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The Pacific Northwest Writers Association Conference

This year’s PNWA conference in Seattle was a bit surprising.

The attendance was down, probably due to fears about the economy, flying without proper air traffic control staffing, and other issues not related to the PNWA. But the good news is that we were able to have more in depth conversations and meet people we’ve been excited about for a long time.

Chanticleer Reviews booth at the PNWA conference, featuring promotional materials and books on display, with a visitor engaged in conversation.

Our table was filled with great information and exciting books from our authors. We had a great spot that faced the incoming traffic from the hotel’s lobby. We were there for the first two days of the conference and I met people represented by the publisher who represents my book, , and formed some great new relationships.

Selfie of two women smiling together at a conference, one wearing glasses and an orange zip-up hoodie, and the other with medium-length hair and a dark sweater.

One of the highlights was meeting Jane Friedman! She’s a leader in the publishing industry, reporting on the news, offering tips on craft and marketing, and supporting authors with encouragement and great information. She was a charming and surprisingly humble person that saw me waiting patiently, with phone in hand, as conversations went on around us, then asked if I would like to have a selfie with her!

If you would like to learn more about the annual PNWA conference click on the button below.

2026 PNWA Conference

A Book For a Cause—An interview with the team at Recycling is Magic

Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to encourage action and change. The folks at Recycling is Magic used this tactic to encourage kids to reconsider how they dispose of trash.

We all know the power of the written word when it comes to boosting a cause. Telling stories that encourage action and educate is how you build a movement. This fact was at the heart of the childrens book The Girl Who Recycled 1 Million Cans, the 2023 CIBA Grand Prize in the Little Peeps division.

Three individuals smiling and holding children's books, including _The Girl Who Recycled 1 Million Cans_ and _A Recycling Adventure to the Scrapyard_, in front of a dark backdrop.

I asked them about their work educating kids about the importance of recycling, and you can read all about on by clicking on this link—

Interview with Shaziya M. Jaffer, Brad W. Rudover, Jessica Alexanderson

September Birthdays for Ten Giants of Classic Literature

Celebrate the September birthdays of ten literary giants! Learn more about Tolstoy, Lawrence, Dahl, Christie, Sinclair, Martin, Wells, King, Faulkner, and Fitzgerald!

A colorful illustration of books with candles on top, celebrating author birthdays, surrounded by stars and the text 'Happy Birthday' in playful font.

For lovers of classic literature and great popular fiction, September is a month of celebrations! Ten of the world’s most revered authors celebrate birthdays this month, with work spanning the breadth of genres and stories that touch the emotional core of humanity.

I profiled each of them in a blog post I wrote for work and you can read about them by clicking on this button—

Ten Author birthdays in September

Creating New Worlds—An interview with Jayson Adams, author of the award-winning science fiction novel, Ares

Just like his character in Ares, Jayson Adams is just beginning his amazing journey!

I recently interviewed a new up-and-coming author, Jayson Adams. His science fiction book, Ares won the CIBA Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and in the interview we discussed his writing journey from being an IT professional to becoming an award-winning novelist. He has some great insights into overcoming writers block and tells us more about his other creative pursuits (Hint: Adams is a terrific artist!)

Click here to Read the Full Interview
A smiling man holding a book titled 'Ares' and an award ribbon, posing in front of a Chanticleer Reviews backdrop.

What is an Editorial Book Review?

Editorial Book Reviews – An authors’ first conversation with readers.

People sometimes ask me if I’m a full-time novelist. Well, not yet, but it’s a dream I’m working toward.

Breaking into the Publishing Industry

I’ve made great strides toward getting into the publishing industry through my day job at Chanticleer Book Reviews. I manage the reviews process, working as the go-between with our remote review team and our authors to provide quality editorial reviews they can use in their book marketing. I also do a variety of other things, including writing a majority of the blog posts that I often share links to here on my blog.

I’ve learned so much since I first sat down at my desk at Chanticleer! The writing community is so generous and interesting, and I’m looking forward to many years growing and communing with the great authors I’ve met.

In the meantime…

Find Out More About Editorial Book Reviews

If you are interested in our review process, why reviews are helpful to authors, and how an editorial review can boost your book sales check out this article I recently wrote on the Chanticleer website by clicking here:

Chanticleer Editorial Book Reviews
CHanticleer Book Reviews, CBR, CAC, Chanticleer International book awards, CIBAs

Effective Strategies for Book Research

To efficiently research for a book, define a focused topic, create a plan, gather diverse sources, evaluate their credibility, organize findings, and begin writing early while integrating research seamlessly.

Research, people, puzzle, books

To streamline research for a book, begin with a focused topic, create a research plan, and utilize various information sources like books, articles, interviews, and online resources. Organize your findings systematically, evaluate sources critically, and consider using tools like RSS feeds or note-taking apps to manage information efficiently. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Define Your Topic and Scope:

  • Identify a specific and manageable topic: This will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and ensure focused research.
  • Create an outline or research plan: This will help you stay organized and track your progress.
  • Consider your target audience: Tailor your research and writing style to resonate with your intended readers. 

2. Gather Information:

  • Start with a preliminary search:Get a general overview of your topic and identify potential areas for deeper investigation, according to a LinkedIn article. 
  • Utilize diverse resources:
    • Books: Use books for in-depth coverage, check tables of contents and indexes for relevant sections, and explore bibliographies for further leads, according to Elmira College. 
    • Journal articles: Access scholarly articles through databases and online platforms. 
    • Online resources: Leverage websites, online archives, and digital libraries. 
    • Interviews: Conduct interviews with experts or individuals with relevant experience, says Writer’s Digest. 
    • RSS feeds: Subscribe to relevant RSS feeds for updates on new research and publications, according to a Reddit thread. 
  • Evaluate sources:Use the CARS checklist (Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, Support) to assess the reliability of your sources. 

3. Organize and Analyze

  • Use a note-taking system:Employ note-taking apps (like Milanote) or dedicated software to organize your findings. 
  • Categorize information:Organize notes by topic, source, or other relevant criteria. 
  • Summarize and synthesize:Instead of simply compiling quotes, try to synthesize information from multiple sources and identify key themes and arguments. 
  • Connect the dots:Look for patterns, relationships, and contradictions in the information you’ve gathered. 

4. Write and Refine:

  • Start writing early: Don’t wait until all research is complete; begin writing while you’re still gathering information. 
  • Integrate research into your narrative: Seamlessly incorporate your findings into the text, rather than presenting them as separate chunks of information. 
  • Cite your sources properly: Give credit where credit is due to avoid plagiarism. 
  • Proofread carefully: Ensure accuracy, clarity, and coherence in your writing. 

By following these steps, you can streamline your research process and create a well-researched and engaging book. 

Click here to streamline your research further with these tips from Chanticleer Book Reviews!

CIBA Award Winner Rae Knightly on Writing Science Fiction

Rae Knightly, woman, water, land

Rae Knightly, author of the CIBA award-winning young adult science fiction novel, Exostar, spent her childhood in Africa staring up at the night sky, wondering what mysteries are hidden within the millions of stars. Her imagination ran wild. New species, alien worlds, time travel, and everything else she could dream up.

Knightly has captured those memories and put them into an CIBA award-winning story in the Dante Rossetti division called, Exostar.

Click here to find what inspires her writing today, and what she plans on writing next.

Exploring Horror Subgenres: A Writer’s Toolkit

The value of horror subgenres in writing

Horror subgenres offer a diverse toolkit for writers to explore and evoke fear, suspense, and a range of emotions within their narratives. Here’s why they are valuable: 

1. Targeting specific fears and anxieties

  • Each subgenre taps into distinct fears, allowing writers to focus on particular anxieties and create a targeted, impactful experience for the reader.
  • For example, psychological horror delves into the fragility of the human mind, exploiting fears like loss of control, manipulation, or questioning reality, according to Chanticleer Book Reviews.
  • Folk horror, on the other hand, utilizes rural settings and folklore to evoke anxieties about ancient, malevolent forces. 

2. Enhancing narrative and emotional depth

  • Subgenres provide unique methods for building suspense, developing atmosphere, and connecting with readers on a deeper level.
  • Gothic horror, with its macabre settings and supernatural elements, creates an atmosphere of dread that permeates the story.
  • Psychological horror, as noted earlier, can leave a lingering tension, creating a more cerebral and emotionally resonant experience that stays with the reader even after they finish the book, according to www.writermag.com. 

3. Expanding creative possibilities and genre blending

  • The beauty of horror subgenres lies in their flexibility, allowing writers to blend multiple approaches, according to Chanticleer Book Reviews.
  • A writer might combine psychological elements with supernatural threats, or mix sci-fi concepts with body horror, opening up new and interesting twists in the narrative.
  • This blending can create fresh takes on established constructions and lead to genuinely impactful fiction, says Chanticleer Book Reviews. 

4. Catering to diverse tastes and interests

  • The vast array of subgenres ensures that there’s something to captivate every horror enthusiast, says Bobby Dhillon.
  • Whether a reader prefers the atmospheric dread of Gothic horror, the visceral shock of splatterpunk, or the intense suspense of survival horror, there is a subgenre to suit their tastes. 

5. Reflecting and exploring societal fears

  • Horror, through its subgenres, can be a commentary on societal anxieties and reflect the “horrific world we presently or could soon inhabit”.
  • Subgenres provide a platform to explore deeper themes and ideas, such as mortality, identity, human nature, and the human condition, according to The Write Practice.
  • For example, many vampire stories delve into themes of addiction and class disparities. 

By leveraging the diverse characteristics of different horror subgenres, engaging, emotionally impactful, and thought-provoking narratives that resonate deeply with readers can be created.

Click here to see a list of different horror sub-genres.

Discover Gail Halverson’s Award-Winning Novels and Awards

Gail Avery Halverson is an award-winning author of three historical fiction novels, including “The Boundary Stone,” “The Skeptical Physick,” and “A Sea of Glass.” She has also created musical plays for children and has had screenplays optioned. Halverson holds a B.A. from UC Davis and is working on her fourth novel.

Gail Avery Halverson, Little, book, blonde, woman, chair

Award-winning writer, Gail Avery Halverson, is the author of three historical fiction novels, “The Boundary Stone,” “The Skeptical Physick,” and most recently, “A Sea of Glass.” Set in mid-17th century England, “The Boundary Stone” is a Chaucer Award Finalist (historical fiction), a Cygnus Award Finalist (speculative fiction), and a Chatelaine Award Winner (historical romantic fiction). “The Skeptical Physick” also won the Chaucer Award for historical fiction and the Chatelaine Award Grand Prize for romantic historical fiction.

Halverson is the playwright and composer of musical plays that have been performed for nearly 300,000 children since 2004, and has had two screenplays optioned by Longbow Productions. Writing for both theater and television, she holds a B.A. in English Literature/Communications from the University of California, Davis; and is currently at work on her fourth novel. She lives in Northern California with her husband and their rambunctious Wheaten terrier, Murphy.

Click here to read the Chanticleer Book Reviews interview with CIBA Award-winning author Gail Avery Halverson.

Books, Sea of Glass, The Skeptical Physick, Boundary Stone, Gail Avery Halverson

Read for Your Mental Health During National Wellness Month

Reading offers a multitude of benefits for overall wellness, encompassing both mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance cognitive function, and even contribute to a longer lifespan.

A person relaxing in a hammock under two trees, reading a book, with a rainbow and blue sky in the background. The text 'Pick Up A Book for National Wellness Month!' is displayed at the bottom.

Here’s a closer look at the specific advantages:

  • Stress Reduction: Reading can act as a powerful stress reliever. Studies show that even a short period of reading can lower heart rate and cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Research from Mindlab International found that reading can reduce stress by as much as 68%. 
  • Enhanced Cognitive Function: Reading engages various parts of the brain, potentially strengthening cognitive abilities and potentially slowing age-related cognitive decline, including conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. It can also improve vocabulary and language skills. 
  • Emotional Wellbeing: Reading can provide a mental escape, reduce feelings of loneliness, and offer opportunities for reflection and self-discovery. It can also boost emotional intelligence and empathy. 
  • Increased Happiness and Life Satisfaction: Studies suggest that individuals who read regularly report greater life satisfaction and happiness. 

In essence, reading offers a multifaceted approach to wellness, promoting both mental and physical health while providing a source of enjoyment and enrichment. 

Click here to find out more about how reading affects your mental, emotional, and physical health.

A graphic celebrating National Wellness Month featuring a heart shape with a person raising their arms in joy, surrounded by green and teal colors.