Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Village Books

Celebrating National Bookstore Romance Day: A Love Letter to the Magic of Bookstores
Fall in Love at Your Local Bookstore

Our own Village Books right here in Bellingham, WA

It’s National Bookstore Romance Day!

August 17th is a day dedicated to celebrating the intersection of two of life’s greatest pleasures: romance and bookstores! National Bookstore Romance Day is a time to revel in the joy that comes from discovering a new favorite book and the unique charm of independent bookstores. It’s a day to honor the places that have been the backdrop for countless literary love stories and to celebrate the romance genre that captures our imaginations and hearts.

The Enticing Allure of Bookstores

Bookstores have long been cherished havens for readers. They’re more than just retail spaces. They’re sanctuaries where stories come to life, where every shelf holds a new adventure. Independent bookstores, in particular, have a special kind of magic. Their cozy nooks, eclectic selections, and knowledgeable staff create an atmosphere that invites readers to linger, explore, and connect with the books they love.

Our love of bookstores is growing! Bookstore sales finished the first half of 2023 up 6.9% over the comparable period in 2022, proving once again that the love of readers have for their favorite brick-and-mortar bookstore can never be underestimated.

On National Bookstore Romance Day, we pay tribute to these beloved spaces, including our beloved Village Books! Whether it’s a charming local bookstore with a café, a historic shop with creaky wooden floors, or a modern indie store with a curated selection, each bookstore offers a unique experience. It’s where we find the books that move us and connects us with the community that shares our passion for writing and reading.

Instead of sending flowers, we suggest doing this to show your love on National Bookstore Romance Day!
1. Visit Your Local Bookstore: Head to your favorite independent bookstore and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. Spend time browsing the shelves, chatting with the staff about their favorite romance novels, and perhaps even start writing the book you’ve always imagined.
2. Find Your Next Great Literary Romance: Look for novels that you haven’t read before. Many bookstores will feature special displays or recommendations in honor of the day. You might find a new author or series to fall in love with.
3. Attend Events: Many bookstores host special events for National Bookstore Romance Day, such as book fairs, author signings, readings, or themed parties. Check out local listings and participate in these celebrations to meet fellow book lovers and connect with the romance genre in a new way.
4. Support Local Businesses: Buying from independent bookstores helps support the local economy and ensures that these cherished spaces continue to thrive. Consider making a purchase, whether it’s a book, a gift, or a gift card to share your love with another fan of bookstores.
5. Share Your Passion: Use social media to share your love for romance novels and bookstores. Post about your favorite romance reads, recommend books to friends, or simply celebrate the joy that these stories and spaces bring to your life.
National Bookstore Romance Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the magic of bookstores and the joy of romance novels. It’s a day to acknowledge the spaces that nurture our love for reading and writing and illustrates our love for stories that touch our hearts. So, explore your local bookstore and take a moment to savor the romance in every book on the shelf!

The Chatelaine Awards are where we find all our romance books about bookstores and beyond!

Happy National Bookstore Romance Day!

Begin your National Bookstore Romance Day celebration with the stories that make our hearts soar!

LOVING BETH
By Bonnie Rose Ward
Chatelaine Awards First Place Winner

In Loving Beth, a Christian historical romance by Bonnie Rose Ward, a young woman finds herself in dire straits when her widowed mother dies unexpectedly.

Beth’s father had taken out loans to improve their property, but he was killed in the Civil War, leaving his wife and daughter to struggle to keep up with the payments. Now, Beth is alone without any means to keep her home—finding and taking in two young, abandoned children certainly doesn’t help. But even amidst her troubles, Beth’s thoughts keep going back to the mysterious and handsome stranger who found and brought home the body of her mother.

Life is not easy in her tiny settlement in West Virginia, and young, pretty Beth finds that it is not about to get any easier. The new banker holds a grudge toward her for having rejected his advances, and the man’s snobbish wife is determined to make Beth’s life even more miserable. The loans that Beth and her mother worked to pay each month are suddenly due in full— but the banker’s unwanted and ugly advances are foiled with the appearance of the mysterious stranger.

Read more here!

GUARDED HEARTS
By T.K. Conklin
Laramie Awards Grand Prize Winner

Guarded Heartsby T K Conklin is a sensual romance in the Wild West, with all the passion and excitement natural to the setting.

Sparks fly between a man with an outlaw past and a woman with a terrifying gift to heal or harm. Strykes is a man haunted both by a violent childhood and his time in an outlaw gang. But he has found a place in Rimrock, where he met LaRisa, an auburn-haired woman whom the townspeople have labeled a “witch” due to her healing herbs and rumors of her “powers”.

LaRisa has kept her distance from people, afraid of her gift of healing touch that can turn dangerous, even deadly. But, when she comes to town to deliver her medicinal herbs, she makes her way to the livery with tasks for Strykes such as shoeing her horse or fixing a spring in her wagon. He is only too happy to oblige the auburn-haired beauty. The attraction between them is instantaneous, yet they both are hesitant to act on it, fearing they would hurt the other– he from his violent past, and she from her “witch” power.

Read more here!

AIR BOAT
By Jacek Waliszewski
Chatelaine & Shorts Awards Finalist

For readers interested in a unique romance,Air Boat: Love is an Adventureby Jacek Waliszewski offers a distinctive cast of characters and tense excitement in the sky.

Air Boat brings together a former Special Forces soldier, Luke, who prefers to keep to himself, an independent and sarcastic female pilot, Stella, and a three-legged Husky named Saint who marches to the beat of his own drum. These captivating characters embark on a fast-paced, page-turning tale.

Waliszewski starts this romantic adventure with a suspenseful scene of a vintage plane barreling towards the Twin Cities, accompanied by two F-16 fighter jets, before setting the stage for the two main characters to meet. The mystery of this scene will stick in the reader’s mind, drawing them forward with stark curiosity that only grows in excitement.

Read more here!

Summer Thunder
By Alan B. Gibson

Lily struggles to keep her business, her son, and her home. But inSummer Thunder,first book of theMagic at Myers Beachseries by Alan B. Gibson, Lily’s luck begins to turn as she connects with the enigmatic beach king Theos.

With the help of her friend and fellow business owner Greta “the Witch,” Lily tries to revitalize her fairy-themed decoration and figurine store. Her divorce from her abusive ex-husband Kelly is pending, and she must present a calm and reliable home to ensure full custody of her son Jamie. But when her kindly landlord, Ms. Coffey, passes away, she’s confronted with two options: lose her prime business location and upstairs apartment, or somehow make enough money to buy the building herself.

Enter Theos, a kitesurfing champion with adoring fans. He shows true appreciation for Lily’s fairy figurines, bringing her many more sales. But more importantly, Theos becomes deeply interested in Lily herself. Their romance begins on rocky footing, as Theos has a strange air about him and seems to vanish whenever a storm comes into town. But when he begins modelling for a new fairy figurine– aptly named Theos, the King– the two are drawn inevitably closer.

Read more here!

What Remains of Love
By Suzanne Trauth

Suzanne Trauth’s What Remains of Love begins with the discovery of a family secret.

Siblings Kate and DJ meet with their late father’s lawyer to go over the contents of their father’s will when it is revealed that a woman named Emilie had been added without their knowledge. DJ, an all-business, no-nonsense person, wants to deny the request. Kate wants to fulfill their father’s wishes even though they don’t understand the reason behind it. When they send a letter to Emilie, her daughter replies, stating Emilie has passed away and that she will not accept the money.

Her brother’s curiosity is satisfied, but Kate can’t help but feel there is more to the story, especially given that their father withheld his experiences in the war from them both.

Read more here!

Do you have a book that deserves to be discovered? You can always submit your book for an Editorial Review with Chanticleer!Chanticleer Editorial Review Packages are optimized to maximize your digital footprint. Reviews are one of the most powerful tools available to authors to help sell and market their books. Find out what all the buzz is about here.

Is your book an Award Winner?

Submitting to Book Awards is a great way to get your book discovered! Anytime you advance in the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards, your name and book are promoted right here on our website, through our newsletter, and across social media. One of the best ways to engage in long tail marketing!

Spread the love on National Bookstore Romance Day! Visit your neighborhood bookstores and find your next great read!
August 16, 2024
Honoring Linda Quinby Lambert, Seán Dwyer, and David Beaumier – Recipients of the Village Books Literary Citizenship Award 2024

Announcing the Recipients of the 2024 Village Books Literary Citizenship Award!

The annual Literary Citizenship Award with the first recipients being recognized on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Village Books, Fairhaven Village, Bellingham, Wash.

Recipients of this award are of diverse backgrounds and professions, but each have demonstrated a commitment to engage with the literary community with the intent of giving as much, if not more so, than they receive. This can take many different forms such as giving back to the literary community in a meaningful way, making yourself available to other writers as time allows to provide your knowledge and expertise, championing other people’s successes, and involving yourself in the local literary landscape of independent bookstores, libraries, and writing organizations.

Village Books, our local independent bookstore (and Chanticleer Authors Conference Book Room Manager) was founded in June 1980 and is a pillar of the pacific northwest writing community.

Village Books Literary Citizenship Award Ceremony
will take place on
Thursday, July 11, 2024 at six o’clock in the evening
at Village Books, Bellingham

All Are Welcome

“Our literary world is a social ecosystem that relies on others: readers, writers, editors, reviewers, publishers, booksellers, and so on. The writing and publishing world is one made of relationships. Writing itself may be a somewhat solitary activity, but once the story or poem is ‘done’ we rely on others to read, share, and publish our work. Yet there are so many levels of participation from others in this community.” ~ Lori May, author of The Write Crowd: Literary Citizenship & The Writing Life

We invite you to join us to honor this year’s Literary Citizenship Award Ceremony recognizing the following three recipients.

Throughout both her personal and professional life, Linda has combined her passions for research and creative writing.

Linda is known for her roles as Library Director for both Whatcom Community College and La Conner Swinomish Library, though it’s her master’s degree in journalism that explains her curious nature to all who know her. An ardent friend to readers and writers, you’ll find Linda present at many book events, and she can always be relied upon to offer insightful questions. She is an active member of Red Wheelbarrow Writers, two book clubs, two critique groups, and you’ll find her work in anthologies including Whatcom Writes annual publications, the Salish Current, I Sing the Salmon Home, and co-editor of 52 Women of Whatcom. Linda helped found both Whatcom Reads and the Chuckanut Writers Conference, community institutions that bring readers and writers together.

Seán Dwyer writes nonfiction and fiction, both novels and stories.

He’s a Spanish professor in the Modern and Classical Languages & Literatures department at Western Washington University, speaks four other languages fluently, and is a songwriter. In 2015, a publisher was waiting for his debut novel manuscript when, in a matter of seconds, Seán’s teaching and writing careers were put on hold. Rear-ended at 50 mph while stopped at a crosswalk, Seán suffered two concussions in two seconds. His memoir, A Quest for Tears, chronicles his recovery from the brain injury that left him unable to read or write for more than a few minutes at a time. Before and since, he’s generously given so much to his community of writers through The Red Wheelbarrow Writers Group, as the president of Whatcom Writers and Publishers, regular contribution to anthologies, and as the ever-supportive host of Village Books’ Open Mics. He has branched out into boutique publishing, and the authors in his list have won multiple awards. Wherever you find him, you’ll experience firsthand his generous spirit.

David always holds true to his first love of Argentine tango, but when he’s not dancing, he writes.

The dance metaphor also holds true in his literary life as it’s a dance of relationships and cooperation. His work has appeared in EWU’s Inroads, WWU’s Suffix, Whatcom Writes, and HamLit but it’s his work with his fellow writers that seems to truly fuel him. He’s worked as the assistant publishing director at Village Books and is the current project manager for The Writers Corner Anthologies, which grew out of his many years as the skillful facilitator of the VB Writes Fiction Writing Group. David helps writers find their voices as an editor and coach and serving as the Communications and Marketing Manager for Chanticleer Book Reviews. He’s a tireless supporter of writers, wherever they are on their journey, and the most frequent question he asks is, “How can I help?”

We’re extra excited to celebrate Chanticleer’s own David Beaumier! David has been with Chanticleer for almost four years, not counting his time interning with us a decade ago. Seán Dwyer is also a usual suspect you can find at Chanticleer events, including our annual authors conference. We’re proud to support such amazing community members! Congratulations again to all recipients!

Village Books’ Literary Citizenship Award celebrates and thanks these three talented and dedicated community builders, community mentors, and community defenders.

They have each demonstrated, in their own unique way, the virtues that embody a Good Literary Citizen. For this, Village Books is awarding $1000 to each of them and hereby induct them into the Village Books Literary Citizen Hall of Fame which will be on permanent display in Village Books, Fairhaven.

June 27, 2024
On the 3rd Day of Christmas Chanticleer gave to me 3 Pillars of Community! The 12 Days of Christmas 2023
Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time

The Third Day of Christmas

The Third Day of Christmas celebrates the Feast of St. John who drank a glass of poisoned wine and didn’t get sick! Also, many EU countries celebrate the Feast of St. John during the longest days of Summer (June 24th) with dancing around a fire. The best way to celebrate? Drink a lot of wine! Of course, if you have a different preferred beverage, that’s totally alright. We’ve been enjoying TÖST, a non-alcoholic wine recently.

The Feast of Saint John c. 1875 by Jules Breton
The Three French Hens gifted on this day represent Faith, Hope, and Love.

“But Jiminy Crickets, it’s after December 25th! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.

Not to fear, Chanticleerians! The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day. The 24 days leading up to Christmas are known as Advent.

Some say that December 25th is the first day of Christmas, but we are going with the medieval date of the 26th because revelry could not take place on the 25th as it was a holy day. And the Twelve Days of Christmas are all about revelry!

So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry. Just get it done—you’ve got nine days!

Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team!

On the 3rd day of Christmas, my true love sent to me

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…

Three Pillars of the Writing Community

On October 18, 2023, our wonderful local bookstore, Village Books, offered their first ever Literary Citizenship Award to Rena Priest, Laurel Leigh, and Joan Airoldi, pictured above from left to right. Here’s a little about them:

Joan Airoldi (1946 – 2022)

Joan served as Executive Director of the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) from 2002-2013.

In 2004, she took on the FBI by refusing to provide information to an agent regarding a Deming Library patron’s use of a book on Osama bin Laden. A grand jury subpoena was issued to get the records, but when it became clear Airoldi and the WCLS board were prepared to challenge the subpoena in court, it was withdrawn. She will be remembered as a Library Champion on a multitude of counts: establishing the Whatcom READS program in collaboration with partners at Whatcom Community College, advocating for new libraries in Ferndale, North Fork, South Whatcom, Island and Point Roberts and encouraging all of us to “Be Curious” and to “Listen, Learn & Lead.” Joan’s courage in defending patrons’ rights to privacy earned her national recognition with a PEN/Newman Award. She generously donated the prize money to start the Whatcom County Library Foundation.

“Be Curious” “Listen, Learn & Lead”

“Libraries are a haven where people should be able to seek whatever information they want to pursue without any threat of government intervention.” ~ Joan Airoldi

Laurel Leigh Erdoiza (1963-2023)

Professionally, Laurel was known as a writer, teacher, and editor whose 20 years of freelancing extends internationally. She was a script doctor, structural editor, and managed many publishing projects for Chronicle Books.

She taught creative writing and memoir classes through the Chuckanut Writers Program, helped found the Chuckanut Writers Conference in 2004, and received the Bellingham Mayors Arts Award, and was published widely including the Pushcart-nominated essay “Nursey” (published in Clover, A Literary Rag in 2015). Those who knew Laurel personally have experienced firsthand both her talent and generosity of spirit. She walked hand-in-hand with collaboration and mentorship, helping countless writers hone their skills, find their voice, and bring their works out into the world. This included her hosting Village Books’ Open Mic for more than a decade, establishing and fostering the spirit of welcoming support that continues to this day. “It’s a good day to write.” ~ Laurel Leigh Erdoiza

“It’s a good day to write.” ~ Laurel Leigh Erdoiza

Rena Priest – Washington State Poet Laureate

Rena is an enrolled member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation. She served as the 6th Washington State Poet Laureate (2021-2023) and was named the 2022 Maxine Cushing Gray Distinguished Writing Fellow.

Priest is also the recipient of an Allied Arts Foundation Professional Poets Award and fellowships from the Academy of American Poets, Indigenous Nations Poets, Nia Tero, and the Vadon Foundation, and has taught at the Chuckanut Writers Conference. The thread that runs through all of Rena’s accomplishments and accolades is how she builds and connects community. “I think that there’s a way that poetry connects people. It’s very special– it’s like a soul connection, but it’s not invasive in any way,” she says. “The way that it works is subtle. It’s gentle, but it’s deep and profound.” For the book, I Sing the Salmon Home, Rena gathered poems from over 150 Washington poets ranging from first graders to tribal elders, all inspired by the Northwest’s beloved, iconic salmon. A diverse chorus of voices, they join together in poems that praise salmon’s heroic journey, beauty, courage, and generosity and witness the threats salmon face from pollution, dams and warming oceans.

We are ever grateful to the irreplaceable contributions these women have made to our community.

In particular, Laurel and Rena were writing mentors to Chanticleer’s David Beaumier, and both have helped keep him on a writing path.

Thank you is never enough, but we will keep saying it to all the writers who lift us up in our community!

Stay tuned for the 4th Day of Christmas!

And just for fun:

We now have:
- Three Partridges and Three Pear Trees
- Four Turtle Doves
- Three French Hens
Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and setting ourselves up for success with the Chanticleer Authors Conference.

Wishing you Happy Holidays from Chanticleer from Kiffer, Sharon, David, Dena, Vilina, Scott, Anya, and Argus!
December 28, 2023
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 2023! A Day to Support and Celebrate Small Businesses! Plus Annual CHANTICLEER CYBER SALE
Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 25, 2023 is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Chanticleer Reviews and Media is a small business based out of Bellingham, Wash., with an international reach thanks to the Internet. Chanticleer reflects the new era of publishing and content creation for today’s global market of readers and consumers. We began with the advent of digital publishing (e-pubs/digital books) in 2011 that opened up the traditional boundaries of the publishing industry. As with the Gutenberg Press, digital publishing marks a major shift in the art of bookmaking, distribution of written works, and content creation. We are proud and humbled to be play a tiny part of this major shift in the publishing industry. It is from your support, dear Clients, that we are able to do so. Thank you!

The Chanticleer Team, from our Home Office Staff, to our Editorial Team, Professional Reviewers, CIBA Team and Judges, Publishing Team, and Community Builders, is dedicated to helping writers achieve their publishing goals. Our clientele hail from across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Malta, Portugal, Denmark, Hungary, Spain, Turkey, Scotland, Germany, France, Ireland, Scandinavia, Cypress, New Zealand, Australia, and other nations.

We are truly a “local business with international reach.” We are honored each year when the Chanticleer Community comes together for the Chanticleer International Book Awards Ceremony and Banquet that takes place in April—a truly special event that fosters many new friendships and connections. We are a small independently-owned-business, but it is the individual members of the Chanticleer Community of Writers that makes us mighty.

In the spirit of SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, we encourage you to shop at your local bookstores and booksellers, to purchase your favorite Indie authors’ works, and to shop at small businesses and your local shops.

Village Books is our local bookseller here in Bellingham, Wash. They are having a great sale also (in-Store and CYBER).

Along with being known as a top twenty bookstore in the U.S., VB is also the Official Book Manager of the annual Chanticleer Authors Conference

and promotes the winners of the annual Chanticleer International Book Awards in their two storefronts.

AND NOW TO CROW ABOUT OUR ONCE A YEAR CYBER SALE!

Don’t Miss Out on these Once-A-Year Deals!

ONLY CYBER SALE of the YEAR

CHANTICLEER says

“THANK GOODNESS, I am a ROOSTER!”

CYBER SALE

We couldn’t save the turkey,

but we can save you $$$

Check out these T.G.I.A.N.A.T. SPECIALS

(Thank Goodness I am Not a Turkey)

SALE PRICES ARE VALID Wednesday, November 22nd until midnight PST Thursday, Nov 30th, 2023

CYBER SALE – LIMITED TIME

Check out these awesome sales!

Chanticleer Editorial Book Review Package for $395

Purchase the book review package now and you can redeem it anytime in the future.

Use this sale code upon checkout to receive the discount the unprecedented discount of $100: BKRV23TGRNT

Sale Applies to:
- Standard Editorial Book Review Package
- Audiobook Reviews
- Expedited Reviews
Our Book Review Package (Regularly $495) includes SEO, Meta-Data, Tagging, Social Media Promotion, and Publication in the Chanticleer Reviews Magazine. Don’t delay! Be one of the lucky few to get in on this incredible rate.

Click here to purchase a Chanticleer Book Review Package for only $395.

Receive a $100 discount off CAC24 registration, The Chanticleer Authors Conference package that will take place in beautiful Bellingham, Wash at the Four Points by Sheraton (April 18-21, 2024).

USE THIS CODE: CAC24TGZANAT

Seating is limited, so Register Today!

Learn from the Best at CAC24

Current Presenters include: D.D. Black, Christine Fairchild, Mark Berridge, with more to come! Past presenters include Cathy Ace, Robert Dugoni, Chris Humphreys, Scott Steindorff, and other insightful and exciting presenters. The current line up will be updated regularly here!

Sessions on Fundraising for Authors, Audio Book Creation, Multi-Selling Platforms, Digital Marketing, Expanding Readership, Advanced Writing Craft and Content Creation, Social Media Efficacy, Increasing Sales on Amazon, SEO, Ad words and Facebook Ads, Why Authors need Alphabet SOUP, BISAC Codes, and much more.

Multichannel Marketing

and the Business of Being a Writer

The New Era of Content Creation in All Its Forms

Take Your Writing Craft to the Next Level

Use this code upon checkout to receive this $100 discount – our deepest discount for the conference. CAC24TGZANAT

Don’t Delay! Take advantage of this Once A Year CYBER SALE!

Insert the discount code here upon check out:

This sale ends firmly at midnight PST Thursday, November 30, 2023.

As always, please contact us at info@ChantiReviews.com for any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

We are thankful for you, Dear Chanticleerians!

Be well. Stay safe. Keep on Writing Because We Need Good Books More Than Ever!

Kiffer, Sharon, David, Argus, Dena, Scott, Anya and the Entire Chanticleer Team!
November 25, 2023
Honoring Rena Priest, Laurel Leigh, and Joan Airoldi | Recipients of the Village Books Literary Citizenship Award 2023 – Kiffer Brown

Village Books is announcing the debut of the annual Literary Citizenship Award with the first recipients being recognized on Wednesday, Oct 18, 2023 at Village Books, Fairhaven Village, Bellingham, Wash.

Recipients of this award are of diverse backgrounds and professions, but each have demonstrated a commitment to engage with the literary community with the intent of giving as much, if not more so, than they receive. This can take many different forms such as giving back to the literary community in a meaningful way, making yourself available to other writers as time allows to provide your knowledge and expertise, championing other people’s successes, and involving yourself in the local literary landscape of independent bookstores, libraries, and writing organizations.

Village Books, our local independent bookstore (and Chanticleer Authors Conference Book Room Manager) was founded in June 1980 and is a pillar of the pacific northwest writing community.

VB Literary Citizenship Award Ceremony

will take place on

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 at six o’clock in the evening

at Village Books, Bellingham

All are Invited

“Our literary world is a social ecosystem that relies on others: readers, writers, editors, reviewers, publishers, booksellers, and so on. The writing and publishing world is one made of relationships. Writing itself may be a somewhat solitary activity, but once the story or poem is ‘done’ we rely on others to read, share, and publish our work. Yet there are so many levels of participation from others in this community.” ~ Lori May, author of The Write Crowd: Literary Citizenship & The Writing Life

We invite you to join us to honor this year’s Literary Citizenship Award Ceremony recognizing the following three recipients.

Joan Airoldi (1946-2022)

Joan served as Executive Director of the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) from 2002-2013.

In 2004, she took on the FBI by refusing to provide information to an agent regarding a Deming Library patron’s use of a book on Osama bin Laden. A grand jury subpoena was issued to get the records, but when it became clear Airoldi and the WCLS board were prepared to challenge the subpoena in court, it was withdrawn. She will be remembered as a Library Champion on a multitude of counts: establishing the Whatcom READS program in collaboration with partners at Whatcom Community College, advocating for new libraries in Ferndale, North Fork, South Whatcom, Island and Point Roberts and encouraging all of us to “Be Curious” and to “Listen, Learn & Lead.” Joan’s courage in defending patrons’ rights to privacy earned her national recognition with a PEN/Newman Award. She generously donated the prize money to start the Whatcom County Library Foundation.

“Be Curious” “Listen, Learn & Lead”

“Libraries are a haven where people should be able to seek whatever information they want to pursue without any threat of government intervention.” ~ Joan Airoldi

Laurel Leigh Erdoiza (1963-2023)

Professionally, Laurel was known as a writer, teacher, and editor whose 20 years of freelancing extends internationally. She was a script doctor, structural editor, and managed many publishing projects for Chronicle Books.

She taught creative writing and memoir classes through the Chuckanut Writers Program, helped found the Chuckanut Writers Conference in 2004, and received the Bellingham Mayors Arts Award, and was published widely including the Pushcart-nominated essay “Nursey” (published in Clover, A Literary Rag in 2015). Those who knew Laurel personally have experienced firsthand both her talent and generosity of spirit. She walked hand-in-hand with collaboration and mentorship, helping countless writers hone their skills, find their voice, and bring their works out into the world. This included her hosting Village Books’ Open Mic for more than a decade, establishing and fostering the spirit of welcoming support that continues to this day. “It’s a good day to write.” ~ Laurel Leigh Erdoiza

“It’s a good day to write.” ~ Laurel Leigh Erdoiza

Rena Priest – Washington State Poet Laureate

Rena is an enrolled member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation. She served as the 6th Washington State Poet Laureate (2021-2023) and was named the 2022 Maxine Cushing Gray Distinguished Writing Fellow.

Priest is also the recipient of an Allied Arts Foundation Professional Poets Award and fellowships from the Academy of American Poets, Indigenous Nations Poets, Nia Tero, and the Vadon Foundation, and has taught at the Chuckanut Writers Conference. The thread that runs through all of Rena’s accomplishments and accolades is how she builds and connects community. “I think that there’s a way that poetry connects people. It’s very special– it’s like a soul connection, but it’s not invasive in any way,” she says. “The way that it works is subtle. It’s gentle, but it’s deep and profound.” For the book, I Sing the Salmon Home, Rena gathered poems from over 150 Washington poets ranging from first graders to tribal elders, all inspired by the Northwest’s beloved, iconic salmon. A diverse chorus of voices, they join together in poems that praise salmon’s heroic journey, beauty, courage, and generosity and witness the threats salmon face from pollution, dams and warming oceans.

“I think that there’s a way that poetry connects people. It’s very special– it’s like a soul connection, but it’s not invasive in any way,” she says. “The way that it works is subtle. It’s gentle, but it’s deep and profound.” ~ Rena Priest

Village Books’ Literary Citizenship Award celebrates and thanks these three talented and dedicated community builders, community mentors, and community defenders.

They have each demonstrated, in their own unique way, the virtues that embody a Good Literary Citizen. For this, Village Books is awarding $1000 to each of them and hereby induct them into the Village Books Literary Citizen Hall of Fame which will be on permanent display in Village Books, Fairhaven.

Cami Ostman messaged me today asked me if I could help her get the word out about the ceremony and to join us to celebrate the life of a beautiful, creative, talented, warm, funny, smart, interesting human being, Laurel Leigh. Join us as we remember the joy Laurel brought to our lives by hearing the reading of her story that was accepted for publication in the Santa Monica Review, upcoming November 2023 issue. I am told by Cami that it will make you laugh and cry. Always the writer, Laurel Leigh asked Cami if she would help get the word out about her latest publication. Cami told her she would. Cami messaged me to help her get the word out for Laurel Leigh. That is how Writers work – together. Laurel showed us how to build community. — Kiffer

October 16, 2023
Last Chance to Register + UPDATE for CAC 23 & 2022 CIBAs & Locals’ Day & Book Fair – WHEW! – Kiffer Brown
The LATEST NEWS about the 2023 Chanticleer Authors Conference!

Last Chance to Register

Maggie Marr’s Workshop on Thursday: Books to Film & TV: What every author should know

LOCALS’ Day – Sunday, April 30th*

*included with CAC 23 registrations

featuring

11- 1 p.m. Tips for Writing with Film In Mind Workshop – Lisa Gruell Spicer

1:10 p.m. Feng Shui for Writers with Tana Hope

2 p.m. ChatGPT – What is it? How does it work? And what does it mean for Content Creators – David Beaumier & Argus Brown

3 p.m. Nuts & Bolts of Publishing – Ask Kiffer Anything Session

Participate in the Book Fair managed by Village Books

Sunday – Ballroom 1 – 5 p.m.

Book Fair is FREE and Open to the Public with FREE PARKING

Door Prizes, Raffles, Meet Authors – Win PRIZES

Author Speed Dating – Meet with Authors Against the Clock – 90 seconds. Participants can win PRIZES!

What’s Your Genre? Mystery? SciFi? Romance? Non-Fiction, Adventure? YA? Middle-Grade? Fantasy? Historical? Paranormal? Suspense?

We’ve got ’em!

Join Jessica Alexanderson as she reads The GIRL WHO RECYCLED 1 Million Cans

There will be prizes and activities for the youngsters! Bring your aluminum cans into recycle.

Proceeds from recycling the cans goes towards refurbishing a playground!

Author / Entertainer Daniel Finkel is doing

a Musical Number from his refreshingly original book

Mr. Taffle’s Pants of Insanity

PLUS BOOKS are FOR SALE

In other news about CAC23

The CAC 23 Schedule is UP

FREEBIES THAT WILL BE GIVEN AWAY to LUCKY CAC23 Registrants
- Three LUCKY Registered Attendees will WIN a PLOTTR PRO Lifetime Licenses valued at $299 each. Become a PLOTTR PAL!
- LIBRO.FM is giving away ten bundles of 2 Credits to LUCKY CAC23 Registrants!
- Three PITCH HONING Sessions with Kiffer Brown
- More gifts and prized to be announced.
More info to come! The Chanticleer Team
April 24, 2023
Book Fair and Sessions for SUNDAY APRIL 30 CAC23

Announcing Sunday’s, April 30th’s Exciting Schedule!

2023 Chanticleer Author Conference

1) We are excited to announce this exciting workshop that will be presented on Sunday of CAC 23 (April 27 – 30, 2023).

WORKSHOP – TIPS for WRITING WITH FILM in MIND

There’s growing interest among authors in their books being optioned, transformed into a screenplay, and produced as a feature film or network series. Why don’t producers ask authors to write the scripts? How is a screenplay different than a novel or memoir? You needn’t become a screenwriter to write a story that would make a great film, but knowing how films are made in relation to the script can help you write with audio-visual storytelling in mind. This workshop will show you elements of film craft, such as shot type and sound, that are usually written into screenplays. Filmmakers borrow conventions from theater, such as mis-en-scene; knowing this can inspire your use of elements like props or costume to communicate themes. A screenplay is an engaging set of instructions for using sound and moving pictures to tell a story. What holds true for films as much as books: story rules.

Lisa Gruell Spicer

Tips for Writing with Film in Mind Workshop will be presented by Lisa G. Spicer. Spicer came to writing from her career in film and video production. Starting with PBS/Seattle, documentary unit and then Bill Nye—her work in editing won three Daytime Emmys. Spicer received screenwriting certificate with Stewart Stern at UW and has worked as a producer & editor for the award-winning film projects and documentaries. Click here for more info. Registration is required.

2) Additional Sessions on Sunday:

Alphabet Soup (SEO, AISEO, ISBNs, ASINs, Meta-data & More)

and

Marketing and Publicity Tips and Tools

3) BOOK FAIR

Books By the Bay Book Fair

Sunday, April 30th, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A FREE and FUN FAMILY EVENT

Door Prizes and Raffles

Free Parking at the Hotel Bellwether

Featuring

Kids Scrap University Recycling Program

Bring your aluminum can(s) to recycle in Jessica’s bin and receive fun prizes on Sunday from Jessica and Kids Scrap University.

The proceeds from recycling the cans brought in will be donated to a playground for disabled children.

Jessica will read her book, The Girl Who Recycled 1 Million Cans at 2 p.m.

A Musical Number

Yep, that’s correct! Author and Entertainer, Daniel Finkel is doing a musical number from his refreshingly original book and its soundtrack, 3 p.m.

Mr. Taffle’s Pants of Insanity

– We don’t quite know what to expect, but, hey – why not!

The title of his work is Mr. Taffle’s Pants of Insanity (adult-leaning humor & satire with a splash of Douglas Adamseque and John Kennedy Tool’s Confederacy of Dunces). Come on by to see for yourself what he is going to do. We are!

Ongoing Activities

Plus more activities as authors join in! We invite you to check back!

– Meet Authors at the “Speed Dating” Event – Win Prizes

AUTHOR SPEED DATING – On-Going – Each person participating will receive a chance to win raffle prizes.

What is Author Speed Dating: Authors sit at tables with their books and swag. There are timers involved – 90 second ones. Book Fair attendees rotate through the authors sitting at their tables every ninety seconds while the authors try to tell them about their books. In between rounds, we will draw raffle tickets for fun prizes!

OR Meet Authors the Old Fashioned Way – stop by their tables and chat with them at the Book Fair.

You can check out the authors participating in the Books By the Bay Book Fair by clicking here.

and, of course, Books are for SALE!

Village Books is the Book Room Manager! Credit cards are accepted!

* As with these crazy times, presenters, times of sessions, sessions, just about anything is may change at the last minute and without notice. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Team Chanticleer

** If you are already have the 3-Day Registration or the Saturday/Sunday Registration, all of the above is already included! No need to do anything. We will send you more information automatically. Questions? Send David or Kiffer an email.

This is Day 4 of the annual Chanticleer Authors Conference 2023 that is held Thursday – Sunday, April 27 – 30, 2023

at the Hotel Bellwether at Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham, Wash.

Please click here for more information about CAC 23 Registrations, the 2022 CIBA Banquet and Ceremony, and the Book Fair and Sunday’s “Local” Day.

April 16, 2023