Chanticleer Book Reviews

Author: chanti

Don’t have time for a full book? The Shorts Awards Hall of Fame has Something for Everyone! Submissions Open Now!

Short and Sweet? We want your prose today!

The Shorts Awards are here to bring you excellence in Novellas, Story Collections, or Individual Short Stories and Essays

***Got a Short to Share?***

You’ve got until August 31st to share your Stories with us and Enter the 2023 CIBAs!

For Short Prose and Collections

Join us as we delve into the Hall of Fame for Grand Prize Winners of the Shorts Awards – a realm where short fiction goes beyond genre. Starting in with the 2021 winners while the reviews for 2022 are processed!

New York: Give Me Your Best or Your Worst
By Elizabeth Crowens

Prepare to be carried away to bustling, vivacious streets as you read Elizabeth Crowens’ New York: Give Me Your Best or Your Worst.

This captivating literary anthology is a love letter to the great city from a group of brilliant artists and authors, which delves into the multifaceted lives of New Yorkers.

Short fiction and a few poems describe the ins and outs of New York living. Murder mysteries, revenge, family struggles, family sagas, and, of course, the most important questions regarding real estate. Finding the perfect place to live in the city may be difficult, but this story brings into vivid relief the heart of what makes New York special: the people.

Read More Here

Homegoing
By Toni Ann Johnson

Homegoing by Toni Ann Johnson is an intimate portrait of a middle-aged African-American woman dragging herself hand over hand out of grief and despair.

This story begins with her aching, echoing pain after the one-two punch of a miscarriage and the dissolution of her marriage. Her journey takes her back to the upper-middle-class white suburb where she grew up, through childhood memories that refuse to be denied and to, of all times and places, a funeral.

Something and someone is supposed to be buried. Certainly the deceased. But quite possibly the woman who has held on to her losses and her grudges long enough to poison her own future.

Read More Here

Savonne, Not Vonny
By Robin Lee Lovelace

Robin Lee Lovelace evokes a world in which the mystical intertwines with the everyday in Savonne, Not Vonny, a coming-of-age story set in rural Louisiana.

Nine-year-old Savonne lives in a small room at the back of Mama Gwen’s whorehouse, in Indianapolis in the ’60s. Her mama is one of the working girls, and her father is Mama Gwen’s own son. Savonne’s daddy dotes on her, and Mama Gwen loves Savonne like the daughter she never had; the two of them together make a loving home for Savonne, in the midst of their raucous brothel.

By contrast, Savonne’s birth mother rarely pays her any mind. A “crazy-ass woman” with a temper “as hot as a Mississippi afternoon,” Coco is not at all opposed to beating the bejesus out of someone. In a fury one night, she does something that cannot be undone, and in her headlong flight out of town, she takes Savonne with her.

Read More Here

A Week at Surfside Beach
By Pierce Koslosky Jr.

Vacationers from all walks of life converge on Portofino II-317C, South Carolina, a quaint blue beach house, in Pierce Koslosky Jr.’s short story collection, A Week at Surfside Beach.

From May 30th-December 26th each group of people comes to stay one week at a time, to forget their cares of the big city, to work, to celebrate, or to simply get away. Surfside Beach has much to show them, including temperamental weather.

The small town itself offers a charming supermarket where fishing supplies, whoopie pies, and local southern favorites can be found. The Christmas vacationers, the final of the thirteen beach house renters, struggle to find a tree in time; a real tree simply wouldn’t allow enough space for the family to sleep, and the fake tree would cost too much. But they find arts and crafts supplies in town, to fashion a paper Christmas tree during a day of rainy weather.

Read More Here

The Grand Prize Winner for the CIBA 2022 SHORTS Awards for Collections is:

God, the Mafia, My Dad, and Me

by Lori Lee Peters

The Grand Prize Winner for the CIBA 2022 SHORTS Awards for Short Stories is:

Old Man Baseball

by Mike Murphey

You can see the full list of winners for longer work here and for shorter work here.

Now that you’re set on your next reads, what are you waiting for? The only way to join this amazing list of Shorts Winners is to submit today!

Those who submit and advance will have the chance to win the Overall Grand Prize of the CIBAs and $1000!

Be Part of the Legacy: Join the Illustrious Roster of Winners

As the deadline for the 2023 Shorts Awards approaches, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the exceptional achievers who have come before.

Seeking avenues for your non-fiction prowess? Explore all our Divisions that provide platforms for various genres and styles.

With over $30,000 in rewards and prizes given away every year, what are you waiting for? Submit today!

The Grand Prize Winners of the 2022 Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards!

August 18, 2023
THE RELUCTANT VISIONARY by Datta Groover – Magical Realism, Historical Fiction, Multi-Generational Fiction

Visions of the future swirl, unclear and contradictory, giving dire warnings of lives soon to be cut short, in Datta Groover’s The Reluctant Visionary.

Three women, Anna Mae, Kat, and Jess each confess to being the visionary of her era. They never asked for the ability to glimpse danger ahead, to have the opportunity to save others from a terrifying destiny. It’s a heavy burden when people refuse to believe them, and the dangerous consequences of their visions lay in wait. The best of intentions lead the ladies further into a dire struggle. Can they survive all that life throws their way, and learn how to reshape the future? Or will they lose their way in the blur of chilling prophecy?

Jess is in her mid-twenties, a resident of a rural town in contemporary Texas. She works hard with her family to hold on to the ranch that’s been with them for generations.

No matter what they try, they continue to experience misfortune and lose more money. As they slip further and further into debt, they wonder what is the root of all their bad luck. Jess juggles this financial struggle with her visions of the future, just like her mother, Kat, did. Visions of violent and heart-wrenching crimes haunt Jess and drive her to act defiantly and protect the innocent victims.

As she delves into a criminal mystery, she has no idea the danger she’ll face along with her family, and the secrets she’ll uncover in her mission to change the future. She partners with the lone law enforcement officer who believes in her and her visions, but can she resist his charms?

In the 1960s, an entrancing story set in rural Tennessee plays out parallel to Jess’.

Anna Mae has just turned eighteen and lives at home with her abusive parents. Her visions of the future are met with anger and fear from the people she’s trying to help, and someone even reports her to the police when her attempt to save a child in danger is deliberately misinterpreted. Anna Mae seeks a tranquil and happy life but her disturbing visions make that wish impossible.

She finds herself in the middle of an investigation when the police accuse and arrest the wrong person for a crime. She’s determined to save him. In the midst of the chaos, Anna Mae falls in love with the wrong man and is faced with a drastic, life-altering decision. Will she find a wise path forward in her visions?

Author Datta Groover tells a story of three generations of strong female protagonists.

These women show how a determination to light a hopeful way forward ignites courage despite threats of desperation and peril. Their contrasting struggles, inherent to different decades and settings, leap off the page, relatable and emotionally vivid. And just as in real life, the ending of the story is filled with unexpected surprises, even for these visionaries.

Available for Pre-Order Now! Comes out 9/6/23!

August 18, 2023
Spotlight on the 2023 Mind & Spirit Awards for Metaphysical Non-Fiction
Embark on a Journey of Mind and Spirit

Mind and Spirit Non-Fiction

In the quiet moments of introspection, where the mind converges with the essence of being, profound narratives unfold.

The allure of spiritual exploration and the quest for well-being beckon authors and seekers alike. The Mind & Spirit Awards stand as a tribute to these transformative works, celebrating the realms of Spirituality, Enlightenment, Self-Help, Mindfulness, Well-being, Meditation, and Energy. Join us as we traverse the corridors of consciousness and unveil the power of the mind-spirit connection.

Submit Your Work Today!

The Mind & Spirit Awards weave tales of enlightenment, offering guidance in the pursuit of mindfulness, or illuminating the path to well-being, your words have the potential to inspire, uplift, and transform.

In the vast tapestry of human experience, countless paths lead to enlightenment. The Mind & Spirit Awards embrace a diverse array of genres and voices, uniting the realms of spirituality, wisdom, and personal development. From profound self-help manuals to enlightening explorations of mindfulness, this division encapsulates the boundless journey of the human soul.

Navigating the Spiritual Landscape: A Harmonious Blend

As self-help literature finds its way into the hearts of readers, the concept of mindfulness has flourished, becoming a beacon of inner awareness. Publishers Weekly offers a word of caution for this difficult to write genre:

The term mindfulness can be “very fraught,” agreed Lil Copan, senior acquisitions editor at Broadleaf Books, particularly if it has been “diluted in its origin” in Buddhism. Christian authors often want to avoid acknowledging the Buddhist roots of mindfulness as a practice, connecting it instead with Christian contemplative practices they trace to the early church, or merely using “mindfulness” as a substitute for words like “presence” or, in the Quaker context, “quietude.” Still, Copan said that even amid concern about using the term, mindfulness is “such a good word. It does so much work that I can’t think of another word in which you aren’t saying 30 words or long sentences to get at what most people think of as mindfulness.”

We are delighted to celebrate the 2022 Winners of the Mind & Spirit Awards who have already started to make their mark on the genre!
- Ananta Ripa Ajmera – The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals to Awaken Your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self
- Nico Marceca and illustrated by Karen Sue Chen – The One Week Journal
- Deborah Vinall, PsyD, LMFT – Gaslighting: A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide to Heal from Emotional Abuse and Build Healthy Relationships
- D Terrence Foster. M.D – The Stress Book: Forty-Plus Ways to Manage Stress & Enjoy Your Life
- Donna McCart Welser – Rue’s Butterfly
The Grand Prize Winner for the CIBA 2022 MIND & SPIRIT Awards is:

A Sky of Infinite Blue

By Kyomi O’Connor

The Mind & Spirit Awards are uniquely attuned to works that delve deep into the spiritual journey, resonating with readers seeking solace, clarity, and transcendence. Every word penned in a Mind & Spirit book holds the potential to ignite transformation. As an author, your role in guiding readers toward inner growth is paramount. Vulnerability and authenticity are powerful tools that invite readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Seize the opportunity to share your enlightening narrative with the world. Submit your work to the Mind & Spirit Awards by the August 31, 2023 deadline. Join the lineage of authors who have contributed to the evolution of spiritual literature and well-being.

When you’re ready, did you know that Chanticleer offers editorial services? We do and have been doing so since 2011.

Our professional editors are top-notch and are experts in the Chicago Manual of Style. They have and are working for the top publishing houses (TOR, McMillian, Thomas Mercer, Penguin Random House, Simon Schuster, etc.).

If you would like more information, we invite you to email Kiffer or David at KBrown@ChantiReviews.com or DBeaumier@ChantiReviews.com for more information, testimonials, and fees.

We work with a small number of exclusive clients who want to collaborate with our team of top-editors on an on-going basis. Contact us today!

Chanticleer Editorial Services also offers writing craft sessions and masterclasses. Sign up to find out where, when, and how sessions being held.
- A great way to get started is with our manuscript evaluation service, with more information available here.
- And we do editorial consultations for $75. Learn more here.
- If you’re confident in your book, consider submitting it for a Editorial Book Review here or to one of our Chanticleer International Awards here.
The 2022 Grand Prize Winners from CAC23!

And remember! Our 12th Anniversary Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC24) will be April 18-21, 2024, where our 2023 CIBA winners will be announced. Space is limited and seats are already filling up. Sign up and see the latest updates here!
August 17, 2023
THE GREEN REAL DEAL by Bill Herrington – Climate & Energy, Political Influence, Energy Systems

In the face of environmental activism’s raging tides and the ruthless blitz of external propaganda, The Green Real Deal by Bill Herrington highlights the need for a long-term comprehensive energy policy.

Many nations drive for sustainable energy, and scramble to preserve their environments. As Germany stands against Sweden’s embrace of nuclear power, it grapples with the reliance on Russian natural gases. Meanwhile, internal strife and external interference strives to sway the energy policy of the United States. The Green Real Deal proposes a clandestine mission of nuclear diplomacy. This book is a call to transcend rhetoric before it engulfs the nation.

The author’s argument is meticulously composed of three important sections.

An interaction with a protest against fossil fuels serves as an epiphany for Herrington. He reflects on his own perceptions, leading him to reevaluate. Section one focuses on the past, examining the historical relevance of pipelines and nuclear energy in America. It emphasizes the issues and complications surrounding these resources. This provides readers a strong foundation to understand the energy landscape, laying the groundwork for further research.

Section two goes into the complex world of environmental activism, unraveling the web of motivations, disruptive techniques, and potential acts of terrorism.

Herrington examines the details surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline demonstrations, including underlying discontent of American Indian tribes regarding land rights. The chapters in this book theorize on possible connections to foreign players, unreported dark money in environmental groups, and the impact of US energy policy. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of oil, gas, and pipelines in protecting Western democracy, advising against moves that could cause the US to lose competitiveness.

Alarm bells are rung against policies that could play into Russia’s favor. As this section reveals Russian tactics of propaganda and psychological warfare, it advocates balancing environmental concerns with the political usefulness of fossil fuels.

The last section offers an “autopsy” of the ambitious Green “New” Deal, presenting a comprehensive narrative of the GND’s origin, rollout, and future developments.

This section emphasized the importance of diversifying beyond renewable energy. It encapsulates the author’s thesis about a balanced plan for the future of energy infrastructure. Pointing to the use of liquefied natural gas, and the promise of nuclear energy, Herrington advises against over-reliance on a single resource. He provides real-world examples to support his claim, such as Sweden’s effective usage of various energy strategies.

The Green Real Deal mixes energy & environmental study with political observation.

This book presents historical events through articles, government documents, photographs, and descriptive language, in order to paint a vivid picture of protests and other important moments.

It should be noted, however, that there is no solid evidence for the claimed links between environmental groups and dark money, nor the undeclared influence this would have on political outcomes. Due to this lack of concrete evidence, the alleged activity of Russia must be viewed with skepticism.

Herrington documents the evidence of Russian social media propaganda targeting American energy, specifically pipelines and hydraulic fracturing, and builds a case for the connection between environmental groups and dark money, but he does not provide concrete evidence of cash exchanged. These points prompt the reader to continue their own investigation of energy systems. The Green Real Deal is a passionate wake-up call, advocating for a balanced approach to a sustainable future – a harmonious coexistence of energy, environment, and society.

August 16, 2023
Spotlight on the 2023 Gertrude Warner Awards Celebrating Middle Grade Fiction
The Gertrude Warner Awards are calling

Can your Middle Grade Fiction come out to play?

Enter by August 31, 2023

Does your work focus on the key point of development between become a child and an adult? Do you find yourself drawn to work like the Redwall series or the Chronicles of Prydain, but you want to make a different mark for it? We’re ready for your ideas that will whisk young readers away on thrilling adventures, sparking their imaginations and ignite their love for storytelling. Join the CIBA 2023 Gertrude Warner Awards—an arena designed to honor and elevate outstanding middle-grade fiction.

The Gertrude Warner Awards:

Named in honor of the revered author of “The Boxcar Children” series, the Gertrude Warner Awards hold a unique place in our heart. Gertrude Chandler Warner’s timeless tales have enchanted generations of young readers, and now, we invite you to follow in her footsteps and leave your indelible mark on the world of middle-grade fiction.

Submitting to the CIBAs is a great way to help promote your book. We partner with other major supporters of indie and traditionally published authors like ALLi, IBPA, Reedsy, and Book Award Pro to bring the unique excellence of our Book Awards to you. Whether you sign up in the hopes of winning a Blue Ribbon, Author Interview, or Editorial Book Review Package, know that each time your book advances in our tiers you will receive regular promotion on our website, social media, and Newsletter!

Celebrating First Place and Grand Prize Gertrude Warner Winners!

The Gertrude Warner Awards have previously celebrated remarkable authors who’ve breathed life into middle-grade fiction. Here’s a glimpse of our esteemed winners from the last year:
- Alex Paul – The King’s Armada, (Arken Freeth and the Adventure of the Neanderthals) Book 6 of 6
- J.K. Pinsel – KAZI
- Didem Saracel – Story of Universe
- Ben Gartner – People of the Sun
- U. W. Leo – ARKO: The Dark Union
And the Grand Prize Winner for the CIBA 2022 GERTRUDE WARNER Awards is:

MYSTERY FORCE, Volume 1 by Ted Neill and Suzi Spooner

Submit to the CIBAs Today!

Now is your chance to weave narratives that linger in young hearts and minds. Prepare to make your mark as we open the doors for submissions to the 2023 Gertrude Warner Awards. Your masterpiece could be the next cherished tale inspiring future generations.

Submit your middle-grade fiction manuscript or recently published work before the August 31, 2023, deadline. Let your storytelling prowess shine as you venture into the vibrant world of the Gertrude Warner Awards.

Submit Today!

The Gertrude Warner Awards Winners will be announced at the CIBAs Ceremony on April 20, 2024 in Bellingham, WA and will be sp0nsored by the Chanticleer Authors Conference.
August 15, 2023
Spotlight on the 2023 Nellie Bly Book Awards celebrating Journalistic Non-Fiction
Discover the Power of Investigative Journalism!

Submit by 8/31/23!

Does the pulse of truth echo through your words?

The deadline for the prestigious Nellie Bly Awards is approaching swiftly, inviting those who strive to show the world as it is and bring those narratives which we desperately need to hear to light! The Nellie Bly Book Awards celebrate the prowess of Investigative, Long-form Journalism, and Biographies. Don’t miss this opportunity to shine a spotlight on your impactful work!

Who Inspires the Nellie Bly Awards?

The Nellie Bly Awards are named for the remarkable American investigative journalist, Elizabeth Jane Cochran, famously known as Nellie Bly. Her indomitable spirit led her to infiltrate the depths of an asylum on Blackwell’s Island, where she unveiled shocking abuses through her exposé. Her tenacity and courage cemented her position as a trailblazer in investigative journalism.

Illustration of Blackwell’s Asylum

Her Legacy: Immediate Impact

The power of Bly’s pen was undeniable. Her compelling articles triggered swift positive changes within the very institution she exposed. Improved living conditions, enhanced sanitation, and humane treatment became the result of her courageous reporting. Nellie Bly’s legacy exemplifies the profound influence of investigative journalism in shaping a better world.

Nellie Bly – Pioneering Spirit and Enduring Legacy

Nellie Bly traveled around the world in 72 days!

Before her groundbreaking exposé, Nellie Bly contributed to the Pittsburgh Dispatch under her pen name. Her life journey and achievements are intricately woven, capturing the essence of her adventurous spirit. Inspired by a song by Stephen Foster, she embraced the moniker Nellie Bly and embarked on a career that uncovered the dark corners of society, from sweatshops to the globe-spanning race against time.

We’ve continued to recognize and celebrate the spirit of Nellie Bly by continuing to celebrate our Grand Prize Winners long after the Conference and Awards Ceremony have finished. From Nicole Evelina’s biography on Francis and Virginia Minor to Dr. Janice Ellis’ timely and important news articles

Ready to Unveil Your Narrative?
Submit by August 31st for the 2023 Nellie Bly Awards!

The 2022 First Place Winners for the Nellie Bly Awards were
- Susan Lehmann – The Execution of Robert Butts
- Lana Melman – Artists Under Fire: The BDS War against Celebrities, Jews, and Israel
- Joshua Frank – Atomic Days: The Untold Story of the Most Toxic Place in America
- Jeff Kavanaugh and Corey Glickman – Practical Sustainability: Circular Commerce, Smarter Spaces and Happier Humans
- Janice S. Ellis – Using My Word Power: Advocating for a More Civilized Society, Book III: Patriotism & Politics
The Grand Prize Winner for the CIBA 2022 NELLIE BLY Awards was:

Saints & Soldiers

by Rita Katz

A gripping account of the parallel rise of Islamic Terrorist groups compared to White Supremacist Groups. Thoroughly researched, an expert author, and a chilling book.

Explore the accomplished minds that have graced the winner’s circle of the Nellie Bly Awards. Be inspired by the depth and breadth of investigative journalism as we celebrate the achievements of the 2022 Nellie Bly Award Winners.

Be Part of the Legacy: Join the Illustrious Roster of Winners

As the deadline for the 2023 Nellie Bly Awards creeps closer, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the exceptional achievers.

Seeking avenues for your non-fiction prowess? Explore all our Non-Fiction Divisions that provide platforms for various genres and styles.

With over $30,000 in rewards and prizes given away every year, what are you waiting for? Submit today!

The Grand Prize Winners of the 2022 Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards!
August 15, 2023
The Goethe 2023 Long List for Late Historical Fiction
The Goethe Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in post-1750s Historical Fiction. The Goethe Book Awards is a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).

The Goethe Book Awards competition is named for Johann Wolfgang von Goethe who was born at the dawn of the new era of enlightenment on August 28, 1749.

Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring Late Period Historical Fiction. Regency, Victorian, 18th Century, 19th Century, 20th Century, World and other wars before the 20th century, history of non-western cultures, set after the 1750s, we will put them to the test and choose the best among them.

The other three Historical Fiction Genres are the Laramie Awards for Americana Fiction, the Chaucer Awards for Early Historical Fiction, and the Hemingway Awards for 20th c. Wartime Fiction.

These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from all 2023 Goethe Late Historical Fiction entries to the 2023 Goethe Book Awards LONG LIST. Entries below are now in competition for the 2023 Goethe Shortlist. The Short Listers will compete for the Semi-Finalist positions. Finalists will be selected from the Semi-Finalists. All FINALISTS will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC24).

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 20th, 2024 in Bellingham, Wash. sponsored by the 2024 Chanticleer Authors Conference.

These titles are in the running for the SHORT LIST of the 2023 Goethe Book Awards novel competition for Post-1750s Historical Fiction!

Join us in cheering on the following authors and their works in the Goethe 2023 CIBAs.
- Pat Wahler – The Rose of Washington Square: A Novel of Rose O’Neill, Creator of the Kewpie Doll
- J. Stanion – My Place Among Them: A Novel
- Sandra Wagner-Wright – Ambition, Arrogance & Pride: Families & Rivals in 18th Century Salem
- Janis Robinson Daly – The Unlocked Path, A Novel
- Lindsey S. Fera – Muskets and Masquerades
- Jerena Tobiasen – Tsarina’s Crown
- Colleen Coyne – The Unintended Heiress
- Mitzi Zilka – Water Fire Steam
- Jeff Schnader – The Serpent Papers
- Miriam Polli – Birds Of Passage
- Eleanor Tatum – The Countess of Change
- Patrick Greenwood – Sunrise in Saigon
- Jodi Lea Stewart – The Gold Rose
- Chris Black – Chameleon
- Lisa Voelker – The Spoon
- Nichole Louise – Raven Rock
- Susanne Dunlap – The Courtesan’s Daughter
- Robert Brighton – The Unsealing
- Gary Born – The File
- Robert W Smith – A Long Way from Clare
- Carrie Hayes – Naked Truth or Equality, the Forbidden Fruit
- David Calloway – If Someday Comes
- Michael Miller – High Bridge – Matilda and Grover Battle Learned Ignorance
- Susanne Dunlap – The Portraitist: A Novel of Adelaide Labille-Guiard
- Nina Romano – Dark Eyes
- Susanne Dunlap – The Adored One
- Alexandru Czimbor – The Soul Machines
- Wendy Long Stanley – The Treason of Betsy Ross
- Linda Ulleseit – The River Remembers
- Ed Davis – Last Professional
- Loretta Miles Tollefson – There Will Be Consequences
- Don Jacobson – The Sailor’s Rest
- Dean Cycon – Finding Home (Hungary, 1945)
- Leslie K Simmons – Red Clay, Running Waters
- William Maz – Bucharest Legacy: The Rise of the Oligarchs
- Linda Rosen – The Emerald Necklace
- Jason Ollander-Krane – Circus Home: A Novel of Life, Love and New Jersey
- S.P. Grogan – Crimson Scimitar–Attack on America
- Venetia Hobson Lewis – Changing Woman: A Novel of the Camp Grant Massacre
- T. M. Brown – The Last Laird of Sapelo
- Nicole Evelina – Catherine’s Mercy
- Jeanette Watts – My Dearest Miss Fairfax
- J.L Oakley – The Brisling Code
- Radu Guiasu – The Faraway Mountains
- Johnny Teague – The Lost Diary of George Washington
- Joan Koster – Censored Angel: Anthony Comstock’s Nemesis
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Good luck to all as your works move onto the next rounds of judging.

Click here to see the 2022 Goethe Book Award Winners for Late Historical Fiction.

The Grand Prize Winner for the CIBA 2022 GOETHE Awards is:

Eleonora and Joseph:

Passion, Tragedy, and Revolution in the Age of Enlightenment

by Julieta Almeida Rodrigues

We are now accepting submissions into the 2024 Goethe Book Awards for Post-1750s Historical Fiction. The 2024 CIBA winners will be announced at CAC 2025.

Please click here for more information.

For our other Historical Fiction Awards, please see the following:
Winners will be announced at the 2023 CIBA Awards Ceremony sponsored by the 2024 Chanticleer Authors Conference.

April 18 – 21, 2024! Register Today!

Seating is Limited. The esteemed WRITER Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to participate in and attend in North America.

Join us for our 12th annual conference and discover why!
August 14, 2023
A Spotlight on the 2023 Dante Rossetti Awards for YA Fiction
There’s still time for the 2023 DANTE ROSSETTI Awards!

Because Youth Reads Matter

Submissions close August 31, 2023!

Eager to showcase your YA Fiction manuscript or recently published novel? Seize the opportunity and submit to the CIBA 2023 Dante Rossetti Awards. Your book deserves to be discovered!

Named after the celebrated British painter and poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the Dante Rossetti Awards encapsulate the essence of youth, beauty, and emotions evolving like the seasons. As a founding Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood member, Rossetti’s passion inspires our awards, mirroring the emotions you infuse into your YA Fiction narratives.

Why Opt for the Dante Rossetti Awards?
- Credibility: Our awards spotlight extraordinary writing, guiding readers to excellent YA Fiction. We are partnered with or recommended by ALLi, IBPA, Reedsy, and Book Award Pro.
- Prestige: Whether it’s the Blue Ribbons, the Author Interview, or the Book Reviews, even advancing partway through a Book Award Program shows readers and publishing experts that you’re doing right by your book when it comes to marketing.
- Support: The CIBAs are run by human beings, and we’re here for you. Each time you advance in our Tiers of Achievement, your name and book title are promoted on our high-traffic website, across social media, and in our newsletter.
We love to celebrate our Book Award Winners:

The Dante Rossetti Awards have celebrated remarkable authors who’ve subsequently soared to great heights. We’re still over the moon about our 2022 Winners!
- W.W. Marplot – Space Story
- Steven Michael Beck – Soar a Burning Sky
- Reenita Malhotra Hora – Operation Mom
- Frances Howard-Snyder – Sighs of Fire
- Lenore Borja – The Last Huntress (Mirror Realm Series Book I)
- Laurel Anne Hill – Plague of Flies: Revolt of the Spirits, 1846
The Grand Prize Winner for the CIBA 2022 DANTE ROSSETTI Awards is:

Wages of Empire
by Michael J. Cooper

Submit Today!

Don’t procrastinate—submit your YA Fiction manuscript or recent novel for the CIBA 2023 Dante Rossetti Awards by the August 31, 2023, deadline. Join a vibrant community of authors who comprehend the written word’s power to ignite hearts, stimulate minds, and captivate readers.

The climax of the Dante Rossetti Awards unfolds during the 2024 Chanticleer Authors Conference. First-place winners receive the coveted Chanticleer Blue Ribbon, and the Grand Prize laureate commands the spotlight, epitomizing the exceptional YA Fiction genre talent.

Submit today!

The Grand Prize Winners of the 2022 Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards!
August 14, 2023
An Update and Spotlight on the 2023 Chatelaine Book Awards
Unveiling the Allure of the Chatelaine Book Awards!

Indulge in the world of romantic tales, where hearts entwine and stories of love blossom. The Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards cordially invites you to embark on a journey through the pages of captivating romances – from the echoes of historical love affairs to the sparks of steamy passions – we are on a quest to find the best among them.

The image for the Chatelaine Awards is pulled from Dante Rossetti’s iconic painting, featuring Jane Morris, a muse whose allure is still felt today.

Are you an author with a romance novel or manuscript ready to sweep readers off their feet? Do you yearn to see how your creation fares among others of its kind? The Chatelaine Book Awards beckon, ready to embrace your literary gem.

Romantic storytellers, both budding and seasoned, take heed! We have moved the deadline for the Chatelaine Awards for Romance Literature to August, 31, 2023.

That’s right, submissions for the 2023 Chatelaine Book Awards are due August 31, 2023. So, whether your heart beats for contemporary romance, historical intrigue, pulse-pounding adventures, or soul-stirring inspiration – the Chatelaine Awards are your stage.

The Chatelaine Awards Categories are:
- Contemporary Romance
- Romantic Adventure & Suspense
- Historical Romance
- Inspirational/Restorative/Clean
- Romantic Steamy/Sensual
Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Embark on a journey of literary romance and share your masterpiece with the world.

Ready to submit? Secure your place among the passionate voices of romance here!

One of our favorite things about the Romance genre is the versatility it brings to the page! Historical, Suspense, YA – anything can be a sub-genre with romance and vice versa!

As we celebrate the Chatelaine Awards – a universe encompassing Romance, Chick-Lit, Women’s Fiction, Inspirational, Suspenseful, and the irresistibly Steamy and Sensual – let us not forget the enigmatic Jane Morris. Morris personifies the spirit of the Chatelaine division. An embodiment of intelligence and allure, she leaves an indelible mark on our perception of romance. To learn more about this intriguing muse, delve into her captivating story here.

Join us in embracing the magic of romance and literary excellence. Submit your work to the Chatelaine Awards by August 31, 2023, and be part of a tradition that celebrates love, passion, and the power of storytelling.

The Grand Prize Winner for the CIBA 2022 CHATELAINE Book Awards is:

Operation Mom:

My plan to get my Mom a life and a man

by Reenita Malhotra Hora
August 12, 2023
10 Question Author Interview with Elizabeth Crowens – Anthologies, Murder Mysteries, Time Travel

CHANTICLEER AUTHOR TEN QUESTION INTERVIEW SERIES
with Elizabeth Crowens

Author Elizabeth Crowens has been coming to our conferences (CAC) for a while now – and it is always a good time when she does. In fact, Elizabeth took home the GRAND PRIZE in TWO Divisions in 2021~ The SHORTS Awards for New York: Give Me Your Best or Your Worst and scored majorly in the CYGNUS Awards for A War in Too Many Worlds. And her literary agent just negotiated a 3-Book publishing deal. She is funny, smart, and cares deeply for her fellow authors. In short, she’s a perfect Chanticleerian! I want you to meet her – Elizabeth Crowens.

Chanti: So, Elizabeth, when did you realize that you were an author?

Crowens: When I realized it was too complicated and too expensive to make elaborate feature films all by myself. This, of course, was in the pre-video and pre-smartphone days of motion picture cameras and processing outrageously expensive film stock, of which I had firsthand experience in a film school which touted experimental and avantgarde auteurism rather than commercial productions.

Although I had the cinematographer’s eye, women in that realm faced a lot of restrictions, so I veered toward screenwriting. Never made my mark in that commercial arena either, but I did start a first draft of a novel, which stayed in my closet for many years until I took it seriously, polished it, and had it published. Now, there are three novels in that series, the latest of which is A War in Too Many Worlds, which won last year’s Grand Prize in the Cygnus Awards. The first book of that series, Silent Meridian, won First Prize in the Goethe Awards, and the second book, A Pocketful of Lodestones, won First Prize in the Paranormal Awards. There will be one more novel, The Story Beyond Time, before I complete my Time Traveler Professor series.

Chanti: It always amazes me how much you juggle in your work. Good on you! But, how do you come up with your ideas for a story?

Crowens: There’s always something personal when it comes to my story ideas. For my anthology, New York: Give Me Your Best or Your Worst, for years I had always wanted to publish a coffee table book using my photography. When I inadvertently stumbled upon an artist’s grant which could give me that opportunity, I gave it a whirl, not expecting anything to come of it. However, there was one caveat—I had to involve others. That’s when I pitched the project like my popular Caption Contest on Facebook and was really surprised when I won one of those grants. Regarding other stories—they come from all over the place but, once again, there’s always a personal connection some way or other.

Chanti: How do you approach your writing day?

Crowens: If I can wake around 4:30 am and write until 9:00 am when the “business day” begins, that’s considered a productive day. It’s quiet then, and I don’t have to worry about being interrupted by robocalls or having to deal with the frustrating mundane stuff like booking doctor’s appointments or arguing with inept billing departments over why I don’t owe their bills. Hate that stuff with a passion, and it totally gets me out of the creative zone.

Chanti: Ugh. I hate the robo calls! How structured are you in your writing work?

Crowens: To expand upon the previous question, once I’m out of the zone, there’s no way I can force myself to get back on track. Once I have the spare time, I’ll concentrate on reading or watching a film—in the name of research, of course. Got to stay productive—no matter what.

Chanti: Smart. What areas in your writing are you most confident in? What advice would you give someone who is struggling in that area?

Crowens: Dialogue. I think that comes from my screenwriting background. Script length is roughly 110-120 pages. My weakest area would be in setting descriptions and sensory reactions. In screenplays, nearly all of that is eliminated unless it’s vital to the script.

What it’s like to be bi-coastal!

Chanti: That’s good advice. You work in novels and film – two very different practices, two very different places – so I want to ask you about your craft. What do you do to grow your author chops?

Crowens: I attend writer’s boot camps and conferences—a lot of them.

Chanti: We’re always happy to see you at CAC! What craft books have helped you the most?

Crowens: Story Trumps Structure by Steven James. Anything by Donald Maas or James Bell. Stephen King’s On Writing is a classic. Writer’s Digest publishes a lot of good ones.

Chanti: What are you working on now? What can we look forward to seeing next from you?

Crowens: It might be a while since you see my final alternate history/science fiction novel in the Time Traveler Professor series, because I’ve been concentrating on Hollywood mysteries. One of the reasons why I like entering in the Chanticleer Author Awards is that they allow unpublished manuscripts to compete against the published ones. I have three unpublished mysteries which have won first prizes in various categories, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the one my agent is currently shopping, will leap beyond a finalist this year in the M&Ms or the Clue Awards.

Chanti: Best of luck to you in the CIBAs! They don’t let me near them, so luck is the only thing I can offer. Do you ever experience writers block? What do you do to overcome it?

Crowens: There are two instances where I hit a wall. One I mentioned previously, and that’s when I’m knocked out of the zone. The other is that cooling off period when I’m completely done with a project. During that time, I catch up on a lot of books and movies, many of which have no relation whatsoever to anything I might need for research on a future book. That’s the time to hit my TBR pile. Often, they might be novels from an author I know.

Chanti: I like how you handle that. It’s productive – and sounds like it’s predictable as well. Good for you! What is the most important thing a reader can do for an author?

Crowens: Give us reviews! Post them on Amazon, even if it isn’t a “verified sale” on Amazon and you purchased your copy at a retail store or book fair, and on Goodreads. NetGalley. Blog about them.

Chanti: You heard it from the author, herself! The most helpful thing is to write the review – and talk up the books!

EXCITING NEWS for Elizabeth Crowens – This just in!

We are beyond thrilled to announce that Elizabeth received a 3 Book Deal with her agent, Elizabeth K. Kracht for her Babs Norman 1940s Hollywood Mystery series. The Deal was announced in Publishers Marketplace. Here’s a link to her website where the good news is also mentioned, and another link to her Facebook announcement: https://www.facebook.com/thereel.elizabeth.crowens

Now that’s something to crow about!

Elizabeth entered her unpublished manuscript, Babs and Basil, and the Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles, into the Mark Twain Book Awards division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards where it was awarded a First Place Blue Ribbon.

Elizabeth Crowens has worn many hats in the entertainment industry in NY and LA for over 25 years. Writing credits include short stories and articles in Black Belt, Black Gate, and Sherlock Holmes Mystery magazines, stories in Hell’s Heart and the Bram Stoker Award-nominated A New York State of Fright, and three alternate history/SFF novels, which she self-publishes under the name of Atomic Alchemist Productions. Recipient of the MWA-NY Leo B. Burstein Scholarship, NY Foundation of the Arts grant to produce a self-published, photo-illustrated anthology, a Glimmer Train Honorable Mention, an Eric Hoffer Award First Prize, two Grand Prize and four First Prize Chanticleer Review awards. She is represented by Elizabeth K. Kracht at Kimberley Cameron & Associates, is currently writing in the Hollywood mystery genre, and is seeking a traditional publisher.

If you would like to learn more about Elizabeth Crowens author extraordinaire, please like and follow her on her webpage: https://www.elizabethcrowens.com/

August 11, 2023