Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Inspiration

A Moment of Reflection with Dr. Janice Ellis, Social Scientist & CIBA Nellie Bly Grand Prize Winner
When Personal Becomes Powerful

In a time when we’re all thinking what it means to be an American, it is important to self-reflect on what these turbulent times mean, what change is happening, and what our values as Americans will be in the future.

Chanticleer Book Reviews wants to honor this moment by examining the work of an author we’ve had a relationship with for years. Janice S. Ellis, Ph.D. has been an author for more than thirty years, writing for newspaper columns and appearing on broadcast radio and streaming services regularly. Along with many other awards, her books have won the CIBA Grand Prize in the Nellie Bly Division for Investigative and Long Form Journalism Works and the CIBA Journey Book Awards for Overcoming Adversity. Her works address political, racial, educational, and socioeconomic news and issues.

At Chanticleer, we’ve had the honor of recognizing Dr. Ellis’s exceptional work. More importantly, her works have consistently earned five-star reviews from our editorial team for books including:
Inspiration from Dr. Janice S. Ellis

Dr. Ellis’ most recent contribution to the Missouri Independent is called “Longing for a State and Country I Can Believe In.” Her article has been distributed in publications across the country—and we want to share it with you as well! This column is a self-reflective piece that strikes a chord with what many of us are feeling today. Here’s an excerpt from the article:

This column is a major departure from how I have written columns for nearly four decades.

It is personal.

I have avoided using “I’ and have endeavored to remain objective and impersonal as I have addressed and analyzed myriad social, educational and political issues across race, age, gender and socioeconomic status.

That has been my practice, whether writing for radio, in print when I wrote for The Kansas City Star and other newspapers, or online writing for The Missouri Independent the last four years. Even in my own blog.

Maybe the “I” in this column is a “collective I” that tugs.

I have a hunch that many of my fellow Missourians and Americans may be feeling as I do as we live through unprecedented, tumultuous, and unsettling political times.

What are you longing for?

We invite you to read the full article here.

Discovering Voices That Matter

This is exactly why Chanticleer exists—to discover, celebrate, and amplify the voices that help us understand our world and ourselves. Dr. Ellis represents the kind of author we’re proud to champion: someone whose work combines rigorous journalism with deep humanity, whose perspective is informed by lived experience, and whose willingness to evolve keeps her relevant across decades.

As Dr. Ellis reminds us, “E pluribus unum”—out of many, one. It’s a motto that speaks not just to our national identity, but to the power of diverse voices coming together to create understanding.

Celebrating Juneteenth and the Stories That Unite Us

This Juneteenth, we encourage reflection on the stories that have shaped us and the voices that continue to guide us forward. Dr. Ellis’s journey from objective journalist to someone willing to say “I” in service of a larger “we” reminds us that the most powerful writing often comes when we’re brave enough to be both professional and personal.

Want to learn more about Dr. Janice Ellis and the books she’s written? Here are links to our interview with Dr. Ellis
and a Chanticleer review of her book—
- 10-Question Interview
- Shaping Public Opinion: How Real Advocacy Journalism™ Should be Practiced
We hope you all have a joyous Juneteenth!

More about Dr. Ellis

Janice S. Ellis, M.A., M.A., Ph.D., a native daughter of Mississippi, grew up and came of age during the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s Liberation Movement.

Dr. Ellis has been an executive throughout her career, first in government, then in a large pharmaceutical company, and later as a president and CEO of a marketing firm and a bi-state non-profit child advocacy agency. In addition to those positions, she has been writing columns for more than four decades on race, politics, education, and other social issues for newspapers, radio, and online. Her commentary can be found at janicesellis.com. You can follow her on here on Facebook.
June 19, 2025
Don’t Be a Writing Grinch During the Holiday Season! Use these tips to stay focused when life gets chaotic
Can’t find the time to write during the holidays? Don’t let the season of “Ho! Ho! Ho!” turn into a season of “Slo, Slo, Slo!”

Twinkling lights sparkling on a snowdrift.
Cherished Christmas carols playing on the radio.
The warm glow of a fireplace, and your loved ones planning holiday celebrations.

It’s a beautiful time of year and even busy authors deserve time to enjoy it!

The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and sometimes, a little chaos. For writers, it can also be a period of distraction. Between shopping, party planning, hosting, and travel plans; staying focused on your writing can feel like a major challenge.

It doesn’t have to be. With a little extra dedication and a bit of planning, you can keep pace with your writing goals by tapping into the extra energy and inspiration the holiday season always brings with it.

Whether you’re working on a novel or other writing projects, these tips will help you stay focused and motivated so you can make meaningful progress, even when the holiday hustle is in full swing.

Begin With Realistic Goal Setting

There’s no denying the holiday season is the busiest time of year and putting pressure on yourself with unrealistic expectations can easily lead to burnout. Instead, dial back your writing goals to a more reasonable level by setting achievable targets that fit within your holiday event schedule.
- Begin with word count. If you usually write 1,000 words a day, aim for 500 or even just 300 words during the holidays. Just keep writing.
- Focus on one topic or scene at a time. Sometimes it’s less overwhelming if the project is broken up into sections, like finishing a single chapter instead of a three chapter scene.
- Stay consistent. The goal for the next few weeks is to keep the writing habit alive, even if that means staying awake to greet Santa as he comes down the chimney. Sometimes the only productive time you’ll found is when the house is still asleep.
- Don’t over-commit. Your writing and your well-being are as important as your holiday party planning. Pay attention to your schedule as you load it up with holiday events. Writing should feel like a way to unwind, not an added stress.
Glean Festive Inspiration to Fuel Your Creativity

The holidays bring back so many memories and promises of the future. Perfect moments to spark inspiration! That time you took a sleigh ride across a snowy landscape, or maybe the holiday album your grandfather always played during your Thanksgiving dinner—these are all great prompts for a new scene. Let the season enhance your creativity!
- Put your five senses to work. Do you remember the smell of the Thanksgiving turkey coming out of the oven? Can you hear the jingle bells on your front door? Try to recall the excitement you felt when you caught your first glimpse the mall Santa? There are thousands of sensory moments you can look to for writing prompts.
- Observe family dynamics. You know you have the funniest, weirdest, most annoying family members, right? Gather inspiration for your writing from the real conversations you hear around the holiday table. Play off the emotions of the moment to create dialog that pops with the energy of the season!
Prioritize Short Writing Sessions

Sometimes a time crunch is unavoidable. When your schedule is packed and sitting down for long hours isn’t an option it’s best to prioritize short, focused writing sessions. This is the approach I take:
- 15 to 20 minute writing blocks. Put all your focus into the writing for a short period of time and see how many words you can get down.
- 5-minute breaks. Taking 5 minute breaks from writing will keep you feeling like you aren’t falling too far behind in your holiday task, and you may be surprised how many of those little things you can get done in 5 minutes or less!
Plan Writing Breaks to Balance Rest and Productivity

Writing is mentally, and sometimes emotionally, hard work and many writers suffer burnout. You may feel that taking breaks is a luxury this time of year, but it’s essential during such a busy season. Here’s how to balance rest with productivity:
- Plan your time off. Set aside specific days off from writing. Prepare by blocking out that day on your calendar and stocking up on whatever it is that helps you relax, whether it’s scheduling a hike or buying canvas for a painting session.
- Use breaks wisely. If you are experiencing burnout, the best remedy is to get up and do something completely different. If you just need a day to relax before diving into your project again, do something that can refresh and inspire you, like reading, watching a movie, or going for a bike ride. This will help keep your creativity fresh.
Organize a Mini Writing Retreat

In between your holiday visits with friends and family, gather your writing friends together for a mini writing retreat! This can be done at home, at a nearby café or library, or even online! Here’s how to structure it:
- Set clear intentions. Decide what you want to accomplish, whether it’s drafting a chapter or brainstorming ideas.
- Gather supplies. Bring notebooks, pens, or any reference materials.
- Plan mini-breaks. Schedule intervals for conversation with the other writers over coffee to keep your energy up.
Lean on Accountability with a Writing Partner

The holiday season is ideal for connecting with fellow writers. Reach out to a friend or join an online group for accountability. Here’s why it works:
- Shared goals. Each week, set one or two achievable writing targets that will keep each other motivated.
- Check-in regularly: Text or a chat during a brief call to discuss each other’s progress and offer support.
Staying focused during the holidays is all about balance. Embrace the joy of the season while carving out space for your writing by setting realistic goals, creating a flexible routine, and finding ways to tap into the unique energy of the holidays. You’ll find you can continue to make progress on your work without feeling overwhelmed, and remember, writing doesn’t always have to be about long, uninterrupted hours; even small, consistent efforts can keep your momentum going.

With a little planning and a mindful approach, you can enjoy the holiday festivities without sacrificing your writing. After all, the holiday season is full of inspiration—so let it fuel your writing and help you finish the year strong!

Chanticleer Editorial Services – when you are ready!

Did you know that Chanticleer offers editorial services? We do and have been doing so since 2011.

Tools of the Editing Trade

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

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

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

Chanticleer Editorial Services also offers writing craft sessions and masterclasses. Sign up to find out where, when, and how sessions being held.

A great way to get started is with our manuscript evaluation service. Here are some handy links about this tried and true service: https://test.chantireviews.com/manuscript-reviews/

And we do editorial consultations. for $75. https://test.chantireviews.com/services/Editorial-Services-p85337185

Writer’s Toolbox

Thank you for reading this Chanticleer Writer’s Toolbox article.

Writers Toolbox a few more Helpful Links:

The INCITING INCIDENT: STORY, SETBACKS and SURPRISES for the PROTAGONIST – A Writer’s Toolbox Series from Jessica Morrell’s Editor’s Desk

ESSENCE of CHARACTERS – Part One – From the Jessica Morrell’s Editor’s Desk – Writer’s Toolbox Series
December 11, 2024
Spotlight on Mark Berridge, Award Winning Author of A Fraction Stronger and Motivational Speaker
MARK BERRIDGE – Author, Leader, and Motivational Speaker

By melding his professional background with the lived experience of his personal recovery journey, Mark brings his unique insights, perspective and practical tips and strategies to every custom-curated presentation he delivers.

Mark’s authenticity, openness, expertise and practicality profoundly impact the individuals, teams and organisations he presents to, helping them build the resilience they need to succeed in today’s challenging business environment.

His book, A Fraction Stronger was the Grand Prize Winner for the 2022 Journey Award.

Most recently, Mark presented at TedEx Brisbane.

We’re excited to have him back for CAC24! Mark will be presenting two sessions for us that will focus on:
1. Success comes in many shapes and sizes. Explore his 3 tips for amplifying it.
  - Notice how / when your goals creep.
  - Reward yourself for achieving your original goals and for re-calibrating new goals
  - Embrace and celebrate all the other gains / outcomes from your action that seem ancillary to your goals.
2. Plan well, adapt better. Why he is firm on purpose but flexible on pathway.
  - Good preparation is a valuable foundation, but we can never see all the possibilities.
  - Action (especially when embracing uncertainty) liberates possibilities.
  - Things work, things fail. Own where you are at and make plans, take action to keep going.
Still thinking about Registering for the Chanticleer Authors Conference?

Register Today!

We have a stellar line up of speakers for CAC24, with multiple options to attend.

Find out why The 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.
April 5, 2024
PERSISTENCE of LIGHT: in a JAPANESE PRISON CAMP, with an ELEPHANT CROSSING the ALPS, and then in SILICON VALLEY by John Hoyte – Memoir, Travel Adventure, Transformation/Inspiration

Reading John Hoyte’s memoir, Persistence of Light, is like sitting around a campfire absorbing stories of adventure, loss, and love – and feeling better for it. With journalistic precision, Hoyte shares both the facts and the emotional impact of his fascinating travels, doing so void of self-pity for his suffering and without self-aggrandizement for his vast achievements.

Born in 1932 to medical missionary parents (his father, Stanley, was British; his mother, Grace, American), Hoyte enjoyed a vibrant childhood taking nature walks and playing with his five siblings. A pivotal moment came at 8 years old when his parents were summoned to a missionary hospital, 1300 miles away in Lanchow. Hoyte and his siblings ended up in a Japanese internment camp without either parent.

Despite weeks with little to no food, wearing tattered clothing and walking barefoot (shoes were a commodity), he mustered the energy and the interest to write, sketch and draw – ultimately finding mystery and hope in a world besieged by authoritarian forces. His intense curiosity that percolated as a child, along with his faith in God, leads him on the many adventures he depicts in this thoughtful and exciting memoir.

The second part of the title “…in a Japanese Prison Camp, with an Elephant Crossing the Alps, and then in Silicon Valley,” encapsulates just a few highlights of the author’s escapades – the most memorable of which was his 1959 trek across the French Alps with an elephant. Fascinated with history, he and college friends from Cambridge embraced the goal of trying to reenact Hannibal’s legendary crossing of the Alps that occurred in 218 BC (in case you don’t know: Hannibal trekked with an army and 37 war elephants en route to attack Rome more than two thousand years ago).

In Hoyte’s case, they successfully guided Jumbo, a female Asian elephant provided by a zoo in Turin, Italy, from France over the Col du Mont Cenis. Life magazine, which sponsored the trek, published a considerable photo spread of Jumbo and parts of the trek in its Aug. 17, 1959 edition. To this day, Hoyte rounds up his kids and lifelong friend Richard Jolly (who accompanied Hoyte and wrote the book’s Preface) every few years for a reunion hike in the French Alps to celebrate that fateful crossing.

This exciting, adventuresome spirit lives in Hoyte’s suspenseful storytelling. We learn of other notable moments like when he knew Eric Liddell, the Scottish Olympic runner, who tragically died while at Weihsien, the same internment camp as Hoyte (Liddell’s life is depicted in the 1981 movie, “Chariots of Fire”). Later, at the age of 27, Hoyte landed a contestant role on the American game show, “To Tell the Truth,” and in the mid-1960s, after leaving a corporate job at Hewlett-Packard, he took the leap to start his own company Spectrex in Palo Alto, Calif. Through all of his travels, Hoyte embraces light and color which lends a cheery quality to the book. Each chapter begins with a reference to Isaac Newton’s seven colors of the rainbow. For example, Chapter 4, An Alpine Journey, starts with green, evoking the natural beauty of the Alps.

In addition to writing, Hoyte enjoys painting, sketching, and drawing and lives in Bellingham, Wash. with his wife, Luci Shaw, a poet. While he dedicates the book to his grandchildren, its universal appeal is for anyone who overcomes adversity – or may need to overcome adversity – and dreams about adventure in faraway lands.

Highly recommended.

“When Gandalf said to Frodo, ‘All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” (J.R.R. Tolkien), surely John Hoyte was listening. Starting early and without choice, he and his siblings are interned in a Japanese prison camp, afterwards, he follows along Hannibal’s elephant trail over the French Alps. .” – Chanticleer Reviews

September 21, 2018