Greetings wonderful followers!

Today is a very special day. Two years ago today, my first novel, Beyond the Code, was released out into the world. Alot has happened in that time. I’ve met tons of like-minded writers from all around the world, Beyond the Code has been praised by several professional book reviewers, got it made into an audiobook, got Beyond the Code on bookshelves of major bookstores along with doing signings at said stores, and spoke as an author at a couple panels at a writers convention.  It’s been a crazy couple of years and, even though I’m not at where i wished I would be, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. It isn’t much in the grand scheme of things, but those small victories are earned and I am grateful for them.

I’ll admit, these last two years have had there share of bumps. I’ve had to take a hard look at what I truly wanted, both professionally and personally, and it made me re-evaluate my stances of things. I’m still figuring out the kinks in my future plans but I think I’m getting to a good place, slowly but surely.

Sorry for digging deep on you but I was feeling nostalgic, due to the date, and I wanted to mark the occasion with something. Not with links or pleas to check out my work, but with a heart felt thank you. Most of you are the ones who decided to follow and support my work in the campaign stage and I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for all of you. So again, THANK YOU!!

The sequel is coming along and I am super excited about where it’s going. Once I get my footing on it, expect some teasers in the future and I may be reaching out to some of you in the beta readers stage. Wish me luck.

Kelsey Rae Barthel

Inkshares editors have indicated a need to be more consistent with descriptive language throughout my story. I wrote this today and it makes me feel good so I wanted to share it with a little bit of chest pounding because whether it’s good or bad isn’t as important as that feeling that reminds me of why I enjoy writing. This paragraph occurs in a chapter after the inciting incident in MINE but before the 1st act turn. Plot points are important.

“Is it something I said?” He looks at me with implacable eyes and I feel judgment. Resentment. Not by him. Some other little fiend judges me this day. I shrink into myself while the light spool draws tighter toward gray grayer grayest with rain and more rain draining the world to a dark nothing the way mixing too many colors becomes an oozing brackish mud absorbing everything. Like Mount Vesuvius erupting its smothering volcanic ash leaving a hollow where once, for a mere moment, we occupied a space. Or maybe it’s seasonal affective disorder. “The court order hasn’t been lifted, has it?”

Here’s a link to follow MINE. I always try to follow back. https://www.inkshares.com/books/murder-happens

HELLO EVERYONE!! 

Long time, no hear from. Alot has happened since I started with Inkshares to publish my first novel, Beyond the Code. I got to have book signings at big bookstores like Chapters and Indigo, I have had several good reviews from professionals, I put myself out there in the writing world and now, I’m proud to say that Beyond the Code is now available on AUDIOBOOK!! Check it out through the link 

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Code-Kelsey-Rae-Barthel/dp/1947848097

It was a great experience and the narrator, Lisa Beacom, did an amazing job. She delivered an awesome performance that brought the characters to life and I couldn’t be happier. 

Check it out and spread the word!!! 

Kelsey Rae Barthel 

Hello all!

I hope you are having a wonderful summer. Mine has been eventful, to say the least!

I have brief news regarding Curio Citizen--my previous editor is no longer with the company, so my manuscript is now in the hands of a new editor, Sarah Nivala. I am excited to receive their feedback and will keep you all informed as the editing process goes on.

In other news, my family and I made a big change this summer. We moved halfway across the country! I am now a resident of Kansas City and loving it. After three weeks, I’m finally feeling settled, and I’ve managed to make time to write in spite of the busy move.

I’m now in the process of preparing a fresh novel manuscript for a Twitter pitch event in September. These pitch events invite authors to write a short description of their novel within Twitter’s 280-character limit (quite the challenge!). If an agent or publisher likes the pitch, they’ll click that little heart button in the tweet to request more material. I’ve had moderate success with these sorts of events in the past, so I’m hoping this one will bear fruit. Wish me luck! As always, thank you for your interest and support of my writerly aspirations!

Best,

Katherine