BIO: Karen
Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of
Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany , Oregon ,
with her husband, two teenagers, and three adorable dachshunds. When she’s not
writing, she enjoys playing guitar, cake decorating, and binge-watching all
sorts of television series on Netflix.
Dear Readers, no
wonder she was named a Writer of Promise in 2013. I love her books. I know you
will, too. This book is one of my favorite books of 2015.
Welcome back, Karen. Why
do you write the kind of books you do?
Writing historical fiction is my own special way of time
traveling. The thing that fascinates me most about history is not so much the
big events, but day-to-day life. How did they dress, speak, and interact? I am especially
enjoying writing about the early 20th century because people were facing an
influx of new technologies like telephones and automobiles. In Beyond
the Ashes, I look at how certain medical advancements changed the way
doctors treated disease, but also had unforeseen consequences.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
The day I became a mom. I never imagined I could love
someone so completely. It’s crazy to think that both of my babies are now
teenagers.
How has being
published changed your life?
It’s definitely become crazier! Doing creative work under the
pressure of a deadline is a lot tougher than I anticipated, but I wouldn’t trade
it for anything.
What are you reading
right now?
Lori Benton’s newest, The
Wood’s Edge. She is such an eloquent, gifted writer.
What is your current
work in progress?
I just recently finished the macro edits for the third book
in the Golden Gate Chronicles, Through
the Shadows, which releases in 2016. I’ve always wanted to write a story
that digs in to the depths of what grace means in our lives. In an attempt to
make up for her own failings, Elizabeth King throws herself into a life of
service, walking the dark alleys of Chinatown
to rescue slave girls. Will a young attorney with political aspirations be able
to show her that everything about San
Francisco isn’t as dark as she believes?
Sounds good. I want
to feature it on this blog when it releases. What would be your dream vacation?
I’ve always wanted to tour crumbling European castles, so England , Ireland ,
Scotland , and Germany
are high on my list.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
For this series, I chose the San Francisco earthquake as a focal point of
the first book. I was inspired to write about the disaster after watching a PBS
documentary that interviewed some of the last surviving witnesses to the event.
In Beyond
the Ashes, the city is beginning to rebuild. It fascinates me how
quickly San Francisco
was able to put itself back together after the destruction. Did you know they
hosted a world’s fair (the Panama–Pacific International Exposition) in 1915,
just nine years later?
Interesting. If you
could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be
and why?
My shy, introverted self wants to answer “my own family,”
but that seems like cheating. I guess one person I’ve always wanted to meet is
Julie Andrews. Her portrayal of Maria in The
Sound of Music was very powerful to me as I was growing up. But I also know
that if I met her, I’d have absolutely no clue what to say!
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I love to play my guitar, decorate crazy birthday cakes for
my kids, and I’m a hopeless television addict. Streaming Netflix has been very
bad for my productivity. I love to binge-watch television series—it’s so easy
to say, “Oh, just one more episode!”
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Fear has always been my biggest obstacle, and it seems to travel
hand-in-hand with procrastination. I’m always sure my writing won’t be as good
as I wish it to be, so that makes me want to do anything but sit down and get
to work. The best thing I’ve found to dispel the negative voices is to use a
playlist of songs that remind me of God’s faithfulness. Here are a few of the
titles I keep handy: “Voice of Truth” (Casting Crowns), “Lord I Need You” (Matt
Maher), “Only You” (David Crowder), “Word of God Speak” (MercyMe), and “Oceans”
(Hillsongs).
“Voice of Truth” is
one of my favorite songs. too. What advice would you give to a beginning
author?
Join a critique group! Years ago, when I was first starting
out, I attended one hosted by our public library. We were from various walks of
life and were writing all sorts of bizarre stuff. Submitting and critiquing
within that setting helped me hone my craft and focus in on what type of
writing I wished to do. Later I was able to join a much more professional group
where we were all writing Christian fiction. Critique groups not only help you
develop your writing skills, but it gives you the opportunity to learn to take
criticism gracefully.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Beyond the Ashes is set in San Francisco just after the devastating 1906
earthquake. Where better to rebuild and face one’s fears than in a city rising
from the ashes? Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she’ll discover new
purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn’t
anticipate finding new love. Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty
home with family, but he’d always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the
aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended
family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert’s widowed sister
arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed. Ruby and Gerald’s fledgling
romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease he’s
striving to cure. Together they must ask—is it worth a second chance at love
when time might be short?
Please give us the
first page of the book for my blog readers.
“I refuse to attend another wedding. I’m through.” Ruby King
Marshall juggled two glasses of punch in her gloved hand as she shepherded her
blind cousin through the overcrowded ballroom. Each doting couple waltzing
around the polished floor reminded Ruby of her loss, like a needle thrust into
her heart. Widows and weddings—shouldn’t it be bad luck?
Miriam gripped Ruby’s elbow, leaning forward to be heard
over the dozens of nearby conversations. “Then I’m relieved mine was last
December. I’d have been sad if you’d missed it. And don’t forget Anne Marie’s
next month.” A tiny smile flirted at the corner of her lips.
Ruby glanced out the ornate windows, the quiet evening
beckoning. Only her cousin—and best friend—would have the audacity to make
light of the situation. Newspaper stories of San Francisco ’s earthquake refugees weighed
on Ruby’s heart. “With everything that’s happened this year, it seems
inappropriate to turn a simple wedding into a grand social occasion.”
Miriam adjusted her smoky-hued spectacles. “We’re not
suffering here in Sacramento ,
Ruby. Besides, love is always worth celebrating. Our hurts remind us to delight
in life’s joys.”
Ruby focused on the sparkling ring on Miriam’s finger to
prevent her gaze from wandering to her cousin’s thickening waistline. She must
be at least four months along. Ruby drew up her shoulders, pulling her elbows
close to her body. What have I become?
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
I enjoy connecting with other book-lovers! You can find my
website at http://www.KarenBarnettBooks.com.
I also hang out on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/KarenBarnettAuthor),
Twitter (@KarenMBarnett), Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/karenbarnett/),
and Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/KarenBarnett).
Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Lena !
It’s always fun to chat about books.
It’s my pleasure to
host you, Karen. When I read a book I love, I immediately want to share about
it with my blog readers.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Beyond the Ashes - Christianbook.comBeyond the Ashes: The Golden Gate Chronicles - Book 2 - Amazon
Beyond the Ashes: The Golden Gate Chronicles - Book 2 - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Would love this one! Danielle in Indiana
ReplyDeleteHEARD A LOT ABOUT THIS BOOK,AND AFTER READING A LITTLE OF THE FIRST CHAPTER I KNOW I NEED TO READ IT.ELMA,in North Carolina.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover, I love the title, and I would love to read this book! Thank you for sharing, Lena!
ReplyDeleteMelanie Backus, TX
Another great read! Thanks from Tammy in Texas!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like it's totally my style. Would love to read it. I'm in Nevada.
ReplyDeletelove your dream vacation! love to win the book! Shelia Hall from Mississippi
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful book and I love the cover! It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI'm from Virginia! :)
What a fantastic read this promises to be.
ReplyDeleteMary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Looks great! Enter me.
ReplyDeleteNC
Would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cindy W. from Indiana
I love what Karen says about the historical stories being a way for her to time travel. That is so true. Isn't it great that we can all be "time-travelers"? Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteLoraine in TX
Can't wait to read this one. Enjoyed the interview.
ReplyDeleteBrenda in VA. happygrammaof3@comcast.net
I have a copy of Out of the Ruins, and would love to add the second in the series to my collection!
ReplyDeletePatty in SC
Dee in NE would love to read this book! thanks for the chance to win a copy...
ReplyDeleteA great interview! I loved Karen's openness & honesty. As a writer, I could relate to much of what she shared. Thank you, Karen. I look forward to reading your book.
ReplyDeletewould love to win. Angela in KY
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read! I too would love to tour old run down castles! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteBeth in Montana
I am really looking forward to reading this book. Karen has a wonderful writing style.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the drawing for a chance to win a copy of Beyond the Ashes.
Thanks!
Cindi Altman from Pennsylvania
I enjoyed Out of the Ruins! Looking forward to Beyond the Ashes!
ReplyDeleteStephanie
Binghamton, NY
mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com
I would be delighted to win this for my wife.
ReplyDeleteEdward A from VA
What a wonderful author!
ReplyDeleteSusan from MI
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteConway, SC.
Lena, this interview is very interesting. And, i love the cover. It is so pretty. Thanks for having Karen for an interview. Karen, your book is not only pretty but sounds really good. I would love to win it. Thanks to you both for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMaxie from Texas. > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
We have the first book in this series in the Church Library. I would love to win the second one to add to our shelves.
ReplyDeleteThanks for entering me in your giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
I live in Florida
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds interesting!
ReplyDelete-Melissa M. in TN
This sounds better with every review that I read - would love to read this! Thank you for the opportunity! I live in Phoenix
ReplyDeleteHi Karen & Lena! Beyond the Ashes sounds wonderful! I have Out of the Ruins, but haven't read it yet because I don't like to start a series if I don't have every book in my hands because I like to read one after the other.
ReplyDeleteKristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
I love the cover on this. I have been looking forward to reading this book.
ReplyDeleteDeanne in Pennsylvania
I've just recently seen this book on different blogs and posts & it sounds like one that needs to go on my to-read list! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of "Beyond the Ashes"
ReplyDeleteTrixi in OR
What a great story concept! I've always been fascinated by the San Francisco earthquake. It's amazing, after all that devastation, that they were able to host a World's Fair only 9 years later. Personally, chicken that I am, I also find it amazing that anyone STAYED after the earthquake to rebuild it! :) Would love to win the book!
ReplyDeletePam in Ohio
Dee from NE would love to read this one.. thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDelete