Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Chanticleer Authors Conference

  • The SEMI-FINALISTS for the SOMERSET Book Awards for Literary, Contemporary, and Satire Fiction – the 2018 CIBAs

    The SEMI-FINALISTS for the SOMERSET Book Awards for Literary, Contemporary, and Satire Fiction – the 2018 CIBAs

    The SOMERSET Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of Literary, Contemporary, & Satirical Fiction. The Somerset Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The #CIBAs).

    Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring contemporary stories, literary themes, adventure, satire, humor, magic realism or women and family themes. This division of the CIBAs is the SOMERSET Book Awards.  We will put them to the test and choose the best among them.

    The following titles and their authors have progressed from the ShortList to the Somerset Book Awards Semi-Finalists positions.

    Please click on this link to access the digital badges and for information about Semi-Finalists book stickers.

    Congratulations to the Somerset Book Awards 2018 Semi-Finalists:

    • Nanette Littlestone – Bella Toscana
    • R. J. Hershberger – Kicked by a Sparrow
    • J.P. Kenna – Allurement Westward
    • Debu Majumdar – Night Jasmine Tree
    • Chief John J. Mandeville – Bar Tales  
    • V. & D. POVALL – Jackal in the Mirror
    • V. & D. POVALL – Secrets of Innocence
    • Petra March – A Different Kind of Lovely
    • Patrick M. Garry – In the Shadow of War
    • Tim Gingras – RVN   
    • Barbara Stark-Nemon – Hard Cider- a novel   
    • Joe English – A Place Called Schugara   
    • Donna LeClair – Inch By Inch    
    • Patricia Sands – Drawing Lessons    
    • Edythe Anstey Hanen – Nine Birds Singing   
    • Michelle Rene – Maud’s Circus 
    • Ellen Notbohm – The River by Starlight  
    • Bob Holt – Cowboy
    • June N. Foster – The Girl and the Golden Leaf   
    • PJ Devlin – Wishes, Sins, and the Wissahickon Creek   
    • Beth Burgmeyer – Silent Echo   
    • Megan A. Clancy – The Burden of a Daughter    
    • Conon Parks – Some Kind of Ending    
    • Lenore Rowntree – Cluck   
    • Tikiri – Disowned   
    • Yorker Keith – Awakening of the Summer  
    • Linda Watkins – Summer Girl, A Novel   
    • John Hansen – Unfortunate Words
    • Diane B. Saxton – Peregrine Island   
    • Susan St. John – Mad Mischief, A Novel     
    • Claire Fullerton – Mourning Dove   

    Information about the #CIBAs Long Lists and Short Lists and Announcement Rounds.

    These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from SLUSH pile to the 2018 Long List (aka the Slush Pile Survivors) to the Shortlist. We incorporate the Long List when the judges request an additional round of judging to accommodate the number and/or quality of entries received.  These entries have progressed from the  Shortlist to the 2018 SOMERSET SemiFinalist positions.

    These  Semi-Finalists positions will compete for the coveted First  Place Category Winners of the 2018 SOMERSET Book Awards.

    Grand Prize Ribbons!

    The First Place Category winners will automatically be entered into the SOMERSET GRAND PRIZE AWARD competition.  The 16 CBR Grand Prize Genre Winners will compete for the CBR Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and its $1,000 purse. First Place Category and Grand Prize Awards will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 27th, 2019, Bellingham, Washington during the annual Chanticleer Authors Conference. 

     

    For more information about the submitting to the 2019 Somerset Book Awards or the other 15 divisions of Chanticleer International Book Awards, please click here.

  • Immersive Fiction – a Different Perspective by Jessica Morrell and Kiffer Brown – Writing Toolbox

    Immersive Fiction – a Different Perspective by Jessica Morrell and Kiffer Brown – Writing Toolbox

    One day when Jessica was driving during the holidays she heard a show on NPR discussing how Americans play virtual reality games. It was reported that almost 70% of our fellow citizens play every day.

    We were both shocked by the number.

    United States Census Bureau (great source of information) states that as of July 1, 2018 the population estimate is 327,167,434 people. So according to the NPR report, the amount of the US population that play “video games” daily would be approximately 229 million people (who are gaming and not reading, by the way).

    Now back to Jessica…

    The people calling into the show to join the discussion were game developers, writers, and gamers. And the term ‘immersive’ kept coming up in the conversation, as in players felt like they were living amid the game universe that they were gaming in. One could experience Mars (Doom), The Old West (Red Dead Redemption). A World War II battlefield (Call of Duty), Sword & Sorcery (Witcher), automobile racing (Forza Horizon), Ancient Nordic/ Norse Times (Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice), and other imaginary worlds.

    Witcher 

    In a distracting world, your stories need to feel similarly immersive. Your story settings must be nuanced, intricate, and alive with significant details, intriguing characters, and most of all, trouble. Bad trouble. Soul-sucking problems that need solving. In fact, a large portion of games is about survival, the rawer and scarier the better.

    Think about it: millions of people are spending millions of hours in other permeable realities.

    Readers also want to feel as if they’re part of a world as if they’re navigating layers of complexity as they interact via viewpoint characters.

    So we thought it would advantageous to do a little research about how game developers create the “immersive experience.” This article, of course, just scratches the surface, but it is a starting point.

    Point of View Guidelines Apply to Video Games Also and Help to Create What is Known as “Gameplay.”

    According to Altug Isigan’s classic article Three Types of Point-of-View in Video Games, there are: (Isigan goes into more detail in his post. We will have a link to it at the end of these excerpts.)

    Perceptual Point of View (what our mind’s eye sees, thinks, hears, and desires equates to feeling) = First Person

    “The efforts of the designer and artist (think – you the writer) in the visual constrution of this rendering must achieve that we think of this image as if it were the moment-to-moment perceptions of a perceiver. This is in particular important if the designers and artists (writers) want us to assume this perceptual construct as our own view.”   

    Ideological Point of View (World or Ideological View)

    “The second definition of POV takes seeing rather in the metaphorical sense and implies not only a view, but a worldview.Hence the term ideological. Here, a second lense is applied to the lense that sees: thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. What we call point-of-view has gained another dimension and is no longer only the perceived sense-data… Not only are we presented a view of, but also a view on the event that is presented. It’s not only perception anymore, but also cognition; not mere sight, but vision.”

    Point-of-View of Interest (when our actual interests conflict with what we believe our interests are or should be).

    “In other words, we may not be aware of our actual interests, or blinded by our beliefs to a degree at which we can’t perceive them thorougly. Interest, is  therefore not about perception or ideology, but rather about an awareness in regard to the consequences of events.” 

    “This can create interesting situations. For example a character may be aware of the negative consequences of a particular choice, but he may still chose to face that consequence due to his beliefs (ideology) as is the case in situations that involve sacrifice. Or sometimes a character may find himself in a dilemma: He may not be able to decide whether to follow his belief or his interests.”

    In conclusion

    For more information and to read the complete article by Insigan, click here to visit The Ludosphere where the article was published.

    His conclusion states, “…An interesting point to consider here is that what we usually call “the gameplay” has a lot to do with these intertwinings of different POV-types. It could be a good idea to make use of these concepts in order to refine our notion of gameplay, and also realize how close it is related to storytelling methods.  I believe that an awareness of the existence of various POV-types can only improve a narrative designer’s ability to create compelling and immersive gameplay experiences.” (Altug Isigan)

     

    The Wall – Game of Thrones from George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

    So how do you coax readers to have similar experiences?

    By placing them in the action, with a stake in shaping outcomes. By creating circumstances that require decision-making and problem-solving as characters tackle moral dilemmas and a stacked deck. By setting up difficult-to-obtain outcomes. By tossing in bad luck, screw-ups, and sometimes poor judgment. By making the outcome really matter to characters we come to understand and care about.

    Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

    This means writers build a fictional world detail by detail, from a complex social matrix to a government and history. Harry Potter’s wizarding world is a good example as is George R. R. Martin’s The Known World from his A Song of Ice and Fire series.

    Red Dead Redemption

    Maybe your story world is a ravaged, lawless hellhole. Intriguing concept, but readers need to understand how the lawlessness came about. This means you’ll be establishing the ‘rules’ for your universe. And keep the pressure coming by creating a breathing, weather-plagued, climate-influenced place. Well, I guess that weather could be balmy and calm, but what’s the fun in that?

    Keep writing, keep dreaming, have heart. – Jessica

     

    Chanticleer Editorial Services  Writer’s Toolbox Series

    Jessica is focusing on immersive writing throughout this year, so keep checking back here for more information and writing tips and tools for your writer’s toolbox and consider registering for her Master Class at CAC19 and Summer Workshops with Chanticleer.

     

     

    Jessica Page MorrellJessica Morrell is a top-tier developmental editor and a contributor to Writer’s Digest magazine, and she teaches Master Writing Craft Classes at the Chanticleer Authors Conference that is held annually along with teaching at Chanticleer writing workshops.

    Jessica will teach a Master Class and advanced writing craft sessions at CAC19

    Jessica understands both sides of the editorial desk–as a highly-sought after content development editor and an author. Her work also appears in multiple anthologies and The Writer and Writer’s Digest magazines. She is known for explaining the hows and whys of what makes for excellent writing and for sharing very clear examples that examines the technical aspects of writing that emphases layering and subtext. Her books on writing craft are considered “a must have” for any serious writer’s toolkit. For links for her writing craft books, please click on here.

    Chanticleer Reviews and OnWord Talks will interview Jessica for more of her writing tips and advice. Stay tuned! ~ Chanticleer (who hails from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales).

    Please contact Sharon or Kiffer if you would like more information about Chanticleer’s Editorial Services at KBrown@ChantiReviews.com or SAnderson@ChantiReviews.com.

  • Leading Software Architect to Lead CAC19 Workshops on Podcast Generation and Audiobook Creation

    Leading Software Architect to Lead CAC19 Workshops on Podcast Generation and Audiobook Creation

    Mr. Martin Swanholm, Software Development, Hindenburg Systems, Denmark.

    Martin is a Digital Audio Editing Expert who is an experienced information architect and software developer with a background in physics and computer science.

    Martin first started working with digital audio editing 25 years ago and has been passionate about the field ever since.

    During the past 12 years, Martin has worked with all aspects of IT and the software life cycle such as architecture, development, maintenance, documentation, test, training and support and is a key developer of Hindenburg Systems software development for podcasts and audiobooks.

    Martin, together with Chris Mottes,  will teach the Hindenburg Systems workshops on audiobook development and podcast creation. They both will be available for questions regarding the Hindenburg Systems at 2019 Chanticleer Authors Conference.

  • OZMA Book Awards 2018 SHORTLIST for Fantasy Fiction – 2018 CIBAs

    OZMA Book Awards 2018 SHORTLIST for Fantasy Fiction – 2018 CIBAs

    The OZMA Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of  Fantasy Fiction. The OZMA Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The #CIBAs).

     

    Information about the #CIBAs Long Lists and Short Lists and Announcement Rounds.

    These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from SLUSH pile to the 2018 Long List (aka the Slush Pile Survivors) to the Shortlist. We incorporate the Long List when the judges request an additional round of judging to accommodate the number and/or quality of entries received.  These entries are now Shortlisted and are in competition for the 2018 OZMA SemiFinalist positions. The  Semi-Finalists positions will compete for the coveted First  Place Category Winners of the 2018 OZMA Book Awards.

     The 2018  First Place Category Winners and Grand Prize winners will be announced at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony that will be held during the Chanticleer Authors Conference and CIBA Ceremony and Banquet. 

    The First Place Category winners will automatically be entered into the OZMA GRAND PRIZE AWARD competition.  The 16 CBR Grand Prize Genre Winners will compete for the CBR Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and its $1,000 purse. First Place Category and Grand Prize Awards will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 27th, 2019, Bellingham, Washington.

    The following works have made it to the 2018  OZMA Book Awards Shortlist Long List:

    • Pamela LePage – Virtuous Souls
    • J.V. Rutz – The Illusion Killer
    • Megan Wong – Island Whispers 
    • Allan Batchelder – Steel, Blood & Fire
    • EA Bishop – RAGNAROK: Demon Seed
    • Daryl Ellerbe – The Amazons   
    • Kristin Secorsky – Dragon Chosen: The Dragon Riders of Eryieth
    • Paul E. Vaughn – Luminess Legends: Dragon Ascendants
    • Kathleen Neeley – Master None
    • Paul E. Vaughn – Luminess Legends: Dragon Ascendants
    • Jennifer Allis Provost – Gallowglass
    • T.K. Riggins – Money Jane
    • Susan Faw – Heart Of Shadra
    • Franklin Posner – Suburban Vampire Ragnarok  
    • Nancy Guild Bendall – Nethermost Regained
    • M. K. Wiseman – The Kithseeker
    • Anthony Nordvik-Nash – Hedda Stein-Sun’s UnRemembered Islands
    • Nancy Guild Bendall – Nethermost Regained  
    • Elana A. Mugdan – Dragon Speaker
    • Elizabeth Crowens – Silent Meridian
    • Lindsay Schopfer – Into the North: A Keltin Moore Adventure
    • Miriam Cumming – Namesakes  
    • Chris Dews – Antler Jinny and the Raven
    • D.M. Cain – A Chronicle of Chaos

    To view the 2017 OZMA Book Awards winners, please click here.

    To view the 2018 OZMA Book Awards Long List, please click here. 

    Grand Prize Ribbons!

    The OZMA Grand Prize Winner and the First Place Category Position award winners will be announced at the April 27th, 2019 Chanticleer Book Awards Annual Awards Gala, which takes place at the Chanticleer Authors Conference that will be held in Bellingham, Wash. 

    We are now accepting entries into the 2019 OZMA Book Awards for Fantasy Fiction. For more information, please click here.

  • The SOMERSET Book Awards (CIBAs) for Literary, Contemporary, & Satirical Fiction – the 2018 Long List

    The SOMERSET Book Awards (CIBAs) for Literary, Contemporary, & Satirical Fiction – the 2018 Long List

    The SOMERSET Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of Literary, Contemporary, & Satirical Fiction. The Somerset Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The #CIBAs).

     

    Chanticleer Book Reviews is looking for the best books featuring contemporary stories, literary themes, adventure, satire, humor, magic realism or women and family themes, we will put them to the test and choose the best among them.

    Information about the #CIBAs Long Lists and Short Lists and Announcement Rounds.

    These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from SLUSH pile to the 2018 Long List (aka the Slush Pile Survivors).

    These entries are now in competition for the 2018 SOMERSET SHORT LIST. The Short Listers will compete for the Semi-Finalists positions. Semi-Finalists will receive an email confirmation.

    The coveted First  Place Category Winners of the 2018 SOMERSET Book Awards will be selected from the Semi-Finalists in the final rounds of judging.  The First Place Category Winners will be announced at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony. 

    The First Place Category winners will automatically be entered into the SOMERSET GRAND PRIZE AWARD competition.  The 16 CBR Grand Prize Genre Winners will compete for the CBR Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and its $1,000 purse. First Place Category and Grand Prize Awards will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 27th, 2019, Bellingham, Washington.

    These titles are in the running for the SHORT LIST of the 2018 SOMERSET Book Awards novel competition for Literary, Contemporary, and Satirical  Fiction.

    The Official  2018  SOMERSET Book Awards Long List:

    • Nanette Littlestone – Bella Toscana
    • R. J. Hershberger – Kicked by a Sparrow
    • Scott M. Madden – The Specter
    • J.P. Kenna – Allurement Westward
    • Heidi M. Thomas – Finding True Home
    • Lee Kaiser – Fairytales of the Unborn/Patna’s Ratcatcher 
    • Debu Majumdar – Night Jasmine Tree
    • Chief John J. Mandeville – Bar Tales
    • V. & D. POVALL – Jackal in the Mirror
    • V. & D. POVALL – Secrets of Innocence
    • Tom Edwards – Undercover: A Jason Franklin Novel
    • Patricia Striar Rohner – Shari’s Secret
    • T. J. Tanksley – Tainted Visions
    • Bob Holt – Cowboy
    • Patrick M. Garry – In the Shadow of War
    • Chynna Laird – Passing Loop
    • Tim Gingras – RVN
    • Barbara Stark-Nemon – Hard Cider- a novel
    • Joe English – A Place Called Schugara
    • Donna LeClair – Inch By Inch
    • J. L. Skirvin – Epitome Place
    • Patricia Sands – Drawing Lessons
    • Edythe Anstey Hanen – Nine Birds Singing
    • Michelle Rene – Maud’s Circus
    • Ellen Notbohm – The River by Starlight
    • June N. Foster – The Girl and the Golden Leaf
    • PJ Devlin – Wishes, Sins and the Wissahickon Creek
    • Beth Burgmeyer – Silent Echo
    • Megan A. Clancy – The Burden of a Daughter
    • Helen Bea Kirk – Done Running
    • Elizabeth Crowens – Dear Bernie, I’m Glad You’re Dead
    • Priscilla Audette – Lost
    • John Stafford – Prayer of Vengeance
    • Conon Parks – Some Kind of Ending
    • Donna LeClair – Fan Fiction Women
    • Lenore Rowntree – Cluck
    • Tikiri – Disowned
    • Claire Fullerton – Little Tea
    • Yorker Keith – Awakening of the Summer
    • Linda Watkins – Summer Girl, A Novel
    • John Hansen – Unfortunate Words
    • Lorenzo Petruzziello – The Love Fool
    • Bob Holt – The Cowboy
    • Diane B. Saxton – Peregrine Island
    • Tom Edwards – If I Should Die 
    • Susan St. John – Mad Mischief, A Novel
    • Petra March – A Different Kind of Lovely: A Novel
    • Claire Fullerton – Mourning Dove
    • Markus McDowell – To and Fro Upon the Earth: A Novel
    • Chad Boles – Blinded Authority

    To view the 2017 Somerset Book Award Winners, please click here.

    The submission deadline for the 2018 Somerset Book Awards was Nov. 30, 2018.

    We are now accepting entries to the 2019 Somerset Book Awards. Please click here for more information and to enter.

  • The CLUE Book Awards (CIBAs) for Suspense/Thriller/Crime Novels – The 2018 Shortlist

    The CLUE Book Awards (CIBAs) for Suspense/Thriller/Crime Novels – The 2018 Shortlist

    Thriller Suspense Fiction AwardThe CLUE Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of Suspense, Thriller, Crime, & Mystery Novels. The CLUE Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).

     

     

    Information about the #CIBAs Long Lists and Short Lists and Announcement Rounds.

    These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from SLUSH pile to the 2018 Long List (aka the Slush Pile Survivors) to the SHORTLIST.  These entries are now in competition for the 2018 CLUE SEMIFINALISTS  positions.

    The coveted First  Place Category Winners of the 2018 CLUE Book Awards will be selected from the Semi-Finalists in the final rounds of judging.  

    The First Place Category Winners will be announced at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony. The First Place Category winners will automatically be entered into the CLUE GRAND PRIZE AWARD competition.  The 16 CBR Grand Prize Genre Winners will compete for the CBR Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and its $1,000 purse. First Place Category and Grand Prize Awards will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 27th, 2019, Bellingham, Washington.

    These titles are in the running for the SEMIFINALIST positions of the 2018 CLUE Book Awards novel competition for Suspense, Thriller, Crime, and Mystery Novels.

    The Official 2018 CLUE Book Awards SHORTLIST:

    • Lauren E. Rico – Reverie (Reverie Trilogy, Book 1)
    • Pamela Beason – The Only One Left
    • Timothy S. Johnston – The War Beneath
    • Saralyn Richard – Murder in the One Percent
    • Timothy Burgess – California Son
    • Philip Derrick – Facing The Dragon
    • Cheryl L. Reed – Poison Girls
    • E. V. Stephens – Shortcuts
    • Nick Airus – The Manifesto Murders
    • Lawrence Verigin – Beyond Control
    • John Young – The Nexus
    • Melodie Hernandez –Forgotten Rage
    • CL Gibson – The Urge
    • Kara Lumbley – As the Ribbons Fall
    • Chief John J. Mandeville – Pine Village Co-op Murders
    • Zach Fortier – Chakana
    • Nicholas Kellum – Briar Falls
    • Kara Wolfe – Number Four
    • Elaine Williams Crockett – Do Not Ask
    • Carl and Jane Bock – Swamp Guide
    • Karen Dodd – Scare Away the Dark: A Stone Suspense
    • Dan M Portillo – The Lone Escapist
    • Kelly Oliver – FOX, A Jessica James Mystery
    • John Stafford – Prayer of Vengeance
    • Susan Wingate – The Death of Vultures
    • Ernesto H Lee – Out of Time
    • Elizabeth Crowens – Dear Mr. Hitchcock
    • Paul McHugh – The Blind Pool
    • Marilynn Larew – Hong Kong Central
    • Ken Malovos – One Night In Amboise
    • Lyle Howard – A Trace of Revenge

    All Short Listers and SemiFinalists will receive high visibility along with special badges to wear during the Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Gala.

    Grand Prize Ribbons!

    The CLUE Grand Prize Winner and the First Place Category Position award winners will be announced at the April 27th, 2019 Chanticleer Book Awards Annual Awards Gala, which takes place at the Chanticleer Authors Conference that will be held in Bellingham, Wash. 

     

     

    We are now accepting submissions into the 2018 CLUE  Book Awards writing competition. The deadline for submissions is September 30th, 2019. Please click here for more information. 

    As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at Info@ChantiReviews.com. 

  • Villains and Antagonists – Know the Difference and Don’t Confuse Them – Writing Toolbox Series by Jessica Morrell

    Villains and Antagonists – Know the Difference and Don’t Confuse Them – Writing Toolbox Series by Jessica Morrell

    Antagonists are the main force that shapes the protagonist’s character arc.

    Sometimes the antagonist isn’t as important as the protagonist; in some stories, the antagonist is a threat so potent that he/she shapes the trajectory and tone of the story. 

    But let me clarify before we go further:

    The antagonist isn’t necessarily a bad guy or villain, though he/she can be.

    Is Darth Vader an Antagonist? or a Villain? or Both?

    A villain is a subset within the antagonist role,  identified by his values, morals, and methods, along with direct antipathy toward the protagonist.

    The villain is the most potent threat to the protagonist and perhaps even to the antagonist.

    A villain’s actions will always have huge ramifications and create hardships and danger. A villain in the story means it has a darker tone and aura.

    The antagonist doesn’t have to be a villain in the story.

    Editor’s Example: a great example of the statement above are the characters in The Fugitive storyline by author David Twohy starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones.

    Richard Kimble, the wrongly accused doctor who was charged with murdering his wife, is the protagonist. He escapes while being transported to prison to receive the death penalty. Kimble believes that he is the only person who can prove his innocence of the crime.

    The protagonist’s antagonist is the unrelenting US Marshall Samual Gerard who is intent on doing his job of tracking down an escape who was convicted for murder. He is relentless in his pursuit of Kimble, but he is not a villain, but he sure makes Kimble’s life a nightmare.

    The villain is the true murderer of Kimble’s wife – the elusive one-armed man named Sykes.

    U.S. Marshall Gerard is not a villain. he is the one that is doing his job and chasing down the escape convicted murderer, Kimble, making Kimble a wanted outlaw fugitive on the run. The villain, Sykes, is always lurking trying to kill Kimble before he is exposed as the murderer of Kimble’s wife (and probably to fulfill his contract). The clock is ticking.

    The Differences between Villains and Antagonists

    The Villain

    The main difference between villains and antagonists is that the villain’s presence in the story will always cause fear and apprehension in the reader. If the reader is not afraid of him/her, then the character is not an effective villain. Fear in humans is much more complex and unsettling than it is in animals. It has many degrees, physical reactions, and can be linked with other emotions that are activated while reading. Fear is unpleasant and yet thrilling, and a villain’s role in the story is to stir these emotions to the boiling point.

    The Antagonist

    The antagonist is the person who forces your protagonist to change in the way he or she most needs to change. Antagonists are the main force that shapes the protagonist’s character arc. They teach the protagonists the lessons needed to grow and they accomplish this via conflict and opposition.

    Here are some suggestions for writing the all-important antagonist:

    Introduce the antagonist with flair. From the first words, this character must be memorable, charismatic, and intriguing.

    The first quarter of your story sets your antagonist in motion. This means his or her first moves create consequences and a messy aftermath. These actions further push the plot rolling along or set up the rising action–events leading up to the climax.

    The antagonist also exists to reveal as much about the protagonist as possible, showcasing the protagonist’s primary traits in events that force him to act in specific ways. So while revealing the protagonist’s flaws and weaknesses, the antics of the antagonist also reveal his strengths and over the course of story events serves as the catalyst that reshapes the protagonist’s self-concept. The main antagonists in the Harry Potter series–Malfoy and Snape—and Voldemort is a villain and an antagonist—are great examples while Voldemort’s death-eaters are villains.

    The antagonist also exists as a contrast to the protagonist, to provide an opposing or at least different morality, viewpoint, and values. When an antagonist starts messing with your main character, then questions arise: Will the protagonist rise to the occasion, muddle through despite doubts and misgivings, falter, or succeed despite flaws and fears?

    The more potent your antagonist, the more you need to know what makes him or her tick. As in backstory, motives, and goals. All need to add up to a seemingly unstoppable, unbeatable force and serious opposition.

    You are setting the stage for a showdown or stand-off between the antagonist and protagonist. This is the major component of rising action.

    You can create more than one antagonist. A good example of this is found in The Fault in our Stars. It has three: cancer and its grim realities, Peter van Houten, an author who has lost his daughter to cancer and wrote a novel about it, and Augustus Waters who shows Hazel how to love and really live with a fatal illness.

    They all force Hazel, the protagonist, to rethink her values, outlook, and concerns. In other words, they force her character arc to unfold.

    Keep writing, keep dreaming, have heart. ~ Jessica

    Jessica Page Morrell
    Jessica Page Morrell

    Jessica Page Morrell is a top-tier developmental editor and a contributor to Writer’s Digest magazine, and she teaches Master Writing Craft Classes at the Chanticleer Authors Conference that is held annually along with teaching at Chanticleer writing workshops.

    Jessica will teach  Master Writing Classes and advanced writing craft sessions at CAC19. Click here to learn more.  

    Jessica understands both sides of the editorial desk. She is known for explaining the hows and whys of what makes for excellent writing and for sharing very clear examples that examines the technical aspects of writing that emphases layering and subtext. Her books on writing craft are considered “a must have” for any serious writer’s toolkit. For links for her writing craft books, please click on here.

    Chanticleer Reviews and OnWord Talks will interview Jessica for more of her writing tips and advice. Stay tuned! ~ Chanticleer (who hails from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales).

     

     

  • OZMA Book Awards (CIBAs) for Fantasy Fiction – the 2018 Long List

    OZMA Book Awards (CIBAs) for Fantasy Fiction – the 2018 Long List

    The OZMA Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of  Fantasy Fiction. The OZMA Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The #CIBAs).

     

    Information about the #CIBAs Long Lists and Short Lists and Announcement Rounds.

    These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from SLUSH pile to the 2018 Long List (aka the Slush Pile Survivors). We incorporate the Long List when the judges request an additional round of judging to accommodate the number and/or quality of entries received.  These entries are now in competition for the 2018 OZMA SHORT LIST. The Short Listers will compete for the Semi-Finalists positions.

    The coveted First  Place Category Winners of the 2018 OZMA Book Awards will be selected from the Semi-Finalists in the final rounds of judging.  The First Place Category Winners will be announced at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony. 

    The First Place Category winners will automatically be entered into the OZMA GRAND PRIZE AWARD competition.  The 16 CBR Grand Prize Genre Winners will compete for the CBR Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and its $1,000 purse. First Place Category and Grand Prize Awards will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 27th, 2019, Bellingham, Washington.

    These titles are in the running for the SHORT LIST of the 2018 OZMA Book Awards novel competition for Fantasy Fiction.

    The following works have made it to the 2018  OZMA Book Awards Long List:

    • Pamela LePage – Virtuous Souls
    • J.V. Rutz – The Illusion Killer
    • Megan Wong – Island Whispers
    • Allan Batchelder – Steel, Blood & Fire
    • Ea Bishop – RAGNAROK: Demon Seed
    • Daryl Ellerbe – The Amazons
    • Kristin Secorsky – Dragon Chosen: The Dragon Riders of Eryieth
    • Paul E. Vaughn – Luminess Legends: Dragon Ascendants
    • Kathleen Neeley – Master None
    • David M. Jarboe – Realm Portals “The Celtic Otherworld”
    • M.K Williams – The Phoenix Chronicles: Alone in the Light
    • Jennifer Allis Provost – Gallowglass
    • T.K. Riggins – Money Jane
    • Susan Faw – Heart Of Shadra
    • Glen Shipherd – Infinity – Rulers
    • Franklin Posner – Suburban Vampire Ragnarok
    • Kim Gjorsoe – Rogue’s Law
    • Nancy Guild Bendall – Nethermost Regained
    • Anthony Nordvik-Nash – Hedda Stein-Sun’s UnRemembered Islands
    • Paul E. Vaughn – Luminess Legends: Dragon Ascendants
    • Nancy Guild Bendall – Nethermost Regained
    • Elana A. Mugdan – Dragon Speaker
    • Elizabeth Crowens – Silent Meridian
    • Lindsay Schopfer – Into the North: A Keltin Moore Adventure
    • M. K. Wiseman – The Kithseeker
    • Miriam Cumming – Namesakes
    • Penny Pearson – A Girl’s Guide to Time Travel
    • Chris Dews – Antler Jinny and the Raven
    • Philip Carlisle – Surviving Eros: Heart of Phire
    • D.M. Cain – A Chronicle of Chaos

    To view the 2017 OZMA Book Awards winners, please click here.

    The OZMA Grand Prize Winner and the First Place Category Position award winners will be announced at the April 27th, 2019 Chanticleer Book Awards Annual Awards Gala, which takes place at the Chanticleer Authors Conference that will be held in Bellingham, Wash. 

    We are now accepting entries into the 2019 OZMA Book Awards for Fantasy Fiction. For more information, please click here.

  • The SEMI-FINALISTS for the 2018 GOETHE BOOK AWARDS for Post 1750s Historical Fiction

    The SEMI-FINALISTS for the 2018 GOETHE BOOK AWARDS for Post 1750s Historical Fiction

    Post 1750s Historical Fiction AwardThe Goethe Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Late Historical Fiction set after the 1750s. The Goethe Book  Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards (#CIBA).

     

     

     

    Chanticleer Book Reviews is looking for the best books featuring Late Period Historical Fiction. Regency, Victorian,18th Century, 19th Century, 20th Century, World and other wars, history of non-western cultures, set after the 1750s, we will put them to the test and choose the best among them. (Looking for Chaucer Pre-1750 Book Awards or Laramie Western/Pioneer/Civil War Book Awards, just click on the links.)

    These Semi-Finalists will compete for the coveted five positions of the First  Place Category Winners of the 2018 GOETHE Book Awards in the final rounds of judging.  The First Place Category winners will automatically be entered into the Goethe GRAND PRIZE AWARD competition.  The 16 CBR Grand Prize Genre Winners will compete for the CBR Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and its $1,000 purse. First Place Category and Grand Prize Awards will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 27th, 2019, Bellingham, Washington.

    These titles are in the running for the limited First Place positions of the 2018 GOETHE Book Awards novel competition for post-1750s Post Historical Novels.

    All Semi-Finalists will be recognized at the 2019 Chanticleer Authors Conference and CIBA Banquet & Ceremony.

    Good luck to all in these next final rounds of judging to see which titles will move forward.

    CONGRATULATIONS to:

    • Carol M. Cram – The Muse of Fire
    • J.L. Oakley – Mist-chi-mas: A Novel of Captivity
    • J. R. Collins – Living Where the Rabbits Dance
    • Jocelyn Cullity – Amah & the Silk-Winged Pigeons
    • Ellen Notbohm – The River by Starlight
    • Richard Alan –  A Female Doctor in the Civil War 
    • Josanna Thompson – A Maiden’s Honor
    • Rosalind Spitzer – Anna’s Home
    • Jeffrey K. Walker – None of Us the Same
    • Ronald E. Yates – The Lost Years of Billy Battles (Book 3, Finding Billy Battles Trilogy)
    • Kit Sergeant – 355: The Women of Washington’s Spy Ring
    • R. S. Rowland – Portrait of a Bitter Spy
    • Ruth Hull Chatlien – Blood Moon: A Captive’s Tale
    • John Hansen – Unfortunate Words
    • Patricia Suprenant – Behind the Scarlet Letter
    • Michelle Cox – A Promise Given 
    • Tom Edwards – Jane Sinclair
    • K. M. Sandrick – The Pear Tree

    All Short Listers and SemiFinalists will receive high visibility along with special badges to wear during the Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Gala.

    Good Luck to each of you as your works competes for the 2018 GOETHE  Book Awards First Place positions and the Goethe 2018 Grand Prize.  

    To view the 2017 Goethe Book Awards winners, please click here.

    The Goethe Grand Prize Winner and the First Place Category Position award winners will be announced at the April 27th, 2019 Chanticleer Book Awards Annual Awards Gala, which takes place at the Chanticleer Authors Conference that will be held in Bellingham, Wash. 

    We are now accepting submissions into the 2019 GOETHE Book Awards writing competition. The deadline for submissions is June 30th, 2019. Please click here for more information. 

    As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at Info@ChantiReviews.com. 

  • CYBER SALE November 26 ending at Midnight, Saturday, December 1st, 2018 – Six Days only! 

    CYBER SALE November 26 ending at Midnight, Saturday, December 1st, 2018 – Six Days only! 

    We at Chanticleer Reviews are grateful for YOU, our Dear Writers and Readers! 

    Starting on CYBER MONDAY, November 26 ending at Midnight, Saturday, December 1st,  2018 – Six days only! 

    We are offering a $100 discount on ANY 2019 Chanticleer Authors Conference package for 6 days only! 

    This is a LIMITED OFFER and will end at Midnight, Saturday, December 1st, 2018. Firm. 

    • This outstanding offer will not be repeated!
    • Seating is Limited for CAC19 and for the Master Class Modules.
    • Don’t delay. Register TODAY and take advantage of this limited offer for a limited time.

     

    J.D. Barker – Master of Suspense, Scott Steindorff  A-List America Film producer, ChrisMottes, Audiobooks & Podcaster expert, Jessica Morrell – Top Tier Editor, and others to present! Click here to read more about CAC19 presenters. 

     

     The FULL All-Inclusive CAC19 Conference Package with Discount Code is $425! WOW!   until December 1st, 2018.

    USE THIS DISCOUNT CODE>>>    BESTCAC19DEALEVER

    • 3 full days of sessions
    • 3 luncheons with keynote presentations
    • KaffeeKlatches
    • 3-month trial from Hindenburg Systems (audiobooks or podcast system) $$
    • CIBA Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday Evening
    • 2 cocktail parties (cash bar, appetizers provided) on Friday and Saturday evenings
    • Coffee and Tea
    • Book Fair participation on Saturday & Sunday
    • Workshops taught by Audiobook and Podcast Expert, Chris Mottes
      • Each workshop attendee will receive a 6-month license from Hindenburg Systems $$$
    • Log-lines and Pitching Sessions on Sunday
    • Networking Opportunities  and Fun Raffles
    • Plus $25 discount on Master Class Modules – $50 discount for both!

    CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER and USE the Thanksgiving Discount Code:  BESTCAC19DEALEVER

    Without Thanksgiving CYBER Discount Code $525 — with Discount Code $425 until December 1st, 2018. 

    This is the BEST DEAL! 

    3 Day CAC19 Pass without Banquet and Ceremony with the $100 Discount Code is $325 until December 1st, 2018. 

    USE THIS DISCOUNT CODE>>>    BESTCAC19DEALEVER

    • 3 full days of sessions
    • 3 luncheons with keynote presentations
    • KaffeeKlatches
    • 3-month trial from Hindenburg Systems (audiobooks or podcast system) $$
    • Coffee and Tea
    • Friday Cocktail Party
    • Book Fair participation on Saturday & Sunday
    • Workshops taught by Audiobook and Podcast Expert, Chris Mottes
      • Each workshop attendee will receive a 6-month license from Hindenburg Systems $$$
    • Log-lines and Pitching Sessions on Sunday
    • Networking Opportunities  and Fun Raffles
    • Plus $25 discount on a Master Class Module – $50 discount for both!

    CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER and USE the Thanksgiving Discount Code:  BESTCAC19DEALEVER

    Without Thanksgiving CYBER Discount Code $425 — with Discount Code $325 until December 1st, 2018. 

    Saturday and Sunday 2-Day Pass – including Awards Banquet and Ceremony and Book Room with the $100 Discount Code is $295.00 until December 1st, 2018. 

    USE THIS DISCOUNT CODE>>>    BESTCAC19DEALEVER

    • 2 full days of sessions
    • 2 luncheons with keynote presentations
    • KaffeeKlatches
    • 3-month trial from Hindenburg Systems (audiobooks or podcast system) $$
    • CIBA Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday Evening
    • 1 cocktail parties (cash bar, appetizers provided) on  Saturday
    • Coffee and Tea
    • Book Fair participation on Saturday & Sunday
    • Workshops taught by Audiobook and Podcast Expert, Chris Mottes
      • Each workshop attendee will receive a 6-month license from Hindenburg Systems $$$
    • Log-lines and Pitching Sessions on Sunday
    • Networking Opportunities  and Fun Raffles
    • Plus $25 discount on Master Class Modules -$50 discount for both!

    CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER and USE the Thanksgiving Discount Code:  BESTCAC19DEALEVER

    Without Thanksgiving CYBER Discount Code $395 — with Discount Code $295 until December 1st, 2018.  

    Saturday and Sunday Pass & Book Room – NO Banquet and Awards Ceremony  with the $100 Discount Code is $250.00 until December 1st, 2018. 

    USE THIS DISCOUNT CODE>>>    BESTCAC19DEALEVER

    • 2 full days of sessions
    • 2 luncheons with keynote presentations
    • KaffeeKlatches
    • 3-month trial from Hindenburg Systems (audiobooks or podcast system) $$
    • Coffee and Tea
    • Book Fair participation on Saturday & Sunday
    • Workshops taught by Audiobook and Podcast Expert, Chris Mottes
      • Each workshop attendee will receive a 6-month license from Hindenburg Systems $$$
    • Log-lines and Pitching Sessions on Sunday
    • Networking Opportunities  and Fun Raffles
    • Plus $25 discount on Master Class Modules -$50 discount for both!

    CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER and USE the Thanksgiving Discount Code:  BESTCAC19DEALEVER

    Without Thanksgiving CYBER Discount Code $350 — with Discount Code:  $250 until December 1, 2018.

     

    CAC19 SATURDAY Only Pass – including Awards Banquet and Ceremony with the $100 Discount Code is $195 until December 1st, 2018. 

    USE THIS DISCOUNT CODE>>>    BESTCAC19DEALEVER

    • Saturday Sessions
    • 1 luncheon with the keynote presentation
    • KaffeeKlatches
    • 3-month trial from Hindenburg Systems (audiobooks or podcast system) $$
    • CIBA Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday Evening
    • 1 cocktail party (cash bar, appetizers provided) on  Saturday
    • Coffee and Tea
    • Workshops taught by Audiobook and Podcast Expert, Chris Mottes
      • Each workshop attendee will receive a 6-month license from Hindenburg Systems $$$
    • Networking Opportunities  and Fun Raffles
    • Plus $25 discount on Master Class Modules held on Thursday -$50 discount for both!
      • Note: Book Fair participation is not included in the Saturday Only Pass
      • Note: Log-lines and Pitching Sessions are not included.

    CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER and USE the Thanksgiving Discount Code:  BESTCAC19DEALEVER

    Without Thanksgiving CYBER Discount Code $295 — with Discount Code $195 until December 1st, 2018. 

    This outstanding CYBER DISCOUNT OFFER will not be repeated! And is limited.

    Seating is limited for CAC19 and for the Master Class Modules.  When we are out we are out.

    Don’t delay. Register TODAY and take advantage of this limited offer for a limited time.

    Offer ends Saturday, December 1st at Midnight.

    Read what past CAC attendees say about the Chanticleer Authors Conference below.

    I wanted to say thank you for creating such a fabulous event. This was by far the most productive conference I have ever attended! Each workshop was packed with valuable information to help every author on their path to publication, no matter what their genre or where they are in their writing career. I look forward to attending next year! 

    All the best,  Kim Davis A Game of Deceit

    This conference and award dinner is the best I’ve ever attended. The conference showcased well-known authors and editors, and in each session, I learned something new that will help my writing. And the Awards Dinner! I can’t say enough about it. It was fantastic. Like attending the Oscars. Everything – all weekend – was so well done and thought out and ran so smoothly, you’d think Chanticleer had an army of 100 working for them. All of this against a beautiful water view setting in Bellingham, Washington. By far, the most fun I’ve ever had at a conference, and considering all the sessions, lunches, and dinners, etc., a great value.

    Thank you! Elaine Williams Crockett

    Thank you so much for all your work setting up the Chanticleer organization. Winning a Grand prize means more to me than I can express. I feel like a lottery winner. It’s a life-changing award that I expect will propel my new career.

    Again, thank you! Avanti Centrae

    I continue to be thrilled at the support and recognition from Chanticleer Reviews. I made two very good friends at the conference, and I learned valuable information, nitty-gritty stuff, that’s available nowhere else. What a class act! 

    PJ Devlin

    Many thanks for providing this wonderful opportunity to enable one’s book to reach higher in the eyes of the reading public. 

    Cheers and best, Prue Batten

    You continue to do a massive job so well. Congratulations on the growing success and reputation of the awards. And please extend my appreciation to your team. 

    Warm wishes, Elisabeth Storrs, HNS Australiasia

    Many thanks for the amazing conference, the wonderful sessions and guest speakers and the fabulous awards night. We had such fun, learnt a great deal and made some special friendships. 

    Catherine Wilsons (A & T) – Australia 

    Chanticleer is Awesome! 

    Kari Rhyan 

    I really want to thank you again for the incredible event last month. The Chanticleer community is very welcoming, and I’m happy to be a part of it! 

    TK RIGGINS

    My 10 second elevator pitch for why submit in a Chanticleer contest is quoting from Cool Hand Luke where he says, “Only Bastards and Cream rise to the top.” If you submit to Chanticleer you at least can find out whether your book has the potential of becoming cream. Your contest is open and inclusive, an admirable goal for writers and society as a whole. … And once again, thank you so so much for putting on this conference. I am telling my writer friends to submit and to plan on attending CAC2019.

     Alex Paul

    Thank you so much for this amazing honor! It was truly a surreal and amazing moment to win. Still can barely believe it! Definitely one I’ll never forget! I’m so grateful to you and everyone that makes Chanticleer possible. I’ve never met a more dedicated, supportive group of book lovers. I will happily come to the conference next year to present and participate. Can’t wait.

    Michelle Rene, HOUR GLASS

    and there are more testimonials for CAC!