Each one of our conferences have been very special,
but this one – but This One will be EXTRA SPECIAL!
June 23 – 26, 2022
We moved the 10th Chanticleer Authors Conference from the originally scheduled dates of April 7 – 10, 2022 to JUNE 23 – 26, 2022 so that more of you will be able to attend CAC22 In Real Life (IRL).
Because of the Covid Pandemic, the CAC 2020 and CAC 2021 had to be held virtually. We based the Zoomed operations out of the Hotel Bellwether with a few of local Chanticleerians joining us with safety protocols. It was starting to look as if CAC 2022 would also need to be held virtually also.
Additionally, crossing the border between Canada (Vancouver, B.C.) Canada and the U.S. (Bellingham, Wash.) was complicated and expensive for Canadians.
So, after doing some research, asking health experts, and tracking Covid numbers, we decided to ask the Hotel Bellwether if other dates were available to hold the conference. Fortunately, the last weekend of June was available. The rest of the summer was booked with weddings, which is wonderful! June 23 – 26, 2022!
And it is going to be our 10th Conference!We have plans to make it extra special!
Most importantly, the attendees! You are what makes this conference so special.
Learning from the experts – Learn from the Best!
Learning from each other
Networking and making new friends and connections
Our Keynote Speakers – CAC22 will feature CATHY ACE, international best-selling crime author with 2 TV shows in production.
And our SESSIONS on the Business and Marketing Side of Being an Author with the latest in Technology and Trends.
KICKSTARTER for Publishing – Explore how writers and publishers are using Kickstarter to bring new literature, audiobooks, podcasts, and more to life.
Writer’s Law School – Protecting Your Artistic Rights
TikTok & BookTok – Intro for Authors and Publishers and How to Get Started
Book to Film Sessions
Pitches and Log-lines
Alphabet Soup for Authors – SEO, AISEO, Meta Data, Keywords, & more
Branding for Authors
Long-tail Marketing for the Internet Age
Amazon Love – How to Get More
Selling Platforms – How to Reach a Global Market
Increasing Your Email List – How To
How to Hit the USA Today Bestseller List
Audio-Books for Authors – Tried and True methods without breaking the bank
How to Think like Amazon and Utilize Direct to Consumer Trends to Grow Your Audience
Elements of Effective Book Covers that SELL Your Book
and more to come!
Advanced Writing Sessions
Using Film Techniques for Fiction Writers – Camera angles, method acting for getting into a character’s pov, and creating subtext and tight dialogue
Your Brain on Writing
World Settings and Atmosphere
Creating Memorable Characters using Gert Hofstede’s Theory of Communication Dimensions
Captivating Co-Stars that add depth to your work-in-progress
Fractured Time Lines and Sustaining a Series
Five Things You Need to Know about POV
and more to come!
And this is just the start of the Sessions that CAC22 will offer.
The curriculum and quality of presenters at CACs is why the Chanticleer Authors Conference is considered to be one of the top conferences in the U.S. by Writer Magazine year after year!
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
CAC’s KaffeeKlatches round-table discussions
Two Networking Cocktail Parties
BOOK FAIR – open to the general public on Sunday
ASK the PROs sessions – individual sign-up mini-sessions
Two Luncheons with Keynote Speakers
Live Music on Friday and Saturday Evenings with no-host bar
Evening Banquets
And much more!
And the Grand EVENING for the 2021 Chanticleer International Book Awards Banquet and Awards Gala!
Dr. Ellis presenting on her book Liberty to Magnolia
The groundbreaking author of Shaping Public Opinion, which won the Nellie Bly Grand Prize Award, and From Liberty to Magnolia, which won the Journey Grand Prize Award, has written an article that’s being featured nationwide on President Biden’s choice to appoint the first Black woman to the supreme court.
Dr. Ellis begins by setting the record straight and defining Affirmative Action:
Affirmative action has a long history in this country as an attempt to stop and correct the systemic discrimination and oppression of Blacks. The initial attempts began during the Reconstruction Era (1863-1877) shortly after the Civil War.
Furthermore, Dr. Ellis points out the double standard that Affirmative Action is being invoked as the reasona behind putting a Black woman on the Supreme Court, saying:
Was it considered affirmative action or out of line when President Ronald Reagan declared while campaigning that he would appoint the first woman to the Supreme Court? Was it affirmative action when he followed through and appointed Sandra Day O’Connor?
You can read the full article here, which has been reprinted in more than twenty publications across the US. Well done Dr. Ellis. We’re proud to count you as a Chanticleerian. Dr. Ellis is known for her analysis of social, educational, and political issues across race, age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Here are the links to the publications that picked up her article:
FLEXIBLE REGISTRATIONS ARE AVAILABLE for these challenging times.
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.
A Chatelaine Finalist and current Laramie Short Lister (good luck in the following CIBA tiers!), E.E. Burke describes herself as a history geek and a sucker for a good love story. She has recently released a new edition of her bestselling series, Steam! Romance and Rails, which combines Western action and adventure with romance and suspense. Another five-star series, The New Adventures, features a re-imagining of two beloved American characters in Tom Sawyer Returns and Taming Huck Finn.
The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, CT, sponsors spotlight programs with authors, many of whom are Pulitzer Prize winners, NYT bestsellers, and today’s leading literary voices. Burke credits the discovery of her work to reviews, which inspired the musem director to read her books and ask her too appear in their Valentine’s program, “Romancing Mark Twain.” Tune in to hear about what isnpired her to write these Mark Twain spinoffs and learn a little bit more about how Twain’s life influences writers today. You can sign up for this free event (Tuesday, February 15, 7pm EST) here!
FLEXIBLE REGISTRATIONS ARE AVAILABLE for these challenging times.
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.
Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day, and what better way to find yourself than curling up with a good book and a warm drink. But, with the advent of romance, we thought we’d give you the chance to “date” a few of the many excellent books Chanticleer has reviewed.
Of course, now is the time that most people think about romance for Valentine’s Day like our Chatelaine Authors. Like with dating sites, the best way to improve your book’s dating profile is by submitting it for Reviews and Awards — and we have some great ones for you to look over here!
As the adage goes, don’t judge a book by it’s cover!
What we’re doing for this is just providing you some images and part of the review associated with the book, but not the book itself. If you think you’d be interested in giving it a read, feel free to click the “see more” button at the end of our review excerpt.
We do have to give a special thanks to Village Books and Paper Dreams right here in Whatcom County for inspiring us with their idea for “Blind Date with a Book,” where customers buy a book based on a review rather than knowing what it is.
Let’s look at some of the books for Valentine’s Day:
Do you like Paranormal Romance wrapped in Mystery and Family Relationships?
At first, Aura hopes that Natalie just went off with friends and didn’t bother to call. But the silence continues for more than a week. Aura jumps in her truck to search the last place Natalie’s cell phone had been used, a mountain near Somers, Montana, behind a place called the Diamond Ranch. Before she can get onto the mountain to search, Aura becomes embroiled in a darker mystery when she finds a mutilated hand near where Natalie had been staying. With the gruesome discovery, she fears that Natalie ran into more serious trouble than she had first suspected.
When a handsome sheriff’s deputy questions her, Aura feels a stirring she hasn’t ever experienced.
Dane Burke, a no-nonsense lawman, has a case to solve. He shouldn’t be thinking about the mysterious, beautiful drifter in any way except as a possible suspect. With one failed marriage and a non-existent relationship with his estranged brother, he can’t allow himself to feel anything, not even lust. Little does he know, Aura feels much the same, but for very different reasons. Aura keeps her true identity hidden: a shape-shifting nymph. As part of her supernatural nature, any man who loves her or that she loves will die. The two delve deeper into the mystery and the search for Natalie, and their feelings become impossible to deny.
Do you like Women’s Fiction that has Divorce, Romance with a splash of Literary Fiction?
In 1966, Jenny, a Mud Angel, dropped everything to fly to Florence, Italy, in search of treasures buried in mud and water after the Arno flooded. She worked tirelessly alongside her fellow Mud Angels to rescue these priceless works of art and ancient books.
For all of Lyn’s life, she heard her mother’s stories until they became mundane and commonplace. But before Jenny passe away, she gave Lyn instructions on where to find her precious journal from her time in Italy. She left a cryptic message, so when Lyn, an up-and-coming writer, has a chance to teach at a writer’s retreat in the city her mother loved, she jumps at the opportunity. Three years later, she still journeys there yearly for one month to explore Florence. With her latest book under her belt, Lyn decides to tell her mother’s story.
Do you like Historical Renaissance Fiction with a Literary Twist?
Vittoria Colonna, an Italian noblewoman and poet born in 1490, lives with grief and isolation. As an adult, she meets and forms a deep friendship with the revered painter and poet Michelangelo. This meeting forms the center point of the novel that takes readers back and forth through time. The story traces Vittoria’s life from her childhood and betrothal to her future husband Ferrante, to her later years with Michelangelo.
As a child, Vittoria leaves home for the island of Ischia. There, she lives with her betrothed Ferrante and his aunt Costanza d’Avalos.
Vittoria and Ferrante’s future union will strengthen political alliances. But will Vittoria and Ferrante happily fall in love?
Later, Vittoria becomes a widow and withdraws from public life for several years. One day, she meets Michelangelo, while he paints The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. Their friendship changes each other’s lives forever.
Do you like Medieval Historical Fiction steeped in Alternate Religions with a nod to Ancient Civilizations?
Nonbelievers of the Great Mother Goddess threaten certain persecution. But Herrwn has maintained the traditional practices passed to him by his own father. As an orator in charge of repeating the legends and beliefs of his people, he knows the importance and the heavy responsibility required by his sacred office. With the decrease in believers outside of the valley, he understands the precarious position of the community and the difficult balance he must maintain.
Over the course of his long life, he has come to rely on his cousins, Olyrrwd, Chief Healer, and Ossiam, Chief Oracle, but as the years pass, his loyalties become torn when what starts as simple gibes between the two priests morphs into unspoken fear of what the other might do to gain favor with the various priestesses chosen as the Goddess Incarnate. Having lost his beloved wife and young child, Herrwn grows closer to Olyrrwd, and becomes the peacekeeper between the priests to keep what remaining family he has left.
Jack Volant, an aspiring painter and Union cavalry officer, wounded at Gettysburg, travels to Paris following the war to become a more accomplished artist. It is there that he begins a tumultuous relationship with Charlotte, a sculptor who sells her work to Empress Eugenie, wife of the Emperor, and a noted art patroness.
Jack’s younger brother Steven, while still in America, becomes embroiled in an affair with a professor’s wife. When the professor, an expert shot, learns of it, he challenges the young man to a duel. Fearing for his life, Steven changes his name and flees to Paris where he engages in the eerie occupation of unwrapping mummies in the salons attended by the elite.
All these dynamic characters, many involved in intrigue and murder, will interact in the decadent City of Light. They enjoy its ambience for only a short time, however, before war finds them once again. In 1870, the influence of the Empress, Prussian militarism and national rivalry will lead to disaster for France in the Franco Prussian war, the siege of Paris. In the chaos, Charlotte, deeply in love with Jack, waits anxiously as he attempts to save his brother and Jerome from the Prussian onslaught.
FLEXIBLE REGISTRATIONS ARE AVAILABLE for these challenging times.
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.
Lunar New Year celebrates the first signs that Spring is approaching. It is the most important and festive holiday in Asian countries with billions of people celebrating it. It has been celebrated for thousands of years. In China, it is known as Chinese New Year. However, Lunar New Year has different names in different countries, but still is known as Lunar New Year. And some say that Spring Festival may be more “correct.” No matter. It is a day of new beginnings with new prospects and new opportunities. The festival begins on February 1st and continues for sixteen days culminating with the Lantern Festival.
Lantern Festival is 5 days long and is the equivalent of Valentine’s Day
Interesting Facts to Know about the Lunar New Year
Preparations begin a month in advance
People in China get 7 days off from work (January 31st – February 6th)
Some people get another additional 7 days off from work
Lunar New Year is celebrated by more than three billion people
More than 3.5 billion journeys in China are made during the Lunar New Year celebration
Little Year: Takes place a week before Lunar New Year Day. It is a time for remembrance
Lunar New Year’s Eve is a day of gift-giving (Red Envelopes!)
Spring Festival begins with Lunar New Year’s Day — time for feasting, celebrating, and family
Lantern Festival ( the last five days) also known as “the Friends and Sweetheart’s Time”
Trafalger Square in London hosts one the largest parties outside of China itself for Lunar New Year
Here on the west coast of North America, large celebrations take place in Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, San Francisco, and others. (Although, many are cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, but online activities are available.)
Trafalgar Square – London, England Lunar New Year Parade
This is the Year of the TIGER!
The Year of the TIGER for writers is believed to be a year of opportunity and triumph in the face of these past few challenging years. The Year of the Tiger may be your biggest year yet in your writing career. The Year of the Tiger is the year to be daring! Tiger Years are said to be years of taking chances and new pathways because the Tiger can go around any obstacles and not lose its way way.
Auspicious Traditions for the Lunar New Year
Clean and organize your writing space (prior to Monday’s New Year’s Day). If you can’t complete cleaning ( I know I won’t be able to), you may continue to clean and organize after three full days. It is said that one should refrain from cleaning on Lunar New Year’s Day as it could be seen as sweeping away your good fortune (or writing mojo).
Place a bowl of oranges, mandarins, or tangerines in your writing lair to promote positive energy.
Wear new clothes on the Lunar New Year – Monday, Feb. 1st, 2022. Red and bright colors are advised. It is advised not to wear black or white clothing.
Enjoy something sweet to ensure a sweet new year!
Open windows and doors in your writing lair on New Lunar Year’s Day to bring in the new luck and fortune of the New Year.
For those who play board games, it is considered lucky to play to stay awake on New Year’s Eve until the New Lunar Year arrives.
Eat almonds and cookies/cakes made from almonds to bring on a strong and bright future (that is if you’re not allergic to almonds).
Green (for healing power, prosperity, growth, and good beginnings)
Are You Wondering How to Determine Your Chinese Zodiac Sign?
Use the handy table below to find your birth year and Chinese Zodiac Sign:
Below are the 2022 Chinese Horoscope Forecasts for Those Who Live the Writing Life – Enjoy
Note from Kiffer Brown: Chanticleer believes that we each make our own destiny by being optimistic and positive, by being kind and loving, by dreaming and inspiring, by being bold and doing, by helping and enriching others, by appreciating and being grateful, and by expanding our awareness of the Universe. Enjoy and have fun! Happy 2022!
If your sign is a Tiger
(Tigers are passionate and have courage. They are known for their enthusiasm, courage, ambition, leadership, confidence, charisma. )
2022 is a great year to start new works. This is your time to promote because it is your time to shine. If you do, expect your readership to grow. Be sure to keep communications open with your editor. Sharing your thoughts will improve insight often improving your works. This is also the year to focus on writing craft and expand your writing craft tools. Be very careful whose works you endorse as the endorsements reflect on you. Be sure to make good on collaboration promises with other writers in social media and book promotions. This is a good year to schedule your book promotion plans and create a budget. What you do early in the year will effect your success in the second half of the year. Focus on your goals for writing, for promotion, for your health.
If your sign is a Rabbit
(Trustworthiness, empathy, modesty, diplomacy, sincerity, sociability are what Rabbits are known for along with being friendly and possessing great common sense)
2022 may be the year that your hard work will be recognized. Be sure to research any new ventures or signing any contracts. Take time to take a step back and relax when you feel overwhelmed. You appreciate fine writing craft and well-written turns of phrases, but remember to not let your story get bogged down. Work on those well-framed sentences after you get your story out of your mind-film. Try to network as much as possible so you can meet the right people to help you reach your publishing goals. Speak up at Zoom meetings. Participate in conversations, ask questions of panels, and network at conferences. Enlarge your sphere of influence. In your writing, you will have imagination and creativity that will help your works achieve success.
If your sign is a Dragon
(They are known to be passionate and quick-witted along with having the following traits: Luckiness, flexibility, eccentricity, imagination, artistry, spirituality, charisma. )
Be smart and do your research, and plan your marketing budget well. Perhaps adopting a conservative approach and look into collaborating with other authors. Be sure to keep communications open with your editors and beta readers. Sometimes dragons do not feel the need to explain yourself to others. But doing so will help resolve misunderstandings. Proper communication is the key! This is time to move forward with your works. Gifted with innate courage, tenacity, and intelligence, Dragons are enthusiastic and confident. They are not afraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. However, keep an open mind and be aware of the challenges you’ll be facing. Don’t react first but contemplate on it to gain better judgment and make the right decisions. Your optimistic attitude will help you and influence your colleagues.
If your sign is a Snake
(The wise and almost mystical Snake is philosophical, organized, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, and decisive.)
Auspicious players are at work. Goethe’s saying, “Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” This should be your motto for 2022. You have high ambitions and you will work hard in 2022 to achieve them. This is not the time to covet other writers’ word counts or books published. Keep your eyes on the prize – your work-in-progress. When dealing with deadlines and stress, be sure to take time for yourself to exercise and to eat well. Be sure to quiet your mind before retiring for the day. Though you may have some tough writing days ahead, tools and tips from other writers and editors can help you achieve your publishing goals. Finally, be sure to make time for reading new books! This is your year for success!
If your sign is a Horse
(Independent and high-spirited, the Horse is adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent, adventurous, strong.)
This is your year for creative and magical ideas! Be sure to keep a note-keeping system on hand at all times and on your bedside table. Your back list will payoff. Keep adding to it. This is the year to increase your circle of writer colleagues and your readership base! If you have a work-in-progress be sure to listen to what your editors are saying to you. Your work and writing career will benefit. In this creative year, be sure to start writing down concepts for new works. However, do not lose track of the work at hand. Stay on track and do not lose focus. Your challenge is to complete your work-in-progress while experiencing this creative, magical time. Write Fast. Edit Slow. And, keep track of the inspiration that the writing muse will send to you in 2022.
If your sign is a Goat
(The artistic and compassionate Goat is tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm.)
If you are wavering about writing a new book, you should make the decision. Go or No Go. Then move on or Write Fast. If you decide to write the work, then immerse yourself. Stay true to yourself. Work hard and consistently as your efforts will be noticed. As much as you like to work alone, this may be the year to meet more writers to form future collaborations. This will be easy for you to do this year as you will have many admirers. However, set a schedule for writing, as you tend to do your best when following a routine. Be sure to take walks where there is fresh air, trees, and flora. This will invigorate you and keep you in good spirits and creative! Expand your mailing list and followers to gain new readers. Research how to do this yourself without spending a lot of money. There are colleagues in your writer community who would be willing to help you to this. It will be easier than you think! Also, find a way to contribute more to your writer community. You will gain allies and gain access to cross-promotion and learn more about selling platforms for your works.
If your sign is a Monkey
(Confident and innovative, the Monkey is quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart.)
You know how to hammer away at “Writer’s Block.” Once you do, you have found that the “muse” descends upon you. 2022 will be a good year for your writing career. However, you will need to pay close attention to the details of your stories. “Good enough” will not due. You works will need to be well-edited. Strive for perfection. If you are having problems focusing on your work-in-progress, then perhaps put it in a drawer and start on a story that you can fully immerse yourself in. You can go back to the story in the drawer later—if you want to. Your propensity to hammer away puts words on the page, but perhaps listen to what your writer’s muse is trying to convey to you in 2022. If you have works that are published, this may be the year to seek international marketing platforms or international representation. It may be difficult to begin with, but your “hammering away” nature will come in handy for figuring out how to expand into international markets.
If your sign is a Rooster
(Roosters are progressive thinkers and doers and unafraid to be different. They are known to be honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident. You are known for your fierce loyalty.) (Chanticleer’s sign)
Roosters are known for their uncanny intuition and ability to correctly access situations. Many think you can read minds, which allows you to create compelling characters in your works. The hardest part of writing for you is sitting still enough to write. However, your writing career will make great strides if you do make yourself sit down consistently and write. Writing is hard for Roosters to do if it is not their career job. This hard work will begin to pay off for you in by the end of 2022 and more so in 2023. Although scheduling writing time will be challenging because you will encounter many pleasant surprises and opportunities to take advantage of. Perhaps investing in a time planner would be advised to tract goals while remaining flexible to take advantage of what 2022 will have to offer. In this busy year—even more so for Roosters—make time for your spouses/partners. You tend to put more energy into work than home life. This also carries over to self-care. Be sure to exercise. Schedule it in. Take care of yourself as you take care of work issues. Walk every day. Keep a healthy diet. Begin doing this early in the New Year. Nevertheless, 2022 is a fortuitous year for Roosters! You just have to pace yourself.
If your sign is a Dog
(The honest and hardworking Dog is loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, smart. They have a sense of justice and very easy to get along with.)
Hard work is the key to your success in 2022. You may feel adrift sometimes, but that will pass. This is the year to call people or meet with them rather texting or messaging. Connecting and taking the initiative will create positive energy for you. There will be advancement in your writing career. So, flex those creative muscles. If you feel frustrated about your writing, be sure to connect with other writers and readers. They will help lift your spirits with their camaraderie. 2022 is the year that you will discover more about your writing style and voice. If possible, this is a good year to travel and explore new horizons. This is your lucky year to achieve your writing goals. You will have many inspirational moments this year. Keep a pen and paper nearby or a recording device. These inspirational moments will make your work shine.
If your sign is a Pig
(Kind, friendly, and curious, the PIG is honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable.)
You are highly focused on your writing and your publishing goals. You finish your works-in-progress since you work on them steadily. However, this is the year that if you want to change genres, you should give it a try. Big changes will bring you luck as you bring perspectives from your previous genres to a new one. Discovering new places and traveling will also give your writing new perspective. For the Pig, 2022 is the time to assist others—perhaps share new skills or teach a class. You will have a greater sense of purpose and will realize that it isn’t about the work itself but the message that creates relationships and bonds you have formed with your readers. 2022 will be a year of renewed energy for you! Take advantage of opportunities to network and connect with other writers. You will gain new wisdom from these relationships.
If your sign is a Rat
(Along with being amiable and creative, Rats are known for their intelligence, adaptability, quick-wit, charm, artistry, gregariousness.)
Give yourself permission to relax and bring more balance into your life in 2022. You have a great idea, but something maybe holding you back. Perhaps you are too stressed. Relaxing a bit and enjoying yourself may allow you to boost your creativity. This is a great year for Rats to promote their books. You should have yours on several selling platforms along with participating in author events, book clubs, book fairs. You will find that you will be able to sell your books at these events better than you ever have before as you have great powers of persuasion now. Dress the part of your brand. If you don’t have a brand, this is the time to create one. Your brand will help your readers to find you. Your strength is your organizational skills. The key to your success is determining what is essential and what is a distraction. This will allow you to focus your energy and resources in 2022. Enhance the “under the hood” technologies of your book listings, website, and anything digital. Replenish yourself with listening to your favorite music and perhaps take up a tactile hobby such as painting, knitting, wood working, gardening, flower arranging—something that involves physical sensations.
If your sign is an Ox
(Oxen are known to be leaders and loyal friends. They are also known for their reliability, thoroughness, strength, reason-ability, steadiness, and determination.)
Since you are such a hard worker and you bear stress and tension without sharing your duress with others, you may find short trips and proper relaxation (perhaps a manicure, a trip to the spa, a night out with friends) will benefit you. You have no problem sitting down and writing. 2022 is predicted to be a very lucky year for the Ox writing and publishing goals. However, be cautious in entering into contracts or outlaying large amounts of cash for a service. This is a great year to expand your network and to increase your readership. Your readers will rave about your books. It will behoove you to go against your natural instinct of being a homebody and shy in 2022 as being more outgoing and visible will increase your readership and your brand. You are more likeable and charismatic than you think you are. The forecasters predict you will have an amazing year ahead!
We hope that you enjoyed this fun blog post that is meant as a way of thinking about new perspectives for your writing life.
Chanticleer believes that we each make our own destiny by being optimistic and positive, being kind and loving, by dreaming and inspiring, being bold and doing, by appreciating and being grateful, and by expanding our awareness of the Universe.
Happy Chinese New Year 2022! – Year of the Tiger!
We wish you an AWESOME New Year of Good Fortune, Good Health, and Many Book Sales and an Increased Readership!
May the 2022 New Lunar Year bring you peace, joy, prosperity, and health!
No matter your writing level, your story needs a kickass main character. Now, I don’t mean you need a brawler, a bully, or beast to headline your story–instead, you need someone who readers have never met before. An unforgettable someone who fascinates and captivates. Someone who readers can care about, empathize with.
A story person who can carry the weight of your storyline.
Examples: Katniss of Hunger Games, Kirsten of Station Eleven, Jay Gatsby in the Great Gatsby, Celie in the Color Purple, Poirot in the Hercule Poirot series, Arsene Lupin of the Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar series by Maurice Leblanc, Harry Potter of the Harry Potter series.
You will notice that most of these protagonists can carry the weight of a series. Readers want to spend time with them.
Hercule Poirot of Agatha Christie’s series
Create a worthy protagonist:
A fictional person who is about to face some of themost interesting events and hardest challenges of his or her life. Elizabeth Bennet ofPride and Prejudice is a good example.
A protagonist who hasskin in the game. Elizabeth’s situation–living with her family because she has no means of support–means she is in aninescapable position.
A character you can pile on troubles and miseries and he or shewon’t topple. Well, maybe topple, but then is capable of rising again to face the challenges of the story events. This means your protagonist can stand up to his or her opposition, enemies, and travails, however difficult.
Think about the character Kirsten Raymonde in Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Kirsten is strong, observant, and skilled in protecting herself. She struggles with the violence of the new world and the fact that she has killed other people to survive. She believes in the power of art to make her new brutal life worth living and longs to better understand the world left behind.
The protagonist, Kirsten Raymonde, of Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
A character withrealistic and possibly relatable flaws. InPride and PrejudiceLizzie Bennet possesses a sharp tongue that matches her quick wit, but she’s also prone to jump to conclusions {prejudice} and might be prouder than might be good for her.
A character who is complicated and complex, which in turn leads to inner conflict.This means protagonist battles his/her circumstances hindered by his or her personality, nature, and circumstances.
Use characters with significant histories{backstory}that cast a shadow onto the present. Typically this means past traumas or troubles that somehow mess with his/her ability to face the story conflict and hardships. InPride and PrejudiceElizabeth Bennet’s family is dysfunctional, in that the father is uninvolved and distant, their mother is an ambitious busybody, and her younger sisters will chase any man in a uniform. Which is going to lead to a scandal that the family might not recover from.
Lizzie’s older sister Jane is typical of a woman of her times–Regency England–who seems to accept society’s norms and has a sweet disposition. Oh, and low expectations. Lizzie, on the other hand, is different from her sisters–a reader, a dreamer and yet a realistic type because she’s aware of her family’s flaws and disapproves of her father. But importantly, she’s a woman who will not marry unless her beloved is a perfect match.
Smiling in spite of being subject to England’s Inheritance Laws during the Regency Era.- which means they will not inherit land or the family home. Husbands will be required.
But the ultimate backdrop for this story comes from England’s inheritance laws. The family’s five daughters unable to inherit their family estate because they’re female, which creates a threat that hangs over the story. This is an excellent example of the Regency English era.
All stories need anoverarching threat. Think worst-case scenario.
Fiction typically, but not always, is told from the protagonist’s viewpoint.The pov character is the reader’s entrée into the story world, the lens we view the story through.The prideful Lizzie provides access into society’s norms and expectations for females. Thus, she serves as a reflection of the story’s themes and premise. {It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of good fortune, must also be in want of a wife.}
If Pride and Prejudice was told from elder sister Jane’s or Lydia’s viewpoint it would be a far different tale.
Less complex and involving, since Jane isn’t exactly a firecracker and 15-year-old Lydia’s agenda is all about romance with a dashing soldier, Mr. Wickham. No matter that his agenda is ungentlemanly at best. Then there’s the matriarch, Mrs. Bennet, who is well aware of the unfairness of inheritance laws and is determined her daughters will be married because that’s all the security they can hope for. While Mrs. Bennet is realistic, it’s doubtful she’d provide an honest perspective.
Early on in your story development, consider thinking about or perhaps outlining what the narrative would look like from your other character’s perspectives. You may gain an interesting slant to your story line. Kiffer
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 third Monday in January in the U.S.A. honors the American clergyman, activist, and leader of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on his birthday. The first observance on a national level was in 1986. Dr. King gave his last speech on April 4, 1967, the night before he was assassinated. He was just 39-years-old.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. 1965
Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Is An Example We Should Never Forget by Janice S. Ellis, PhD.
If you ever doubt that one person can make a difference, the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. as an example that we should never forget. Too often, we see a problem, an injustice, a need of any kind and feel we are helpless to do anything about it.
When confronted with a situation that needs a voice or action, we allow those feelings of helplessness and doubt to take over. We are besieged by questions like: Who am I? What can I do? Too often, we conclude we are powerless to do anything.
The life of Martin Luther King, Jr. is an example of how not to let those feelings of doubt and helplessness deter you. In the face of fear and constant threats of harm and death, Martin Luther King, Jr. refused to be deterred from his work to achieve racial and social justice.
As we reflect on thelife of Martin Luther King, Jr., we should be inspired to become engaged and involved with whatever issues or conditions concern us. As we pause to commemorate the birthday of King, the only question is: Do we care as much as he did? This is a question we should ask ourselves every day, at every opportunity.
There is no greater force or power than that of the human will. We see it all around. We see it in extraordinary athletic achievements in sports. We see it in the awesome achievements of those with physical or mental disabilities.
And then, there are those who have achieved incredible gains for others who have suffered physical oppression, social inequality, economic and judicial injustices, across generations for centuries. The life of Martin Luther King, Jr. is an example of one of those giants.
It should be noted that King was a teenager when he became interested in getting rid of racial injustice in America. It was an interest that turned into a mission—a mission that he pursued during his entire short life, a mission that costs him his life. Had he not died at the hand of an assassin and lived, we would be celebrating his 92ndbirthday!
When he felt compelled to fight to improve the plight of the oppressed, he did not know all the things he would confront. But, during the days, weeks, months and years, he stayed the course despite constant obstacles, threats, persecution, and physical and emotional abuse.
The life of Martin Luther King, Jr. is an example, which shows if you care enough, are bold enough, courageous enough, and believe enough,you can make a difference.
As we pause to commemorate Dr. King, each of us can give serious thought about how we can apply our efforts to make things betterwhereverwe can, as Martin Luther King, Jr. did.
“As we pause to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., we seem further away from the goals for which he worked and gave his life: Freedom, Justice, and Equal Rights for All! This is most evident in the growing racial discord and the threat to suppress the very basic right to vote. Again! Like Dr. King, we as individuals can work in our community, our city, our state to ensure that all of our citizens will be treated equally and with respect. One specific way we can do that, right now, is to work to ensure eligible citizens are able to cast their vote in the 2022 mid-term elections. There are many other things we can do, as individuals, to keep working to achieve a better world for those around us and all of our fellow human beings. What is the area where you can work to make a difference? Dr. King’s work is an example of the many areas where our involvement is still sorely needed.” Janice S. Ellis, PhD
Dr. Janice S. Ellis
For four decades, Janice Ellis has analyzed educational, political, social, and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age, and socio-economic status. Dr. Ellis holds a Ph.D. in Communication Arts, and two Master of Arts degrees, one in Communications Arts and a second in Political Science, all from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. Her memoir,From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dreamwon Journey Book Awards Grand Prize (CIBAs) along with national and international awards.
Her new book,Shaping Public Opinion: How Real Advocacy Journalism™ Should be Practiced, won the Nellie Bly Nonfiction Journalism Award. Restoring honesty and civility must be the priority among journalists and commentators if we are to serve a dependent and vulnerable public and safeguard a fundamental tenet of our Democracy–that is the focus of the book.
Both books have received and continue to receive great editorial reviews and endorsements as well as customer reviews.
Janice Ellis, a native daughter of Mississippi, grew up and came of age during the height of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s. Born and reared on a small cotton farm, she was influenced by two converging forces that would set the course of her life. The first was the fear and terror felt by blacks because of their seeking to exercise the right to vote along with other rights and privileges afforded to whites. The second was her love of books, the power of words, and her exposure to renowned columnists, Eric Sevareid and Walter Lippmann, whose work solidified her belief that the wise use of words is what advances the good society.
Janice Ellis became determined to take a stand, and not accept and allow the conditions of that farm life, or the strictures of oppressive racial segregation and entrenched sexism limit what she could become. She became determined to use whatever talents God had blessed her with and the power of words to help improve the human condition.
We thank Janice S. Ellis, PhD. for contributing today’s article in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Every Author Needs an Effective Website, But What Should You Do to Manage Yours?
Now is the time to freshen your website or seriously consider creating one dedicated to your author brand.
The internet is confusing enough without having to look at the back end of a webpage that’s supposed to draw others in. For many authors, their website will be the first thing online readers will come across, and it should represent the best parts of you and your work.
AUTHOR BRAND – Your website your reflects your author brand
Like a Resume, the Author Website should highlight what’s special about you
If your book receives a positive review or award, crow about it on your website. You can see Nancy Thorne doing that on her site here for her book Victorian Town, which won a First Place blue ribbon in the Dante Rossetti Awards. Having that digital badge can be the difference between someone purchasing your book and passing on it.
Where else will people find information about you?
Aside from your author website, most readers will find out about you from bookstores, social media, through your publisher, or through Reviews and Awards as described above.
The only place you fully control is your Author Website
The Bones (wireframe) of Your Website
These are the key subjects your author website should touch on for readers:
Your AUTHOR BRANDING – this will be a blogpost to itself – please see links at the end of this article,
What do you write – Fantasy? Historical Fiction? Non-Fiction? Children’s Books?
Do you have an elevator pitch for each of your works? If so, this is where you put it. Then drill down with more info.
What information or services you provide?
Are you available to present?
Are you available for Book Clubs? (You do have a Book Club page—right?)
Do you promote/support any causes? Humane Society? Autism? Wildlife? Lover of Libraries? Board Games?
Schedule of where people can meet you? Author Events, Wine Tastings/Lavender Days, Comic-Cons?
Products (books) to sell –
Can they be purchased directly from your website?
Can they be purchased from your fav Indie bookseller? Amazon? Barnes and Noble? Bookchain?
Kudos given your works
Digital badges, links to awards and accolades
Access to your Blog – it should be easily available AND with at least once a week posts.
Blogposts do not have to be long – a short paragraph will do to keep it fresh and earning “browser love” i.e. ranking on search engines
An outdated blog suggests that you are not interested in what you are doing (writing/written).
BIO – why readers should READ your books rather than another author’s works in the same genre
Please have easily downloadable photos, short and snappy bio with an invitation to contact you (see below) if a more in-depth one is needed, and graphics of your book covers available for those who want to promote you and your work. For example – you are going to do a book signing at your local bookseller – they will want to be able to create posters, social media posts, mailings, etc. and will need this basic info easily and readily available.
Also, have links or a listing to where you have presented, been interviewed, and/or published, accolades and awards
Contact info – Social Media Links, a secure way of contacting you, and a place to subscribe to your newsletter .
Social media links – especially LinkedIn and Twitter
Subscribe to your newsletter (yes, you read that correctly)
Secure way of contacting you while allowing for your privacy
However you go about making your website, the first thing to check is that it’s presented cleanly. Simple is going to be better than an over complicated landing page with too many buttons to look at. There should be a natural progression to your website to help visitors navigate it with ease.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that Chanticleerian Rochelle Parry does a deep dive into this subject here here.
1. Communicating What you Write
Readers should automatically know what genre you write in when they look at your website. Ideally this is done with design and by saying it directly. Consider what images are important to the work you do and how you describe the genre of your work. Both should be front and center. Again, the design doesn’t need to be over the top or fancy, but rather focused on communicating directly to the reader to let them know if they’ve landed in the right space. For example, these are the first big buttons anyone who comes to ChantiReviews.com sees:
Obviously we consider our Newsletter, Awards, and Reviews to be fairly important. Ask yourself what the main purpose of your website is—selling books? Selling copyediting services? Providing reviews? Whatever that is, it needs to be the main focus.
2. About Page
This is where you’ll want a professional head shot and a little bit about you and your story. You can ease up on the advertising here, and talk more about why you’re passionate about the subjects you write about.
We’re all about giving this rooster some love here.
An author page that puts the author front and center is Janice S Ellis, PhD’s website here. You get a good sense of who Dr. Ellis is and the reason that she is a reliable authority for her books. A different route is to be a website that primarily highlights your book, like Avanti Centrae’s website here. You can see the difference in focus, especially since Dr. Ellis’s work tends to have a wider range of subjects, while Centrae’s focuses exclusively on VanOps novels and thriller series.
3. Books
Your books will undoubtedly be an important part of your author website. If you’ve won any awards, such as from our Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs), you should include your digital badge to help the book stand out to those who visit your site. Likewise, if you’ve received a good Editorial Book Review from us, you’ll want to make a note of that and link to the review.
The goal is to show readers that your book stands out, and that it’s well connected enough to receive widespread recognition.
One of the biggest things we see with author websites is they forget to list those awards. Your website is a storefront among millions of digital storefronts, and something needs to be there to make your product stand out beyond what other authors have.
4. Contact
The Contact page is where you have a chance to let your audience reach out to you. It’s a great spot for people to request your presence at their book club, writing group, author’s conference, or upcoming Awards Ceremonies.
Your Contact page is also an excellent place to gather information for your Newsletter. Your Newsletter lets you speak directly to your audience, cutting through the algorithms of social media and the whims of the internet to land directly in their inbox. Make sure you share information that’s fun and to the point of what might interest an audience.
5. Interact
If you have a blog and people interact with it, take a little bit of time to respond to them. Likewise, if you have emails from you contact page or responses from your Newsletter, you can take the time to let people know you heard them and respond in a positive way.
Your interactions may not be this cute
This is part of the business side of being a writer, so set up some dedicated time each week to deal with it rather than letting it bother you a little bit every day. Schedules can be the best way to avoid the death of a thousand cuts.
One of the big ways we promote interaction is through The Roost. The Roost is our personally curated social media site that allows authors to network and ask each other questions, while at the same time taking advantage of some extraordinary discounts. Learn more about The Roost here.
6. Avoid Sales Resistance
Sales Resistance is when the design of your website prevents readers from following you or buying your products. This is a huge personal pet peeve of Kiffer herself. To avoid this double check all your buttons and links, and even consider setting up multiple buttons for one product that your visitor can click on to buy your work. It can help here to have a friend explore your website and test it out. A second pair of eyes (or more) can’t hurt!
Hand in hand with that, share your brand! Promote your new book, promote new merchandise, and remind people of the services you offer If you have a new book? Advertise it! Win a new Award or receive a good review? Advertise it! Make sure it’s clear how to contact you, and that your SEO is up to date. What’s SEO you ask?
7. SEO and Publishing Alphabet Soup (How you and your works are found in the Internet of Things)
Possibly the most confusing element to the world wide web is the idea of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Tags and Keywords are the first start to this. Rather than go with the first idea that comes to mind, so a little bit of searching. The word “raffle” has nearly 90 million searches on Google while “giveaway” has 335 million. Generally, you’ll want to focus on the one that’s more common. The exception to this rule is what makes you shine should be a keyword more unique to you. You can read more about SEO here.
SEO is all about driving traffic back to your website, and you can do this by referencing your website frequently and generously. Have it ready when people ask where to find you on podcasts or guest blogs, and double check to make sure that information is posted to send their audience back to you.
8. Social Media
Links to your social media help so much, because that’s a good way to stay in your reader’s mind throughout the day. You can link individually to your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and anything else, but what happens when you need to link to multiple sites (including your author website) from a space like Instagram?
No need to fear Social Media!
At the recent Chanticleer Authors Conference, VCAC21, Chelsea Bennett of LuLu and Alexa Bigwarfe talked about different ways to put up multiple links using Linktree and Shopify.
The big difference between the two is that Linktree is just for sharing links, whereas Shopify also doubles as a storefront, much like Squarespace, but it’s an all in one paid tool. If navigating multiple platforms is a challenge for you, Shopify may be worth the expense.
8. Newsletter
Your Newsletter is one of the best ways to connect with readers. Unlike social media, which is always filtered through automatic algorithms, people have signed up for and chosen to receive your newsletter. You don’t have to pay extra for it, just send it out to regularly tell your readers that you’re thinking of them, and to let them know how best to support you!
Newsletters can seem overwhelming, but you can break them down into a few simple steps. Here are a few possible choices:
Recent Publications
Status of Current Works in Progress
What You’re Reading
Writing Thoughts
Links to your Social Media
You know yourself best, so choose what works best. The other big question with a Newsletter is how often to send one out. Luckily, the answer is you can send it out as little as twice a year. While there should always be a way for your readers to support you in the letter, it’s important that the main thrust of it is in connecting with them.
Your newsletter is a chance to give your books a big hug
What is the Author Website, in the end?
Your website is the hub of your part of the community of writers you’ve joined. It’s like a small inn where you invite readers in and can provide resources and support to your fellow authors. Be kind and excellent to each other.
Thank you for joining us and please stay tuned for the next Chanticleer’s Business of Writing Tools and Tips Article!
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.
Please enjoy Chanticleer’s Business and Marketing Tips and Tools for Writers for a Happy and Productive 2022!
Start the year out right with our suggestions on the best practices for 2022.
Must-Dos for Authors and Publishers for 2022!
At Chanticleer, as many of you know, we do things a little differently. We are bringing you an author checklist, things for your author development and business.That’s why we’re here!
We suggest tackling one Must-Do a month in any order that you chose except for the first three. Also, we will have a handy checklist to print out at the end of the series for your author lair to help keep you on track.
We wish you a successful and productive year for achieving your publishing goals! ~ The Chanticleer Reviews Team
On the First Blogpost of 2022, Chanticleer gave to me…
Advice on how to care for arguably the most important tool in our toolbox. Care to guess what it is?
We will give you a hint. It stores your intellectual property, aids in getting words from your brain into little alphabet letters that add up to a story. And for most of us, enables us to create what we love most—books and stories!
Your hardworking computer – whether it is a desktop, laptop, pad, or your own Mad Maxx creation of technologies (like Argus’s), deserves a little bit of attention.
Computer Care for Authors and Publishers
We often forget how important it is to maintain a clean computer on the inside and outside, even if our desk and the surrounding area is spotless. Here are a few tips to get you started. And, yes, this is your annual reminder!
1. Clean your keyboard
If you don’t want to be like the person in this XKCD comic, you might want to clean your keyboard. Luckily, this is an easy task you can do once a week. Or at least once a year…
Ewwww!!
Wipe it down with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, dry it with a different cloth, and then use a disinfectant wipe or a cloth just damp with rubbing alcohol to finish it out (do not use bleach!). Probably best to do this when your computer and keyboard are unplugged because keyboards are actually quite delicate inside.
Gross stuff under the keycaps. Maintenance will prevent your computer keyboard from getting to this state.
Also, as the character in the cartoon that you clicked on above, turn your keyboard or laptop upside down and give it a gentle shake or two about once a week. Gentle being the operative word. You may be surprised to see what falls out of it.
Especially if you have a cat for an intern. Here’s looking at you, Janet Oakley!
Janet’s intern, Kinky Boots, hard at work.
We’ve even seen Argus vacuum his keyboards. But, that is up to you.
Really consider giving this a try. Your keyboard will feel cleaner. All the bits of dust and crumbs of food you’ve learned to ignore will be gone, and it will be such a pleasant experience for your hands.
Clean your screen
We’ve all had that experience of editing and suddenly an errant apostrophe or period appears where there ought not to be one. We click on it to edit it, but something about the way it appears doesn’t quite make sense, and then we can’t delete it from the page. That’s when it clicks. The screen is just dirty.
To clean it, a microfiber cloth is always the recommendation. Always dab any cleaning solution (Windex and/or a little bit of mild soap and water are recommended but check before trying anything else!) onto the cloth not directly on the screen itself.
Password Management
6.85 million passwords are hacked each day or 158 every second. INC magazine 2018 – this number has gone up substantially since 2018.
The concept of a healthy mind healthy body can be applied to healthy software healthy hardware. Now that you have a clean machine, make sure you have a good password system. While two-factor authentication (such as when you need to type in a code from your phone or email as well) can seem like a hassle but is also another key factor in security. For reliable password managers, see the following.
and so do numbers, characters, and upper and lower cases matter it comes to passwords
We use these here at Chanticleer —but use caution and be prepared!
Make sure that the password that you decide on is something that is memorable to YOU. The only other person who should have it is your estate executor or life partner or someone that you would trust with your bank accounts and credit cards.
If you happen to momentarily forget your master password, because someone was talking to you while you were creating it —you will need to start over. There is no way to recover your account, unless you happen to find the random piece of paper you scribbled your master password on… Experience is a cruel teacher…
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE THE SAME PASSWORD for your business/work accounts and your personal household accounts or publishing accounts. This is how hackers can take people down by infiltrating a business password —harder but to do but then they have access to so many personal accounts because so many people use the same password for home and personal accounts.
But after hearing from several authors whose computers were hacked, bank accounts taken over, ransomware remotely installed, and other malicious activity that drained their credit card balances and credit ratings, and stole their intellectual property (as in books – published and unpublished), do not go another day without a password manager.
There is no excuse. There are several excellent password managers that are FREE or as little as $36 per year.
For more information here are three links to articles about password managers from reliable sources:
Here is a link from CNet on the Best Password Manager to Use for 2021.
[Note from Editor: Do NOT proceed to this step until you have your Password Manager project all sorted out. ]
As we barrel forward into the future there’s so much that this has started to be a bigger and bigger project. Luckily, PC Mag has a great article about how to clear your cache on any browser. While this can be a little tricky to navigate, it can be worth it for the faster computer speed. PC Mag also focuses on the security risks of the cache, but chances are most of us don’t have to worry too much about those.
WHY SHOULD YOU CLEAR YOUR CACHE from COOKIES?
This is called “Browser Hygiene.” Really.
Browsers tend to hold onto information and like a clogged drain, after a while, it will slow down the speed and performance of your computer. Where your browser holds onto this information is in its “cache.”
A computer’s cache (pronounced ‘cash’) is also where websites that you visit implement their “cookies” — that bread crumb trail that rambles through the internet linking your computer to the websites that you visit. Each and every website uses cookies — even yours is guilty of it. It is the nature of the internet…
Have you ever had this happen to you?
“I don’t see the change. You said you updated on your web page.”
That is because your computer is storing and showing you the previous cache of the website it stored in its cache. You are not seeing the latest and greatest of the website that you are revisiting, but a “shadow” of it.
To see the latest version of a website or webpost, you will probably have to clear your computer’s cache which will delete cookies.
Each computer and browser has a different system, so we advise you to search on your browser (i.e. Google it) on how to clear the cache for your particular system.
Also, you can decide how much of the cache that you want to clear. All of it? Only the cookies? Save the passwords? Clear the passwords? (the reason to do #2 Password Management first). It is probably a good idea to clean the password cache at least once a year. But remember that you will need to do a fresh login for each website that you visit. See #2 Password Management.
We clear our caches here at Chanticleer at least every three months or as needed to access new data from websites that we visit.
More info:
Remember all that fuss about Data Privacy back in May 2018? Cache and Cookies are what that was and is all about. Here is a handy link to Chanticleer’s blog post about it. Are you ready for the GDPR? (General Data Protection Regulation)
Virus Protection
What are the odds of becoming a victim of a cyber attack? One in Four
Any highly rated anti-virus and anti-malware program will update itself on a daily basis for latest hacking techniques, Trojan horses, phishing methods, ransomware, adware, spyware, and worms (I shudder to think about this one), and other malicious activity. This is different than updating the program itself. Is your antivirus program a couple of years old? If so, time to do some research.
Again, we’re going to turn to the experts here and look at CNET’s best Windows antivirus Protection. A good antivirus keeps your computer running in top shape, and it keeps your data and writing easy to access for yourself, so you don’t end up like one of the characters in Neal Stephenson’sReamde who end up with all their files locked away by ransomware.
Now for some potentially bad news.Ifmalware has made it into your computer, you will need to have it professionally removed or contact the family and friends computer geek to save your computer and your sanity. If you are computer handy, then you have probably already taken steps to rid your computer of it.
The scary thing about malware is that once it has infiltrated your computer, it may be hard to detect even by anti-virus protection. That is how sneaky and under handed malware can be.
Some symptoms that your computer may be infected with malware:
Your computer is slowing down
Your computer crashes more often or “locks up”
Your friends and contacts receive strange messages from you
Suddenly you do not have any storage space available
Your homepage changed itself without you changing it.
PUPs show up. These are Potentially Unwanted Programs that have infiltrated your system when you give your consent to install additional tools on your computer. We think “barnacles” would be a better name.
Make sure that your computer (and smart phone) has the latest anti-virus and anti-malware programs protecting it.
Now for some definite good news!
Highly rated by independent and professional reviewers of Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware programs are available from free to $59 a year. A small price for piece of mind.
Don’t think that it can’t happen to your computer. Computer viruses and malware are prevalent and widespread. Once they find a home, they tend to go systemic in a very sly and under-the-radar kind of way. Your screen will not flash or start posting pictures of Moriarty when your computer has been invaded. Today’s hacks tend to be silent but deadly.
That’s what we want to see! You are safe!
Back up your files
Anything that you’d have trouble replacing, it’s worth backing up. There are several places like One Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive that will let you store files for free, up to a certain point. Luckily, external hard drives are getting cheaper all the time, and you can always do both. Whenever one of my free online drives fills up, I move anything I’m not currently using onto my external hard drive. I also make sure to periodically back up my writing.
This is such a great fear of mine that on my fire list (list of things that I need to immediately grab in case of fire) I have my external hard drive above everything else. I’m sure if you aren’t someone who has lost data, you know people who have, and I dearly hope to never have to worry about that.
Cyber Threats STOPS with each of US!
Once your computer and files are all protected, you’ll be free to write without any anxiety over your head. Like cleaning and maintaining most things, a routine means you only need to do a little work when the time comes to get everything squared away.
We hope these were handy reminders. We all get busy and can easily procrastinate about taking care of these mundane but vital tasks. We certainly do!
If there is something we should add to this blog-post or you have an experience that you would like to share or a question that you would like to ask about this blog post, please contact us at Chanticleer@ChantiReviews.com
We’d love to hear from you!
Thank you for joining us and please stay tuned for the next Business and Marketing Tools and Tips for Writers Article!
Thank you for joining us for this Writer Resolutions Article
Our 10th Anniversary Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC22) will be June 23-26, 2022, where our 2021 CIBA winners will be announced. Space is limited and seats are already filling up, so sign up today! CAC22 and the CIBA Ceremonies will be hosted at the Hotel Bellwether in Beautiful Bellingham, Wash. Sign up and see the latest updates here!
Because of COVID, we are offering flexible registration packages—just in case!
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 Sharon at KBrown@ChantiReviews.com or SAnderson@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 availablehere.
And we do editorial consultations for $75. Learn morehere.
If you’re confident in your book, consider submitting it for a Editorial Book Reviewhereor to one of our Chanticleer International Awardshere.
Writer’s Toolbox
Thank you for reading this Chanticleer Writer Resolutions article.
Videos will be available for replay for six months on The Narrative Project’s website,
so you can watch when you have time!
Don’t worry about starting on the fourth or the fifth or even on the seventh! Just get started!
WRITE THAT BOOK ALREADY in 2022!
You’ll get two videos a day delivered straight to your inbox. THEN, we’ll be playing the videos during LIVE watch parties in a private Facebook group so the coaches at THE NARRATIVE PROJECTcan be with you to answer your questions and cheer you on in your commitment to…Write That Book Already!
If you’ve ever thought about writing a book or keep starting to write a book, this conference will coach you to succeed in writing that book that you have always wanted to!
Why haven’t you written that book already?
If you’re like most of the would-be authors, it’s because you need some answers to some of the following questions:
How do I get myself to sit and write?
What do I do with my manuscript once I’ve got it written?
Why does MY particular story matter so much that I should write it NOW?
What are the best strategies for getting past my writing blocks?
Is it selfish to spend the time to write a book? AND how can I write this book with kids underfoot or the pressures of my job keeping me so busy?
How can I tap into MY best creative process?
How can I know if my book is relevant?
How can contests and reviews help me get my book into the hands of my ideal readers?
How can I get in the right mindset to push past my inner critic?
How can I get the support and accountability I need to keep going even on the hard days?
How can my writing be a light in the world right now?
Why should I think about my author’s platform and marketing even while I’m writing and how can building that platform encourage me to get your book done.
Write That Book Already presenters are among the most encouraging and knowledgeable BOOK PEOPLE in the world.
Kiffer Brown, Michelle Cox, Laura Davis, Betsy Graziani Fasbinder, Paul Hanson, Ebony Haywood, Linda Joy Myers, Jamey Stegmaier, and others!
If you have a book in you, you don’t want to miss this!
You’ll walk away inspired, motivated, and COMMITTED to Write That Book Already!
When you sign up for the conference using this link, you will have access to the VIDEOS and Replay of VIDEOS on the Write That Book Already Virtual Conference!
Just click this link to be taken to The Narrative Project’s website to sign up for FREE! Just scroll down to the sign-up link.
And don’t forget to SAVE the DATES for the Chanticleer Authors Conference – April 7 – 10, 2022 at the Hotel Bellwether, Bellingham, Wash!
If your sign is a Rabbit
If your sign is a Dragon
If your sign is a Snake
If your sign is a Horse
If your sign is a Goat
If your sign is a Monkey
If your sign is a Rooster
If your sign is a Pig
If your sign is a Rat 
If your sign is an Ox
