Summer Update

It’s been a busy month so far! I hosted my local book club meeting at my house since they all read my book! It was so fun to have a group of people talk about my story in their point-of-view and hear all their thoughts and theories. We had a random name draw for a free, signed copy of my book and everyone brought some awesome snacks to share.

I’ve also been busy with working on things for the library in my town since I am the city’s Library Board President. I have an awesome board to work with; we’re excited about the library re-model and are coming up with lots of new programs to offer. Our board just took a few matters to the last city council meeting, which was fun to see and be a part of.

I am getting farther on book two and am so excited to share it with the world soon. My husband and I were coming up with names for the second book the whole drive home from the coast on Saturday. Naming things is incredibly difficult. Cleo: Under the Surface had two other names before we settled on this one. Want to guess what they were?

Thanks for all your support! Go to your local library! Libraries are cool!

Also, this month is my birthday…

Cleo: Under the Surface Sequel Updates & Free Paperback Drawing

I hope everyone is having a terrific spring. It’s breathtaking here in Oregon, if you’ve never been here and like the outdoors, I suggest visiting. There are countless waterfalls, beautiful rain forests and beaches. Here’s a picture I took on the Spencer Butte Trail near Eugene today.

I am currently working on the second book for Cleo: Under the Surface, which I hope to have out by the end of the year.  I’ve also been busy doing stuff for our local library (I’m on the library board). Our library is being renovated and we’re creating a lot of exciting programs for all ages.

 I just did a random draw of all my newsletter subscribers for a free, signed paperback, so check your emails if you’re subscribed. If you haven’t yet subscribed, please do so on my website ctbarney.com to hear about upcoming events and a chance to win more prizes.

Also, if you’ve read Cleo: Under the Surface, please review it on Amazon, or post on my social media what you thought of it.

The ebook has been featured in another StoryOrigin promotion in which all of the books listed are free to read on Kindle Unlimited. Check it out!

Have a fantastic day!

C.T. Barney

Paperback Now Available!

Cleo Under the Surface paperback is now available on Amazon! (click here to buy) I am so excited to have my physical book in my hands; it looks great. It still feels unreal to think about my story being out there for the world to read. The excitement I get every time I read or hear someone say they liked my book makes me feel like I can do a back flip on the spot. But I know I can’t, so never attempt.

Anyway, the book is doing great. It is #1 New Release in Teen & Young Adult Values & Virtues e-books on Amazon. It’s also being featured in a Sci-Fi & Fantasy group promotion through StoryOrigin. This is the link to the promotion; all the books listed on it are free for you to read with Kindle Unlimited. https://storyoriginapp.com/to/0ldC9T4L

I started reading a new series called Aerisia: Land Beyond the Sunset by Sarah Ashwood. It has a great story line and rich fantasy. I always admire authors that tackle creating a new world with its own language. Check it out! https://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Ashwood/e/B00376G5OE

Thanks for all your support! Stay in touch to hear about some exciting, upcoming events.

Cleo: Under the Surface Available!

Hello World!

Cleo: Under the Surface is complete! Three years in the making and I have published my first book! You can get the electronic-book right now on Amazon for only 99¢ until March 22. The paperback will be available on April 5th. I will launch the book on March 22, so your reviews before that date on Amazon will benefit my book launch. I am very excited to share this story with the world, let me know what you think.

Click here to get the ebook, exclusively on Amazon.

Thank you for sticking with me and for your patience.

C.T. Barney

Love Things

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!
I must acknowledge my amazing husband on this day of love. When I handed my husband the first few chapters of the first draft of my book, I was shaking. All my writing took place at night after he fell asleep, so he didn’t understand what I was up to. My face felt boiling when I gave it to him. I left him in our room alone to read it and ran into the bathroom and jumped in the shower, the entire time wondering what he would think. 
From the moment I re-entered our room, over two years ago in December 2016, until the current moment, my husband has been nothing but supportive, encouraging, and helpful. He edited my entire third draft of the book and bought me writing software, editing software, an office desk and chair. He found our cover artist and our copy editor and has spent countless hours researching publishing and marketing for the book. I can’t tell you how many spreadsheets he’s created from his research, he loves spreadsheets… He is my agent, my financial adviser, my photographer, and my best friend. 
He has filled the past seven years with love and adventure. I can’t believe I found someone that not only supports me, but who is right there with me, working on something so important. This book isn’t just mine, it wouldn’t exist in the way it does without him. It’s our project, our book, “our precious…”

Proofread Submitted!

This morning at 12:30am, I sent my manuscript back to my editor for her to proofread. She should send it back within two weeks! I am exhausted, but very excited. I’ll take this time to work on the second book, but maybe give myself a couple days to rest and even read a book? My book club is meeting this Thursday to discuss Educated By Tara Westover, so I better get started. Thanks for all the support and encouragement on this journey of mine.

C.T. Barney

Cleo Under the Surface Playlist 1

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! It’s sunny today here in Oregon and I finished editing another chapter, so I better head outside before it’s gone. Here are songs I’ve listened to this week that made me think of my book. Some are more recent discoveries while a few are old favorites I used to listen to in high school. Let me know which one you like most. If you click the play button on the thumbnail, you can listen to them via YouTube. Here’s the list:

1. PS2 – Litany

2. Eastside – Benny Blanco

3. Issues – Julia Michaels

4. Slow Hands – Niall Horan

5. Born to Die – Lana Del Rey

6. It’s in Your Blood – Lydia

7. Stitches – Haste the Day

8. Friday I’m in Love – The Cure

9. Sweater Weather – The Neighborhood

Finished Cover Art

My book cover is finally finished! I started out with using my kid’s crayons and colored pencils to create the idea. Originally, I planned on having a 3D modeled teenage girl on the cover and an ominous tree on the back, all surrounded by a white-blue hazy light. I submitted the idea to our cover designer, Zak, and told him to be artistic with it and use his expertise. Zak created two amazing cover designs for me to choose from that were both beautiful and eye-catching. I took them around, showing many teenagers, friends and family members. Almost everyone, including me, agreed they liked one better than the other, so we went with that one.

I then submitted the chosen cover to a group of authors on Facebook that gave me constructive advice on things to change and what to keep. Now, after many months and over a dozen revisions, including renaming the book, my cover is ready. I’m happy with the way it turned out and I’m looking forward to making another cover with our designer, he’s great!

Original Idea… Lol.

New Desk

Greetings Fellow Earthlings,
I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and are as excited for the new year as I am.

Until now, all my writing has been done while on a couch, bed, dining room table, vanity set, the car, a park bench, and probably several other places. But now I have a real desk! My thoughtful husband got me this desk for Christmas and we assembled it together, despite our boys crawling all over everything, hiding small pieces in their mouths, and carving holes into the wall with the screwdriver. I’m hoping the desk increases productivity so I can publish novels more often.

I’m making writing a more consistent and scheduled part of my life. I have an itinerary for writing and publishing my books with a goal of producing a novel every 6 months. Creating a book is more work than I ever fathomed, but the joy I experience while writing makes it worth it.

C. T. Barney

Currently Working on 11/30/18

Hi fellow readers!

I’m in the process of revising the Cleo: Under the Surface manuscript to include the edits from our editor. She’s brilliant and has published a few books herself. I’m also adding pictures and posts on my social media pages (see links at the bottom of the page). I’m looking forward to publish-day, then maybe I can take a few days’ break? Yeah right. Thanks for coming to my website and feel free to send me a comment. Please subscribe!