Tag: writer

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2019 NaNoWriMo Winner!

I did it! Kind of… Yesterday, on Thanksgiving, I reached 50,000 words of my NaNoWriMo challenge. I met the word count goal, but adding the 50,000 didn’t finish my story. Cleo Book 2 is about 85% done, so it’s close, but I don’t think I’ll finish the book before the end of November. I will finish the first draft by the end of the year though, that’s my new goal. The NaNoWriMo challenge helped me make writing one of my top priorities and helped me prove to myself that I can find the time to write every day. I made it to some of my local NaNo write-ins and connected with other writers in a fun, supportive atmosphere. There were some hard nights when I’d look at the screen, hardly awake, and see that I still needed a thousand words until I could go to bed, but somehow, I always met my daily goal. I must admit, I do not type fast; it has been a weakness in my life. I averaged writing about two hours a day this month and my typing speed significantly improved! If you haven’t tried doing a NaNoWriMo challenge, I recommend it. Anyway, I hope everyone had a lovely November and a happy Thanksgiving. Post details of your favorite November memory in the comments!

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Writing

I put my kids to bed at nine, my husband to bed at eleven. Then, if everything in my house is in order, which it never is, I write… Though I didn’t fancy writing, until recent years, it is now my obsession. When I’m not writing, I’m thinking about how each situation could fit into a future novel. Nights I lie in bed, not having typed or written about the stories filling my head, are restless. Why creating stories and forming them into words, sentences, and characters makes me feel so fulfilled, I will never know. I’ll also never know why I cut ten inches off my hair… So many mysteries in life.

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Passions

I become passionate about too many things. This summer I’ve been going to u-pick fruit farms with two of my friends and turning my haul into freezer jam. So far, I’ve turned 70 pounds of strawberries, 50 pounds of peaches, and 20 pounds of raspberries into jam. There’s about 20 pounds of blueberries sitting in my deep freeze, waiting to be next. I need more containers first…

Next, I’ve been training the past several months for my triathlon I completed last weekend at Hagg Lake. It was so fun and inspirational; I’m already starting my training for it again next year and talked my husband into competing too. My three-year-old thinks he will race with us. He wanted to start “training” today.

Third, I was at my local city council meeting again a couple nights ago representing our Library Board. An amnesty program that my board members and I have been working on all summer got approved by the council and will start August 1st. It’s so exciting to be part of the changes happening in our little library.

Jam, racing, hiking, libraries, writing… These are only a few things I’m passionate about at the moment. Comment a list of what you’re passionate about!

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.
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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!