Scarlet Ibis James's Blog, page 2
October 26, 2024
A Journey Through Love and Longing: Your Guide to Scarlet Yearnings
Welcome to
Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire
, a collection of twelve stories that invites you into the hearts and lives of beautifully flawed characters, each navigating the complexities of love and self-discovery. In this read-through guide, we’ll take a look at the themes and emotions that make each story unique, while showing you why this collection is both universal and deeply personal.
1. The First Time She Met Her Father
This opening story pulls readers into the delicate space between hope and reality. A young girl’s long-anticipated reunion with her father touches on themes of love, expectation, and the bittersweet nature of family. This story is a great reminder that love isn’t always the fairy tale we imagine.
Takeaway: Think about the love you’ve longed for but never received. How does it shape you?
2. Love Me, Daddy
Shifting to the ache of unmet expectations, this story dives into the emotional complexity of wanting love from a father who is distant. It’s about filling the void with distractions, while always yearning for that connection.
Takeaway: Sometimes, the love we chase is the love we’re meant to let go of.
3. Love in Cosmic Times
This surreal, otherworldly tale explores love in the age of technology and space. It’s a wild departure from the previous stories, but it’s still rooted in the same human emotions: desire, distance, and connection.
Takeaway: Even when love feels far away, we keep reaching for it—whether across the room or across the universe.
4. "I Love My Husband, But..."
This story peels back the layers of marriage, showing how love can coexist with doubt and unspoken compromises. It’s raw, real, and speaks to anyone who has ever wondered, "What if?" Takeaway: Love isn’t always about perfection. It’s about choosing each other despite the imperfections.
5. Seven Was the Symbol of Their Love
In this story, numbers and symbols take on a larger meaning, creating a poetic reflection on love’s milestones. The relationship here feels familiar yet deeply personal, reminding us of the markers we assign to our own love stories.
Takeaway: Love’s milestones don’t define the relationship, but they do shape it.
6. We Couldn’t Then, But We Can Now
A story of second chances, this one taps into the universal feeling of regret and the desire to rewrite the past. The characters remind us that love isn’t always about timing, but about readiness.
Takeaway: Sometimes love arrives too late, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.
7. Behind the Grand Doors of Paradise
Told through the eyes of a Malaysian doorman in Harlem, this story is all about observation. As he watches the lives of others unfold, we get a peek into the world of love as seen from the sidelines.
Takeaway: Sometimes, watching love from afar tells us just as much as living it.
8. Love Is Forgiveness And Self-Acceptance
In this deeply emotional piece, love takes on a more introspective tone. It’s not about romantic love, but the journey of learning to love oneself.
Takeaway: Before we can love others, we must first love and forgive ourselves.
9. Love Of My Mother’s Mother
This story deals with generational pain, as a grandmother’s hurt trickles down into her relationship with her granddaughter. It’s about the ways love, or the lack of it, can shape us across generations.
Takeaway: Healing from the past requires us to face the pain passed down to us.
10. Hot Subway, Love
A brother reaching out from death to support his living brother creates an emotional, supernatural twist on love. This is a story about loyalty that transcends life itself.
Takeaway: Love doesn’t end with life. It continues, crossing the boundaries we cannot see.
11. Love, Lift Me Up
Lust overtakes a woman as she meets a man who ignites a fire in her. This story is about desire—raw, unfiltered, and immediate.
Takeaway: Sometimes, love and lust blur the lines, creating an intoxicating experience.
12. Love, Mystical and Destined
The final story combines mystical elements and destiny, reflecting on how love can feel preordained. It’s a perfect close to the collection, hinting at the mysteries of love that can’t always be explained but are deeply felt.
Takeaway: Love isn’t just about the here and now; it’s about the magical threads that bind us across time.
Why Scarlet Yearnings Is a Must-Read
What makes Scarlet Yearnings so special is its ability to weave together common experiences—love, heartbreak, and desire—with a creative simplicity that resonates deeply. Readers will find themselves in these stories, whether it’s through a young girl’s longing for her father, a married woman’s quiet doubts, or the cosmic pull of love in otherworldly settings. Each tale offers a reflection of life’s complexities, wrapped in emotional depth and beautiful, relatable characters.
Final Thought:
Scarlet Yearnings isn’t just a collection of stories. It’s a journey through the many shades of love, inviting readers to experience the joys, sorrows, and mysteries that come with it. So grab your copy, dive in, and let these stories stir your heart in unexpected ways.
(c) Scarlet Ibis James 2024, All Rights Reserved.
https://www.scarletibisjames.com
1. The First Time She Met Her Father
This opening story pulls readers into the delicate space between hope and reality. A young girl’s long-anticipated reunion with her father touches on themes of love, expectation, and the bittersweet nature of family. This story is a great reminder that love isn’t always the fairy tale we imagine.
Takeaway: Think about the love you’ve longed for but never received. How does it shape you?
2. Love Me, Daddy
Shifting to the ache of unmet expectations, this story dives into the emotional complexity of wanting love from a father who is distant. It’s about filling the void with distractions, while always yearning for that connection.
Takeaway: Sometimes, the love we chase is the love we’re meant to let go of.
3. Love in Cosmic Times
This surreal, otherworldly tale explores love in the age of technology and space. It’s a wild departure from the previous stories, but it’s still rooted in the same human emotions: desire, distance, and connection.
Takeaway: Even when love feels far away, we keep reaching for it—whether across the room or across the universe.
4. "I Love My Husband, But..."
This story peels back the layers of marriage, showing how love can coexist with doubt and unspoken compromises. It’s raw, real, and speaks to anyone who has ever wondered, "What if?" Takeaway: Love isn’t always about perfection. It’s about choosing each other despite the imperfections.
5. Seven Was the Symbol of Their Love
In this story, numbers and symbols take on a larger meaning, creating a poetic reflection on love’s milestones. The relationship here feels familiar yet deeply personal, reminding us of the markers we assign to our own love stories.
Takeaway: Love’s milestones don’t define the relationship, but they do shape it.
6. We Couldn’t Then, But We Can Now
A story of second chances, this one taps into the universal feeling of regret and the desire to rewrite the past. The characters remind us that love isn’t always about timing, but about readiness.
Takeaway: Sometimes love arrives too late, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.
7. Behind the Grand Doors of Paradise
Told through the eyes of a Malaysian doorman in Harlem, this story is all about observation. As he watches the lives of others unfold, we get a peek into the world of love as seen from the sidelines.
Takeaway: Sometimes, watching love from afar tells us just as much as living it.
8. Love Is Forgiveness And Self-Acceptance
In this deeply emotional piece, love takes on a more introspective tone. It’s not about romantic love, but the journey of learning to love oneself.
Takeaway: Before we can love others, we must first love and forgive ourselves.
9. Love Of My Mother’s Mother
This story deals with generational pain, as a grandmother’s hurt trickles down into her relationship with her granddaughter. It’s about the ways love, or the lack of it, can shape us across generations.
Takeaway: Healing from the past requires us to face the pain passed down to us.
10. Hot Subway, Love
A brother reaching out from death to support his living brother creates an emotional, supernatural twist on love. This is a story about loyalty that transcends life itself.
Takeaway: Love doesn’t end with life. It continues, crossing the boundaries we cannot see.
11. Love, Lift Me Up
Lust overtakes a woman as she meets a man who ignites a fire in her. This story is about desire—raw, unfiltered, and immediate.
Takeaway: Sometimes, love and lust blur the lines, creating an intoxicating experience.
12. Love, Mystical and Destined
The final story combines mystical elements and destiny, reflecting on how love can feel preordained. It’s a perfect close to the collection, hinting at the mysteries of love that can’t always be explained but are deeply felt.
Takeaway: Love isn’t just about the here and now; it’s about the magical threads that bind us across time.
Why Scarlet Yearnings Is a Must-Read
What makes Scarlet Yearnings so special is its ability to weave together common experiences—love, heartbreak, and desire—with a creative simplicity that resonates deeply. Readers will find themselves in these stories, whether it’s through a young girl’s longing for her father, a married woman’s quiet doubts, or the cosmic pull of love in otherworldly settings. Each tale offers a reflection of life’s complexities, wrapped in emotional depth and beautiful, relatable characters.
Final Thought:
Scarlet Yearnings isn’t just a collection of stories. It’s a journey through the many shades of love, inviting readers to experience the joys, sorrows, and mysteries that come with it. So grab your copy, dive in, and let these stories stir your heart in unexpected ways.
(c) Scarlet Ibis James 2024, All Rights Reserved.
https://www.scarletibisjames.com
October 25, 2024
Book Review: A romantic story of imperfect hearts and meant-to-be love
Untouchable by Talia HibbertMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Untouchable by Talia Hibbert is a tender, emotionally rich romance that showcases her skill at creating imperfect, deeply human characters. The story follows Hannah, a woman rebuilding her life, and Nate, a widower, navigating grief, anxiety, and the blossoming of love. What I found especially touching is how, as a child, Hannah saw and understood Nate, and how, as adults, Nate carefully adjusted to Hannah’s pace, truly seeing her. Their bond feels authentic, rooted in mutual respect and emotional honesty.
Hibbert also normalizes therapy as a healthy part of their lives, which is refreshing. I love that every one of Hibbert’s characters is slightly imperfect—making them all the more relatable. This slow-burn romance, full of wit and heart, is a beautiful exploration of love, healing, and personal growth.
I loved this book!
View all my reviews
October 15, 2024
How To Devour The Stories in Scarlet Yearnings
Here are ten fun and comforting ways you can dive into a collection of short stories like those in Scarlet Yearnings--which way(s) speaks to you?
#1 The Coffee Break Escape ☕
"Savor a story with your morning coffee—because who needs just caffeine when you can also get a quick shot of love and longing?"
#2 The Bedtime Snack for Your Soul 🛌
"Curl up under your coziest blanket, read one story, and drift off imagining the ‘what ifs’—way better than counting sheep!"
#3 The Subway Subplot 🚇
"Perfect for that commute—read a love story in between stops and make your ride more than just about getting somewhere."
#4 The ‘One More Chapter’ Relapse 📚
"You’ll tell yourself it’s just one more...but suddenly you’re five stories deep and it’s 2 a.m. Oops, we’ve all been there."
#5 The Waiting Room Winner 🏥
"Make that doctor’s appointment, DMV visit, or flight delay a whole lot sweeter by sneaking in a tale or two while you wait."
#6 The Wine + Read Combo 🍷
"Pour a glass of wine, light a candle, and let the stories wash over you. It’s like date night, but with characters who always show up."
#7 The Sneaky Work Break 💻
"Slip in a story between emails or meetings. We won’t tell your boss. It’s the most productive way to procrastinate."
#8 The Lazy Sunday Read-a-thon 🌞
"Devote your entire Sunday to indulging in love stories while in your PJs. You’ll feel accomplished even if you don’t leave the couch."
#9 The Emotional Rollercoaster Ride 🎢
"Brace yourself: Read one story in the park, another in bed, and the next with a box of tissues nearby—you never know where the emotions will take you!"
#10 The Full Immersion 📖
"Devour the entire book in one sitting, cover to cover, get lost in the stories, and then immediately start all over again—because once is never enough when love and longing are this captivating!"
These playful and comforting suggestions highlight how Scarlet Yearnings can fit seamlessly into your life! Which one or combination will you try?
https://www.scarletibisjames.com/
October 10, 2024
FAQ: Scarlet Ibis James' Self-Publishing Journey
🌺
1. What challenges did Scarlet Ibis James face in her traditional publishing journey?
Scarlet Ibis James initially pursued traditional publishing for her novel. However, after receiving critical feedback that required significant revisions, she struggled to overcome writer's block. Additionally, her attempts to secure a literary agent resulted in rejections or no response, leaving her feeling discouraged.
🌺 2. What inspired Scarlet Ibis James to pursue self-publishing?
After facing setbacks in traditional publishing, Scarlet Ibis James found inspiration from other writers and online resources about self-publishing. She realized she could take control of her publishing journey and bring her work to readers directly.
🌺 3. What is Scarlet Ibis James' debut book about?
Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire is a collection of short stories exploring themes of love, longing, and desire. These stories were previously published on platforms like Medium and Substack.
🌺 4. Why did Scarlet Ibis James choose to compile her short stories for her debut book?
Instead of continuing to struggle with revisions on her novel, Scarlet Ibis James decided to leverage her existing work. Her short stories already embodied the themes she wanted to explore, allowing her to move forward with a project she felt passionate about.
🌺 5. How did Scarlet Ibis James overcome self-doubt and procrastination?
To avoid falling into the trap of perfectionism and self-sabotage, Scarlet Ibis James set a firm deadline for herself. This external pressure helped her stay focused and motivated to complete the project.
🌺 6. What formats will Scarlet Yearnings be available in?
Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire will be available in ebook, paperback, and hardback formats on Amazon.com.
🌺 7. When is the official release date for Scarlet Yearnings?
The official release date for Scarlet Yearnings is October 14th, 2024.
🌺 8. How can readers celebrate the book launch with Scarlet Ibis James?
Scarlet Ibis James will be hosting a launch event on YouTube Live at 8:30 PM ET on October 14th, 2024. Readers are invited to join her virtual celebration, and they can find the link and set a reminder on her Medium page.
🌺 Join the Conversation!
If you enjoyed this post or have any questions about Scarlet's journey, leave a comment below! Don’t forget to follow Scarlet Ibis James for more updates and insights on her writing journey.
Scarlet Ibis James initially pursued traditional publishing for her novel. However, after receiving critical feedback that required significant revisions, she struggled to overcome writer's block. Additionally, her attempts to secure a literary agent resulted in rejections or no response, leaving her feeling discouraged.
🌺 2. What inspired Scarlet Ibis James to pursue self-publishing?
After facing setbacks in traditional publishing, Scarlet Ibis James found inspiration from other writers and online resources about self-publishing. She realized she could take control of her publishing journey and bring her work to readers directly.
🌺 3. What is Scarlet Ibis James' debut book about?
Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire is a collection of short stories exploring themes of love, longing, and desire. These stories were previously published on platforms like Medium and Substack.
🌺 4. Why did Scarlet Ibis James choose to compile her short stories for her debut book?
Instead of continuing to struggle with revisions on her novel, Scarlet Ibis James decided to leverage her existing work. Her short stories already embodied the themes she wanted to explore, allowing her to move forward with a project she felt passionate about.
🌺 5. How did Scarlet Ibis James overcome self-doubt and procrastination?
To avoid falling into the trap of perfectionism and self-sabotage, Scarlet Ibis James set a firm deadline for herself. This external pressure helped her stay focused and motivated to complete the project.
🌺 6. What formats will Scarlet Yearnings be available in?
Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire will be available in ebook, paperback, and hardback formats on Amazon.com.
🌺 7. When is the official release date for Scarlet Yearnings?
The official release date for Scarlet Yearnings is October 14th, 2024.
🌺 8. How can readers celebrate the book launch with Scarlet Ibis James?
Scarlet Ibis James will be hosting a launch event on YouTube Live at 8:30 PM ET on October 14th, 2024. Readers are invited to join her virtual celebration, and they can find the link and set a reminder on her Medium page.
🌺 Join the Conversation!
If you enjoyed this post or have any questions about Scarlet's journey, leave a comment below! Don’t forget to follow Scarlet Ibis James for more updates and insights on her writing journey.
October 3, 2024
What I'm Reading!
Love in Color by Bolu Babalola--A Review
Babalola's prose is lush, filled with rich descriptions that breathe life into each setting and character. Her playful tone and sharp wit add levity, even in the heavier moments, creating a collection that is not only heartfelt but also joyous. She expertly balances cultural reverence with modern-day relatability, making her stories accessible to readers from all walks of life.
Verdict: Love in Color is a must-read for anyone who loves powerful, alpha-women characters who are intelligent, passionate, and capable of loving deeply. Bolu Babalola has crafted a powerful collection that redefines love and myth for the modern reader. If you enjoyed these stories, don’t miss Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire, where love is equally diverse and mighty. Both collections celebrate the beauty and complexity of human connections, making them essential reads for romance lovers.
Bolu Babalola’s Love in Color is a captivating collection of reimagined love stories that bring mythical, legendary, and modern women to life in ways that are both empowering and relatable. Babalola revives ancient myths and folklore, weaving them into vibrant tales of romance where the heroines are the stars—bold, intelligent, and deeply loving. From African mythology to tales inspired by Greek legends, Babalola shines a light on the power of women in relationships, making each story a unique celebration of strength and tenderness.
One of the standout stories in the collection is Affem, where a Nigerian heroine navigates the delicate balance between duty and desire. Affem’s journey is romance and self-discovery, as she learns to embrace her desires and strength on her own terms. Like many of the women in Love in Color, Affem is a perfect example of Babalola's depiction of "alpha-women"—fiercely independent yet capable of deep, passionate love. The combination of vulnerability and resilience in characters like Affem sets the tone for the entire collection, making it a refreshing take on traditional love stories.
What makes Love in Color especially engaging is how it redefines love. It’s not just about romantic connection; it’s about self-worth, healing, equal partnership with the other half and empowerment. Each woman in these stories steps into her full power, whether that’s through reclaiming her identity, breaking free from societal expectations, or simply choosing to love freely and authentically. Babalola writes with such care and respect for these characters, making them not only relatable but deeply inspiring.
As an author myself, with my upcoming book Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire, I found a particular resonance with the diversity of love stories in Love in Color. Much like Babalola, I explore the many faces of love, whether it’s rekindled connections, unspoken desires, or the complexity of human relationships. The variety of stories in Scarlet Yearnings shares a thematic kinship with Love in Color, as both collections celebrate the richness and depth of love in all its forms. If you were captivated by the bold, intelligent women in Babalola’s stories, I believe Scarlet Yearnings will offer you a similar exploration of love that is tender, transformative, and deeply personal.
Babalola's prose is lush, filled with rich descriptions that breathe life into each setting and character. Her playful tone and sharp wit add levity, even in the heavier moments, creating a collection that is not only heartfelt but also joyous. She expertly balances cultural reverence with modern-day relatability, making her stories accessible to readers from all walks of life.
Verdict: Love in Color is a must-read for anyone who loves powerful, alpha-women characters who are intelligent, passionate, and capable of loving deeply. Bolu Babalola has crafted a powerful collection that redefines love and myth for the modern reader. If you enjoyed these stories, don’t miss Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire, where love is equally diverse and mighty. Both collections celebrate the beauty and complexity of human connections, making them essential reads for romance lovers.
September 29, 2024
September 28, 2024
Discover the Love Stories You Didn’t Know You Needed: Meet Scarlet Ibis James
Hello, fellow book lovers!
I’m beyond excited to kick off this adventure with you all as I launch my debut collection, Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire. For those who don’t know me yet, I’m Scarlet Ibis James—a storyteller who weaves together the beauty and messiness of love, relationships, and self-discovery, all while drawing inspiration from my Trinidadian roots and life in the bustling heart of New York City.
So, why Scarlet Yearnings?
This collection was born from my deep fascination with the complexities of human connection. Through twelve short stories, I explore love in its many forms—first love, missed chances, unspoken longings, and relationships that break, bend, and mend us. Each character is flawed, relatable, and navigating their own journey, and I hope you’ll find pieces of yourself in them.
In this blog, I’ll share sneak peeks into the writing process, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the ups and downs of bringing these stories to life. You’ll get a front-row seat to my creative world, and I’ll give you the inside scoop on what’s coming next—because trust me, Scarlet Yearnings is just the beginning!
Stay tuned if you’re ready to dive into stories that reflect real-life emotions with a sprinkle of fantasy and heartfelt truth. I’m so grateful to have you here, and I can’t wait to connect with you all as we embark on this journey together.
Welcome to my world of love, longing, and storytelling. 💖
With love and excitement,
Scarlet Ibis James
Pre-order your copy of Scarlet Yearnings today, and don’t forget to follow me here on Goodreads for updates and exclusive content! 🌟
I’m beyond excited to kick off this adventure with you all as I launch my debut collection, Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire. For those who don’t know me yet, I’m Scarlet Ibis James—a storyteller who weaves together the beauty and messiness of love, relationships, and self-discovery, all while drawing inspiration from my Trinidadian roots and life in the bustling heart of New York City.
So, why Scarlet Yearnings?
This collection was born from my deep fascination with the complexities of human connection. Through twelve short stories, I explore love in its many forms—first love, missed chances, unspoken longings, and relationships that break, bend, and mend us. Each character is flawed, relatable, and navigating their own journey, and I hope you’ll find pieces of yourself in them.
In this blog, I’ll share sneak peeks into the writing process, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the ups and downs of bringing these stories to life. You’ll get a front-row seat to my creative world, and I’ll give you the inside scoop on what’s coming next—because trust me, Scarlet Yearnings is just the beginning!
Stay tuned if you’re ready to dive into stories that reflect real-life emotions with a sprinkle of fantasy and heartfelt truth. I’m so grateful to have you here, and I can’t wait to connect with you all as we embark on this journey together.
Welcome to my world of love, longing, and storytelling. 💖
With love and excitement,
Scarlet Ibis James
Pre-order your copy of Scarlet Yearnings today, and don’t forget to follow me here on Goodreads for updates and exclusive content! 🌟
