It’s almost March! I’ve been busy with lots of different projects and events. Yesterday I spoke to a group of women writers at a retreat and had a wonderful time. Next week, I’ll be part of a choral reading at a launch event for Gayle Brandeis’s new book, Many Restless Concerns.

My big exciting news right now, though, is that I’ve received a report back from the peer review of my book for WVU Press-- a look at the punk scene of North Central West Virginia in the 2000s! The feedback is great, and I feel good about the suggestions. I’ll be sending my response back shortly!

I’m now on my second draft of my new novel, and am hoping to hear back from my editor soon about my Inkshares book. I will be sure to keep you updated on all of it!

Please remember to VOTE!
Thank you for your support!

Becca

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

A quick update on Young Donald’s journey to publication.

I received a set of excellent and very thorough comments from the editor late last year which has now resulted in a completely revised draft of the manuscript. Ironically, as the real Donald seems increasingly like a caricature of a human being, the character of Young Donald is becoming fuller and more multi-dimensional. The revised draft is now back with the editor.

In the meantime, please follow Young Donald on Twitter @novel_young. I am sure the Ukrainian hackers who have taken control of that account would appreciate a larger follower base.

And thanks to the 55 people who attended the Young Donald Supporters Party (and coincidentally new years eve party) on December 31!

Michael

Well it has been a minute!

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

Greetings wonderful followers!!

We have gone through another holiday season and rampaged into a new year. I hope you have all had a fun and eventful time. Speaking of eventful, things have been happening with Beyond the Code and I want to share the news.

First off, for my Edmontonian followers, Beyond the Code has been included in the Capital City Press Collection. This is a program within the city of Edmonton to include works from local authors into the city’s many Libraries. This year, the books chosen will be featured in the brand new Stanley A Milner Library in the downtown core. See the link below

https://epl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2044774005

Secondly, the Beyond the Code audio book has received several reviews through Audible.com and now is standing at a 4.7 rating. Check out what they have to say and if you sign up with Audible, you can get an audio book for FREE! See the link below and give it a shot.

https://www.audible.ca/pd/Beyond-the-Code-Audiobook/B07XVNFSDS

Next thing, Beyond the Code has been reviewed on Onlinebookclub.org. 3 out of 4 stars!! Follow the link and see what they have to say.

https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=129849

And last but not least. This is something I am very excited about. Sometime ago, I entered Beyond the Code into the 2019 Screencraft Cinematic Book Competition and, I am happy to tell you, that Beyond the Code has made it through the first hurdle and is in the Quarter Finals!! Follow the link below if you want to know about the contest and the other Quarter Finalist and wish me luck. They will be announcing the Semi Finalist on Feb 12th.

https://screencraft.org/2020/01/08/2019-screencraft-cinematic-book-competition-quarterfinalists-announced/?utm_source=drip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2019+Stage+Play%2C+Book+%26+Short+Story+Quarterfinalists+Announced

Thank you all for your continuing support and feedback. If you haven’t already, make sure to give Beyond the Code a review on Goodreads or Amazon. Reviews are the lifeblood of every Indie author plus, I love to hear what you all thought of my work. 

Thanks again for all your continuing support and I hope to bring you good news in the future.