Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Writer Tips

  • On the 11th Day of Christmas, Chanticleer Gave to me Social Media Suggestions | 12 Days of Christmas 2024

    Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time

    The 11th Day of Christmas

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

    Tips to Master Social Media to Market Your Book in 2025

    On the 11th Day of Christmas, let’s talk about how you can make social media work for you in 2025! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, social media is an essential tool for building your author platform, promoting your books, and engaging with your readers. But with so many platforms out there, where should you focus your energy? How do you manage your time? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some expert social media tips that will keep your online presence fresh and engaging.

    1. Find the Right Social Media for You

    Before you dive into the world of social media, ask yourself some key questions. Is this something you’re excited about? Do you have the time to maintain it, or will you burn out trying to keep up? While it’s a powerful marketing tool, not every author needs to be on every platform. Choose platforms that feel natural for you and that you can commit to regularly.

    If you enjoy engaging with readers and sharing updates, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky might be a great fit. But if social media feels like a chore, it’s okay to take a step back and choose just one platform to focus on.

    1. Choose the Right Platform for Your Audience

    Each platform has its strengths, so take the time to figure out where your audience spends their time.

    •  Instagram is great for visual content like book covers, inspirational quotes, or sneak peeks from your work.
    •  Bluesky is the fastest growing platform and is fantastic for quick updates, engaging in writer communities, or sharing thoughts on current trends.
    •  Facebook offers groups and more in-depth discussions, perfect for engaging with fans or promoting events like book launches.
    •  TikTok is a growing platform for authors, especially those in Young Adult and Fantasy genres, where you can create short videos to showcase your personality, writing process, or books.

    Focus on a maximum of two platforms, so you’re not overwhelmed. Think about which platforms fit your personality and your audience, and stick to them consistently.

    1. Keep Your Content Consistent

    Consistency is key when it comes to social media. When creating a social media calendar, aim to post daily on Instagram and Twitter, weekly on Facebook, and monthly for newsletters or blog posts.

    It’s important to post during optimal times to reach your audience when they’re most active. While places like Sprout Social and Buffer offer great insights into when certain platforms tend to be most active, the best thing you can do is look to see when your followers are most active. The best way to determine this is to practice posting at a variety of times and from your analytics decide which times are best for you!

    1. Utilize Hashtags and Themes

    Hashtags are a powerful way to increase the reach of your posts. For authors, #AmWriting, #Bookstagram, and #IndieAuthor are popular, but don’t be afraid to create your own unique hashtag or join community-specific ones like #ChanticleerAuthors or #CAC2025 for events.

    If you’re unsure of which hashtags to use, research what other authors in your genre are using. This will help your posts gain visibility and connect you with your target audience.

    1. Show Your Human Side

    Don’t be mistaken for a robot or a “bot”

    Readers want to connect with the person behind the books. Don’t be afraid to post about your personal life, your hobbies, or even your writing struggles. Whether it’s a picture of your writing space, your favorite coffee mug, or an adorable pet, your followers will appreciate seeing the real you behind the words.

    Remember, social media is all about building community, not just promoting your books. Engage with others, share posts you enjoy, and show genuine interest in your readers’ lives.

    1. Celebrate Your Wins: Use Chanticleer’s Badges and Recognition

    The Tiers of Achievement for CIBA Winners!

    As you work on building your platform and promoting your books, don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments! Winning a Chanticleer International Book Award (CIBA) or receiving a positive Editorial Review can provide you with recognition and credibility that you can share on your social media.

    • Share your CIBA badges to show off your achievements.
    • Post quotes from your Editorial Review to highlight positive feedback.
    • Use SEO-optimized blurbs and links from your review to drive traffic to your book page and boost sales.

    With these badges, reviews, and recognition, you’ll not only be showcasing your hard work but also encouraging new readers to check out your book!

    1. Engage and Interact: Build Relationships with Your Audience

    Kiffer out chatting with some of our audience!

    Remember, social media isn’t just about pushing your book. It’s about creating conversations and relationships. Respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in discussions to create a genuine connection with your followers. Community building is key, so get involved with other authors, share their work, and celebrate their successes too.

    Get Ready for a Successful Year of Social Media Marketing in 2025

    By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a social media presence that works for you. Start slow, stay consistent, and engage with your audience, and you’ll see the results grow over time.

    The Eleven Pipers Piping in the Christmas Carol has been said to represent the eleven disciples (since Judas was out) who went on after the Resurrection of Christ. Thinking about the birds though, could it have originally have been a reference to sand pipers? Also, the eleven pipers piping is symbolic of having a great team!

    These guys are pretty cute, but probably shouldn’t be given as a gift.

    “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 four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent.

    So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you still have time!

    Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team! 

    On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, my true love sent to me

    Eleven Pipers Piping

    Ten Lord’s a’Leaping

    Nine Ladies Dancing

    Eight Maids a-Milking

    Seven Swans a-Swimming

    Six Geese a-Laying

    Five Golden Rings

    Four Calling Birds

    Three French hens (Chanticleer’s favorite #justsaying)

    Two Turtle Doves

     And a Partridge in a Pear Tree 

    Stay tuned for the 12th Day of Christmas, where we’ll continue to share more tips and cheer as we ring in 2025 with new opportunities and creative projects!

    The Chaicleer Rooster logo wearing a santa hat

    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 continuing to prepare for the Chanticleer Authors Conference and the 2023 CIBA Banquet and Ceremony.

    Wishing you Happy New Year from Chanticleer! from Kiffer, David, Dena, Scott, Anya, and Argus!

  • On the 9th Day of Christmas, Chanticleer Brings to me Software Tips | 12 Days of Christmas 2024

    Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time

    On the 9th Day of Christmas…

     

    Some say the Nine Ladies Dancing represent the Nine-Day Novenas. A novena is made up of nine days of prayer and meditation for some thing or some guidance from God. Can you see “dance” in that word “guidance?”

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

    Top Tips to keep your Software up to date and Safe!

    On the 9th Day of Christmas, we’re taking a step into the digital world—because just like you need a clean workspace and a fresh computer, your software needs attention too. As we head into 2024, it’s the perfect time to ensure that the tools you rely on for your writing are running smoothly and securely. Let’s take a look at some essential software maintenance tasks to help you start the new year on the right foot.

    J.L. Oakley’s intern Kinky Boots knows all about software

    1. Password Management: Secure Your Work and Peace of Mind

    Let’s start with something crucial: your passwords. Did you know that more than 6 million passwords are hacked every single day? Keeping your passwords secure should be at the top of your list for 2024.

    Use a reliable password manager to keep track of all your credentials. Whether you choose LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden, a password manager helps protect your accounts and saves you from using the same password for everything — something that could be a major security risk.

    Take it a step further by enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts. It may feel like a hassle, but it’s an essential safeguard against unauthorized access.

    1. Clearing Your Cache: Keep Your Browser Running Smoothly

    Your browser’s cache might be storing old data that can slow down your computer. It’s time for a little “browser hygiene.”

    Clearing your cache regularly helps speed up your browsing experience and ensures that you’re always seeing the latest version of your favorite websites — especially your author platform. While every browser has a different method for clearing the cache, it’s worth doing every few months (or when your browser starts feeling sluggish).

    Remember, clearing cookies can also help with privacy. It’s a simple way to protect your data while browsing, so it’s worth adding to your routine maintenance.

    NOTE: Before you do this, please be sure to have your passwords secure. Clearing your cache on some browsers can remove any saved passwords you might have.

    1. Anti-Virus and Malware Protection: Stay Safe from Threats

    Viruses coming to attack your software

    The risk of cyber threats is real, but fortunately, a good anti-virus program can keep you safe. With malware attacks becoming more sophisticated, it’s essential to have a reliable anti-virus program that updates daily to guard against the latest threats. Programs like Norton and Bitdefender are great options to keep your devices secure.

    It’s important to regularly update your anti-virus software and run periodic scans to detect any potential threats lurking on your system. If your computer slows down unexpectedly, or if you start receiving strange messages from your contacts, it could be a sign that malware has slipped in.

    1. Backup Your Files: Don’t Let Data Loss Derail Your Year

    Writers, don’t let your precious words be vulnerable to data loss. Backing up your files is the most effective way to ensure that your work is protected. Whether you use Google Drive, OneDrive, or an external hard drive, always have a backup plan.

    Consider setting up an automatic backup system, so you never forget to save your most recent work. Remember: if it’s important enough to write, it’s important enough to back up.

    1. Update Your Software: Stay Current for Optimal Performance

    Last but not least, always keep your software up to date. Software developers release regular updates to patch security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and improve performance. Make sure your operating system, writing tools (like Scrivener or Word), and any other software you use are running the latest versions.

    Outdated software can cause compatibility issues, slow down your computer, and expose you to security risks, so take the time to check for updates.

    Get Ready for the New Year of Writing!

    By taking a little time to clean up your software and digital space, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful and productive 2025. These simple steps will help you stay secure, organized, and ready to tackle your writing goals without any digital distractions.

    The Ninth Day of Christmas gift of Nine Ladies Dancing are symbolic of the nine life principles: Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Loyalty, Gentleness, Self-Control, and Patience.

    “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 four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent.

    So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you still have time! Well, four days that is. 

    Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team! 

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

    Nine Ladies Dancing

    Eight Maids A-Milking

    Seven Swans A-Swimming

    Six Geese A-Laying

    Five Golden Rings

    Four Calling Birds

    Three French Hens (Chanticleer’s favorite #justsaying)

    Two Turtle Doves

    And a Partridge in a Pear Tree 

     

    Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team! 

    Stay tuned for the 10th Day of Christmas!

    The Chaicleer Rooster logo wearing a santa hat

    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 our presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and setting ourselves up in the New Year  for publishing success (with Chanticleer Professional Services and the Chanticleer Authors Conference).

    Wishing you Happy Holidays from Chanticleer from Kiffer, David, Dena, Scott, Anya, and Argus!