Chanticleer Book Reviews

Author: Argus Brown

  • Introducing On Word Talks Video Blog

    Introducing On Word Talks Video Blog

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”20px” padding_bottom=”20px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”yes” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”#3a3a3c” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”100px” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”18961″ max_width=”” style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”On Word” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://test.chantireviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/On-Word-header-1104xx209-1.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_youtube id=”https://youtu.be/7wXQHysPjkE” alignment=”center” width=”” height=”” autoplay=”false” api_params=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” /][fusion_text]

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    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”yes” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no” element_content=””][fusion_text]We read their books. We love their stories. We move in with their characters, yet we often know very little about the author behind it all.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Author JAMIE FORD Gets Beat Up By Life | On Word

    Author JAMIE FORD Gets Beat Up By Life | On Word

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”20px” padding_bottom=”20px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”yes” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”#3a3a3c” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”100px” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”18961″ max_width=”” style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”On Word” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://test.chantireviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/On-Word-header-1104xx209-1.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_youtube id=”TlqXBBceJ2k” alignment=”center” width=”” height=”” autoplay=”false” api_params=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” /][fusion_text]

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    Jamie Ford, the acclaimed author of Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and his latest, Love and Other Consolation Prizes, taps into his personal reservoir of life’s lickings to weave a rich tapestry of emotions in his writing.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • ALYSON RICHMAN is an Impressionist Author | On Word

    ALYSON RICHMAN is an Impressionist Author | On Word

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”20px” padding_bottom=”20px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”yes” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”#3a3a3c” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”100px” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”18961″ max_width=”” style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”On Word” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://test.chantireviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/On-Word-header-1104xx209-1.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_youtube id=”ATNEB6X110E” alignment=”center” width=”” height=”” autoplay=”false” api_params=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” /][fusion_text]

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    The daughter of an abstract painter, Alyson is truly an artist, using her words like brush strokes. Following up her international best sellers, The Velvet Hour and The Lost Wife comes her latest novel, The Garden of Letters, set in Positano, a tranquil seaside village that finds WWII at its port and two random people forge a unique relationship under the threat of life and death.

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  • AUTHOR LISA WINGATE Crosses into the Dark Side of History | On Word

    AUTHOR LISA WINGATE Crosses into the Dark Side of History | On Word

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”20px” padding_bottom=”20px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”yes” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”#3a3a3c” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”100px” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”18961″ max_width=”” style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”On Word” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://test.chantireviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/On-Word-header-1104xx209-1.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_youtube id=”qJ9fQpwTQMk” alignment=”center” width=”” height=”” autoplay=”false” api_params=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” /][fusion_text]

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    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”yes” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no” element_content=””][fusion_text]With her 30th novel, Lisa Wingate fearlessly delves into the greatest adoption scandal of the 20th c., led by one woman, Georgia Tan, who kidnapped poor children & babies to sell to wealthy families. When Lisa came across this above-the-law crime story, she pulled herself up off the floor and just had to know more. Lisa is careful to balance Ms. Tan’s sociopathic world with the voices of the children and families involuntarily drawn into the queenpin’s greed and ruthlessness.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • MJ ROSE Gets into Writing Sex Scenes | On Word

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”20px” padding_bottom=”20px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”yes” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”#3a3a3c” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”100px” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”18961″ max_width=”” style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”On Word” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://test.chantireviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/On-Word-header-1104xx209-1.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_youtube id=”a-ABS5WCnZg” alignment=”center” width=”” height=”” autoplay=”false” api_params=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” /][fusion_text]

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    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”yes” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no” element_content=””][fusion_text]Releasing her 17th novel, MJ Rose is no stranger to writing from the senses. She muses that writers have to be good liars, good actors and have great imaginations as she takes on characters of all shapes and sizes.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • RANDY SUSAN MEYERS Gets Popped Out | On Word

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”20px” padding_bottom=”20px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”yes” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”#3a3a3c” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”100px” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”18961″ max_width=”” style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”On Word” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://test.chantireviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/On-Word-header-1104xx209-1.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_youtube id=”JhvoF2E7tG8″ alignment=”center” width=”” height=”” autoplay=”false” api_params=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” /][fusion_text]

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    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”yes” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no” element_content=””][fusion_text]Randy’s novels live in Dark, Dysfunctional, Domestic Drama: quadruple Ds– that with an undercurrent of humor to get through all the mishegas. She pulls from her years working with battered victims and inmates- she drives in to discover light in the dark moments.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • The Official List of the Chanticleer 2015 Grand Prize Winners of the Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions

    The Official List of the Chanticleer 2015 Grand Prize Winners of the Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions

    Blue-Ribbons-300x2001.jpgWe are excited and honored to have announced the 2015 grand prize award winners at the third annual Chanticleer Authors Conference’s  Awards Banquet held on Saturday, April. 30th, 2016 at the Hotel Bellwether by beautiful Bellingham Bay, Wash.

    We want to thank all of those who entered and participated in the fiercely competitive 2015 Chanticleer International Writing Competitions.

    Our next Awards Banquet will be held on April 1st, 2017, for the 2016 winners. Enter your book or manuscript in a contest today!

    CBR– Discovering Today’s Best Books with the CBR BLUE RIBBON Writing Competitions!  

     

    The Chanticleer Grand Prize Award 2015 for Overall Best Book:

    Daughter of Destiny - Nicole Evelina

    Nichole Evelina

    Daughter of Destiny by Nicole Evelina was awarded the Chanticleer Overall Grand Prize for the Best Book in the 2015 Chanticleer International Writing Competitions. Congratulations to author Nicole Evelina.  

     

     

    The Chanticleer Genre Grand Prize 2015 Winners are as follows:


    great symmetry james wellsThe Cygnus Grand Prize for SciFi and Fantasy Fiction 2015 was awarded to: 

    The Great Symmetry
    by James Wells

    View Cygnus Category 1st Place Winners


    Rhythm for Sale - Grant Harper ReidThe Journey Grand Prize Ribbon for Narrative Non-fiction 2015 was awarded to:

    Rhythm for Sale
    by Grant Harper Reid

    View Journey Category 1st Place Winners


    There's Something About MartyThe M&M Grand Prize Ribbon for Mystery & Mayhem Fiction 2015 was awarded to:

    There’s Something About Marty
    by Wendy Delaney

    View Mystery & Mayhem Category 1st Place Winners


    The Girl and the Clock WOrk Cat - Nikki McCormackThe Dante Rossetti Grand Prize Ribbon for YA Fiction 2015 was awarded to:

    The Girl and the Clockwork Cat
    by Nikki McCormack

    View Dante Rossetti Category 1st Place Winners


    Valhalla Revealed by Robert A. WrightThe Chaucer Grand Prize Ribbon for Historical Fiction 2015 was awarded to:

    Valhalla Revealed    
    by Robert A Wright

    View Chaucer Category 1st Place Winners


    Doctor Kinneys Housekeeper - Sara DahmenThe Laramie Grand Prize Ribbon for Western, Pioneer, Civil War Fiction 2015 was awarded to:

    Doctor Kinney’s Housekeeper
    by Sara Dahmen

    View Laramie Category 1st Place Winners


    Daughter of Destiny - Nicole EvelinaThe Chatelaine Grand Prize Ribbon for Women’s Fiction and Romantic Fiction 2015 was awarded to:

    Daughter of Destiny
    by Nicole Evelina

    View Chatelaine Category 1st Place Winners


    Blood Relations by Lonna EnoxThe CLUE Grand Prize Ribbon for Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Fiction 2015 was awarded to:

    Blood Relations
    by Lonna Enox

    View CLUE Category 1st Place Winners


    The Aurora Affair - Carolyn HaleyThe Paranormal Grand Prize Ribbon for Paranormal/Supernatural Fiction 2015 was awarded to:

    The Aurora Affair
    by Carolyn Haley

    View Paranormal Category 1st Place Winners


    The Alexandrite - Rick LenzThe Somerset Grand Prize Ribbon for Literary, Contemporary, & Mainstream Fiction 2015 was awarded to:

    The Alexandrite
    by Richard Lenz

    View Somerset Category 1st Place Winners

    Now this is something to CROW about!

    Enter Your Book or Manuscript in a contest!

    Please note that the above awards are for submissions that we received in 2015. The award winners were acknowledge at the 2016 annual Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 30th, 2016.

    The winners of the 2016 Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions (works entered in 2016) will be recognized at the 2017 Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Banquet held April 1st, 2017. Reserve your spot now.

    We invite you to read the Chanticleer editorial book reviews of these stellar works. The reviews will be published on our website and in the Chanticleer Reviews online magazine. If they are not currently posted, they will be posted as they are reviewed! Congratulations, again, to these award winning  authors!

    For more information about the Chanticleer International Writing Competitions, please visit our Writing Contests pages.

    We are currently accepting  2016 and 2017 contest entries: CBR International Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions.

    We would like to thank our sponsors who make the Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions and the Chanticleer Authors Conference possible.

    SPB 300x250The WriterMascot_Books_Logo-2014Village Books LogopnwaWWP book logo 2015 small
    Bublish

  • One Mental Trick That Will Help You Sell More Books by Tim Vandehey and Naren Aryal

    One Mental Trick That Will Help You Sell More Books by Tim Vandehey and Naren Aryal

    Did you know that the average self-published book sells about 200 copies?

    You’re an author and dialed into the world of books, so you probably did know that. But you didn’t know that most of those authors sabotage their own sales, did you? The thing is, that sabotage has nothing to do with the quality of the final product. It’s all about the attitude they adopt once that Kindle hits the Amazon digital shelves, or that box of freshly printed paperbacks arrives at their door still smelling of toner. With the best of intentions and hope in their hearts, they set out to find readers for their work, but they cut their own throats with some variation on this simple nine-word phrase:

    “People are going to be excited about my book.”

    We hate to break it to you, but no, they’re not.

    Sure, your friends, family members and the folks in your writer’s group will be all up in your business to get a copy and post enthusiastic reviews on Amazon. But unless you’ve built up a loyal readership from a previous book, nobody else is likely to care. That’s not your fault. There are a LOT of books competing for eyeballs. Being an author is a thousand times more competitive than most writers realize. Many don’t even think of themselves as being in a competitive field in the first place! But the harsh truth is, if you can’t compete for readers’ interest and attention, you won’t sell books. 

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

    How to Increase Book Sales in Book Stores
    The average book store has 7,000 titles

    We’ve seen it hundreds of times: new authors so certain that their books are going to set the world on fire that they don’t even do basic marketing or branding, like launching a nice looking website. Armed with that misplaced optimism, they set their books free on Amazon like baby birds leaving the nest…and the books fall to the ground and die in the hot sun. Sales Rank: 2,000,000. Oops.

    [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

    tLgzJ
    Amazon Book Warehouse

    Don’t be that author. If you want to give yourself a better chance of selling more books, change how you think about the task of selling books and reaching readers.

    Ditch that blind optimism and gird yourself for battle.

    Be proud of your work, but don’t delude yourself into believing that anyone outside your current circle (including your Facebook friends) cares about buying it. Instead, remember this phrase: 

    “No one cares about my book, but I’m going to make them care.” 

    Book-selling is the art and science of figuring out who your ideal readers are, learning what they care about, and then reaching out to them again and again in ways that pique their interest about you and your work. That takes time and persistence, but most of all, it takes understanding that you don’t have a right to readers.

    You have to earn readers. You need a platform, a great brand, an execution plan, a lot of patience, and doggedness. If you have those qualities and really connect with your readers to earn their loyalty, you’ll build an audience for your work for the next 20 years. 

    Note from Kiffer Brown
    How-to-Sell-CraploadTim Vandehey and Naren Aryal are the co-authors of How to Sell a Crapload of Books: 10 Secrets of Building a Killer Author Platform, and the founders of BeastSellers.com, which helps authors build powerful marketing platforms and winning brands.

    [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

    mascotnaren
    Naren Aryal

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    TimV mugshot2
    Tim Vandehey

     

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  • Chanticleer Authors Conference 2015 Schedule

    Chanticleer Authors Conference 2015 Schedule

    cac3-150x1501.pngSchedule of Sessions at the Chanticleer Authors Conference 2015

    This is the projected schedule as of September 22, 2015. Please check back frequently for updates and more details. Thank you!

    To find out more information about the presenters and their sessions, please click here! 

    Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 CAC15 Sessions and Events will take place at the Bellingham Yacht Club at Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham, Wash. 

    9:00 a.m. Registration Opens in the BYC Lounge

    9:30 a.m.  Saturday  Sessions @ BYC

    • Fireplace Room: Characterization—Creating Memorable Characters to Keep Your Readers Coming Back – Pamela Beason, award winning author, private investigator, editor
    • Ward Room:  Social Media Savvy for Authors: Building and Author Platform Using the Best Social Sites for YOUR Audience, presented by Shari Stauch, CEO of Where Writers Win

    10:45 a.m. Saturday Sessions  @ BYC

    • Fireplace Room:  Community Marketing – James R. Wells
    • Ward Room: Platforms (not shoes!): How to Position Yourself as Expert on a Topic – Cami Ostman

    12:00  Saturday Casual Luncheon (included) in the BYC Lounge 

    1:10 p.m. Sessions and Workshops begin @ BYC

    • Fireplace Room: WattPad Wonderful, presented by Amanda June Hagarty
    • Ward Room: Barnes and Noble’s New Publishing Platform, presented by Stefanie Winger, Barnes and Noble Community Development Manager
    • Main Lounge:  BOOK COVERS – What you need to know – a ‘no holding back’ conversation! presented by Kiffer Brown

    2:10 p.m. Sessions – Saturday

    • Fireplace Room: Kindle World: What is it? And How Do You Get Your Works on this Elite Amazon Marketing Platform – Janet Oakley, award-winning author writing in a Kindle World.
    • Ward Room: How to Use BOOKS I LOVE App to Build Book Buzz,  presented by Elizabeth DiMarco

    3:10 p.m. Sessions – Saturday  

    • Fireplace Room: How Barnes and Noble Services Can Help You Increase Your Readership and Book Sales, presented by Stefanie Winger of Barnes & Noble
    • Ward Room: Taming Your Inner Critic by Cami Ostman, author, family therapist and a life coach.

    4:10 p.m. Saturday DAILY PANEL DISCUSSION in the WARD ROOM – Ask the Panel Anything (almost anything) 

    5:10 It’s Happy Hour at the Bellingham Yacht Club – The Bar is Officially Open! 

    6:00 p.m.  Casual Dinner at the  BYC

    7:30 p.m. The Penny Stinkers Band starts – dancing sure to follow

    SUNDAY, September 27 – CAC 15 moves to the Hotel Bellwether

    Registration will be held in the Bellwether Ballroom

    • Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.
    • Sessions begin at 9:10 p.m. daily

    Coffee & Tea will be available in the Bellwether Ballroom

    Exhibitors and Sponsor Tables will be in set-up in the Bellwether Ballroom 

    The CAC 15 Book Room will open at 11 a.m. in the Bellwether Ballroom’s Atrium.

    • Book Room is OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
      • 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (Sept. 27, 28, & 29)
    • Book Room will be open for CAC participants at 9:30 a.m.

    9:10 – 10:10 Sessions – Sunday

    • Sub-genres in Fantasy and Science Fiction and How It Relates to Reader Expectations, presented by Lindsay Schopher, Steampunk Author and Writing Coach – Board Room
    • 7 Steps to a Great Author Website: It’s All About Function vs. Form, presented by Shari Stauch of Where Writers Win – Admiral’s Room
    • Riding the Radio Tiger, presented by John Trudel – Compass Room

    10:10 – 11:00 Sessions – Sunday

    • Rev up Your Writing Process with Agile Project Management, presented by Tom Wise and Nancy Bechtel-Wise – Compass Room
    • Story Telling in a Modern World, presented by Diane Isaacs – Admiral’s Room
    • Kaffee Klatsch  – Creating Your Indie Marketing Plan with Susan Colleen Browne – Bellwether Ballroom

    10:30 – 11:30 Bublish Webinar – Sunday

    • BUBLISH – How to Use Bublish, presented by Kathy Meis, CEO of Bublish and Joy Caps, Marketing Director – Board Room

    11:10 – 12:00 noon Sessions – Sunday

    • Digital Writers: Cutting Edge Resources and Tools of the Trade, presented by Dawn Groves, International Communications Expert – Admiral’s Room
    • Like Icarus Taking a Selfie: Driving Sales with eBook Discount Promotions – James R. Wells – Compass Room

    12:10 Luncheon with Keynote Presenter: Diane Isaacs, Bellwether Ballroom

    Sessions resume at 1:10 – Sunday  (Sessions are 40 – 50 minutes including Q&A unless otherwise noted).

    1:10 – 2:10 Sessions – Sunday

    • Website Options for Authors, presented by Rochelle Parry, Megabite Design – Board Room
    • My SciFi Publishing Journey, presented by Ben Coles, Titan Books – Board Room
    • Blogging for Writers: Doing the Least to Generate the Most, presented by Dawn Groves, Inter’l Communications Expert – Compass Room

    2:10 – 3:10 Sessions – Sunday

    • The Book Pitch, presented by Sara Stamey, Book Doctor – Compass Room
    • Creating Original Worlds, presented by Lindsay Schopher – Board Room
    • Book to Film Labyrinth – the art of loglines, high concepting and pitching, presented by Diane Isaacs – Admiral’s Room

    3:10 – 4:10 Sessions – Sunday

    • How to Set-up Mailchimp by Rochelle Parry, Megabite Design – Board Room
    • Children’s Books in Today’s Market, presented by Ben Coles, publisher of Promontory Press – Compass Room
    • Continuity Editing Tools and Tips, presented Diane Garland, Continuity Editor – Admiral’s Room
    • Kaffee Klatsch: Social Shenanigans, presented by Social Media Master Amanda June Hagarty – Ballroom Room

    4:10 – 5:10 Sessions – Sunday

    • Increase Your Author Website’s Traffic with SEO Optimization, presented by Gary Pickering, CEO of CLICKMONSTER – Board Room
    • Discoverability Tools & Strategic Planning for Heightened Visibility – PDQ, presented by Kiffer Brown – Compass Room
    • Daily Panel – Sunday – SciFi Fiction Authors – Admiral’s Room
      • Robert Slater
      • James R. Wells
      • Vijay Laksham
      • Jesikah Sundin
      • Moderated by Ben Coles, author of the Virtues of War series with Titan Books

     “Appy Hours” sponsored by BOOKS I LOVE mobile app – A New Book Discovery Tool

     The Book Room will be open.

    Official Opening Night Dinner with a Short Keynote Presentation by Cami Ostman begins at seven o’clock in the evening at the Bellwether Ballroom

    Monday, Sept. 28 the CAC15 continues at the Hotel Bellwether

    • Registration will be available in the Bellwether Ballroom’s Atrium beginning at 8:30 a.m.
    • The BOOK ROOM will be open to attendees and presenters at 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
    • The BOOK ROOM will be open to the GENERAL PUBLIC at 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
    • Exhibitors, Sponsorship Information, Coffee and Tea, etc. will be n the Ballroom
    • Sessions are 40 to 50 minutes including Q & A time unless otherwise noted

    9:10 – 10:00 Sessions – Monday

    • Managing Your Author Marketing Resources presented by Lindsay Schopher, Writing Coach — Board Room
    • How to be a Best Seller? It’s All About the Influence! How to Grow Your Audience Using Key Industry Influencers, presented by Shari Stauch, CEO of Where Writers Win — Admiral’s Room
    • Planning a Series – Pamela Beason  (ninety minutes) – Compass  Room

    10:10 – 11:00 Sessions – Monday

    • Working with Illustrators and Illustrations –  Ben Coles – Admiral’s Room 
    • Planning a Series continues – Pamela Beason – Compass Room
    • Kaffee Klatsch with Diane Isaacs and Kiffer Brown – The Ballroom

    10:30 – 11:30 Session Webinar

    • Creating TOMA (Top of Mind Awareness) with Readers presented by Joy Capps, Bublish – Compass Room

    11:10 – 12:00 Sessions – Monday

    • Riding the RADIO Tiger, presented by John Trudel – Compass Room
    • The State of Independent Publishing Panel Moderated by Sean Curley – Admiral’s Room
    • Creating TOMA Webinar continues until 11:30 – Board Room

    Monday Luncheon with Keynote Presentation by Diane Isaacs 12:10 in the Bellwether Ballroom

    Sessions continue at 1:10 p.m.

    1:10  Sessions – Monday

    • Community Marketing, presented by  James R. Wells – Board Room 
    • The First Five Pages, presented by Jennifer Snow – Compass Room
    • Compound Interest for Your Books, presented by Christine Smith – Admiral’s Room

    2:10 Sessions – Monday

    • WattPad Wonderful, presented by Amanda June  Hagarty – Compass Room
    • Book Buzz Your Way, presented by Kayce Hughlett – Board Room
    • Five Pillars of Engaging Readers, presented by Kiffer Brown – Admiral’s Room

    3:10 Sessions – Monday

    • Websites for Authors, presented by Rochelle Parry, Megabite Design – Board Room
    • Kindle World, presented by Janet Oakley – Compass Room 
    • Understanding Book Distribution, presented by Ben Coles – Admiral’s Room
    • Kaffee Katsch: Selling to Millennials and Digital Natives – Fox Deatry  – The Ball Room

    4:10  Sessions – Monday 

    • Increasing Author’s Website Traffic Using SEO Optimization, presented by Gary Pickering, CEO ClickMonster –  Board Room
    • Traditional Publishing from Pitch to Contract and Beyond, presented by Jennifer Snow – Compass Room
    • Daily Panel – Admiral’s Room

    5:10 – 5:40 AUTHORS’ PANEL Discussion in the Ballroom – Open to the Public

    “Appy Hours” sponsored by BOOKS I LOVE mobile app begins at 5:15 – Cash Bar; Complimentary Appetizers

    7:30 p.m. Join up with a restaurant group or strike out of your own! 

     

    TUESDAY, September 29th is AWARDS Banquet and Gala Evening 

    • Registration will be available in the Bellwether Ballroom’s Atrium beginning at 8:30 a.m.
    • The BOOK ROOM will be open to attendees and presenters at 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
    • The BOOK ROOM will be open to the GENERAL PUBLIC at 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
    • Exhibitors, Sponsorship Information, Coffee and Tea, etc. will be n the Ballroom
    • Sessions are 40 to 50 minutes including Q & A time unless otherwise noted

    9:10 Sessions – Tuesday

    • Top Twenty: “Outside the Box” Book Marketing Ideas! How Thinking About Your Readers Will Sell More Books, presented by Shari Stauch, Where Writers Win C.E.O. – Admiral’s Room
    • Keeping it Short: Writing Novellas, Novelettes, and Short Fiction to Enhance Your Writing Career and Increase Your Readership, presented by Susan Colleen Browne – Board Room
    • Selling to The Trade, presented by Bennett Coles – Compass Room

    10:10 Sessions – Tuesday

    • ACX – Audio Books: How to Make Your Books Available on this Platform for Today’s Busy Readers, presented by Janet Oakley – Compass Room
    • Like Icarus Taking a  Selfie – Driving Sales with Epub promotions – James R. Wells – Admiral’s Room
    • Kaffee Klatsch – Increasing Your Internet Identity’s Foot Print, presented by Kiffer Brown,  Christine Smith,  Amanda Hagarty, & Fox Deatry – The Ballroom

    10:30 – 11:30 Session – Bublish Webinar – Tuesday

    • Marketing with Metadata, presented by Kathy Meis, CEO Bublish – Board Room

    11:10 Sessions – Tuesday

    • Branding for Authors, presented by Steve Lundin – Admiral’s Room
    • Cooperative Book Publishing, presented by Sara Stamey of Bookview Cafe – Compass Room

    12:10 Luncheon with Keynote Presentation by Shari Stauch at Noon in the Bellwether Ballroom

    Sessions resume at 1:10 p.m.

    1:10 Sessions – Tuesday

    • SHOW ME THE MONEY: Pricing Strategies for Indie, Hybrid, Traditional, Digital E-books, and Print – Running Real-World Publishing Numbers –Discussion led by Pamela Beason, Susan Colleen Browne, and Ben Coles – Admiral’s Room
    • Continuity Editing Tools & Tips, presented by Diane Garland – Board Room
    • BOOKS I LOVE App – the App that Creates Book Buzz – Be on the forefront! Learn how to install, use the app, and share on social media. BookSnips, Happenings, Author Events, and More, presented by Elizabeth DiMarco, CEO of Books I Love app. Compass Room

    2:10 Sessions – Tuesday 

    • Yipida – a new platform for selling books, presented by Paul Wegenast, CEO of Yipida – Admiral’s Room
    • Children’s Books Market, presented by MaryAnn Kohl, Literary Agent/Publisher – Board Room
    • Marketing Business Models for Authors, presented by Jennifer Snow – Compass Room

    3:10  p.m. Special Session with Robert Dugoni, #1 Amazon Selling & New York Times Bestselling Thriller Author, will present a special session in the Ballroom.

    4:30 Daily Panel Discussion with Robert Dugoni – The Future of Publishing will be held in the Admiral’s Room

    5:45 Book Signing in the Ballroom Atrium

    6:30 Appetizers Served in the Ballroom 

    “Appy Hours” sponsored by BOOKS I LOVE mobile app

    The Chanticleer Writing Competitions Awards Banquet and Gala begins at 7:00 in the evening in the Ballroom

    Opening Remarks will be made by Robert Dugoni.

    After Awards Cocktail gathering to continue at the Hotel Bellwether’s Fireplace Bar and Lounge. Don’t miss out on the fun!

    Please continue to check back as we update the schedule and add more detailed information.

    Stay tuned!

    Please email KBrown@ChantiReviews.com for more information.

  • The SOMERSET 2014 AWARDS First Place Category Winners for Literary and Blended Genre Fiction

    The SOMERSET 2014 AWARDS First Place Category Winners for Literary and Blended Genre Fiction

    Chanticleer Book Reviews is honored to announce the First Place Category Winners for the SOMERSET  AWARDS 2014 for Literary and Blended Genre Fiction, a division of Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions.

    SomersetThe SOMERSET Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in Literary and Blended Genre Fiction. The First Place Category Winners will be recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Gala held in late September 2015.

     

     

     

    Congratulations to The SOMERSET FIRST PLACE Category 2014 Award Winners:

    • Social Issues:  Thomas McNeely for Ghost Horse
    • Satire: Steve Lundin for The Manipulator, a Private Life in Public Relations
    • Literary: Tom Glenn for No-Accounts, Dare Mighty Things
    • Contemporary: Judith Kirscht for Home Fires
    • New Adult: Tanya Fife for Lost and Found in Missing Lake 
    • YA/Juvenile Fiction:  E. F. Winters for Memeloose, The Island of the Dead
    • Adventures/Suspense: Jim Hennigan  for Recording a Kill
    • International Intrigue: Rian Everest for The Tangerine Trio
    • Mainstream: Nancy Adair for Soon Coming
    • Women’s Fiction: Jessica H. Stone for The Last Outrageous Woman
    • Blended Literary Fiction: Michael Olin-Hitt for The Homegoing 

    Honorary Mentions:

    • Enid Harlow for Good to Her
    • Thomas Whaley for Leaving Montana
    • Kate McKenna for True Stories of Local Heroes
    • Angela Brackeen for Lark, in Her Element
    • Laurie Fitzpatrick for Niello
    • Michael Hurley for The Vineyard
    • Ken Swarmer for Family of the Year

    CONGRATULATIONS!

    To view the 2014 Somerset Finalists whose works made it to the short list, please click here.

    Good Luck to the Somerset First Place Category Winners as they compete for the Somerset AWARDS 2014 GRAND PRIZE position!

    The 1st Place Category Winners compete for the SOMERSET AWARDS 2014 GRAND PRIZE position. The 2014 SOMERSET category winner was announced at the Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Gala in September 2015. See the Grand Prize Winners.

    The deadline for The SOMERSET Awards 2014 was November 30, 2014.
    The deadline for The SOMERSET Awards 2015 is November 30, 2015.

    GRAND PRIZE Overall SOMERSET  Awards 2013 Winner was:

    Jeremy Bullia for Individually Wrapped

    The OVERALL CHANTICLEER GRAND PRIZE WINNER for 2013 came from the Somerset Awards: Michael Hurley for The Prodigal

    To view the 2013 SOMERSET Award Winners, please click here.

    To enter the 2015 SOMERSET  Awards, please click here. The deadline is November  30, 2015.

    To enter your work into a Chanticleer Writing Competition, please click here. 

    CBR’s rigorous writing competition standards are the reason literary agencies seek out our winning manuscripts and self-published novels. Our high standards are also another reason our reviews are trusted among booksellers and book distributors.Chanticleer Book Reviews & Media, L.L.C. retains the right to not declare “default winners.” Winning works are decided upon merit only. Please visit our Contest Details page for more information about our writing contest guidelines.

    Please do not hesitate to contact Info@ChantiReviews.com with any questions, concerns, or suggestions about CBR writing competitions. Your input and suggestions are important to us.

    Thank you for your interest in Chanticleer Book Reviews international writing competitions.