Interested in Karen’s current speaking and events schedule? Learn more here.
“Karen’s dry wit and descriptiveness pulls the listener in as if they are right there in the moment, participating in the story.”
Deanna Day Young, President, Bucket Buddies Mission
Words used to describe Karen’s speaking style: funny, story-teller, creative, vulnerable, gracious, humorous, trustworthy.
Karen’s humorous, story-telling style works well at churches, libraries, business groups, women’s events, schools, book clubs, and Christian writing conferences.
Below is a sampling of some of her favorite subjects, but she’s open to other requests as well. If you have questions about speaking fees or topics, or would like to invite Karen to speak, click the “contact” tab on the top menu. There is also a short speaking sample at the bottom of the page.
For Churches or Women’s Groups:
- Immeasurably More
How big are your prayers? Could God be calling to the impossible? Find out how He used a four-year-old to draw me into a deeper and more imaginative faith. - When Weak is Strong. We revel in our self-reliance, but sometimes God chooses to be the Hero of our story. Allowing others to witness Him shining amidst our weaknesses may be our biggest challenge yet.
- A Tiny Teacup of Blessing
“It’s okay, God. I can do it myself.” When I first started writing, I had a small vision of what I might achieve under my own power. How did God help me stretch my goals? - Beautiful Child of God
This discussion of God’s grace can be presented for either adults or children–or a mixture of both (mother/daughter tea?). Sometimes we believe our sins have stained our lives beyond help, but our Heavenly Father is ready and waiting to make us new. (Hear a sample below.)
For Libraries, Schools, and Community Organizations
- A Spiritual Journey Through our National Parks
Most of us visit national parks in search of beauty and adventure, but often we come out of the experience inspired. Revisit several of our great national parks with author Karen Barnett, and see how her research into the history and geography of these beautiful places inspired stories of enduring faith. - Writing Yellowstone
Learn how this author captured the spirit of 1930s Yellowstone National Park and the Civilian Conservation Corps in her most recent novel, Ever Faithful: A Vintage National Parks Novel. See photos from her research trips and learn about how anecdotes from Yellowstone’s archives made this story come to life - From Idea to the Finished Novel
Everyone seems to be writing a novel these days. I read a statistic once that said 97% of people who start writing a book never finish. How do you become part of the 3%? Once you get done, how do you get published? - The Author’s Life: Dream and Reality
How do you picture an author’s day? Typing quietly away in a secluded cabin in the woods? A whirlwind book tour? Lines of eager readers waiting for your autograph? Spending all day in your pajamas while drinking lots of coffee? Which of these is true, and which is a myth? - Sharing our Stories
Our lives are full of lessons that should be shared, but how does one get started? Whether you’re interested in writing a memoir for your grandchildren or your dream of being a fiction writer, this is a good place to begin.
For Writers
- CRAFT: When Setting Becomes a Character
Whether it’s Prince Edward Island, Middle Earth, Hogwarts, or the alleyways of Dickensian London, an evocative setting can sweep a reader deeply into a story. I’ll teach you seven secrets to make your setting come alive, drive your plot, and inspire your characters. - MARKETING: There’s a Place For Us: Book Marketing 101
In today’s overcrowded book market, what are the chances that your book will be discovered by readers? It can be a discouraging process for both traditional and indie-published authors. How—and when—do you even start the marketing process? This workshop will provide some words of encouragement and help you brainstorm some specific marketing ideas to help get your project discovered by your ideal readers. - CRAFT: Make Every Scene Shine:
When asked for writing tips, novelist Elmore Leonard said, “Leave out the part that readers tend to skip.” We all want to keep readers turning pages late into the night, but how do we do that? In this workshop, Karen offers six techniques to help polish your scenes until they shine. We’ll discuss sensory detail, character voice, deep point of view, word choice, grounding, and conflict. Learn how to make your writing so alluring readers wouldn’t dare skip a line. - MARKETING: Social Media 101 and Beyond
Does the constantly changing world of social media drive you to tears? Here’s the good news: editors and agents are no longer looking primarily at numbers of followers. Instead, they are focusing attention on authors who display regular, meaningful engagement with their readers. We’ll talk about the top social media platforms for writers, and you will learn tricks and techniques to get your posts seen by more people. - MARKETING: Taking Great Photos for Social Media
Photos create lasting impressions, especially in today’s social media driven world. With a few simple tricks, you can put your smartphone’s camera to work capturing great pictures for Facebook and Instagram. We’ll also trade tips on looking your best in those dreaded selfies and professional headshots. - CRAFT: Storytelling Techniques from Disney & Pixar
The screenwriters at Disney and Pixar are master storytellers. By studying these movies, I’ll help you identify some of the top fiction techniques that every novelist needs in their toolbox. Learn about the power of character desire, weaknesses/powers, romantic tension, dark moments, and more–all while humming some great tunes. (Warning: I do not present this program at online meetings).
Audio clips
This five-minute clip shows Karen’s story-telling style. In the talk, “When Weak is Strong,” she talks about how a kayak misadventure showed her how hard it can be to accept rescue–even divine rescue. [Recorded at North Albany Community Church’s 2019 Women’s Retreat.]
A 17-minute selection from “Beautiful Child of God,” recorded at Willamette Community Church’s Mother-Daughter “Teddy Bear Tea.” (Adults & children). [Visual at around the midway point: Karen pulls out the matted old stuffing from a teddy bear and replaces it with clean.]