Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Social Media

Bluesky for Authors: Navigating the Rising Social Media Platform for Book Marketing Success in 2025
The Rise of Bluesky: A New Frontier for Author Marketing

Bluesky has emerged as a compelling social media alternative for authors seeking fresh ways to connect with readers and fellow writers. As this decentralized platform surpasses 30 million users as of February 2025, authors are discovering its unique advantages for building literary communities and marketing their books in a less cluttered digital environment.

This growing platform offers a refreshing approach to social networking that addresses many pain points authors experience with other social media options. Its focus on transparency, user control, and community-building makes it particularly well-suited for writers looking to establish meaningful connections with their target audience.

What is Bluesky

Bluesky was created by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and, in the simplest terms, it is a decentralized social media app that runs similar to Twitter in its design and algorithms. As of February 2025, this up-and-coming platform surpassed 30 million users, and while growth has slowed since its last spike, the network is continuing to see more users come on board.

The most notable difference between Bluesky and other social media platforms is its use of a decentralized social network protocol. AT Protocol is a tool that allows users to see how the platform works and build their own apps with an innate ability to connect with Bluesky. This provides users with more accessibility, transparency, and the ability to take your followers, posts, and username with you if you switch to another network—a necessary update for most users.

Bluesky also provides more customizable features that give the user more control over what we see, the rules you set for moderation in the different communities you join, and more options to block content, accounts, hashtags, etc.

What Makes Bluesky Different for Authors

Of course, these changes appear to be positive for Bluesky’s users, but what about authors specifically?

Great news! Authors are finding a home on Bluesky, where they are connecting with the literary world, other writers, and fans.

Bluesky is prioritizing a sense of community with a less vitriolic style of communication and a more supportive environment. The perfect place for authors! You’ll also find less ads and bot-created content, which is a refreshing change. Overall, Bluesky feels like it’s less complicated than other social media sites when it comes to the backend operations of analytics, scheduling, etc. Part of this is that functionality is limited in some areas, such as pre-scheduling posts, but the way Bluesky is designed, both in functioning and aesthetics, is intuitive.

Even new authors can dive into the right community quickly. Their “Starter Pack” feature curates collections of users with custom feeds that align with the topic of your choosing, such as ‘authors.’ All you have to do is select the Starter Packs subheading to the right of Feeds. Click Create, and that’s where you’ll find Bluesky’s tools, including the Starter Pack, then just add a name and description, and you are ready to meet some new Bluesky friends!

Five Tips to Get Started on Bluesky Right Now

Authors can maximize their presence on Bluesky by implementing these five targeted strategies designed to build visibility and engagement:

1. Craft an Author-Focused Profile that Converts

Creating a compelling author profile is the foundation of successful Bluesky marketing. Include these essential elements:
- A professional yet approachable profile picture that matches your author brand
- A concise bio highlighting your genre, notable works, and any awards or recognition
- Strategic links to your author website, preferred bookstore, or latest release
- Relevant keywords that help readers interested in your genre find your profile
- Include any professional recognition you’ve received such as Book Awards or Editorial Reviews
Pro Tip: Think of your Bluesky profile as a micro author website—it should clearly communicate your unique value proposition as a writer within seconds.

2. Leverage Decentralization to Find Your Reader Communities

One of Bluesky’s strongest features is its ability to connect authors with niche communities of engaged readers:
- Identify and join communities related to your specific genre using relevant hashtags (#TrueCrime, #UrbanRomance, #HistoricalFiction)
- Study community guidelines to understand what content resonates with members
- Participate authentically before introducing your books or writing
- Create custom feeds that aggregate content from your ideal reader demographic
This targeted approach allows authors to focus marketing efforts on readers already interested in their genre, rather than broadcasting to a general audience.

3. Develop a Strategic Posting Plan

Effective Bluesky marketing requires thoughtful content creation that balances promotion with value:
- Share insights into your writing process that readers can’t find elsewhere
- Post high-quality visual content featuring your book covers, teaser quotes, and reader reviews
- Create unique hashtags for your books and encourage readers to use them
- Host interactive Q&A sessions to build reader relationships
- Maintain a consistent posting schedule to build audience expectations
- Document authentic moments from your author journey through images and short videos
The most successful authors on Bluesky treat their content as an extension of their books—providing value while showcasing their unique voice and perspective.
4. Expand Your Author Network Strategically

Growing your Bluesky presence requires proactive community building:
- Offer followers exclusive content and early announcements to reward engagement
- Share limited-access material like short stories, character sketches, or alternate endings
- Collaborate with complementary authors in your genre for cross-promotion
- Create virtual book clubs or writing challenges to foster community
- Encourage and highlight reader-generated content about your books
- Balance promotional posts with valuable content that serves your audience
Remember that successful author marketing on Bluesky isn’t about promoting a single book but building a sustainable author brand that supports your entire writing career.

5. Measure and Refine Your Bluesky Strategy

Data-driven decision making separates professional author marketing from casual social media use:
- Track engagement patterns using Bluesky’s analytics tools
- Experiment methodically with different posting times, formats, and content types
- Identify which content generates the most meaningful reader interactions
- Adjust your strategy based on performance data
- Set specific goals for your Bluesky presence tied to broader marketing objectives
This analytical approach ensures authors invest their valuable time in activities that genuinely advance their marketing goals rather than simply accumulating vanity metrics.

Bluesky is for Authors

For authors committed to building sustainable careers, Bluesky represents a valuable addition to their marketing toolkit. The platform’s emphasis on transparency, authentic connection, and user control aligns perfectly with what today’s readers expect from author interactions.

While Bluesky’s user base continues to grow, its quality of engagement often surpasses that of larger platforms. Authors who establish themselves early on Bluesky position themselves advantageously as the platform expands, building valuable reader relationships in a less competitive environment.

The strategic approaches outlined above will help authors leverage Bluesky’s unique features while integrating this platform into a comprehensive book marketing strategy that drives long-term career success.

Thank you for joining us for this Writer Toolbox Article
There is so much to learn and do with Chanticleer!

From our Book Award Program that has Discovered the Best Books since the early 2010s to our Editorial Book Reviews recognizing and promoting indie and traditional authors, Chanticleer knows your books are worth the effort to market professionally!

Hungry for more? These articles can help you go even further in marketing:
Ready to elevate yourself beyond Social Media?

Social media platforms like Bluesky are valuable tools in your author marketing arsenal, but truly professional authors know the importance of third-party validation and expert promotion. Chanticleer’s professional services are designed specifically for authors serious about maximizing their book’s visibility:

Chanticleer Editorial Book Reviews: Our professionally crafted, SEO-optimized reviews complement your social media efforts by providing the credibility that comes from respected third-party assessment. Each review is strategically written to improve your book’s discoverability across all platforms—including social media sites like Bluesky where you can share snippets to enhance your authority. Learn more about our Editorial Review service here.

Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs): While building your social media presence is important, award recognition creates promotional opportunities that social posting alone cannot match. The CIBAs give your book multiple visibility opportunities and provide prestigious credentials you can feature prominently in your Bluesky profile. When you submit your book to the CIBAs today, you’re joining a community of excellence that readers trust.

You know you want it…

Don’t let your great book remain hidden online. With Chanticleer’s professional services working alongside your social media marketing efforts, you’ll find more readers than ever before.
May 29, 2025
Casting the SEO Net for Readers: How Search Engine Optimization Attracts Online Followers
SEO – Search Engine Optimization: Cast a Wider Net for Your Readers

The cyber world is a vast and active ocean of readers, and it’s not always easy to catch your target audience when casting out your book marketing net online.

Your content is great, but it’s struggling to reach an audience. By reinforcing the effectiveness of your efforts with strong search engine optimization (SEO), you’ll create a virtual fishing net that will catch readers who love your genre and widen your pool to an even larger audience of “fish in the sea!”

Having a strong online presence is crucial for any author. Whether you are traditionally or self-published, your success often hinges on visibility—how easily potential readers can find your work.

What is SEO and Why Does It Matter for Authors?

SEO is the practice of optimizing your online content, so it becomes more visible and understandable to search engines like Google, Bing, and others. These search engines use sophisticated algorithms and digital ‘crawlers’ that scan websites to understand their content and relevance. By strategically using keywords, creating quality content, and improving your site’s technical aspects, you help these digital gatekeepers better understand what your content is about and who might find it valuable.

Imagine a reader searching for “thriller novels about art heists” or “greatest baseball games.” If your books are optimized with keywords related to your story, they are more likely to show up in search results and get in front of new readers who may not have found you otherwise.

Why SEO is Crucial for Authors

Shining a Spotlight on Your Work and Yourself

One of the primary reasons SEO is important for authors is visibility. With millions of books available online, offering a great story just isn’t enough. By using SEO techniques on your author website, book descriptions, and blog posts, you increase your chances of those marketing tools appearing in search results when potential readers are looking for books in your genre.

Employing effective SEO isn’t only about increased visibility for your book. It’s also about building your author brand. A strong SEO strategy allows readers to learn more about you, your writing process, and your publications. By regularly posting SEO-optimized content, such as blog posts, articles, social media posts, and interviews, you are giving readers insight into your writing and establishing yourself as a trusted voice in the literary world.

Spreading the Net Wide with Organic Traffic

Organic traffic refers to visitors who come to your website through unpaid search results. SEO helps you attract that organic traffic by offering the keywords you’ve put into your online text as if it were a little worm on the hook. This means more readers will discover your work without the need for expensive ads. With the right keywords, you’ll find your author website or blog is a well-optimized, powerful tool you can use to build a sustainable online presence that continually attracts your target audience.

Better Book Sales

By making your books more visible on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, or your own author website, you’ll be gaining more power in the online bookstores where authors compete to find readers. By optimizing your books’ descriptions with relevant keywords, such as genre-specific or popular theme words, you will improve the chances of attracting new readers who purchase or research books online.

Connecting with Your Audience

SEO also gives you a boost in attracting the right audience. By strategically using keywords related to your book’s genre, style, or themes, you have a better chance of reaching the readers most likely to be interested in your books. For example, a romance writer could target keywords like “new in town love stories,” while a science fiction author might optimize for terms like “space operas” or “first contact adventures.” Understanding your audience’s reading preferences helps you tailor your SEO strategy to catch just the right readers.

Enhance Discoverability with Chanticleer Editorial Reviews and Book Awards

Beyond basic SEO strategies, authors can significantly boost their discoverability through Chanticleer’s Editorial Book Reviews and Book Awards. These professional validations don’t just enhance your book’s credibility—they create additional pathways for readers to find your work.

The Editorial Book Review

Chanticleer Editorial Book Reviews are specifically crafted with SEO in mind. Our reviewers are trained to optimize everything from title keywords to sentence length, ensuring that when your review is published, it’s designed to catch the attention of both search engines and human readers. These reviews create quality content that search engines value, especially when featured on your website or in your book’s metadata. The strategic keyword placement in our reviews helps your book appear in searches relevant to your genre and themes. We even wrote an article explaining the ins and outs of how we do that, so you can too!

The Book Award Program

Similarly, Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards – CIBAs – create multiple touchpoints for discovery. When your book receives an award or makes a shortlist, it generates announcements, listings, and social media mentions—all containing relevant keywords that improve your SEO footprint. Our award posts are specifically designed to catch just the right readers for each genre division. We frequently hear from readers that they purchase every book on our Finalist lists just to enjoy a variety of new authors in their favorite genres. This creates an immediate audience expansion for authors who make these prestigious lists. You can see the culmination of this with our celebration of the 2024 Grand Prize Winners that went our recently here.

These professional validations work in tandem with your SEO efforts, creating a stronger, more expansive net to catch interested readers. At industry events like Women in Publishing, Author Nation, and the San Francisco Writers Conference, authors regularly approach our team to share how Chanticleer’s posts and promotions have significantly improved their marketing efforts, given them a sales bump, and expanded their readership.

Key SEO Strategies for Authors

So, where do you begin? It may sound complicated, but empowering your SEO isn’t magic. Taking a few simple steps—both now and each time you update your website—will get you in the right position to pull in those readers.

1. Optimize Your Author Website

Your author website is your digital home base. Make sure it’s well-optimized to increase visibility. Use relevant keywords in the title tags, meta descriptions, and headers. For instance, if you’re a mystery novelist, use keywords like “mysteries,” “detectives in literature,” or “suspense plots.” When someone inputs these terms into a search engine, they are more likely to see your website as a result.

Don’t forget the technical aspects of SEO that affect how readers experience your site. Ensure your website loads quickly, works well on mobile devices, and has a clear navigation structure. Search engines prioritize sites that offer a good user experience for your audience.

2. Use Keywords in Book Descriptions

On platforms like Amazon, your book description is a vital part of how your book will rank in search results. Use targeted keywords your readers will likely use when searching for a new book. It must accurately describe your book, since it won’t benefit you to mislead the reader. For instance, a reader looking for a book about a historical figure might include terms like “biographical fiction” or “historical biography” in their search, so those are great keywords to use in your descriptions.

3. Start a Blog

Blogging is a powerful tool for authors to connect with their audience while boosting their SEO efforts. Regularly posting articles that engage your target audience helps establish your authority and increases your site’s traffic. You could write about topics like writing tips, industry trends, book recommendations, or personal stories about your writing journey. Understanding your audience’s interests helps you create content that not only ranks well but genuinely connects with potential readers.

4. Claim and Optimize Your Author Profile on Amazon and Goodreads

Amazon and Goodreads are the go-to platforms for book discovery, and ensuring your author profile is fully optimized can help you get more visibility. Use relevant keywords in your author bio, list all your books clearly, and encourage readers to leave reviews. The more activity you have on these platforms, the more likely it is that your books will appear in searches and reach new readers interested in your genre.

5. Leverage Social Media and External Content

SEO isn’t just about what happens on your website. Google also takes social media activity into account when ranking websites. Share your blog posts, articles, and updates on your social media channels (Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) with appropriate hashtags and links to your website. Effective book marketing extends beyond your website to social platforms where your readers are already active. The more you share and the more engagement your posts receive, the more likely it is that search engines will take notice.

6. Focus on Local SEO

If you’re an author attending book events, readings, or speaking engagements in your area, local SEO is vital. Optimizing your website and author profile for local searches will help you connect with fans in your region. Include your city and relevant location-based keywords in your website’s content, like “author in [city]” or “book events near [city].” This helps readers find not just your books but opportunities to meet you in person, creating a stronger connection with your audience.

Track Your SEO Success

Implementing SEO strategies is only half the battle—you also need to know if they’re working. Use tools like Google Analytics to track your website traffic, see which pages are performing well, and understand where your audience is coming from. This data helps you refine your approach and focus on the book marketing tactics that bring the most readers to your work.

Look for patterns in how readers find and interact with your content. Are certain blog topics attracting more visitors? Do specific keywords drive more traffic? Understanding these patterns helps you tailor your content to better meet your audience’s interests and search habits.

You’re ready to set your SEO Net for More Readers

In an increasingly competitive digital landscape, authors need the very best lures they can get to stand out online. SEO offers an accessible and cost-effective way to increase visibility, connect with readers, and ultimately boost book sales. Using these strategic SEO approaches on your author website, in book descriptions, and in your online content can ensure your books reach the right audience.

Remember, SEO is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. It requires consistency, strategy, and a deep understanding of what your readers are searching for. By optimizing your online presence, you increase your chances of building a long-term, sustainable writing career—one where your books are not just published, but discovered and celebrated by the readers who want them most.

With a little SEO know-how, you’ll be well on your way to netting more readers, building your brand, and boosting your success as an author! The digital ocean is full of potential readers waiting to discover their next favorite book—yours.

Now go out and catch the Big Fish!

Thank you for joining us for this Writer Toolbox Article

There is so much to learn and do with Chanticleer!

From our Book Award Program that has Discovered the Best Books since the early 2010s to our Editorial Book Reviews recognizing and promoting indie and traditional authors, Chanticleer knows your books are worth the effort to market professionally!

Helpful Toolbox Articles:

AIOSEO – Getting the MOST out of your Website

How to Market Your Works Like a Book Publicist

TAPPING the EXPERTS – Researching for Your Works in Progress

Ready to Strengthen Your Book Marketing Net?

If you’re ready to enhance your book’s visibility and reach more readers, Chanticleer offers professional services designed specifically for authors who are serious about their writing careers:

Chanticleer Editorial Book Reviews: Our professionally crafted, SEO-optimized reviews give your book the visibility boost it deserves. Each review is strategically written to improve your book’s discoverability while providing the credibility that comes from a respected third-party assessment. Learn more about our Editorial Review service here.

Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs): Join the ranks of authors who’ve seen significant visibility boosts after participating in our prestigious book awards. The CIBAs create multiple opportunities for your book to be discovered by new readers who trust our curated selections. When you submit your book, you’re not just entering a contest—you’re joining a community of authors committed to excellence. Submit your book to the CIBAs today!

Don’t let your great book remain hidden in the vast digital ocean. With Chanticleer’s professional services working alongside your SEO efforts, you’ll cast a wider net and catch more readers than ever before.
May 8, 2025
Chanticleer’s Back to School Bundle! Don’t Miss Out on the Chance to Become a Member of The Roost!
Back to School Sales?

They’re not just for kids!

We have an ever bigger one you can Roost with!

As summer comes to a close, we’re excited to offer a bundle that includes a year’s worth of access to our online platform filled with goodies and discounts for authors: The Roost!

The Roost is our exclusive membership platform where we perch together to share knowledge and connect with our community of expert authors.

Every year after Labor Day the publishing industry comes back to life, and we’re happy to crow with the dawn and welcome it back!

The Roost is our Favorite Spot to Perch!

Don’t Miss Out on These Upcoming Events:
- Weekly Tuesday Morning Write-Ins with David Beaumier
- Weekly Wednesday Evening Write-Ins with Phoebe Walker and Janet Oakley
- Monthly Thriller Craft Discussions with Dena Weigel
- Monthly Writing Craft Discussions with David Beaumier
- Monthly Recorded Workshops
  - Upcoming is Kickstarting Your Book with Kiffer Brown and David Beaumier, 9/13 at 1pm PST
- Virtual Happy Hour (9/16 at 5pm PST) with Kiffer Brown
- We’re available for virtual Office Hours on the Roost!
- Plus Perpetual Discounts and Early Bird Deals on our Annual Authors Conference, Editorial Reviews, and the CIBAs!
The Roost is a space driven by community! We build and add to it based on what our members ask for and want. Join us, and help transform the space into whatever you want it to be!

Roost sign-ups are typically available only in-person at Conferences or for our First Place Winners. We’ve worked hard to cultivate this community of professionals. And it’s open now to you, but only through September 15th!

Sign up now for

A Chanticleer Editorial Review ($495)

Two entries to the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards ($198)

And a Full Year as Chanticleer Members on the Roost (priceless)

All for $645

What does that include?

The Objective Editorial Review

Every book that receives a Chanticleer Editorial Review written by one of our professional reviewers receives the following:
- Published online on the Chanticleer Reviews website for easy linking
- Each online published review comes with a built-in All IN One Search Engine Optimization package (AIOSEO) to maximize the review and the book title/author’s digital footprint.
  - AIOSEO interfaces with Google, Bing, Firefox, and Explorer search engines.
  - We carefully apply AIOSEO techniques to increase higher search rankings for each review.
  - AIOSEO allows for easier integration into Google Analytics.
- Each posted review comes with SEO metadata to optimize Google searches and Amazon crawlers.
- Digital links to Amazon, Independent Bookstores, and the Author or Publisher’s website.
- Each review is posted to our social media for easy sharing and commenting by the author/publisher.
- All our reviews are promoted and highlighted in our Newsletter.
- We continue to periodically post the review to social media and in blogposts with links to the review on our website for long-term marketing and to refresh digital footprints.
You do not have to use the Chanticleer Book Review package now. You can use it in the future when you are ready!

The Coveted Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards (CIBAs)

You know you want it.

The CIBAs run year round with promotions always popping up on our website to celebrate the incredible authors who advance. Starting at the Long List, we begin promoting work on our high-traffic website, on social media, and in our newsletter.

From that point we add in digital badges, promotional stickers. By the time we reach the $1000 cash prize for the Overall Grand Prize Winner, we’ve given away over $30,000 worth of prizes!

With all that plus our under the hood marketing technology, it’s no surprise that the CIBAs are the most popular of all our offerings at Chanticleer.

When You’re Ready, We’re Here

Signing up for this bundle doesn’t mean you have to immediately submit your work to the CIBAs or for Review. We’re happy to hold your spot and check in with you on your terms, when your work is at its best. The same with the two CIBA entries!

You might write your book alone, but authors live in community.

Join The Roost today. We’re here, and we can’t wait to support you in your author’s journey and help your book be discovered!

Can’t do the bundle but still want to join?

Reach out to AuthorOutreach@ChantiReviews.com for a discount code and sign up today!
August 30, 2024
Spotlight on Jayne Entwistle – Award-winning Audiobook Narrator and Actress

JAYNE ENTWISTLE – Award-winning Audiobook Narrator and Actress

Jayne Entwistle is an award-winning audiobook narrator known most notably for her narration of the Flavia De Luce series by Alan Bradley. She has received the Odyssey Award, Odyssey Honor Award and Voice Arts Award for narration. In addition to several Earphones Awards, AudioFile Magazine has included her narration on their list of Best Audiobooks of the Year. When not immersed in books, Jayne can be found on-screen in television programs such as: The Good Place, Grey’s Anatomy, Winning Time, and You’re the Worst. Originally from the north of England, Jayne currently lives in the PNW.

Jayne will present: How a Narrator Brings Your Words to Life

Behind the mic with award-winning audiobook narrator Jayne Entwistle. What goes into recording an audiobook? From receiving the manuscript to uploading finished audio files, Jayne will outline the process of creating an audiobook and how instrumental authors can be in that process. From hours of pain-staking research to decisions about accents and character’s vocal traits to the myriad ways a line can be read, get a glimpse into how a narrator brings your words to life. Q&A will be included.

She will also participate in panels.

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 6, 2024
Spotlight on Christine Fairchild- Author and Book Doctor

CHRISTINE FAIRCHILD – Author & Book Doctor

Christine Fairchild offers 35+ years experience as a writer, editor, and book doctor. She’s conducted celebrity interviews (XFiles, SciFiMall.com), edited for technical giants (Microsoft, Hitachi), and served as a marketing/readability specialist for consumer products (DHL, Cingular, AT&T). She now specializes in Suspense fiction and helps authors take their work, and their career, to the next level through her online workshops, classes at conferences and one-on-one book-doctoring of clients’ novels. She also writes suspense and historical fiction, so she understands the challenges authors face in their craft and the publishing industry.

Find more of her tips & tricks at: EditorDevil.blogspot.com

Christine will be leading sessions on:

• Power Moves to Make Your Story UNDENIABLE
• Look Out! He’s Behind You! Effectively Using Suspense to Insure a Page-Turner Story
• And more to be announced!

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
Spotlight on Michelle Cox – Overall Grand Prize Winner

MICHELLE COX – 2022 OVERALL GRAND PRIZE AUTHOR

Michelle Cox is the author of the multiple award-winning Henrietta and Inspector Howard series as well as “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago’s forgotten residents. She suspects she may have once lived in the 1930s and, having yet to discover a handy time machine lying around, has resorted to writing about the era as a way of getting herself back there.

Her work has received multiple Mystery & Mayhem and Clue Awards from Chanticleer as well as the Overall Grand Prize Award for Best Book for her book A Spying Eye, in addition to several top-rated reviews, plus many other accolades, so she might be on to something. Unbeknownst to most, Michelle hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.

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 3, 2024
Spotlight on Lisa Spicer- Producer, Editor and Writer
LISA SPICER – Producer, Editor, Writer

Lisa Spicer has worked in television, film, and video production for over 30 years as producer, writer, and editor. Starting in the documentary unit at KCTS/PBS Seattle, she worked there later on the Bill Nye the
Science Guy show, earning 3 Emmys. As an independent documentary producer, she has worked in Kenya, Mexico’s Lacandon rainforest, Northern Cheyenne and Lummi Indian reservations, Boulder, Seattle, and Bellingham.

Lisa has a BA in Broadcast Journalism and certificates in Filmmaking and Screenwriting (UW). Mid-career she earned an MA in Anthropology (WWU). Integrating anthropology into documentary, she
co-produced Homeless in Bellingham, an award-winning web series and documentary, and served as Consulting Anthropologist for the feature documentary, Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie.

Recently finishing an historical novel, Radio Smokva, she’s now writing about her back-to-the-land childhood and publishing a weekly series on Substack, Collective Effervescence: Research About the Counterculture.

Lisa will lead a workshop called How to Read a Film, with a focus to enhance your fluency in the language of film. Rooted in the practice of mise-en-scene, learn how meaning is conveyed through elements such as camera angle, set design, motif (shapes), lighting, actors, sound, all of which work together in support of the narrative.

Tips and Tools with the Screen in Mind – by Lisa G. Spicer
- Writing for the screen or with the screen in mind, whether narrative or non-fiction (documentary) film.
  
  Ex: From any story, what is selected to be scripted and filmed? How is it framed (what do we see)?
  
  Ex: Screenplays are written in present tense
- As related to writing, film borrows from theater by using elements of mis en scene and motif.
  
  Ex: How do theater directors use props and costume to support the narrative?
  
  Writing for film or with film in mind can be informed by the craft and how films are actually made.
Ex: Basic camera terminology, used throughout entire process: writing, filming, editing.
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.

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. Join us April 19-21, 2024 at the Four Seasons By Sheraton in Bellingham, WA.
April 2, 2024
Spotlight on Strider Klusman – Award Winning Author and Podcaster

STRIDER KLUSMAN – Award Winning Author and Host of the Author in the Headlights Podcast

An award winning, first place author of the Chanticleer International Book Awards, Strider began his writing career after twenty-five years as a fire fighter/EMT. The emotions and experiences of those calls carry themselves through every story, bringing true ‘been-there’ reality to the scenes.

With additional years as a business owner, general contractor, designer, wildland firefighter, big game guide, ski instructor, back packer and sword fighter, his wide range of knowledge is intricately woven throughout his stories.

To date, Strider has written YA (young adult), NA (New adult), and general fiction in the realm of: sci-fi western, light steampunk, dystopian (post apocalyptic), gaslight (early mechanism era) and just good fun reading.

Strider’s sessions will include a LIVE interview from Author in the Headlights as well as mini-interviews with authors at the conference. He will also be on panels focused on YA fiction, series writing, and podcast creation.

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.

March 28, 2024
Spotlight on Kianne Burgess- Social Media Manager for D.D. Black

KIANNE BURGESS – Social Media Manager for D.D. Black, TikTokker, Social Media Manager

Kianne works as the full-time social media manager for the Bestselling Thriller author D.D. Black, handling his presence across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. She focuses specifically on boosting sales and cementing his digital footprint through long tail digital marketing. As social media always changes, Kianne constantly is learning the newest and best ways to continue to build upon an already successful platform.

A writer herself, Kianne is currently working on the first book in a fantasy series. She plans on publishing her debut novel near the end of 2024. Her dream of being a writer has found a solid ground in her work with D.D. Black and allowed her to make even better inroads into the indie publishing community. She will be presenting a session on TikTok 101 for writers who are just getting started and are curious about BookTok and Reels.

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.

March 28, 2024
On the 12th Day, Chanticleer brings to me… | 12 Days of Christmas 2023
Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time

The 12th Day of Christmas

The 12th Day of Christmas, also the last day of Christmas, is known as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. Traditionally, gift giving was centered around Epiphany but commercialization of Christmas and a cultural desire to shorten celebrations has changed this to center around Christmas Day. In many European and Slavic countries, children open their presents from ‘Santa Claus’ on Christmas Day, then families and friends open presents to each other on Three Kings’ Day. Three Kings’ Day, or the Epiphany, is a feast day observed by many Christians.

Below is a photo of an parade that takes place throughout Poland on Three Kings’ Day.

The Epiphany is often celebrated by the sharing of a King’s Cake, something also associated with Mardi Gras in the American south and in France. Baked into the cake was a coin, a bean, or a small toy and the person who found the trinket in their slice was named king for the day! Chew carefully!

A New Orleans’ style King Cake. Try the recipe here!

Elsewhere children are encouraged to place their shoes by the door and, if they are sleeping soundly through the night, the Three Wise Men might leave them three small gifts by the morning.

On the 12th Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…

12 Social Media Tips!

These days everyone is instantly reachable via the internet. This means, besides using Facebook or Instagram or Twitter to catch up on what your high school sweetheart is doing, social media has become a useful tool for anyone who has a product they want to market or a community they want to cultivate.

But where do I start? Not to worry! Check out our top tips for growing your audience and maintaining your community.

1. Make sure you & social media will be friends.

Not everyone needs to have social media. Not everyone is cut out for using social media as the tool it can be. Before you commit to making that profile, buying a website domain, or getting someone to help you make a trending TikTok, as yourself these questions.

Would spending time doing this bring me joy? Does it feel exciting to me?

Can I do this consistently or do I feel like I will burn myself out trying to keep up?

Are there examples of authors I respect and admire who use social media like this?

Is this something I think my readers would find inspiring, informative, entertaining, or valuable?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then maybe social media is for you!

2. Pick the right platform for YOU!

Most social media platforms have a preferred content format. Twitter has a character limit, Instagram is designed for photos and short-form videos, Facebook has great group options as well as photo, video, and text options, and websites and blogs can be anything you can imagine these days.

Take a look at all your platform options and pick two you think you can manage. Don’t push yourself to make content that doesn’t feel like you.

Some of the most common combinations are: Blogging & Twitter, Facebook & Newsletters, Facebook & Instagram, or Instagram & Pinterest.

3. Post at the right frequency and time.

Each social media platform is going to have an optimal frequency and time to post to maximize traffic to your posts. When creating your social media, try and take these factors into account.

Post Daily: Instagram and Twitter

Post Weekly: Facebook and LinkedIn

Post Monthly: YouTube, Blog, and Newsletters

Post Seasonally: Pinterest

Now think about when you yourself spend time surfing the web or generally look at your devices. THOSE are the times you want your content to be findable by your audience.

A good rule of thumb is to maximize new content being available between 6am-7:30am, 1pm-3pm, and 5:30pm-8pm on weekdays, and between 9am-1pm and 5pm-8pm on weekends. Fridays are good for visual mediums such as Instagram and TikTok but bad for everything else.

4. Weigh your newsletter options.

Not all newsletter providers are created equal so be sure you find one that has all the features you desire. Some commonly used platforms are Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and Substack. All of these are free to start but require paid plans once you’ve reached a certain number of subscribers or sent a maximum number of email blasts.

If you don’t want to worry about managing an email list, having a blog that you can funnel interested parties to is another great way to build a faithful audience.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of starting your social media footprints off on the right foot, let’s look at some ways to give your content an extra kick!

5. Always use high quality images for your content!

It really does make a difference in how your audience will look at what you post. If you need to add some pzazz or polish some images there are plenty of free online options like Canva or Pixlr.

6. Don’t be afraid to recycle or double post content.

Not everything you put up everywhere needs to be unique. It’s perfectly acceptable to post the same thing on Facebook and your blog. Or even to repost a similar graphic several times if it’s applicable to everything.

7. Post things you are excited about! Share the new cover for you book, show off a new hobby you’ve picked up, or post a picture from the last time you met some fans.

Don’t worry about limiting yourself to writing related things! You want your fans to enjoy the entirety of you – odd interests, failed attempts, and cozy, lazy days included.

8. Push a preorder promotion.

Is your newest book coming out soon? Consider pushing a pre-order program or just a simple promotion of the work.

9. Invite your fans to events happening nearby! Maybe they’ll show up to say hello and the other writers and businesses will thank you.

Let’s face it, social media can be connective but it still pales in comparison with real human connection. Give folks the opportunity to run in to you at literary events or learn about writers you admire.

10. Show your workspace and favorite writing tools.

Everyone has their own “perfect” creative space. Show your audience what makes yours special!

11. Let fans know what you as an author like to read! There’s always new books to discover.

Top ten lists of your favorite reads of the year or books you wouldn’t be the same person without are a great way to offer some insight into your inspiration and growth as a writer.

12. Don’t just promote, participate.

Share other author’s work you enjoy. Comment on other related posts. Respond to your audience. Creating connection with your audience will provide longevity, community, and other avenues for people to hear about your work.

Here is a list of Chanticleer’s 12 Days Posts with Links

On the 1st Day, Chanticleer brought an invitation to join The Roost, Chanticleer’s Writers Community, with a special holiday offering!

On the 2nd Day, Chanticleer discusses two types of reviews needed by authors and publishers.

On the 3rd Day, Chanticleer honors Three Pillars of our Writing Community: Laurel Leigh and Joan Airoldi in memory, and honors Poet Laureate Rena Priest.

On the 4th Day, Chanticleer discusses ISBNs (and four calling birds).

On the 5th Day, Chanticleer shows off the CIBAs’ (Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards) coveted Blue Ribbons.

On the 6th Day, Chanticleer shares Six Rituals and Routines of Famous Authors.

On the 7th Day, Chanticleer brings the CIBAs Levels of Achievement for all works (manuscript and published) entered in this prestigious book awards program.

On the 8th Day, Chanticleer shares eight SEO Boosts and the AISEO boosting that accompanies each Chanticleer Review.

On the 9th Day, Chanticleer shares the Daily Routines of Nine Famous Authors.

On the 10th Day, Chanticleer shares Ten Publishing Trends for 2024.

On the 11th Day, Chanticleer shares Book Cover Design Tips.

On the 12th Day, Chanticleer shares 12 Social Media Tips and 12 Links to this series of blog posts.

We would like to invite you to join our curated online community The Roost!

We are so proud the community we have on The Roost! It is great perch to hang out on for writers and publishers to hang out in and connect.

We host weekly write-ins, discussions of writing craft books, and advice on the author’s journey. With authors in all stages of the writing process joining us, there is always something to learn on this independent PRIVATE social media site.

Writing may seem like a solitary activity, but stories are told in community.

Whether you find that on The Roost or elsewhere, we’re happy that you are a part of our community here at Chanticleer.

Limited Time Only! Join The Roost during the 12 Days at a discounted holiday price.

Sign up now for $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year.

Valid until January 7th.

Follow this link to find out more information.

And just for fun:

We now have:
- Twelve Partridges and Twelve Pear Trees
- Twenty-two Turtle Doves
- Thirty French Hens
- Thirty-six Calling Birds
- Forty Golden Rings
- Forty-two Geese-a-Laying
- Forty-two Swans-a-Swimming
- Forty Maids a-Milking
- Thirty-six Ladies Dancing
- Thirty Lords a-Leaping
- Twenty-two Pipers Piping
- Twelve Drummers Drumming
It IS crowded in here! 364 Gifts!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Twelve Days of Christmas series of blogposts! While the Yuletide holidays might be over, we never stop celebrating the wonderful work you put out. We’re honored to be chosen by authors every day, without whom we couldn’t Discover Today’s Best Books! We’ll see you at the Chanticleer Authors Conference in April!

Wishing you a Happy New Year from Chanticleer from Kiffer, Sharon, David, Dena, Vilina, Scott, Anya, and Argus!
January 6, 2024