Our oldest will graduate from high school We’ll be sending that same child off to college! Our youngest has ten gazillion dance competitions and performances coming up I have a book deadline . . . . . . and … Read More

Setting Goals for Fall

August 17, 2015By Karen Barnett 2 Comments

I don’t know about you, but it’s been a super-busy couple of weeks for me. I’m ready for a book and a hammock. Who else feels that way? Instead, I’m going to do a little organizing and let you know what’s happened this month and what is coming up this fall. Ready? WINNER First off, I need to … Read More

ACFW Mix & Mingle

September 9, 2014By Karen Barnett 7 Comments

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

GIVEAWAY celebrating MISTAKEN’s Cascade Award!

August 9, 2014By Karen Barnett 35 Comments

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

A Writer’s Life: Juggling

February 4, 2014By Karen Barnett No Comments

Have you ever been curious about the day-to-day life of a writer? I’ve compiled a quick list of what my working life entails right now. I’ve also included a prayer request with each section. I’ve been feeling led to pray more earnestly about my career–I hope you will join me.1. Writing the second book in … Read More

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Writers Conference

September 19, 2013By Karen Barnett 6 Comments

I recently returned from the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Annual Conference. Close to 600 attended this year, beginning writers all the way up to multi-published, best-selling authors. As far as writers conferences go, this had to be one of my all-time best experiences, partially because it was an opportunity to celebrate the release of … Read More

Highlights from ACFW 2012

September 25, 2012By Karen Barnett 4 Comments

So excited to see the FINALIST ribbon on my name badge! Hi everyone! I made it back from Dallas in one piece and thoroughly exhausted. I would have posted yesterday, except that I felt no better than a wet piece of tissue paper and couldn’t seem to pull myself together. This was a challenging conference … Read More

On my way to Dallas!

September 18, 2012By Karen Barnett No Comments

Wednesday morning I’m heading out for the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Conference in Dallas, Texas. Though I’ve been to national conferences before, familiarity never stops me from turning into a puddle of nerves. Add in the fact that I’m a finalist for the ACFW Genesis Contest for unpublished writers and maybe you can understand why … Read More