Tag: authors

What Does It Take to Write Great Historical Fiction?

One of my favorite genres is historical fiction. It acts as a time portal that can lift you up and transfer you years into the past. With vivid details and sometimes language of the time, you get to experience a world that was well-known to our ancestors but is only a blurred image in our minds today.

A large, open book with miniature knights on horseback emerging from its pages, surrounded by greenery, set against a backdrop of bookshelves.

I recently discussed a few tips to writing historical fiction in a post I wrote for Chanticleer Book Reviews. If you are interested in writing historical fiction, or just want to learn more about how your favorite authors can conjur up the past, I invite you to read my article; “Three Rules for Writing Historical Fiction That Will Transport Readers Back in Time.”

Read more here…

Shami Stovall – An Award-Winning Author Inspired by the Stars

Step into the world of urban fantasy as we welcome award-winning author Shami Stovall!

A person smiling while holding the book 'Time-Marked Warlock' by Shami Stovall in front of a bookshelf.

Shami’s novel Time-Marked Warlock—a thrilling blend of mystery, magic, and time-bending adventure—took home the 2024 Chanticleer Shelley Grand Prize for its imaginative storytelling and unforgettable characters. In this insightful conversation, she shares her journey from tabletop games to award-winning author, her creative process, and the inspirations behind her storytelling. Get ready to discover how life, gaming, and magic collide on the page.

Read More Here…

The Art of the Cliffhanger: How Strong Chapter Endings Keep Readers Hooked

Every writer knows the power of a great chapter ending—it’s the moment that turns casual readers into page-turners. In the Chanticleer article “Breaking Down the End-of-Chapter Hook,” I explore what makes these moments truly compelling and how you can craft chapter endings that keep readers desperate for what comes next.

A cartoon fish reading a book underwater surrounded by colorful corals and plants, framed by a rock arch.

Rather than relying on gimmicks, the article reveals the underlying mechanics of tension and conflict that fuel reader curiosity and propel your story forward. Whether you’re drafting your first novel or polishing your tenth, this piece offers practical insights to sharpen your craft and transform ordinary chapter breaks into irresistible hooks.

Click to read more…


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

Author Mike Murphey’s Love of Humor and Baseball

“I am not a slave to genre, and my background as a journalist left me interested in a variety of topics to write about.” -Mike Murphey, author of Old Man Baseball.

“Know your principal characters as well as you know your best friend or your worst enemy.”

-Mike Murphey, author of Quantum Consequences, CIBA Grand Prize Winner in the Mark Twain Division for Humor.

I recently had the honor of interviewing the versatile author, Mike Murphey. He’s writing spans several genres as vast as science fiction, humor, thriller, and nonfiction examining the 1960s music scene.

Find out more about how he found his writing talent, how his hobbies influence his work, and his experience moving from being a Plotter to a Panster when writing his novels.

Click here to read the article.

Celebrating the Birthdays of Several Celebrated Authors

Oscar Wild, Ann Rice, John Le Carre-Genre defining authors with October birthdays

The fall is fortuitous time for readers of classic literature! Several of the most famous authors of several different genres were born in October, and I profiled them in blog posts for work. Click on the ones you want to explore.

“Celebrating the Beauty and Genius of Oscar Wilde’s Writing on His 170th Birthday”
“Illuminating the Shadows of Gothic Fiction: Celebrating Ann Rice’s Legacy on Her Birthday”
“Celebrating the Master of Cold War Spy Novels; John le Carré”