Meet Rio L. Barney
My hearts, today I’m excited to introduce you to Rio L. Barney—an author of all things fantasy with a dash of horror and sci-fi mixed in. When she’s not trekking through the wilds of Utah with her husband and three children, she can be found hacking away at a computer (often laughing at her own jokes). She loves to stare at the stars, dig in the dirt, and attempt to grow anything and everything in the heavy clay of Utah. She’s a hybrid author, a poet, and a storyteller who can make you laugh even while writing about demons. Let’s dive in!
JEN: Welcome, Rio! What’s your role in indie books?
RIO: I’m a hybrid published author. It’s kind of like being indie—but with a little extra support.
JEN: You’ve wanted to write since you were five. —what’s the first story you remember creating?
RIO: I remember the first story I wrote at 5. It was about two friends that went on a random adventure. It was one page in length, but I was 5.
JEN: I love it! What inspires you to keep writing now?
RIO: I love the theme of taking on the darkness by being the light. That keeps me writing. And my background helps—I’m a first-degree black belt, which makes my fight scenes sharper, and I used to be an EMT, which adds realism to my medical details.
JEN: Let’s talk about your work! What have you published so far?
RIO: My first novel, A Flicker in the Dark, came out this summer. I’ve also had poems published with the Dark Poets Club and three short stories published in separate anthologies.
NOTE FROM JEN: Here’s the official blurb!
Have you ever felt a ringing in your ears? Ever had your ears pop right after? That means a demon is nearby.
No matter—wherever demons appear, a member of the Divine Caste, also known as Slayers, is close behind. Let the Slayers handle the demon and run, don’t walk, run away as fast as possible!
Don’t believe in demons? That’s all right too. I’m sure that oozy, black tentacled thing drawing you in was just a dog, yes, a dog.
Thankfully, for those of us who do believe—or perhaps have the Divine Gift of Occulus—we can see the truth. Join the two oldest Bernhard brothers, Braconis and Rygel, as they learn to harness their gifts and join their family in the ongoing fight to protect this planet from the Dark beings seeping in. Battle with demons, meet one of the last Gideonites, and fight off a Slecht, all while trying to pass the Witch Prince’s math class, who also happens to be their cursed 11th great uncle.
JEN: That sounds like a ride! Who are your favorite authors?
RIO: Jonathan Stroud is my favorite author alive, and Robert Heinlein is my favorite author that’s dead.
JEN: What’s your writing life like?
RIO: Coffee—100%! And I keep a secret stash of dark chocolate in my desk. I’m a night owl for sure. I like mornings, but I have zero motivation in them. My best work usually happens midday.
JEN: What’s your late night writing vibe like? Candles? Chaos? Snacks?
RIO: My midnight writing vibe is quietly chuckling to myself, wrapped in a blanket, crouched over my laptop. I wish it was more glamorous but it's not.
JEN: Hard relate! Do you write with music or in silence?
RIO: I love death metal and goth rock, but I actually work best without music.
JEN: Where does your hometown fit into your work?
RIO: I’m from Utah, and my husband and I just bought my grandparents’ home—the place I literally grew up in. My books borrow landmarks and elements from my hometown.
JEN: Since you sneak Utah landmarks into your stories, what’s one you’re especially proud of including?
RIO: One of the main Utah landmarks is the museum in the town where I live. I describe it as the library, because it used to be when I was a little kid. Next to it is an obelisk, which also makes an appearance in my book. I also chose some historic landmarks which are completely real, but I did change the stories surrounding them. The one I used locally (for me) was the Pony Express Station located in Callao, Utah, aptly named 'Burnt Station'.
JEN: What advice would you give to aspiring authors—or to your younger self?
RIO: Trust your gut. Listen to critiques of your work, but remember: you get to decide what to change and what to keep. It’s your story.
JEN: And finally, how has your family supported your writing journey?
RIO: I never would have published anything without the support of my husband. He’s my biggest cheerleader.
Thanks so much to Rio for joining me today! Go check out A Flicker in the Dark and keep an eye out for more of her wild, imaginative adventures. My hearts, please follow Rio’s journey, grab her books, or just enjoy her musings! You can find her here: Instagram: @barneyrio; Facebook: riobarney; and her website www.riolbarney.com.
Are you a human author? A human who narrates audiobooks? A human who designs book covers? Or a human who does PR and promotion for other authors? I'd love to interview you, too. Let me know when you’re ready!
