Take your average everyday celebrity chef, mix in an antique shop and an old lamp not for sale at (almost) any price, and you have the setting for a hilarious, clever and page-turning read. Throw in a gorgeous genie from ancient history, her unpredictable brother, scurrilous villains, a dash of magic, and let the antics begin! Reviews here: Amazon Goodreads Bookbub Book here: I was chuckling all the way through this wonderful tale. The narrative moves along with speed and agi

As a longtime publisher on Draft2Digital I've seen the deterioration of this company from being easy and helpful to greedy and author-hostile. Many indie authors once regarded Draft2Digital (D2D) as a hero in the self-publishing world, but that has drastically turned into a zero. Great Gifts for Readers & Writers Sylvia Kay Rose Books Scribe Vibes Blog Enter at your own risk Draft2Digital claims to provide quick and simple distribution, pro formatting, and a platform supporti

When I purchased Gwen Slade, Bounty Hunter (Kindle Edition) by Sandra Cox, I expected dynamic action, a strong female lead, authentic Old West flavour and the perils for forbidden romance. What I got was all that, and more. Join me on Bluesky Author Sandra Cox weaves a tale with such finesse it's impossible to stop reading. And I certainly didn't expect that sly twist toward the end! Characters are relatable, fraught with their own demons, consumed by their own desires and mo

I truly enjoyed The Devil's Own, a historical mystery spy thriller and the fourteenth book in Wendy Baynes' Crimes Against the Crown series. This multi-layered and intricately woven tale centres on the Eglinton Tournament of August 28-30 1839. Amazon Goodreads A hugely expensive event held in North Ayrshire, Scotland, the tournament is a spectacular reenactment of a medieval jousting match. Contestants provide authentic period armour, ladies swoon to the courtly fashions of m

The art world is undergoing a profound transformation. While auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s are selling AI-generated artworks for hundreds of thousands, even over a million dollars, many people remain skeptical or even hostile toward AI art. This tension raises an important question: why is AI art a genuine and valuable form of creativity? Understanding this can help us appreciate how AI art is shaping the future of artistic expression, and why AI art can take a

In a world where paranormal is pretty normal, bloody havoc erupts in the City of Brotherly Love in a high-stakes battle of cops vs vampires! And these aren't your average vamps ... Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Anthology Volume 2 Connect with me on Bluesky Great Gifts for Readers & Writers Red Agenda by William D Prystauk Gritty city cop Bobby Keagan has done a lot and seen a lot, much better not told. When vamps attack vamps and a mysterious coin opens up a world of hidden se

Twenty-four tales of the mad, macabre, and just plain weird, by award-winning authors from around the world. Get it here: https://books2read.com/u/mKZxRB Also, tune in to the Strange Vibes Horror & Weird Fiction podcast every Sunday nite at 9 pm EST, with your sinister host, Sylvia. Stories from the Strange Vibes Anthologies and more for lovers of bizarre and demented tales, horror and weird fiction. Scribe Vibes Blog Connect with me on Bluesky Scribe Vibes Fun & Informative

Gritty rancher Reuben Hayes is floored when Sage Baylor, daughter of the only woman he's ever loved, shows up on his doorstep with a message from her departed mother. Throw in a gunslinger on the run, fast-paced action and a quirky cast of characters, and you have a five-star, highly recommended tale - even for people who don't normally read Westerns. More details below. Get it on Amazon. Join me on Bluesky Scribe Vibes Fun & Informative Monthly Newsletter Substack - Weird Fi

Stories need to resonate deeply with readers, pulling them in and keeping them hooked until the last page. The way you shape your narrative—voice, structure, and tone—makes all the difference. Understanding how to craft a compelling narrative helps you connect with readers on an emotional level and deliver a memorable experience. Handy Links Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Anthology Volume 2 Sylvia Kay Rose Books Connect with me on Bluesky Writers' Beer Glasses - Great gifts or p

Cozy mysteries have captured the hearts of readers worldwide, offering a blend of charm, suspense, and relatable characters without the graphic violence or intense drama found in other mystery genres. For authors, writing a cozy mystery presents unique opportunities and challenges. Understanding what makes a cozy mystery work and how to craft one effectively can help indie authors connect with their audiences, and stand out in a crowded market. Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Ant

Writing as an indie author can be an uphill battle. Rejections pile up, outside problems distract, inspiration flounders and self-doubt creeps in. Many excellent writers quit just before they reach success. If you've ever felt like giving up, you're not alone. Here are some practical strategies to help you keep going when the challenges feel overwhelming. Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Anthology Volume 2 Connect with me on Bluesky Unleashing Creativity Through Genre Mashups: Ele

Writing is a craft, but success as an indie writer depends on more than just putting words on a page. To build a career, you need to sell yourself—not your blood, not your soul, but who you are. Unfortunately for the socially reserved, these days reclusive writers lurking in dark places rarely rocket to success. Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Anthology Volume 1 Great Gifts for Readers & Writers Write Compelling Short Stories: Essential Tips Selling yourself means establishing an

One of many horror sub-genres, folk horror draws on ancient beliefs, isolated settings, and the eerie power of tradition. The origins of horror appear in ancient pre-Neolithic folklore, centering on themes of death, afterlife, evil, demonic forces, and the embodiment of these concepts in individuals. Folk horror often overlaps other sub-genres, including gothic, mythological and psychological horror. Unleashing Creativity Through Genre Mashups Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Anth

Writing well and getting published are goals shared by many writers. Reaching them needs more than talent alone. Developing consistent habits can make a significant difference in improving writing skills and increasing the chances of publishing success, whether you're a an indie author or represented by a trad publishing house. Here are ten essential habits used by highly effective writers to stay productive, focused, and motivated. Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Anthology Volum

Why search for inspiration in faraway places or extraordinary events? Some of the richest creative fuel comes from the simple, everyday moments around us. Ordinary experiences hold stories, emotions, and details to add depth and make your writing resonate with readers. Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Anthology Volume 1 Connect with me on Bluesky Writers: First, Second or Third Person POV - What's Best for You Finding Stories in Daily Life Everyday life offers countless small stor

A writer needs to stand out with an authentic and memorable voice. But how do you find that voice? The answer lies in your own life—your personal experiences, emotions, and sensory memories. Writers who grew up in a small town, for example, can describe its unique sounds, smells, and characters in ways no one else can. This kind of genuine detail creates a vivid sense of place and emotion readers connect with deeply. Connect with Sylvia on Bluesky Strange Vibes Weird Fiction

Romance writing explores the complexities of love and human connection. You might not even consider yourself a romantic, less a romance author, but everyone's familiar with the heartstrings of love. Romance writing focuses on candid feelings. Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Anthology Volume 1 Sylvia Kay Rose Books Writers: First, Second or Third Person POV - What's Best for You Cupid - child of Venus, Roman goddess of love, and Mars, god of war. He rules desire, erotic love, attr

The first and third-person POVs are most commonly used in fiction writing, but don't forget the second person, a little more tricky but fun to work with. You may use one POV (point of view) exclusively, or vary your perspectives, depending on your genre and penchant for adventure. Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Anthology Volume 1 Sylvia Kay Rose Books Connect with me on Bluesky First, Second and Third Person - pick one or take them all! The First Person First-person POV offers

Creating a believable alternate world is one of the most rewarding challenges for writers of science fiction, speculative fiction, and fantasy. Readers want to step into a real place, where rules make sense, and every detail invites them to explore further. Here's how master authors craft settings to captivate and immerse readers from the first word. Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Anthology Volume 1 Sylvia Kay Rose Books Connect with me on Bluesky Start with Clear Rules and Con

Writing is a deeply personal journey . Many authors face a common question: should I write from the heart or the brain? Passion or perspective? This question touches on how emotions and logic shape storytelling, character development, and the overall voice of a book. Strange Vibes Short Story Submissions Strange Vibes Weird Fiction Podcast Connect with Me on Bluesky Knowing the difference between heartfelt and analytical writing, how they connect, and the benefits and drawbac