In The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor by D.R. Berlin, we are introduced to Kai Lovac, an assassin working for The Third Estate—a group of powerful individuals who wield their influence to enrich one another.
Lovac sets out to kill Professor Milo Anderson, a former member of the prestigious Stockton Military Institute of Combat Aviation in Colorado. The Professor is working on top secret data wanted by both the government and The Third Estate.
The military has obtained images of Anderson meeting with individuals from The Third Estate, incriminating him as working with a dangerous group known to eliminate any living person who hinders their goals. The military labels him a traitor and will stop at nothing to find out why the Professor has decided to work for such a heinous organization.
Meanwhile, Cadet Sophie Allard prepares for her last flight at the Stockton Military Institute—which she must fly perfectly to earn her graduation. But an uncovered secret weighs on her mind.
She recently discovered that her adoptive father, Professor Milo Anderson, used to attend the Institute as well some years ago. She can’t understand why he would keep that secret from her—nor can she let go of the question.
As she’s going through her practice runs for graduation, she is notified that her father was involved in a lab accident and has passed away. Her superiors allow her time to go to her former home, Grand Lake Manor, to attend her father’s memorial service.
When Sophie arrives at the family manor, she notices that something is not quite right at her home.
She sets her mind to a secret investigation, hoping that she can get to the bottom of what actually happened in the lab explosion that caused her father’s death. Sophie doesn’t yet realize that she’s placing her own life in peril.
Right from the start, readers are pulled into this intricately tangled web of lies, espionage, and assassination attempts.
As the story begins to unfold, readers will wriggle in their seats as they grasp the many details of the mystery, trying to put together these valuable puzzle pieces. The mystery keeps revealing itself until the very last page of this thriller.
Readers will think they know a character very well, only to have the rug pulled out from under them further into the story. The many twists and turns make each turn of the page an anxiety-inducing event as readers find out what will happen to each character—and just what side they are truly working for.
The Goethe Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Post 1750 Historical Fiction. The Goethe Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring Victorian, Georgian, Regency, International History, 20th Century, and all the possible historical topics that an authors imagination can dream up for the Goethe Book Awards division. Our judges from across North America and the U.K. will put them to the test and choose the best among them.
These titles have moved forward from the 2024 Goethe Late Historical Fiction SHORT LIST to the 2024 Goethe Book Awards SEMI-FINALISTS. FINALISTS will be chosen from the Semi-Finalists and recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference, CAC25.
We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 in beautiful Bellingham, WA sponsored by the 2025Chanticleer Authors Conference.
These titles are in the running for the FINALISTS of the 2024 Goethe Book Awards novel competition for Late Historical Fiction!
Join us in cheering on the following authors and their works!
Tessa Floreano – Murder & Matrimony in the Castello
Janis Robinson Daly – The Path Beneath Her Feet
Kim Gottlieb-Walker – Lenswoman in Love
Donna Russo – Vincent’s Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh
Louis Trubiano – What Once Was Promised
Katherine Koch – The Sower of Black Field: Inspired by the True Story of an American in Nazi Germany
Sandra Wagner-Wright – Sea Tigers & Merchants: A New American Generation
Gail Noble-Sanderson – A Cup of Revenge
Susan Higginbotham – The Queen of the Platform: A Novel of Women’s Rights Activist Ernestine Rose
Brook Allen – West of Santillane
James Conroyd Martin – Napoleon’s Shadow Wife: A Novel of Countess Marie Walewska
Linda Ulleseit – Innocents at Home
Florence Reiss Kraut – Street Corner Dreams, A Novel
Paula Butterfield – Missing Mr. Moonlight
Reenita M. Hora – Vermilion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh
Carolyn Summer Quinn – Until the Stars Align
Leo Daughtry – Talmadge Farm
Jeza Belle – Blood Rouge
John David Graham – Running As Fast As I Can
R. W. Meek – The Dream Collector, Book II “Sabrine & Vincent van Gogh”
Sherry V. Ostroff – The Wall at the Sugar Factory
Alina Rubin – A Girl with a Knife
Alina Rubin – Abigail’s Song
M. B. Zucker – The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine
Jerry Madden – Steel Valley: Coming of Age in the Ohio Valley in the 1960s
Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.
PROMOTING OUR AUTHORS!
This post has been posted on the Chanticleer Facebook Page. We try to tag all authors listed here in the Facebook post. However, it is easier for us to tag authors when they have Liked and Followed us on Facebook.
Seating is Limited. The esteemed WRITER Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to attend and participate in for North America.
Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time
The 11th Day of Christmas
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…
Tips to Master Social Media to Market Your Book in 2025
On the 11th Day of Christmas, let’s talk about how you can make social media work for you in 2025! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, social media is an essential tool for building your author platform, promoting your books, and engaging with your readers. But with so many platforms out there, where should you focus your energy? How do you manage your time? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some expert social media tips that will keep your online presence fresh and engaging.
Find the Right Social Media for You
Before you dive into the world of social media, ask yourself some key questions. Is this something you’re excited about? Do you have the time to maintain it, or will you burn out trying to keep up? While it’s a powerful marketing tool, not every author needs to be on every platform. Choose platforms that feel natural for you and that you can commit to regularly.
If you enjoy engaging with readers and sharing updates, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky might be a great fit. But if social media feels like a chore, it’s okay to take a step back and choose just one platform to focus on.
Choose the Right Platform for Your Audience
Each platform has its strengths, so take the time to figure out where your audience spends their time.
Instagram is great for visual content like book covers, inspirational quotes, or sneak peeks from your work.
Bluesky is the fastest growing platform and is fantastic for quick updates, engaging in writer communities, or sharing thoughts on current trends.
Facebook offers groups and more in-depth discussions, perfect for engaging with fans or promoting events like book launches.
TikTok is a growing platform for authors, especially those in Young Adult and Fantasy genres, where you can create short videos to showcase your personality, writing process, or books.
Focus on a maximum of two platforms, so you’re not overwhelmed. Think about which platforms fit your personality and your audience, and stick to them consistently.
Keep Your Content Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to social media. When creating a social media calendar, aim to post daily on Instagram and Twitter, weekly on Facebook, and monthly for newsletters or blog posts.
It’s important to post during optimal times to reach your audience when they’re most active. While places like Sprout Social and Buffer offer great insights into when certain platforms tend to be most active, the best thing you can do is look to see when your followers are most active. The best way to determine this is to practice posting at a variety of times and from your analytics decide which times are best for you!
Utilize Hashtags and Themes
Hashtags are a powerful way to increase the reach of your posts. For authors, #AmWriting, #Bookstagram, and #IndieAuthor are popular, but don’t be afraid to create your own unique hashtag or join community-specific ones like #ChanticleerAuthors or #CAC2025 for events.
If you’re unsure of which hashtags to use, research what other authors in your genre are using. This will help your posts gain visibility and connect you with your target audience.
Show Your Human Side
Don’t be mistaken for a robot or a “bot”
Readers want to connect with the person behind the books. Don’t be afraid to post about your personal life, your hobbies, or even your writing struggles. Whether it’s a picture of your writing space, your favorite coffee mug, or an adorable pet, your followers will appreciate seeing the real you behind the words.
Remember, social media is all about building community, not just promoting your books. Engage with others, share posts you enjoy, and show genuine interest in your readers’ lives.
Celebrate Your Wins: Use Chanticleer’s Badges and Recognition
The Tiers of Achievement for CIBA Winners!
As you work on building your platform and promoting your books, don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments! Winning a Chanticleer International Book Award (CIBA) or receiving a positive Editorial Review can provide you with recognition and credibility that you can share on your social media.
Share your CIBA badges to show off your achievements.
Post quotes from your Editorial Review to highlight positive feedback.
Use SEO-optimized blurbs and links from your review to drive traffic to your book page and boost sales.
With these badges, reviews, and recognition, you’ll not only be showcasing your hard work but also encouraging new readers to check out your book!
Engage and Interact: Build Relationships with Your Audience
Kiffer out chatting with some of our audience!
Remember, social media isn’t just about pushing your book. It’s about creating conversations and relationships. Respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in discussions to create a genuine connection with your followers. Community building is key, so get involved with other authors, share their work, and celebrate their successes too.
Get Ready for a Successful Year of Social Media Marketing in 2025
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a social media presence that works for you. Start slow, stay consistent, and engage with your audience, and you’ll see the results grow over time.
The Eleven Pipers Piping in the Christmas Carol has been said to represent the eleven disciples (since Judas was out) who went on after the Resurrection of Christ. Thinking about the birds though, could it have originally have been a reference to sand pipers? Also, the eleven pipers piping is symbolic of having a great team!
These guys are pretty cute, but probably shouldn’t be given as a gift.
“But Jiminy Crickets, it’s after December 25th! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.
Not to fear, Chanticleerians! The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent.
So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you still have time!
Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team!
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lord’s a’Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a-Milking
Seven Swans a-Swimming
Six Geese a-Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French hens (Chanticleer’s favorite #justsaying)
Two Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
Stay tuned for the 12th Day of Christmas, where we’ll continue to share more tips and cheer as we ring in 2025 with new opportunities and creative projects!
Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and continuing to prepare for the Chanticleer Authors Conference and the 2023 CIBA Banquet and Ceremony.
Wishing you Happy New Year from Chanticleer! from Kiffer, David, Dena, Scott, Anya, and Argus!
The Hemingway Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of 20th Century Wartime Fiction. The Hemingway Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
The Hemingway Book Awards competition is named for Ernest Hemingway who was born July 21, 1899.
Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring 20th Century Wartime Fiction in Historical Fiction; Romance and Romantic Fiction; Mysteries, Thrillers, and Suspense Fiction of the time; Literary works and Satire and anything else that author imaginations can dream up for the HEMINGWAY Book Awards division. We will put them to the test and choose the best among them.
For Post-1750s Historical Fiction, see our Goethe Awards here. For other Historical Fiction categories, please see more details here.
These titles have moved forward from the 2024 HEMINGWAY Wartime Fiction LONG LIST to the 2024 Hemingway Book Awards SHORT LIST. The Short Listers will compete for the Semi-Finalists positions. FINALISTS will be chosen from the Semi-Finalists and recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference, CAC25.
We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 in beautiful Bellingham, WA at the Four Points by Sheraton sponsored by the 2025Chanticleer Authors Conference.
These titles are in the running for the SEMI-FINALISTS of the 2024 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for Wartime Fiction!
Join us in cheering on the following authors and their works!
Gary Baysinger – What We Say in the Dark
Larry Allen Lindsey – One Rogue Raider
Mark Barie – For King Country and Love
Mark Demeza – The Thirteenth Child
R L Pace – Rising Son
Michael J. Summers – Cherry Blossoms in Winter
David Scott Richardson – An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze
Dave Mason – Between the Clouds and the River
Kregg P.J. Jorgenson – Sweet Sorrow: Book 3 of The Jungle War series
Katherine Koch – The Sower of Black Field: Inspired by the True Story of an American in Nazi Germany
J.A. Nunn – The Stuff What Actually Is
Tim Turner and Moisey Gorbaty – The Reluctant Conductor
Kay Smith-Blum – Tangles
Shanna Hatfield – Molly
Bruce K. Berger – Brothers Bound
Gary Santos – A Grand Pause
Kathryn Gauci – Midnight in Istanbul
Steve Bassett – Love In the Shadows Passaic River Trilogy Comes to an End
Loretta Goldberg – Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss
Libby Fischer Hellmann – Max’s War: The Story of a Ritchie Boy
Julie Burnette – An Island Long Ago
Jillianne Hamilton – The Land Girl on Lily Road
Jillianne Hamilton – The Hobby Shop on Barnaby Street
Travis Davis – One of Four: World War One Through the Eyes of an Unknown Soldier
Bharati Sen – My War, My Child
Ingrid McCarthy – Anna’s Shadow
Miles Watson – Sinner’s Cross
Constance Hays Matsumoto & Kent Matsumoto – Of White Ashes
H. W. “Buzz” Bernard – When Heroes Flew
Elaine Aucoin Schroller – The Bravest Soldiers
Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.
PROMOTING OUR AUTHORS!
This post has been posted on the Chanticleer Facebook Page. We try to tag all authors listed here in the Facebook post. However, it is easier for us to tag authors when they have Liked and Followed us on Facebook.
Seating is Limited. The esteemed WRITER Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to attend and participate in for North America.
Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas! – One Day at a Time
The Tenth Day of Christmas gift of Ten Lords a’Leaping represents the 10 Commandments of the Old Testament that guide the faithful. We could use a lot of rules of ten for different writing practices!
On the Tenth Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…
Best Practices for Marketing your Book by Maximizing your Services!
On the 11th Day of Christmas, we’re focusing on how you can get your book the recognition it deserves in 2025. Whether you’re an indie author or a seasoned pro, marketing your book effectively is key to connecting with readers. That’s where Chanticleer comes in! From the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs) to our Editorial Book Reviews, we provide tools and services to help your book shine and grow its audience.
Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs): Boost Your Book’s Visibility
One of the best ways to promote your book is by entering it into the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs). As one of the most prestigious book awards programs for indie authors, the CIBAs offer incredible visibility for your work. Winning or placing in the CIBAs can propel your book onto readers’ radar, and with the exclusive badges and stickers we provide, you’ll be able to showcase your achievement wherever you promote your book!
Winning an award is great, but CIBAs also offer much more than just recognition. Each entry includes SEO-optimized technology, enhancing your book’s performance on our website and boosting its visibility online. With our dedicated SEO efforts, your book will be more discoverable by readers and search engines alike.
Whether it’s sharing your award badge on your Amazon author page, website, or across your social media platforms, the CIBAs provide the resources you need to amplify your book’s success. And with the white-glove service Chanticleer is known for, we’re always here to support you every step of the way.
In addition to awards, one of the most powerful ways to promote your book is with a Chanticleer Editorial Book Review. Not only do we provide in-depth, professional reviews for your work, but each review is packed with blurbs that you can use across various platforms. From social media posts and Amazon descriptions to website content and in-store shelf talkers, the blurbs we provide will help capture attention and intrigue potential readers.
Beyond the blurbs, our Editorial Reviews also come with comprehensive SEO optimization. This gives your book greater exposure on Chanticleer’s website and makes it more likely to be discovered through search engines. A great review helps you stand out, but the behind-the-scenes work ensures that your book gets the recognition it deserves.
Our team is committed to giving each author a white-glove experience, whether it’s crafting a tailored review or helping you optimize your marketing strategy post-review. We’re here to make sure your book gets the attention it needs to thrive.
The Power of a Badge and a Blurb
You know you want it…
Badges and blurbs are more than just accolades—they’re tools that can help you market your book and connect with readers. Whether it’s an award-winning badge from the CIBAs or a glowing editorial review blurb, these elements give you a professional edge that resonates with readers. Display them proudly on your book’s page, share them across social media, and use them to highlight your success.
At Chanticleer, we know how much effort goes into writing, publishing, and promoting a book. That’s why we’re here to support you with services that enhance your book’s visibility and marketability.
Get Ready for 2025: Make Your Book Stand Out!
This holiday season, take the opportunity to set yourself up for success in the new year. Whether it’s through the CIBAs or an Editorial Book Review, Chanticleer’s services are designed to give your book the recognition it deserves.
On the 10th Day of Christmas…
“But Jiminy Crickets, it’s after December 25th! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.
Not to fear, Chanticleerians! The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent.
So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you still have time! Well, a couple more days.
Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team!
On the Tenth Day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Ten Lord’s a’Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids A-Milking
Seven Swans A-Swimming
Six Geese A-Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens (Chanticleer’s favorite #justsaying)
Two Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
We’re not sure why the lords are a’leaping over the 10 Commandments, but they sure do look happy.
Stay tuned for the 11th Day of Christmas!
Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping our presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and setting ourselves up in the New Year for publishing success (with Chanticleer Professional Services and the Chanticleer Authors Conference).
Wishing you Happy Holidays from Chanticleer from Kiffer, David, Dena, Scott, Anya, and Argus!
The Hearten Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Inspiring and Uplifting Non-Fiction and Memoirs. The Hearten Book Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (CIBAs).
Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring true stories about adventures, life events, unique experiences, travel, personal journeys, global enlightenment, and more. We will put books about true and inspiring stories to the test and choose the best among them. See our full list of Non-Fiction Divisions here.
These titles have moved forward from the 2024 Hearten Non-Fiction SHORT LIST to the 2024 Hearten Book Awards SEMI-FINALISTS LIST. Finalists will be selected from the Semi-Finalists. All FINALISTS will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC25).
The First Place Category Winners, along with the CIBA Division Grand Prize winners, will be selected from the 25 CIBA divisions’ Finalists.
We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 in beautiful Bellingham, WA sponsored by the 2025Chanticleer Authors Conference.
These titles are in the running for the FINALISTS of the 2024 Hearten Book Awards novel competition for Uplifting and Inspiring Non-Fiction!
Join us in celebrating the Semi-Finalists List authors and their works in the 2024 CIBAs.
Elizabeth Fulgaro – Learning to Love (Not Loathe) Me
Linda M. Lockwood – Sky Ranch: Reared in the High Country
Genét Simone – Teaching in the Dark
Jenell M. Jones M.Ed. – Shattered
David Hutton – Drums of a Distant Tribe
Douglas Green – The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead
Dr George Ackerman – A Son’s Journey from Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver to Advocate
Ingrid McCarthy – I Stood Among the Ruins and Cried
Kasey Claytor – Finding the Light
Jia Apple – The Tell
Olivia Goodreau – But She Looks Fine
Etsuko Diamond Miyagi – DIAMOND: The Memoir of a Lost Daughter of Japan
Lynne Spriggs O’Connor – Elk Love: A Montana Memoir
Jane Kim Yu – Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness
L.A. Witt – I Changed My Mind: My Journey from Infertile to Childfree
Mimi Zieman – Tap Dancing on Everest
Liz Alterman – Sad Sacked
Rachael Siddoway and Sonja Wasden – An Impossible Life: A True Story of Hope and Mental Illness
Christina Ford – In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt In The Pursuit of Happily Ever After
Glenda Goodrich – Solo Passage: 13 Quests, 13 Questions
Ginelle Testa – Make a Home Out of You
Jennifer Cramer-Miller – Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope
Susan Bloch – Travels with my Grief
Mark Steven Porro – A Cup of Tea on the Commode: My Multi-Tasking Adventures of Caring for Mom. And How I Survived to Tell the Tale
Susan Cole – Holding Fast: A Memoir of Sailing, Love, and Loss
Tony Jeton Selimi – The Unfakeable Code®
Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.
PROMOTING OUR AUTHORS!
This post has been posted on the Chanticleer Facebook Page. We try to tag all authors listed here in the Facebook post. However, it is easier for us to tag authors when they have Liked and Followed us on Facebook.
Seating is Limited. The esteemed WRITER Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to attend and participate in for North America.
Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time
On the 9th Day of Christmas…
Some say the Nine Ladies Dancing represent the Nine-Day Novenas. A novena is made up of nine days of prayer and meditation for some thing or some guidance from God. Can you see “dance” in that word “guidance?”
On the Ninth Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…
Top Tips to keep your Software up to date and Safe!
On the 9th Day of Christmas, we’re taking a step into the digital world—because just like you need a clean workspace and a fresh computer, your software needs attention too. As we head into 2024, it’s the perfect time to ensure that the tools you rely on for your writing are running smoothly and securely. Let’s take a look at some essential software maintenance tasks to help you start the new year on the right foot.
J.L. Oakley’s intern Kinky Boots knows all about software
Password Management: Secure Your Work and Peace of Mind
Let’s start with something crucial: your passwords. Did you know that more than 6 million passwords are hacked every single day? Keeping your passwords secure should be at the top of your list for 2024.
Use a reliable password manager to keep track of all your credentials. Whether you choose LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden, a password manager helps protect your accounts and saves you from using the same password for everything — something that could be a major security risk.
Take it a step further by enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts. It may feel like a hassle, but it’s an essential safeguard against unauthorized access.
Clearing Your Cache: Keep Your Browser Running Smoothly
Your browser’s cache might be storing old data that can slow down your computer. It’s time for a little “browser hygiene.”
Clearing your cache regularly helps speed up your browsing experience and ensures that you’re always seeing the latest version of your favorite websites — especially your author platform. While every browser has a different method for clearing the cache, it’s worth doing every few months (or when your browser starts feeling sluggish).
Remember, clearing cookies can also help with privacy. It’s a simple way to protect your data while browsing, so it’s worth adding to your routine maintenance.
NOTE: Before you do this, please be sure to have your passwords secure. Clearing your cache on some browsers can remove any saved passwords you might have.
Anti-Virus and Malware Protection: Stay Safe from Threats
The risk of cyber threats is real, but fortunately, a good anti-virus program can keep you safe. With malware attacks becoming more sophisticated, it’s essential to have a reliable anti-virus program that updates daily to guard against the latest threats. Programs like Norton and Bitdefender are great options to keep your devices secure.
It’s important to regularly update your anti-virus software and run periodic scans to detect any potential threats lurking on your system. If your computer slows down unexpectedly, or if you start receiving strange messages from your contacts, it could be a sign that malware has slipped in.
Backup Your Files: Don’t Let Data Loss Derail Your Year
Writers, don’t let your precious words be vulnerable to data loss. Backing up your files is the most effective way to ensure that your work is protected. Whether you use Google Drive, OneDrive, or an external hard drive, always have a backup plan.
Consider setting up an automatic backup system, so you never forget to save your most recent work. Remember: if it’s important enough to write, it’s important enough to back up.
Update Your Software: Stay Current for Optimal Performance
Last but not least, always keep your software up to date. Software developers release regular updates to patch security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and improve performance. Make sure your operating system, writing tools (like Scrivener or Word), and any other software you use are running the latest versions.
Outdated software can cause compatibility issues, slow down your computer, and expose you to security risks, so take the time to check for updates.
Get Ready for the New Year of Writing!
By taking a little time to clean up your software and digital space, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful and productive 2025. These simple steps will help you stay secure, organized, and ready to tackle your writing goals without any digital distractions.
The Ninth Day of Christmas gift of Nine Ladies Dancing are symbolic of the nine life principles: Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Loyalty, Gentleness, Self-Control, and Patience.
“But Jiminy Crickets, it’s after December 25th! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.
Not to fear, Chanticleerians! The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent.
So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you still have time! Well, four days that is.
Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team!
On the Ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids A-Milking
Seven Swans A-Swimming
Six Geese A-Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens (Chanticleer’s favorite #justsaying)
Two Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team!
Stay tuned for the 10th Day of Christmas!
Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping our presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and setting ourselves up in the New Year for publishing success (with Chanticleer Professional Services and the Chanticleer Authors Conference).
Wishing you Happy Holidays from Chanticleer from Kiffer, David, Dena, Scott, Anya, and Argus!
The Mystery & Mayhem Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Light-Hearted and Cozy Mysteries. The M&M Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
Chanticleer Book Reviews is looking for the best books featuring “mystery and mayhem,” amateur sleuthing, light suspense, travel mystery, classic mystery, British cozy, hobby sleuths, senior sleuths, or historical mystery, perhaps with a touch of romance or humor. We will put them to the test and choose the best among them. (For suspense, thriller, detective, crime fiction see ourClue Awards.)
These titles have moved forward from the 2024 M&M Short List to the 2024 M&M Book Awards SEMI-FINALISTS. FINALISTS will be chosen from the Semi-Finalists and recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference, CAC25.
We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 in beautiful Bellingham, WA at the Bellingham Yacht Club sponsored by the 2025Chanticleer Authors Conference.
These titles are in the running for the FINALISTS of the 2024 Mystery & Mayhem Book Awards novel competition for Cozy Mysteries!
Join us in cheering on the following authors and their works!
Valerie Taylor – A Whale of a Murder
ML Barrs – Parallel Secrets
Claire Dowley – Mud
Charlotte Stuart – In$urance to Die For (A John Smith Mystery Book 2)
Patrick E. Craig – The Boy In Blue Denim
TK Sheffield – Model Ghost
Nancy Raven Smith – Bushwhacked in the Outback – A Land Sharks Cozy Mystery Adventure
Lori Roberts Herbst – Graven Images
Jennifer S. Alderson – Collecting Can Be Murder
Ann Philipp – The Zucchini Fairy Murder
Kris Courtney – Florida Retirement Is Murder
Gail Noble-Sanderson – A Cup of Revenge – A Drew Davies Railway Mystery – Book 2
Elizabeth Crowens – Bye, Bye Blackbird
Roxanne Dunn – Murder Richly Deserved
Jeanne Matthews – If Two Are Dead
M. K. Graff – Death in the Orchard: A Trudy Genova Mystery
Aaron Woolsey – The Butler Did It
Timothy Stecker – The Moth
Shannon Bennett Riester – Heists and Horoscopes
Christine Knapp – Murder on the Books
Lorenzo Petruzziello – The Taste of Datura
Margaret A. Blenkush – Welcome to Bellechester
Mary Seifert – Creeps, Cache & Corpses
Robert Sells – An Affair with Murder
Kathleen Donnelly – Hunting The Truth
TK Sheffield – Model Wave
Tracy Carter – Lawyers, Dogs, and Money
D.R. Ransdell – Dervla Alarms the Nanas
Lyndsay Constable – The Puzzled Heiress
M. S. Spencer – In the Crosshairs: The Body on Leffis Key
Chris Chan – Nessie’s Nemesis
Steve Lindahl – Ginger’s Shoes
Rolynn Anderson – When Winds Howl
E. Alan Fleischauer – Sherlock and The Tiger: Book 2, The Egg and More
Jonny Thompson – The Limestone Manor
Miriam Verbeek – The Forest
Zaida Alfaro – In the Key of Dead: A Miami Music Mystery
Kari Bovee – The Pryce of Conceit
L. J. Aldon – Riddle of the Haunted Hoard
Lori Robbins – Murder in Fourth Position
Sharon Lynn – Death Takes a Fall: A Cotswold Crimes Mystery
PROMOTING OUR AUTHORS!
This post has been posted on the Chanticleer Facebook Page. We try to tag all authors listed here in the Facebook post. However, it is easier for us to tag authors when they have Liked and Followed us on Facebook.
Seating is Limited. The esteemed WRITER Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to attend and participate in for North America.
In Confluence by Mary Elizabeth Gillilan, Maya has lived much of her life where she feels safe—at home with her Buddhist mother in the small town of La Conner, Washington. But a surprise discovery about Maya’s past pushes her to explore a wholly unfamiliar corner of the world.
Living with cerebral palsy, and a self-professed homebody, Maya is the queen of getting out of plans. But at sixty-five, two years after her mother passed, Maya finds a suitcase with her grandmother’s diary, several photos, and a letter written by her mother hidden inside.
In the letter, Maya learns she was born in a place called Sangam and her father could still be living there. The letter names a nun who helped deliver Maya and founded a hospital in that area, Yeshe Maya. Hesitant to leave her comfort zone, Maya waits to write to Yeshe Maya for a year. It takes even longer for Maya to work past all that is holding her back from the call of adventure.
Maya’s neighbor Jack, who’s like a brother to her, is a seasoned world traveler and supports her in facing her fears. Bolstered by her own desire to learn about her origins and reunite with her father, Maya begins the long journey to Sangam.
As a sacred place, Sangam’s location is a secret closely guarded from outsiders. A well-known guru wants to find Sangam to use for his own exorbitantly priced retreats. He decides to follow Maya’s movements after he learns the significance of her origin story.
A journey of unleashing one’s own inner strength, and a love letter to a beautiful location and way of life, Confluence is a gem of a novel.
Within the first page, the setting and Maya’s character are masterfully established. As a shorter novel, Confluence keeps up this efficient pace. Gillilan’s prose flows easily and carries the plot with natural speed. The shorter chapters provide readers a perfectly-sized break with an uplifting story.
Confluence is a reminder to step out of your comfort zones because you never know what life there is to live if you don’t go and find it.
The story is influenced by Buddhist ideology, but Gillilan makes its messages accessible and impactful to readers regardless of their familiarity with Buddhism.
Mary Elizabeth Gillilan creates her characters with heart. Finding inner strength to seek all the love and wonders life has to offer is a challenge, but it’s one we can all benefit from. In Confluence, we are reminded how that first step, while it may be difficult to take, opens the door to experiences and people that add so much to our lives.
The Military and Front line Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Narrative Non-Fiction and Memoir exploring the lives of those who serve their country and others. The Military and Front Line Book Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (CIBAs).
Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring true stories about adventures, life events, unique experiences, travel, personal journeys, global enlightenment, and more. We will put books about true and inspiring stories to the test and choose the best among them. See our full list of Non-Fiction Divisions here.
These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from all 2024 Military and Front Line Non-Fiction entries to the 2024 Military and Front Line Book Awards SHORT LIST. Entries below are now in competition for 2024 Military and Front Line Finalists. All FINALISTS will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC25).
The First Place Category Winners, along with the CIBA Division Grand Prize winners, will be selected from the 25 CIBA divisions’ Finalists.
We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 in beautiful Bellingham, WA at the Bellingham Yacht Club sponsored by the 2025Chanticleer Authors Conference.
These titles are in the running for the FINALISTS of the 2024 Military and Front Line Book Awards novel competition for Non-Fiction!
Join us in celebrating the Short List authors and their works in the 2024 CIBAs.
Roderick S. Haynes – Unauthorized Disclosures a Navy Memoir of the 1980s
David Huntley – The B-17 Tomahawk Warrior: a WWII Final Honor
Patrick Hogan – Coincidence, You Say?
Shari Biery – It’s Your Turn How To Rediscover Yourself Prioritize Your Well-Being Thrive with Purpose
Max Lauker & Antonio Garcia – Number 788: My Experiences in Swedish Special Operations – Preparing for NATO and the War on Terror
Kim Sloan – Memoirs from the Frontlines: Four states, Two years, One pandemic
Ben Powers – Never A Dull Moment: The 80th Airborne Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion in World II
Bibi LeBlanc – Wings of Freedom – The Story of the Berlin Airlift | Flugel der Freiheit – Die Geschichte der Berliner Luftbrucke
Josh McConkey – Be the Weight Behind the Spear
Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.
PROMOTING OUR AUTHORS!
This post has been posted on the Chanticleer Facebook Page. We try to tag all authors listed here in the Facebook post. However, it is easier for us to tag authors when they have Liked and Followed us on Facebook.
Seating is Limited. The esteemed WRITER Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to attend and participate in for North America.
The Goethe Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Post 1750 Historical Fiction. The Goethe Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
The Hemingway Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of 20th Century Wartime Fiction. The Hemingway Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
The Hearten Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Inspiring and Uplifting Non-Fiction and Memoirs. The Hearten Book Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (CIBAs).
The Mystery & Mayhem Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Light-Hearted and Cozy Mysteries. The M&M Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
The Military and Front line Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in 
