3-Year Blogoversary Party ~ Interview with Karen Barnett and Giveaway!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Karen! Thanks for celebrating my blog's 3-Year Blogoversary with us! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

I’d love to, Melanie. My husband Steve and I live in Oregon with our two kids (ages 14 and 11). I write historical romance and romantic suspense, usually set during the early part of the twentieth century. Before I became a mom and a writer, I worked as a park ranger in both national and state parks.

What is your novel, Mistaken, about?

Mistaken is a 1920s-era romantic suspense set in the rugged beauty of Washington State. Since booze and Prohibition have made criminals out of every man in her world, Laurie Burke resolves to find at least one honorable man to fill her life. Convinced that handsome newcomer Daniel Shepherd is connected with her brother’s rumrunning gang, Laurie quickly scratches his name off her list. Federal agent Samuel Brown might be more to her liking—or he might be her worst nightmare.

What was your favorite part about writing Mistaken? What was the hardest?

My favorite part was researching life in the 1920s. Hair, clothing, automobiles, technology, music, pastimes, movies—there was so much fun stuff to discover. And then there were specific details to the plot: Prohibition law, rumrunning, telephone switchboards, old-time pharmacy—fascinating! Learning new things always makes me a little giddy. And researching soda fountains? Yum! 

Of course, this also led to the hardest part of writing Mistaken, as well—the fear of getting the details wrong. There were areas I had to rely on my imagination to fill in the details, and I’m still fretting over the possibility of mistakes. 

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?

I’m a serious Whovian. No, not one of the little characters from The Grinch—a fan of the science fiction classic, Doctor Who.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I bribe myself with peanut M&Ms when I’m struggling through a difficult section. One for every 100 words.

Where do you like to write?

I write just about anywhere. I sit at my kitchen table, on the sofa in the living room, cross-legged on the bed, in coffee shops… right now, I’m writing this in my car as I wait for my kids to get out of school.

When you are writing a book, do you just write as you go or do you have a set outline for the novel?

I’m not a very good outliner, I’m afraid. I do write a synopsis to help provide framework and direction, but I allow the characters room to be themselves and to make some of their own decisions. That probably sounds odd to a non-writer…

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?

The best part of writing is watching the characters change and develop throughout the story. The worst part is fighting off the anxiety that people might not like what I’ve written.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit of television junkie. Netflix has been very bad for me—all those amazing series right at my fingertips. I’m on a BBC kick right now. Outside of that, I enjoy hiking, dragging my kids through museums, and cake decorating.

What is your favorite genre to read and why?

My favorite genre has always been historical and historical romance. I love getting lost in different time periods and exploring how people lived and acted in that era.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?

There are so many, do I have to choose one? Alaska has always been on my next-to-see list. I live in awe of rugged landscapes and I think Alaska may ruin me for all other locations. I’d also love to go to northern Europe—particularly Ireland, Scotland, England, and Germany. I dream of exploring castles, old churches, and quaint little thatched-roofed cottages.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

God has used Ephesians 3:20-21 in my life frequently as a reminder to dream big and to pray bigger, because He is far more powerful and good than I can grasp. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

I have so many favorites, it would be impossible to choose. One song that’s spoken to me throughout my writing career is “Word of God, Speak” by MercyMe. When I first started writing, I would play this song every time as I sat down to work. It was a good reminder that I wanted God’s message to shine through the story—my words didn’t matter. I found that freeing. Plus, every time they sang, “I’m finding myself at a loss for words…”, it made me chuckle. And then I could sit back and let His words fall down “like rain.”

What's your favorite season and why is it your fav?

I love fall. Here in Oregon, we have rainy and overcast weather for much of the year and then in late June the faucet turns off and the skies clear. We have three months of stunning, beautiful weather. You’d think summer would be my favorite, right? But by the end of summer, everything is dry and boring, and I can’t wait for fall. The first rain cleans the air and turns everything fresh and green. I love it!

What's your favorite party food? 

I like to decorate silly birthday cakes for my kids. Does that count?

Some this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms?  Hmm. Both.

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate!!!

Tea or Coffee? Coffee (with lots of milk & sugar)

Call or Text? Definitely text. I hate talking on telephones.

Cats or Dogs? This shifted two years ago when we got our first dog. I didn’t think I liked them that much before. Now I’m firmly in the dog camp.

Early-bird or Night-owl? Night-owl.

Introvert or Extrovert? Introvert.

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook.

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, would you give us a hint?

Of course! I’m working on a three-book historical romance series, The Golden Gate Chronicles, set in 1906 San Francisco. The first novel, Out of the Ruins, releases in May. When Abby Fischer prays for a miracle healing for her dying sister, she doesn’t expect it to come in the form of the handsome doctor, Robert King. But when Robert's miracle cure fails, Abby’s grief is surpassed only by the chaos of the San Francisco earthquake and fires. Will Abby finally find God—and love—in the ruins?

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

Thanks for having me, Melanie. What a fun interview! I love connecting with readers, so I hope they will look me up online. Here are some of the ways we can stay in touch:

Website: www.KarenBarnettBooks.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KarenBarnettAuthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/KarenMBarnett

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/karenbarnett/

I mentioned how much I enjoy discovering new time periods through research and through fiction. What’s your favorite time period to read about? Modern day or back in history? If it’s history, which eras do you prefer?

Blessings!

Karen Barnett

Karen is giving away a copy of her book Mistaken: First Impressions Are Never What They Seem! I loved this book! Giveaway is only open to US and Canada addresses. Ends 2/15

How to enter: Sign into the Giveaway Tools form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry you complete. The mandatory entry is to leave a comment answering Karen's question (above), but commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form for your entry to count. Happy entering!

Entry-Form

Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Giveaway Tools and announced here as well as emailed and will have up to one week to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Giveaway Tools or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. I am not responsible for any packages lost or damaged in the mail. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.