C.J. Barry

www.cjbarry.com // home page

About C.J. Barry

C.J. grew up reading science fiction novels, comic books, and her brother's Cracked magazines. In high school, a creative writing teacher told her she should be a writer, but she decided to go to college instead. In college, a writing professor told her she should be a writer, but she decided to be a computer programmer instead. A husband, a cat and two kids later, an adult education teacher told her she should be a writer. She finally gave in, and after selling the first novel she ever wrote, decided that all those teachers were right. Seven novels later, she continues to bring her unique blend of high adventure and sizzling romance to her romantic suspense novels.

C.J has won numerous awards for her novels, and is a member of the Romance Writers of America.

By day, she works as a technical writer. By night, she co-hosts a writing podcast, dreams up adventures, and pens the books she was destined to write.opodcast, and pens the books she was destined to write.
Contact via email CJ Barry

Contact Information

Via email CJ Barry
My agent Roberta Brown, Brown Literary Agency

Subrights inquiries for the Body Series Berkley Books
Subrights inquiries for the UN Series Dorchester Publishing

For Readers

Signed bookmarks and bookplates are available upon request. Please email CJ Barry with your mailing address and your preference.

For Booksellers

Signed bookmarks and bookplates are available upon request. Please email CJ Barry with your mailing address and the number of each that you'd like.

Awards and Accolades

2009 Romance Writers of America® RITA® Finalist

2006 Kiss of Death Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery/Suspense Winner for Best Futuristic and Overall Winner (Unmasked)

2006 Prism winner for Best Futuristic (Unmasked)

2006 Winner in Reviewer's International Organization Award of Excellence (Unmasked)

2006 Finalist for Best Futuristic in Romantic Times magazine Reviewer's Choice (Unmasked)

2005 double Prism Winner for Best Futuristic and Best of the Best

2005 RIO Award of Excellence Winner

2005 Finalist for Best Futuristic in Romantic Times magazine Reviewer's Choice

2004 Winner in the National Reader's Choice Award for Best Paranormal

2004 Windy City Choice Awards Winner

2004 Winner of Winter Rose

Award of Excellence in Romantic Fiction (Overall)

2004 Winner in Reviewer's International Organization Award of Excellence (Unchained)

2004 HOLT Medallion Finalist

2004 Winner in Paranormal Romance's PEARL Award for Best Science Fiction Romance

2004 RIO Award of Excellence Winner

2004 Winner of Winter Rose

Award of Excellence in Romantic Fiction (Paranormal)

2004 Finalist for Best Futuristic in Romantic Times magazine Reviewer's Choice

2003 Author of the Year from Fallen Angel Reviews

Questions and Answers

Q: Have you written books under any other name?

A: Yes, I've written two contemporary romantic adventures under the name Samantha Graves. You can find out more about those books at www.samanthagraves.com.

Q: Who were your biggest influences?

A: I read lots of science fiction novels in my youth and that definitely influenced my writing. My most influential authors are Jennifer Crusie, Sandra Brown, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Elizabeth Lowell. However, my biggest influence was, is and will always be movies. I am a visual writer so movies are my biggest creative inspiration. My favorites are Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Underworld, Princess Bride, Lara Croft, and pretty much all adventures. Just not too gory. Ick.

Q: What is the most useful piece of advice you would give to someone who wanted to become a writer?

A: Be patient. Learn your craft. Write every day. And above all, never give up.

Q: Where do you like to write? Do you have a writing routine?

A: Generally, I write in my office, which is actually our living room. Well, half of it anyway. My writing routine varies a lot, depending on my day job work schedule and kid's schedules. It's always a challenge. I just write when I can.

Q: Are any of your books available on Kindle or in e-book format?

A: My Samantha Graves books are available for the Kindle on Amazon. My C.J. Barry futuristics are not currently available in e-book format. I don't know at this time if Body Master will be offered in e-book format, but I'll let you know if it is!