Big News!!

 I’ve been keeping something under wraps for a while, but it’s finally time to share—I’ve been working on a new book!

If you’ve been following my journey, you know that storytelling is at the core of everything I do. From Chicken Soup and A Shot of Jack to Fire Molten & Ash, my writing has always been about capturing real, raw moments with characters who feel like people you know. And this next book? It’s no different. 

This project has been a labor of love—one that blends lessons, struggles, and a touch of the unexpected. I want this book to be a quick but powerful sampler of my writing, something that showcases different sides of my work. Expect a mix of flash fiction, prose, poetry, & stories that hit hard and linger long after the last page.

I’m aiming for an April 20th release, and I can’t wait to share more details in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes insights, and of course THE TITLE RELEASE! If you’ve enjoyed my past work, I promise this one will be worth the wait.

Let’s raise a glass (or a pen) to the next chapter!

Drop a comment or hit me up—what do you hope to see in this book?

A Saturday in March of 2025

Today was a great day! I woke up with some creative plans, direct deposit in the bank, and the get-up-and-go to make it all work.

We all know that being an indie artist is not for the weak. It ain't fair-weather friend time when your dream is on the line, and your life-line to this thing we call life.

In any case, I posted this video which seemed to touch people in the right way.  I'm pretty happy about it, so I also just posted it here, because I believe it's in the "stories" section of most of my social media. When it's there, it's a limited time, but I wanted to share it with everyone because digital don't die. (That's why it's important we put good energy out into the universe--it comes back, truss!) 

Also just been in a creative bag. I'm gettin' things done, and feelin' pretty good about the process. So the other night, I was just f'n around on in the studio with some sounds and came up with a lil tune. Next thing

I know, I'm f'n around with some phone footage and a pen and paper. I didn't want to write a whole poem, but I wanted to present this work in a different way.  So here's a bit of creativity on overload. I'll also put the poem in poetic form here. Enjoy it.

We Digest Differently

A few,

lines for 

Life, some 

substance 

for stanzas,

Allowing the 

corner,

for the consumer--

b/c I overstand

we digest 

art

differently

_________________

See, I told you it was short, see, I told you I wanted to present it in a different way. All in all, this was a good day, a productive day, a busy day without the benefit of sweat, stink, and a stiff back at the day's end. I hope your day was peaceful, & productive.  

Remember, keep an eye out for announcements coming! 

New Poem

 What's good?  Hoping all is well in your world, in your life, and with your people.  Was feeling a bit creative this weekend, sooo...I put together a lil video, a lil poem, and a lil music.  I titled it "The Colored Poem" (has nothing to do with race, but more color based) Remember to comment and thanks for comin' thru! 

A Night of Mystery and Thrills at Tattered Cover

There’s something about sitting in a room full of storytellers that makes you want to write. That’s exactly how I felt after attending a panel of award-winning mystery and thriller authors at the Tattered Cover Book Store. The event featured an impressive lineup: Jennifer K. Morita, D.M. Rowell (Koyh Mi O Boy Dah), Cayce Osborne, Wes Browne, Alex Kenna, Maria Kelson, and Mindy Carlson.

Each author read a brief excerpt from their work, giving us just enough to hook our curiosity and leave us wanting more. It’s one thing to read a mystery novel on your own, but hearing the words spoken aloud by the person who crafted them adds another level of intensity. The cadence, the pauses, the way they delivered suspense—it was a masterclass in storytelling.

The variety of stories and styles was striking. Some leaned into psychological suspense, others into hardboiled crime, and a few had a literary flair that elevated the genre in unexpected ways. What united them all was their ability to grip an audience, both on the page and in person.

Beyond the readings, the authors shared insights into their writing processes, how they build tension, and what keeps them returning to mystery and thriller fiction. It’s always fascinating to hear how different writers approach their craft—some are meticulous plotters, while others let the story reveal itself as they go.

One of the most inspiring moments of the night came when D.M. Rowell spoke about her Native and Kiowa heritage. She shared how her cultural background shapes her writing, weaving history and tradition into her stories in a way that honors her ancestors while crafting compelling narratives. Her passion was palpable, and it was a reminder of how deeply personal storytelling can be.

Maria Kelson also stood out to me—not just because of her insights into writing mystery but because she

spoke about being a poet. In a room full of crime fiction writers, hearing her perspective made me feel a slight kinship. As someone who has written poetry, I understand that poetic sensibilities can shape prose in interesting ways, bringing rhythm and lyricism to even the most suspenseful of stories.

Tattered Cover, with its cozy but lively atmosphere, was the perfect backdrop for an evening like this. The audience was engaged, asking thoughtful questions and soaking up every bit of wisdom these authors had to share. Here are some other pictures and videos of the authors.

It was a good night—one that reminded me why I love storytelling and the community that surrounds it. If you ever get the chance to attend an event like this, take it. You never know what sparks of inspiration you’ll walk away with. 

And finally here are the videos I took of the event.

   

Ok kids, that's all I have. Keep an eye open for more update on projects I'm working on, as you can tell from this post, I am very hard at work.  Until next time--peace! 

Updates & Indie Learning Curves--2025 Style

 It's been one hell to the start of 2025.  I'm learning a lot this year, not only about myself, but who my writing self is, who my artist self is, how he gets down, and how he interacts with me.  

For any who know me, and I mean like know know me they know I love my Twitter (yep, still call it that). It's been a source of lifeblood for a very long time. I won't go into great detail, but social media-wise, it's where I like to hang out. Social media for any indie artist (I think) is pretty crucial to their life, or livelihoods. So I post a lot, I promote there mainly. Unfortunately, it hasn't generated a best-seller for me. In any case I haven't quit, but I'm learning to adjust. 

I have recently learned how to upload my book onto my website with a storefront and all that. This has been a game-changer for me. I have always been a believer of getting something from the source, rather than                             

second hand (retail). Are my books still on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all those other great places?--yep, but for credibility. I understand that people trust these places, the big boxes, and I'm just not a big box. However, I am beginning to find more customers through social media, that are buying directly from me!

This is where the learning is really beginning to be a thing for me. Other than creating my own store-front I'm starting to reach out to people differently. For the longest I was against email list and newsletters--ugh--but not any more. Yesterday I was finally able to add an email sign up list to my website. Now granted I had to get the word out via social media (twitter and IG) but the point is, I'm trying to enter a different chapter so to speak. So in honor of that, my logo goes in this post along with the big box boys and girls!

Color scheme is usually a part of branding, so I've kept the same colors, even though I've branched out with different logos. The tag line of "Creative Authentic Lit" has remained the same though.

I mention these lessons because I'm also working on a NEW PROJECT! I've learned that you have to stay relevant, or at least in visible. This is why I'm working hard on staying visible; continue posting, updating the blog etc. One of the big lessons I've learned about self-publishing is if you don't talk about your work (book, new music, new art--whatever) then no one will know that it exist.

So I'm announcing here 1st, that I am working on a project. I'm not going to divulge any secrets about the work, but know that it's coming soon, and I'm excited about it. It's been almost 10 years since I've self-published my first book, and around 5 years since publishing my last book, so it's time to do another project. 

Ya'll know spoken word is near and dear to my heart, so I might get back in the studio, I also have a huge love for art, so it might be some art-work...I'll leave the suspense for further post. 

I am doing my best to live my best life, and when I am able to create, my best life elevates. I am grateful for people who have come into my life, grateful for those who left, grateful for those who might return, and of course grateful for people who will come into my life new. 

If you are new to reading this blog, WELCOME! If you are a person who just "discovered" me like Columbus--WELCOME! I humbly ask you check out my website www.iwritebooks.yolasite.com  I have my books there along with some other great products. And if you are an old-head who's been following me, or is a friend who has supported my--THANK YOU, and WELCOME.  

I look forward to bringing in new things for this new year, and enjoying all that life will bring. Don't forget to follow me, and yo'...LEAVE A COMMENT (I be checkin' on stuff like that :) 

Until next time 

Feb's last day, Still Celebrate

Instead of doing my usual #vss365 piece, I've decided to do a 3 word generated poem, and as you can tell from the video below, the words are: large, fall, and load

 

Last day

of the month

    celebrate 337

Large land mass

    stolen with gun powder 

    from the east &

    small pox from 

    unclean Europeans

They fall

    unlike angels from 

    heaven,

    morals fall faster 

    than wishes for better 

    life, and destinies manifested

    they

failed.

Lock & load

    enslave, whip, beat

Lock & load

    freedoms fought for

    never really won

Lock &load

    black codes, segregate

    burn black towns

Lock & load

    cops blue black billy club

        spills red

    teachers blonde 

        bully but don't educate

    cells built en masse

        filled to capacity

The ballot failed,

    no shell casings on the ground

The sheep sit,

in arm-chairs...

    

    Revolution?

The questions awaits its

    answer.

©2025 C. Barbee

60 second vertical

Peace, peace....

    In protest today...(should I say that right after peace peace?) in any case I'm doing a bit of blogging today as I'm taking a bit of a break from social media, shopping, and spending money on folks that don't care about my folks', they just care about my 

Black Money 

In any case I've decided to do some shorts and post them here instead.

Of course I'll have to go back to social media, but today I'm chillin' here. Also I'll be announcing some writing happenings in the next couple of days, and weeks ahead.

So Stay Tuned In.  Now, the 60 second video

Don't forget to leave a comment...don't be afraid of conversation...