Updates from Mount Hermon

March 26, 2010By Karen Barnett 2 Comments

It’s the first official day of the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference (2010) and once again I am amazed and humbled by the marvelous blessings that God pours out during this event. Here are a few highlights (for me) so far. Last night I got the nerve to volunteer during a earlybird session for “pitching … Read More

Mount Hermon, Here I come!

March 24, 2010By Karen Barnett 2 Comments

I’m running around today, finishing all those last minute details before flying out tomorrow to attend the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference. This is my second year attending the conference. To keep my nerves in check, I keep reminding myself of the amazing things that happened last year. I kept my expectations low, but God blew my … Read More

Lies, lies, lies!

March 17, 2010By Karen Barnett 3 Comments

Okay writers (and wanna-be writers), time to ‘fess up. What lies do you tell yourself that keep you from writing? The other day, I was listening to my MP3 recordings of workshops from the 2009 Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and I discovered a true gem. Author Joseph Bentz presented a workshop that he called, “Overcoming … Read More

From peace to panic in 10 seconds flat

March 16, 2010By Karen Barnett No Comments

My cats were quietly snoozing nearby when I checked my e-mail yesterday. In my inbox I found a pleasant note from the manuscript submission coordinator of the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference. She was informing me that my manuscripts had arrived and that I still have twelve days to relax before the conference begins. At first … Read More

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

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

The Hurt

November 2, 2009By Karen Barnett 3 Comments

Ow, ow, ow! Have you ever asked someone for a critical eye and then actually gotten your wish? I sent my first two chapters off for a professional critique. I’ve been critiqued before — it’s part of the learning process. You get great advice and come out the better for it in the end. But, … Read More

Friday Book Pick — Sushi for One? by Camy Tang

October 23, 2009By Karen Barnett 3 Comments

Welcome to the weekend! For those of you looking for a few quiet reading hours over the weekend, I try to spend each Friday blog recommending a great read. I generally emphasize fiction titles with Christian themes. Today’s pick is Camy Tang‘s Sushi for One? I fell in love with Tang’s writing after picking up … Read More

God’s Gift: Ice Cream?

April 16, 2009By Karen Barnett No Comments

I was feeling pretty “blogged down” today and was having trouble coming up with anything interesting to post. So I asked my husband for something short and funny to blog about. He did not disappoint. “Tell the ice cream story,” he suggested. Last week, while I was at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in … Read More