By Janette Turner

Local author Lisa Costantino received news this week that she is a finalist in the Chanticleer Book Review Blue Ribbon Awards. According to Chanticleer’s website, “the purpose of the CBR Blue Ribbon Awards contest is to recognize outstanding works of independently and self-published novels and manuscripts.” Costantino’s book, “Maiden’s Veil,” was one of 15 works selected. We checked in with the author to learn more.

My Edmonds News: Please tell us about Chanticleer and your finalist award.

L.C.: Chanticleer Book Reviews is an online book review company whose mission is to promote small press and indie-published books by providing in-depth book reviews that serve both readers and media professionals. They also hold annual writing contests for nonfiction and fiction genres, the winners of which are entered into a grand prize award competition.

MyEdmondsNews: In your book, who is your favorite character?

L.C.: My favorite character in my book is the historical protagonist, Clarinda Asher. She’s a spinner and tapestry weaver banished to her hilltop cottage and forbidden to set foot in the village of her birth. Wrongly accused of bringing on catastrophic events on her community, she stubbornly endures her exile and manages to make a living for herself, in spite of her reputation as “the witch in the woods.” I became so involved in her story that I’ve realized I’m not yet done with her. My work in progress, “The King’s Herbalist,” is a young adult historical novel about a young woman very much like Clarinda, but whose life took a different path.

My Edmonds News: What events do you have coming up?

L.C.: I’m signing copies of Maiden’s Veil this Saturday, Nov. 17, starting at noon at Edmonds Bookshop. Come on by! I’ll also be giving a talk on “easy editing tips that will raise your writing to a higher level” at EPIC’s Monday morning writing group on Jan. 28.