Listen to or download this article:

Happy Chinese New Year!

Saturday, January 25, 2020, is the Lunar New Year that

Celebrates the Year of the Rat! 

The Year of the Rat for authors and writers is believed to be a time for for new opportunities to gain more readers, sell more books, and experience more success in your publishing goals no matter what your Chinese Zodiac sign is.

The Rat is the first sign in the 12 animal cycles of Chinese Astrology and that is why 2020 is considered a year of new beginnings and renewed energy. The Year of the Metal Rat is predicted to be a strong, prosperous, and lucky year for everyone!

The Year of the Rat brings energy, especially The Metal Rat is considered a protector and a bringer of prosperity in the Chinese culture. 2020 will be the year of new beginnings and the opportunities for success are numerous! 

All throughout 2020, good fortune is on your side, but you need to seize it as soon as it knocks to your door. The Chinese say that nothing scares the good luck more than when you doubt it. In turn, those who show enthusiasm and act quickly will be able to ensure their success.

So start those new writing projects, new marketing strategies, and new connections!

The Year of the Rat is going to bring creative energy to your writing! But you will need to follow your publishing goals with confidence and determination. Be relentless and do not get discouraged by obstacles.

This is a great year to improve your health. Practice good posture, balance, and focused breathing. Move your body as best as you can for your health whether it is walking, dancing, playing sports, or prescribed physical therapy.

How to Celebrate the Year of the Rat – No Matter What Your Chinese Zodiac Sign Is

According to the 2020 Chinese horoscope, the Lunar New Year starts on Saturday, January 25th and ends on February 11th, 2021.

The Rat is a representation of diligence, kindness, and generosity. Rats are clever, quick thinkers; successful, but content with living a quiet and peaceful life. The Year of the Rat brings these traits to 2020.

It is advised to eat cheese and nuts during the two-week celebration (starting on January 25 and continuing for two weeks until February 8)  of the Lunar Year of the Metal Rat along with dressing opulently as possible will bring good fortune to you because The Rat adores fancy clothes.

This year’s colors for good fortune and wellness are white and blue combinations along with pink and orange combinations.

Are You Wondering How to Determine Your Chinese Zodiac Sign?

Use the handy table below to find your birth year and Chinese Zodiac Sign

Below are the 2020 Chinese Horoscope Forecasts for Those Who Live the Writing Life – Enjoy

Note from Kiffer Brown:  Chanticleer believes that we each make our own destiny by being optimistic and positive, by being kind and loving, by dreaming and inspiring, by being bold and doing, by helping and enriching others, by appreciating and being grateful, and by expanding our awareness of the Universe. Enjoy and have fun! Happy 2020! 

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

If you are born under the sign of the Rat, you will need to make a schedule to write. You must persevere in their writing, but at the same time stay observant with a “novelist’s eye.” If you are published, excellent opportunities will occur to increase book sales and royalties. If, however, you feeling bored or unable to progress, you will  need to trust your  ideas and brainstorming sessions. WRITING  will be the keyword during this year for all the Rats – there is no time for writer’s block  or waiting for the muse to descend. In 2020, make sure that you also make time to  connect with others, get involved in writer events, even it you must travel to do so. Also, recall the passions and hobbies you used to do. They will inspire you in your characters’ development and will be extremely useful.  Altogether, this year is going to be pleasant and prosperous for the Rats who follow their publishing goals. 

If your sign is an Ox (Oxen are known to be leaders and loyal friends. They are also known for their  reliability, thoroughness, strength, reason-ability, steadiness, and determination.)

Throughout 2020, you will continue to focus on your writing. You will create new excellent characters and predicaments for them.  It is important for the you  to find time for fun and social events so that you can not only relax and enjoy life, but be inspired by those you meet by chance for your characters’ development. The year 2020 will be lucky for you, with possible increased book sales and unexpected promotional events throughout the year. If you are an aspiring writing, participate in these events so you will now how to navigate them when your works are published. Also, your writer friends will play an important role during this year. Be sure to offer them support, friendship, and connection. For the Ox, it is too easy to stay home and not socialize, but that will not serve you well in 2020.

If your sign is a Tiger (Tigers are passionate and have courage. They are known for their enthusiasm, courage, ambition, leadership, confidence, charisma. )

You may have the tendency to  get involved in too many writing projects or ideas. It is important to select your projects and focus on them during the Rat year if you want to take advantage of this fortuitous year. You are extremely creative, you have a lot of imagination, and this year, you can fully use your  talent if you focus.  However, some unexpected and especially lucky occasions will occur throughout the year, so be prepared! Luck equals opportunity and preparation.  You will need to keep your impulsive nature under control in 2020 and focus on your selected writing projects. If you do, this year will prove to be extremely pleasant, lucky, and satisfying.

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)

2020 will prove to be a fun year, full of social interactions, marked by stories and meetings with friends. This year, the  Rabbits may find their perfect publisher or literary agent. But as in all matters, it is important for the Rabbits to be careful and not jump on the first offer. Be sure to your research before signing any contracts.  Also, be professional, congenial, and positive in your social media posts in 2020. Your home and writing lair are essential this year, offering the comfortable retreat you will need in a year full of events. In April and October, some special occasions to travel and make publishing connections may occur. Be willing to take more chances and explore new avenues.

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. )

It’s going to be a busy but happy year for most of the you. Your exuberant personality is perfect for the Year of the Rat. Traveling will be on the agenda for 2020. Continuous planning is the keyword during the Rat year—especially when it comes to your writing! As a writer, you may look for a new genre to explore in 2020 and may find one that you will confident in pursuing. At home, for the Dragons who love their home, this year is going to be special. However, you may want to separate your writing time and location so that the time spent with your family will recharge you with energy.  Your attention to budget and your wise scheduling of investment into your writing career will make the Rat year of writing extremely satisfying. If you are published, you may want to participate in book promotions from March to May as it is a favorable period.

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

You need to be brave because the Rat year will reward you if you are. As a creative year for you, it will offer you many things to write about. Make sure that you journal all of these ideas! You have been percolating them for a while, but now these ideas need to be written down in black and white. You will have the opportunity to use them in 2020. However, be cautious when it comes to editing. Make sure that you don’t rush to publish before going through the proper editing channels. Get that manuscript evaluated before going to line or copy edit. This will save you money if you are self-publishing. Although you are normally very cautious and vigilant when it comes to publishing, you will be tempted to rush to publish your book. Take a step back and make sure that your work is ready. This flexibility and cautiousness will be appreciated by those who are further up the publishing food chain and inspire them to take a chance on you and your works.

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

2020 may be a restless and demanding year for you for writing-wise, but you will be up for it! You may feel discouraged, but don’t! Your writing will be stronger because of it. You will overcome your writing challenges with tenacity and inner force. Remember that these writing challenges will strengthen your writing. You may want to plan on taking writing craft courses to explore these new challenges that will take your writing to the next level. Having a writing mentor will help you in the charting the direction of your publishing goals. Continue to make a sustained effort. Listen and ask for advice in regard to writing craft issues in 2020. If you get a chance to go on an adventure or take an exciting journey, you may just want to take it.

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

The Rat year is going to bring great accomplishments for you as long as you plan your writing projects in a detailed, orderly, and organized manner. The talented Goats, as most of them are, can expect exciting plans and wonderful ideas. Some excellent promotional opportunities will occur for your books and soon to be launched works. If you want to change your genre and you feel confident in your writing craft abilities, then 2020 may be the year for you to do so. But you must do it with enthusiasm.  2020 will bring some interesting opportunities for you. Your family will support you and be happy for you as you strive to reach your writing goals. It is predicted to be  a good year financially for the Goats, who will earn revenues from their creations or published books.  

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

The Rat year is going to be outstanding for the you! If you have been frustrated with your writing, you will regain your enthusiasm and determination. Throughout the year, you will have a lot of opportunities that will place you in the spotlight, transforming the year in real success. You must remember to write down all your inspired story ideas because they will ensure that you will not run out works -in-progress to build that author career building back-list which will bring recognition for your work along with royalties. It is important for the Monkey to share their story issues with a few confidants or a mentor. If you keep them to yourself, you will risk writer’s block and perhaps not resolve the issues in the most compelling manner for readers. You need to take into consideration any chance to study writing craft and add to your writer toolbox as this will give you the self-assurance to proceed with your works. If you follow your dreams and hopes, it is possible for the Rat year to be one of the most memorable years, with a lot of fortune and progress.

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. )

You will enjoy a path with little obstacles to reaching your writing goals, if you zoom in on what is important during the Rat year. Perhaps this is not a favorable year for changing genres or trying out new writing techniques. Plan out your time and carefully think out any plot devices and character arcs. Continue to improve and do more of what you do best. Focus and determination will help you this year in your writing career. You may have the opportunity to garner the attention of a very influential person who can advance your writing career substantially. Socially, this is going to be a year full of fun. Avoid gossips and indiscretions because your reputation must be untarnished when fortuitous opportunities present themselves. As you enrich the lives of others, you will find yourself enriched as well.  Spending time with favorite family members and close friends will restore and replenish you spiritually and emotionally. The year of the Rat will prove especially fortunate, with a  just a bit of effort, care, and deliberation on your part. It will be well worth the effort. Remember to zoom out periodically to gain the big picture and keep your eye on the prize.

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

In 2020, the attention should  be focused on your writing career advancement and publishing goals. An unexpected writing project is possible during the Rat year, which may be a real delight for you. With careful planning, your publishing situation will progress this year. You may want to make sure that your works are on as many selling platforms as possible. You may decide to start on a new work and brainstorm on how to develop it into a series. If it is well thought out and configured, the results should be positive. Excellent opportunities coming your way must be seized before they disappear. You should prepare and be enthusiastically on the lookout and watchful these fortuitous opportunities. Friendship with readers and other writers is important for you this year in particular. Get out of your writing lair to socialize and network and make new friends to increase your chances of discovering your opportunities 2020.

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

Sometimes you are stubborn and do not like change. But this is a new decade and a new cycle for the Chinese Zodiac. So perhaps, 2020 is the year to let yourself get carried away. Try new and interesting things. Learn about new marketing and promotion techniques for your publishing career. Freshen up your branding and marketing platform. Get rid of those tired old book marks–get with the new decade! Go ahead and take a deep breath and jump into the Roaring Twenties.  2020 can be an interesting and successful year for you. However, pay attention to legal issues, financial details, and documents – be alert in any business deal so you can avoid problems. Enjoy 2020! It should bring a lot of fun and happiness to you.

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.

Happy Chinese New Year 2020! – Year of the Rat!

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

The Chanticleer Reviews Team