The Somerset Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in Contemporary, Mainstream, and Literary Fiction.
Finalists will compete for 1st place category positions. 1st Place Category winners will compete for The Somerset Awards Grand Prize for Overall Best Book 2013 and a Chanticleer Book Review and SEO package, a $250 purse, and promotional opportunities. The grand prize winners of ten genres will compete for the Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Grand Prize 2013 and a $1,000 purse.
The Somerset Awards is a division of Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions. The contest divisions is named after W. Somerset Maugham, author of TheMoon and Sixpence, Of Human Bondage, Razor’s Edge, and other literary masterpieces.
These finalists have made it through the first three rounds of competition. The first sixty to ninety pages of each work have been read by CBR judges. They are presently making the next circuit of rounds. From here on out each round is more competitive as the judges determine if works will continue to move forward to best of category.
We are honored to announce the Official Finalists of the Somerset Awards 2013:
Stormy Weather by Dermot Davis
Mother Teresa’s Advice for Jilted Lovers by Donna Barker
Individually Wrapped by Jeremy Bullian
In Search of Sticks by Randy Kaneen
Opposite of Everything by David Kalish
Cheating the Hog by Rae Ellen Lee
The Devil Wears Scrubs by Freida McFadden
Morning Star by Roger Schick
Surviving 26th Street by Carol June Stover
Sparrows Cannot Catch Me by R. Mursell
Midlife Fanilow by J. M. Holder
The Prodigal by Michael Hurley
Chocolates on the Pillow by Sean Dwyer
Tarnished Hero by Jim Gilliam
How to Make a Pot in 14 Easy Lessonsby Nicola Pearson
The Botanist’s Daughter by Angela Belcaster
Family Bonds by Kate Vale
Color of Lies by Abbe Rolnick
The Orbiter by Jana Krause
The Fosters, a Novel by C. Alease
Never Turn Your Back on a Wolf by Jennifer Mueller
Take the Pilgrim Road by Frank T. Klus
Saving Faith by Patrick M. Garry
The Apprentice by Jana Barkley
Brain, the Man Who Wrote the Book that Changed the World by Dermot Davis
Sacred Mountainby Ken Farmer & Buck Stienke
Freak Story by Jim Musgrave
From the this list, only six First in Category award winners will be chosen.
Congratulations to the Finalists and Good Luck in the next rounds of the Somerset 2013 Competition.
1st Place Category winners will be announced in approximately two months.
We are now accepting entries into the 2014 Somerset Awards.
The Paranormal Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Gothic and Paranormal Fiction as defined as stories that are set in a normal world where there are supernatural or speculative characters or elements that are beyond the range of scientific explanation that interact in what is otherwise considered a normal construct. Gothic fiction (also known as literary horror i.e., Frankenstein, Dracula, and Poe’s works (not graphic horror) is also another sub-genre of Paranormal Fiction.
Finalists will compete for 1st Place Category positions. First Place Category winners will compete for The Paranormal Awards Overall Best Book 2013.
The Paranormal Awards 2013 is a division of Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Awards Writing Competitions.
These Finalists have made it through the first 3 rounds of competition. The first sixty to ninety pages of these works have been read; they are presently competing in the next series of rounds. From here on out, each round is increasingly more competitive as the judges determine if the works will move forward to best of category.
We are honored to announce the Finalists of the Paranormal Awards 2013.
CBR Official List of Titles & Authors Finalists for the Paranormal Awards 2013 are:
The Immortal American by L.B. Joramo
Third Eye Witness by Kathi Bjorkman
Death Sword by Pamela Turner
Montana Mustangs by Danica Winters
The Dream Jumper’s Promise by Kim Hornsby
Dark Dancer by Maureen Fisher-Fleming
Spirit Legacy by E.E. Holmes
The Witch’s Malice by David Hutchison
Bayview by Penny Page
The Third Option by Ben A. Sharpton
Second Sight by Ben A. Sharpton
The Watcher by Lisa Voisin
The Djinn Master’s Legacy by Emily Ford
Poe, Nevermore by Rachel Martens
Azriel, The Angel Chronicles by Mark D. Chevalier
Three Squared by Koko Nervelli
Now this is something to CROW about!
Congratulations to the all those whose works made it to the Paranormal Awards 2013 Shortlist!
Good luck to all in the next competitive rounds for 1st Place Categories!
1st Place Category winners will be announced in approximately two months.
We are now accepting entries into the Paranormal Awards for 2014. Click here for more info.
I read the early pages of D.B. Jackson’s Unbroke Horses with a heavy heart. If anything could be considered even partial mitigation for the senseless evil, cruelty, and disregard for life displayed by Jackson’s first-carved characters—Civil War deserters Brevet General Ike Smith and his dull-witted brother, Private Raymond Smith—one might seek an explanation in the gruesome experience of the war itself. Yet General Ike shows no inclination to change his postwar life. He seems to have no different thought for their future than living off the blood of others. After killing two farmers for fresh horses and an elderly man for his purse, the two take on a partner, a silent mulatto named Sandoval—thenceforth, Private Sandoval Smith.
The murderous violence reaches its apex when the monstrous Smiths kidnap the slightly built, fair-haired Matthew Stanford, whose preacher father they had senselessly murdered on the trail. Though only fourteen years old, Matthew grows up all too quickly in their cruel hands.
On one hand, this is a coming of age story of a boy, Matthew, who must survive by his wits when he is kidnapped by the three vicious men. It is also an epic account of the heroic battle waged by one of the trio’s badly injured victims, J.D. Elder, who must fight a deadly wrenching conflict as he tries to rescue the boy from the sadistic threesome. It is a powerful, un-blinking telling of the hard-fought war between the bravery of J.D. Elder who refuses to give up against the cunning cruelty of the malevolent trio.
Caught up by his own part in the violence, Matthew is convinced that he has become as evil as his captors. Matthew’s destructive attitude becomes his worst enemy. The question becomes, will he find a way back from the darkness that has taken over him or will he be forever doomed to the cold, ugly life of violence and killing?
While Jackson’s excellent prose and poetic sketches help balance the harshness of the first part of his story, in the second part these are played to advantage in portraying the majestic beauty of Montana’s mountains, the peace of a flowered meadow, the fury of the white-water streams, the camaraderie of cowboy life on a cattle ranch, the dangerous power of “unbroke horses,” and the spiritual wisdom that an old Indian draws upon.
D. B. Jackson’s Unbroke Horses has carefully chiseled characters and is written with unflinching clarity in short, powerful chapters dominated by taut dialogue and hard hitting action. If you’re a Cormac McCarthy fan who appreciates western literary thrillers, this masterfully written novel is a must-read.
Unbroke Horses by D. B. Jackson was awarded the 1st Place for Western Literary Category in the Laramie Awards 2013 for Western fiction, Pioneer, and Civil War fiction, a division of Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions.
Come celebrate the new golden age of publishing and learn how to PubSmart!
In April, the first ever PubSmart publishing conference will be held in beautiful Charleston, S.C.
“I can’t wait for PubSmart and the unparalleled opportunity to catch up on recent developments in this ever-changing industry of ours. Conferences like PubSmart remind us of the need to continue sharing and learning from one another… we will have a chance to take stock together, to learn from one another, to see what tomorrow might hold. I don’t know what we’ll find there, but I promise the journey will be rewarding.” PubSmartKeynote Speaker, Hugh Howey
Click here for more information about PubSmart 2014 April 16, 17, & 18, 2014 in beautiful Charleston, S.C.
You will find Chanticleer Book Reviews participating in PubSmart’s collective brainstorming sessions, conversations, and education of the new publishing models and opportunities in today’s market place.
“Cultivating Influencers, Reviewers, and Book Clubs” panel on Thursday, April 17th.
“Dish and Dialog Brunch” on Friday, April 18th.
Look for our booth in the PubSmart Digital Discovery Zone
Stop by to find out the time and place for Chanticleer’s Happy Hour Rendezvous.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND PUBSMART 2014?
Traditionally published authors who want to improve sales and discover new markets and avenues for their work
Self-published authors who want to reach more readers
Aspiring authors seeking guidance from industry professionals
Independent publishers who want to better serve their authors and improve their performance
Here are just a few of PubSmart’s Keynote Speakers and Presenters:
Hugh Howey, author; Jane Friedman, Publishing Industry Specialist; Laura Dawson, Bowker; Mitchell Davis, BiblioBoard; Brenda Copeland, St. Martin’s Press; C. Hope Clark, author; Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent; Eric Liebetrau, Kirkus Reviews; Kathy Meis, Bublish; Will Murphy, Penguin Random House; Kristine Monroe, Kobo Writing Life; Amy Quale, Wise Ink Creative Publishing; Maya Ziv, Harper Collins
Now this is something to CROW about! See you there! Kiffer Brown
Chanticleer Master Workshops assist serious writers who are continuously striving to perfect their craft and reach their publishing goals.
How do bestselling authors write so many books each year?
Their Secret: Many top authors gather in groups to brainstorm the framework of their next novels.
Here’s your chance to do just that!
→ Jumpstart Your Novel – a Master Workshop
With the guidance of our staff, you will flesh out your story idea with:
characters & character traits
precise story goals and conflicts
summaries of your major plot points and story arcs
knowledge of how to use and create backstory without info dumping
a master document/template to jumpstart your next novel
A detailed schedule and worksheets will be emailed to all attendees before the workshop. You’ll leave this intense brainstorming workshop with handouts and checklists, new friends and colleagues, and crucial information for finishing the first working draft of your novel.
Dates: Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18, 2014 ( Three Full Days)
Location: Charming La Conner, Wash., conveniently located between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.
Workshop Cost: $275 (3 jam-packed days of instruction, all handouts, worksheets, advice, and refreshments)
This workshop is limited to 10 participants. Register Now
All participants must begin with a story concept that they want to work on. When you register for this workshop, you will need to type or paste your story idea/concept (maximum of 100 words) in the text box on the Workshop Services check-out page.
Examples of succinct story concepts:
A young journalism student is determined to reveal the truth about a series of murders in the past, despite evidence that the killer may be a member of her own family.
A big-city detective stuck in a gossipy small town struggles to solve the mystery of a baby’s disappearance, despite the fact that a signing gorilla appears to be the only witness to the crime.
A biologist fights the rugged wilderness terrain, the worsening weather, and mounting media pressure to find a missing child and save the lives of her beloved cougars.
Learn from the author of the Summer Westin Mysteries (Penguin/Berkley Prime Crime), the Neema Mysteries (WildWing Press), Shaken and Call of the Jaguar(romantic suspense – WildWing Press), and various nonfiction books. She is also is a private investigator and a screenplay collaborator.
Pam has worked as a ghost writer and “book doctor” (manuscript editor) for private clients and major publishers. She frequently shares her experiences in traditional and indie publishing with writers groups around the Pacific Northwest, and has taught writing and editing courses and workshops for a variety of organizations. Her author website is http://pamelabeason.com.
Winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Mysteries & Chanticleer Book Reviews Grand Prize.
Kiffer Brown
Media scout for literary agents, publishing houses, movie producers, and industry professionals, along with folks seeking a good read, Kiffer is known for her instinct for picking winners. Reader Extraordinaire, she reads thousands of works a year searching for today’s sparkling gems that will become tomorrow’s best sellers.
Kiffer is also the founder of Chanticleer Book Reviews & Media. CBRM Discovers Today’s Best Books with Editorial Reviews and Writing Competitions.
You will leave with a framework for your novel idea – ready to begin work with a clear plan along with specific objectives and goals to move your writing career forward!
The Jumpstart Your Novel Brainstorming Master Workshop will take place at La Conner–a favorite Washington State get-away location with antique shops, fine dining & casual pubs, wine tasting rooms, and boutiques & specialty shops.
We have selected the La Conner Channel Lodge as our Brainstorming Headquarters. The Channel Lodge boasts Northwest styling, water views, and an ideal location for exploring the charming town of La Conner located on the Swinomish Water Channel. It is just steps away from the La Conner Marina and is home to diverse mix of artists, writers, craftsmen, fishermen, and farmers.
La Conner Channel Lodge is offering special rates to all workshop attendees:
Queen Room with View: $169 per night/double occupancy.
King Parlor Suite with View: $229 per night (sofa sleeper included)
These rates are valid until Sunday, April 13, 2014.
Attendees are responsible for making reservations and paying for accommodations.
Call for reservations: 360-466-4113. Ask for the Chanticleer Writers Workshops discount rate.
La Conner Channel Lodge accommodations include:
WiFi
Continental breakfast
In-room gas fireplace and sitting area
Writing table and chairs
Parking is included with rate
In-room gourmet coffee and tea
Mini-refrigerator
Luxurious linens & comforter
Flat Screen TV and DVD player
Your workshop staff will organize no-host dinners, outings, and mixers for those who would like to participate.
If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@ChantiReviews.com. Please type Brainstorming Workshop in the subject line of your email.
The CLUE Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Thriller, Suspense, and Mystery Fiction.
Finalists will compete for 1st Place Category positions. First Place Category winners will compete for The CLUE Awards Overall Best Book 2013.
The CLUE Awards 2013 for Thriller/Suspense/Mystery Fiction is a division of Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Awards Writing Competitions.
These Finalists have made it through the first 3 rounds of competition. The first sixty to ninety pages of these works have been read; they are presently making the next series of rounds. From here on out, each round is increasingly more competitive as the judges determine if the works will move forward to best of category.
We are honored to announce the Finalists of the CLUE Awards 2013.
CBR Official List of Titles & Authors Finalists for the CLUE Awards 2013 are:
Small Town Storm by Elise K. Ackers
An Accusing Finger by Richard E. Gower
Death Over Easy by Toby Speed
Forevermore by JimMusgrave
Disappearanceby Jim Musgrave
Stray Catsby Geoffrey Mehl
Guarding Shakespeare by Quintin Peterson
Without Consent by Bev Irwin
The Space Between by Sydney T. Blake
Firetrap by Richard Mann
Beyond the Bridgeby Tom MacDonald
Connections by Sandra Olson
Deadly Recall by Donnell Ann Bell
Parchman Preacher by Michael Hicks Thompson
Don’t Cry Over Killed Milk by Stephen Kaminski
Raggedy Man by Clyde Curley
The Grave Blogger by Donna D. Fontenot
Grind His Bonesby Richard Newell Smith
Buried Threadsby Kaylin McFarren
Poe, Nevermore by Rachel M.Martens
The Last Dance by Lonna Enox
Auditory Viewpointby Lillian R. Melendez
Eleven by Carolyn Arnold
Trophies by J. Gunnar Grey
Spikedby Sharron Gold
Fyre & Ice by Barbie Ray
Third Eye Witnessby Kathy Bjorkman
Too Many Violinsby Mark Reutlinger
The Politician’s Daughterby Marion Leigh
Blue Coyote by Karen Musser Nortman
Peete and Repeat by Karen Musser Nortman
Blue Coyote Hotel by Dianne Harman
Blue Coyote in Provence by Dianne Harman
Now this is something to CROW about!
Congratulations to the CLUE Awards 2013 Finalists!
Good luck to all in the next competitive rounds for 1st Place Categories!
1st Place Category winners will be announced in approximately two months.
We are now accepting entries into the Clue Awards for 2014. Click here for more info.
The Dante Rossetti Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Young Adult Fiction.
We are honored to post the Official List of 1st Place Category Winners for the Dante Rossetti Awards 2013 for Young Adult Fiction, a division of Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions.
These 1st Place Category Winners have been read cover to cover and have made it through seven rounds of judging. The authors of the winning titles will receive a Chanticleer Editorial Book Review and promotional package.
First Place Category winners will compete for Overall Best of The Dante Rossetti Awards for Young Adult Fiction 2013. Overall Best Book for the Dante Rossetti Awards 2013 will win a $250 purse and will compete for the Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Awards Grand Prize for Best Book 2013 and a $1,000 purse (U.S. Dollars).
The Overall First Place Genre Winner for the Dante Rossetti Awards 2013 is:
Thomas P. Wise and Nancy Wise, The Borealis Genome
The First Place Category Winners Titles & Authors of the Dante Rossetti Awards for Young Adult Fiction 2013 are:
Time Travel, Sci-Fi: Cryptic Space – Book One: Foresightby Deen Ferrell
Romantic/Fantasy: Creatura by Nely Cab
Christian: Sanctuary by Pauline Creeden
Contemporary/Paranormal: The Undeadby Elsie Elmore
Thriller: Spirit Legacy by E.E.Holmes
New Adult: The Immortal Game by Joannah Miley
Edgy: Black Crow, White Lie by Candi Sary
Dystopian : All is Silence by Robert L. Slater
Urban: Leon Martin and the Fantasy Girl by Andre Swartley
Speculative: The Borealis Genome by Thomas P. Wise and Nancy Wise
We now have a new category for outstanding works that didn’t quite fit into the YA/New Adult categories, but were stellar works for younger readers.
Tweens Coming of Age: A Town Bewitched by Suzanne de Montigny
Tweens Fantasy: Fiona Thorn and the Carapacem Spellby Jen Barton
Tweens Historical: Dangerous Road by Jenny Clark
Tweens Inspirational: The Knoll by Ginger Cucolo
Tweens Paranormal: The Mouse Catcher: Witches Beware by Julie G. Helm
Tweens Adventure: I, Walter by Mike Hartner
Now this is something to CROW about!
Congratulations to the Dante Rossetti 2013 Finalists!
The staff and judges at Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions want to thank everyone who participated in the Dante Rossetti YA Writing Competition 2013. Keep on Writing!
The deadline for the Dante Rossetti Awards 2013 was April 30, 2013.
The deadline for the Dante Rossetti Awards 2014 was April 30, 2014.
The deadline for the Dante Rossetti Awards 2015 is April 30, 2015.
Alejandro Angelo de Zamorra—better known as Lord Calyx, the captain of the pirate ship Arcangel—is the Scourge of the Spanish Main. The other captains in the Spanish Armada resent and distrust him, and not only because his mother is English. His charge to lead the Spanish attack against Tudor England, under the orders of the royally appointed timid “Admiral of the Ocean Sea,” doesn’t sit well with him. But Calyx is a pirate, a mercenary who sells his sword and his ship to the highest bidder.
The daredevil captain of the Arcangel, known for his amorous diversions, has more than the English to fight. Control of his ship is challenged by the conservative Spanish dons in his ship’s hold and, to his confoundment, in his own quarters—where he is outmaneuvered by the mysterious beauty his crew considers his latest mistress.
His “mistress” is none other than the enticing Comtesse Jayne Boleyn, banished from court and country by her own cousin, the jealous Tudor Queen. Queen Elizabeth has taken Jayne’s son and given his wardship to her own favorite, Lord Robert Dudley. Jayne is coerced into infiltrating Spanish King Phillip’s royal court—and his royal Armada—as a spy in exchange for her son’s safety.
Mistress by Magick, the concluding volume in Laura Navarre’s Magick Trilogy, captivated me from the beginning with its intriguing story line, along with Navarre’s lush writing style that makes every scene come vividly alive. She deftly interweaves the suspense of the impending Spanish invasion, the intrigue of two royal courts, the fantasy elements of fallen angels and the Fae, and deliciously pure seduction in this riveting tale of rivaling powers, deceit, and passion.
And as if that wasn’t enough to tantalize her readers, Navarre’s cast of characters makes for a fascinating read. Jayne has Fairie magick she can barely control, a legacy of her Boleyn heritage; Mordred of Camelot has returned from beyond the grave to reclaim his throne as the Faerie King, in secret accord with Spanish King Philip; Behometh—the captain’s black cat—has an uncanny ability to be everywhere and nowhere; lucky Lord Calyx charts his stars and reads omens; Arthurian legend is given a new twist—with fallen angels and the Nephilim thrown into the mix; and the fate of England is threatened.
I was conflicted between the desire to languish in the smartly coy interplay and romantic liaisons between Calyx and Jayne, or sink into the sumptuous descriptions of the era, or turn the pages faster as Navarre deftly builds the tension around the impending battle that looms on the horizon.
One would almost think these are too many story lines to weave together, but Navarre deftly does so with aplomb. She also navigates her way around sailing ships enough to please this diehard Patrick O’Brien fan. Laura Navarre is a wonderful story teller who takes romance novels to a new level with her diligent historical research that enhances her stories. Her romance novels are a secret pleasure for those—do I dare say—who consider themselves not the typical romance novel readers.
Make no mistake about it, the Magick Trilogy series are not YA novels. You may want to have your own Venetian lace fan close at hand when devouring these rapturously delicious books.
“They were captor and captive, Spanish and English, ruthless pirate and reluctant spy….There was only tonight. Then they were enemies once more.”
Are you attending the Association of Writers and Writing Programs 2014 National Convention in Seattle?
WE ARE! And we are excited to be a part of this dynamic organization and AWP’s 2014 conference and bookfair!
“Each year, AWP holds its Annual Conference & Bookfair in a different city to celebrate the authors, teachers, students, writing programs, literary centers, and publishers of that region. More than 12,000 writers and readers attended the 2013 conference, and over 650 exhibitors were represented at the bookfair. AWP’s is now the largest literary conference in North America.
AWP also holds the next to the largest bookfair in North America. BEA (Book Expo of America at the Javitz Center, NYC) holds the largest.
We’d love it if you would stop by our booth, #718.
What does this mean for the Chanticleer Community?
If you are a member of the Chanticleer Community and have had your books vetted by CBR’s editorial reviews or have won a first place category award or higher, you may bring these CBR vetted books to our booth to sell, display, and promote. Please email: DBeaumier@ChantiReviews.com for more information.
As always, we will continue to display, promote, and (we hope) sell copies of vetted books that have been provided by Chanticleer Community members as much as possible.
We will have posters made listing our Blue Ribbon contest winning titles and authors and showing off CBR’s Best Books.
And you never know who you will find hanging out at our booth…. just saying….
Find out what E-BOOK Cards are all about — the next biggest technological wave for the publishing industry.
A chance to meet other Chanticleer Community Members!
Candy & Treats to keep you going
Drawings for Prizes
We will also have drawings for books, author services, and other prizes!
Chanticleer Book Reviews & Writing Competitions – Discovering Today’s Best Books
WHEN: Wednesday – Saturday, Feb. 26th – March 1st
WHERE: The Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle
We invite you to stop by to see what’s new at Chanticleer Book Reviews. We will also have treats, booth specials, and camaraderie. And you can learn about our new programs: CBR’s Best Books and Chanticleer’s Book Club Forum.
We are posting an event page on Facebook and on our Google+ Community of Authors and Readers so that Chanticleer Community members attending can coordinate.
We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Now this is something to CROW about! — Chanticleer
Do you want to know how your opening paragraphs will fare with the Slush Pile Readers at agencies, publishers, distributors & booksellers?
We are pleased to announce the following authors whose works earned the title of Best Opening Lines – Great Beginnings Winter 2013:
These winning authors will receive a paid contest entry into CBR Blue Ribbon Awards Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions of their choice. The certificate will be valid until Jan. 4th, 2016.
GB – CYGNUS (SciFi & Fantasy): Jesikah Sundin for Legacy
GB – JOURNEYS (Narrative Non-Fiction): Scott Kiersztyn for Life Experience
GB – CLUE (Suspense/Thiller/Mystery): Kate Vale for Her Daughter’s Father
GB – PARANORMAL (Mystery): Kaylin McFarren for Buried Threads
GB – CHAUCER (Historical Fiction): Emma Rose Millar & Kevin Allen for Five Guns Blazing
GB – LARAMIE (Western, Pioneer, Civil War): Louise Lenahan Wallace for Children of the Day
GB – SOMERSET (Mainstream, Contemporary, Blended Genres): Jacinda DeRoy for Finding Hopewood Lane
GB – M&M (Mystery & Mayhem): Kate Vale for Dream Chaser
We are now accepting entries for the Great Beginnings Opening Lines, summer contest until June 30th, 2014. The entry fee is $15 dollars
The Somerset Awards is a division of Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions. The contest divisions is named after W. Somerset Maugham, author of The Moon and Sixpence, Of Human Bondage, Razor’s Edge, and other literary masterpieces.
