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And why do we celebrate the Lunar New Year here at Chanticleer?

We do this because we are headquartered in Bellingham, Wash.  just south of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. Richmond is known for its Asian influences. Richmond is home to the International Buddhist Temple, a Golden Village with eateries and shops, a huge market, and many other connections. We are close enough to the city so that we can see the Lunar New Year fireworks and lighted lanterns floating in the still dark winter months’ sky. In pre-covid times, we would head north to the International Border to enjoy the annual festivities. We look forward to doing so again in 2022. 

Lion Dance in Richmond, B.C. Canada (pre-Covid)

Fireworks in Richmond for Lunar New Year (pre-Covid)

Asian Market during Lunar New Year in Richmond, B.C., Canada (pre-Covid)

And now for  Fun and Inspirational Horoscopes Just for Writers and Publishers for 2021 –

the Lunar New Year of the Metal OX by 殿堂级 Diàntáng Jí (Chanticleer’s cousin)

Find your animal by using the chart appearing in the first blog post. Click here! and scroll down the webpage.

The following horoscopes for the Animal Zodiac are in below in the traditional order. 

If your sign is a Rat (Along with being amiable and creative, Rats are known for their intelligence, adaptability, quick-wit, charm, artistry, gregariousness.)

Great things will start to manifest in the early part of the Year of the OX and then reveal a wonderful second half of the year for people born under the sign of the Rat. They are naturally talented at writing and editing. Rats are inquisitive and have busy minds that are always on the go.

2021 predictions are that you should interact and socialize more for lasting friendships, mentorships, and collaborations. These are not meant as romantic love but as long lasting life-time friendships.

Positive energy in your writing career will be coming your way in the Year of the Ox. Step out of your comfort zone to take advantage of the opportunities coming your way. At all times, be ready to take risks in your writing so that your works can reach their full potential. Rats are natural at writing, but if they join a team or collaborate they may feel stifled. Rats pay fine attention to detail and tend to write intricate plots. Their characters have a lot depth.

For a healthy life, Rats must remember to eat breakfast, do moderate exercise and remain cheerful.

If your sign is an Ox (Oxen are known to be leaders and loyal friends. They gain recognition through their hard work. They are also known for their  reliability, thoroughness, strength, reason-ability, steadiness, and determination.) Bright, inspiring, patient, and hardworking are the OX’s attributes.

People born under the sign of the Year of the OX have traits of strength, reliability, fairness, and inspire confidence in others. While some may consider them strong-willed and stubborn, they are often thought to be calm, patient, and trustworthy.

2021 is the year to hone your writing craft and reinvigorate your book promotion strategy. Establish a budget for time and money for editing and marketing. Keep in mind nothing replaces your own elbow grease and hard work on your part.

Try to exercise more and move your body more while seated at your writing desk. Take care of yourself as well as you take care of others.

This will be the year when the chances for meeting a writing mentor improve. The mentor will help you to learn how to focus and make things happen. The mentor will point out opportunities that you may would not be able to see on your own. Exceptional opportunities will be coming your way, be prepared to employ them!

If your sign is a Tiger (Tigers are courageous and active people who love a good challenge and adventure in life. Tigers are passionate and have courage. They are known for their enthusiasm, courage, ambition, leadership, confidence, charisma. )

Writing is just not a way to earn money. It is your passion. However, is you have too many works-in-progress, you may have a hard time focusing to complete any othe them. It is important to select your projects and focus on them during the OX year because you will be rewarded for your discipline and perseverance. Exert patience and calmness with your chosen projects. Do not become frustrated.  You are extremely creative, you have a lot of imagination, take notes and write down any new ideas. But try and finish your work-in-progress this year even if you are experiencing a lot of change and excitement that could veer you off course. Slow and steady will help you meet your goals even if you want to pounce and run with new ideas. Your efforts will show in book sales later.

Travel and going for walks will enhance your imagination. Keep your eyes on the prize.

If your sign is a Rabbit ( Trustworthiness, empathy, modesty, diplomacy, sincerity, sociability are what Rabbits are known for along with being friendly and possessing great common sense. Rabbits are diplomatic and calm people).

2021 is the year that you should take time to enjoy the little joys of writing and being creative. Maintaining a calming writing environment and consistent schedule but be adaptive when needed especially when it comes to family or room mates.  In the Year of the Metal OX, you will need to pay attention to details and put in extra time to achieve your writing goals. You have the opportunity to use your imagination and to express your thoughts in the publishing environment.

This will be the year to not be shy about your books. Do not be afraid of self-promotion. And remember everything doesn’t have to be perfect to proceed! Don’t make money your goal, but instead pursue your passion. Write about what is interesting to you.

Be sure to make eating healthy and keeping fit are high priorities this year.

If your sign is a Dragon (They are known to be passionate and quick-witted along with having the following traits: Luckiness, flexibility, eccentricity, imagination, artistry, spirituality, charisma. )

Your projects will take a little more effort than what you normally exert, but they will work out. Experiencing this will make you realize that you have more inner strength than what you give yourself credit for. Try to surround yourself with authors who you admire—if not at a live conference, then perhaps by ZOOM or virtual conferences. Their positive influence and mentoring will inspire and educate you.

The Year of the OX will be lucky for you if you are disciplined, organized, and scheduled. This is time to invest time in planning and scheduling. If you do this, the Year of the OX will be a good year for you to promote your books and author brand, but keep to your budget.

Be sure to take some breaks during your work days and learn to relax—something that doesn’t come naturally for dragons. They tend to be on or off. This year, more frequent breaks will serve you better than one long vacation.

If your sign is a Snake (The wise and almost mystical Snake is  philosophical, organized, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, and decisive.)

The Year of the OX is supposed to be amazing for Snakes. Your lucky stars are shining on you.  Investing time and money into your author career and brand should pay off. This is the time to put your writing life in order. If you have a backlist, this is the time to promote them. Perhaps, consider new covers and a refresh on their selling platforms. Now is the time to start writing that new work that has been on the back burner.

This is the year to make new plans and follow up on them. Your calmness and being grounded sometimes hides that you are very alert and observant. You definitely have “novelist’s eyes.” Don’t let your perfectionist tendencies prevent you from experimenting and learning new skills in social media and in storytelling.

Your best writing time of the day is in the mid-morning until noon. 2021 is the year to try to make new connections, join a writing community, or taking classes even if they are online.

If your sign is a Horse (Independent and high-spirited, the Horse is adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent,  adventurous, strong.)

The Year of the Metal OX is a fortuitous year for Horses. Remain steady and strong in your domains. This is not the year to try out a new genre, but to work on your writing weaknesses. Take special courses or find a mentor. You can overcome any challenges that come your way with study and discipline. This might be hard for you because your emotions are forever changing and happiness is what motivates you. But you have quick reflexes and can adjust your attitude for the job at hand.

You like to change your routing on a daily basis. Nothing is more painful for you than to do the same thing day after day. You like to improvise, envision, and you like to change your writing environments—one day you write at a café, the next day you take your laptop with you to the park, the next day you stay in your office.

Doing research and fieldwork for your next work-in-progress or current one will help you overcome any writer’s block. You can learn from everyone!

And do try to help other writers who are just beginning their journey. Doing so will grant you more insight into writing craft.

If your sign is a Goat  (The artistic and compassionate Goat is  tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm.)

Goats are able to persevere through any difficulty. This is their most notable trait. They are strong and resilient, though their gentleness might be misleading.

They have high tolerance and motivation. Quiet observers, Goats consider all aspects of anything before deciding. They never act brashly and are able to complete tasks successfully.

As writers, you pay attention to the details and put your whole heart into your story craft. You never lack creative inspiration. However, this can mean that sometimes you find it hard to focus and can become easily distracted. This is the year to reduce clutter and organize.

During the Year of the OX, try to create a schedule, plan your goals and objectives, develop structure, and hold  yourself accountable to your word counts. You may find that you are more disciplined to write in public spaces like a library or a café. Building good long-term habits will ensure your success in the Year of the Ox.

If your sign is a Monkey (Confident and innovative, the Monkey is  quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart.)

Monkeys view everyone as teachers and they are willing to listen to critiques of their writing and learn from their mistakes. Monkeys are never satisfied in one writing genre. They want to try every genre and then make their own combinations. They are particularly good at intricate plots with a lot of characters.

During the Year of the OX, Monkeys should take every opportunity to learn and improve not only their writing craft but advance their book promotion strategies especially on digital platforms. Use technology to help you with details and to remember your objectives and important deadlines.

Indulge in activities that will enable you to make good and full use of your gifts and talents for writing. But do not let them lead you astray. Be sure to gage when you have researched enough and it is time to put words on the paper (or screen). The Year of the Ox comes to you with numerous opportunities that you should not let pass you by. Strive for excellence and put yourself out there. Connect with other writers and collaborate on book promotions but keep a low profile and show your value with actions not just talk. When you find great connections, nurture them into long-term relationships for your author career.

If your sign is a Rooster (Roosters are progressive thinkers and doers and unafraid to be different. They are known to be honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident. )  Roosters are protective of others. Of course, Chanticleer and his cousin Diàntáng Jí are Roosters.

The Year of the OX, 2021, will be a lucky year for Roosters.

Roosters will be blessed with happiness, opportunity, and good fortune during the Year of the Ox. Now is the time to focus on long term goals and to follow your dreams. You will hard work will be rewarded.

If any of you who have had a Chanticleer Review or Manuscript Evaluation, you well know that we (Roosters) take our work very seriously. We are straightforward and mince no words. Yes, some say we are perfectionists. But no matter how difficult a project or a work-in-progress, Roosters never give up.

Roosters enjoy helping others solve issues. They’ll study all aspects before coming to a conclusion and announcing their thoughts.

 Now is an excellent time to invest in new writing projects that you have longed to try, as luck will be on your side. 2021 will also be a great year to expand your author brand and career. You have worked long and hard and now your all of your preparation meets opportunities. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. Be sure to reach out and thank all those who have helped you along the way. Now is the time to support them in their endeavors. 

Be sure to set aside time in this busy year to rest and refresh. Outdoor activities are especially good for your physical and mental health in 2021. Be appreciative and grateful to all who positively impact your life and work.

If your sign is a Dog (The honest, loyal, and hardworking Dog is Loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, and smart. )

Once a Dog sets her/his mind to something, no one can change it. They are popular in social circles because they are honest and just. Their company is always welcome as they always put others before themselves.

The Year of the OX is the year that Dogs should focus on self-improvement in your writing craft. Do this by taking courses, attending conferences, and studying. If you do join a critique group, be careful of advice given by other members. Perhaps learning from mentors and teachers is the best way in 2021. This is a particularly fortuitous time to pursuit literary and writing craft interests.

2021 is a lucky year for Dogs. They will be full of energy and will be involved in many activities. You will find that you like working in teams, so perhaps you should consider “group write-ins” and volunteer and/or attend author events (even via ZOOM or video conferencing). Everything that you do this year will make next year, 2022, even better.

Don’t be shy about promoting your books and building your author brand. Seize the moment (aka the year!).

Dogs have a tendency to keep going until they are exhausted. Be sure to get the rest that you require with your busy schedule on a weekly basis. This way everything will work out.

If your sign is a Pig (Kind, friendly, and curious, the PIG is honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable. )

The Pig is known for having an entrepreneurial spirit and a talent for making book sales—if you use your talent and experience. Pigs have a sharp mind capable of intricate plots and page-turning pacing.

The Year of the OX will have excellent prospects for those who are born under the sign of the Pig. This year will be a great period for making long-term plans for your writing career. If you choose, this will be a good year to get out of your comfort zone and take on more writing challenges. Even though your work is good, it will go unheeded unless you promote it consistently and with flair.

Utilize 2021 to research topics that are of interest to you for your next works and series. Also, this same energy will help you to refine and improve your writing craft by taking courses, master writing classes, and learning from others. The more you focus on your writing goals, the more success you can expect. This is the year to enhance your writing skills.

Take some “me-time” to relax, and consider starting a physical exercise routine to help you stay fit and in good spirits.

Lucky Things to Do for the 2021 Year of the Ox

 

  • Lucky Colors are White/Silver and aqua blue/metal blue.
  • It is advised to eat tangerines and oranges, dried fruit and sweets, and assorted nuts  during the two-week celebration (starting on February 12  and continuing for two weeks until February 26 for sixteen days)  of the Lunar Year of the Metal Rat. Other good luck foods are dumplings, noodles, pork belly, and whole chicken, duck, and/or fish.
  • Only use positive words and try to think only positive thoughts during the Lunar New Year celebration
  • Enjoy wine and tea all the time during the Lunar New Year Celebration with Family and Friends even via ZOOM
  • Eat, eat, and eat some more with friends and family
  • Wear metal accessories during the Year of the Metal Ox. Now is the time to bring out that tiara, old jewelry, fancy bling, amulets, etc.
  • Think and say positive words to your friends, family, and colleagues.
  • Enjoy celebrating the coming of SPRING (if you live in the northern hemisphere—many Chanticleerians live in the southern hemisphere – may your winter be cozy and warm) in your own way!

    And Have a Very Happy LUNAR NEW YEAR in 2021! 

    Here is a link to the first post in this annual series:  https://www.chantireviews.com/2021/02/09/fun-and-inspirational-good-fortune-horoscopes-for-the-lunar-new-year-2021-the-year-of-the-ox-by-%e6%ae%bf%e5%a0%82%e7%ba%a7-diantang-ji-chanticleers-cousin/

    We hope that you enjoyed this fun blog post that is meant as a way of thinking about new perspectives. 

    Chanticleer believes that we each make our own destiny by being optimistic and positive, being kind and loving, by dreaming and inspiring, being bold and doing, by appreciating and being grateful, and by expanding our awareness of the Universe.

    We wish you an AWESOME New Year of Good Fortune, Good Health, and Many Book Sales and an Increased Readership!

    The Chanticleer Reviews Team