Hello friends, hope everyone is doing well! After a 6-month break, I'm pleased to be able to relaunch our poetry series, INSTINCTS, with a fantasy poem by Japanese writer, Yukari Kousaka. The Divine Beasts Yukari Kousaka The Azure Dragon shook the Kiyomizu Temple After one tail-wag, extinguished the forest The spiritual creature flew with great... Continue Reading →
MYTHICAL DRABBLES: ‘Imagination’ by Kelly Matsuura
When you find an unpublished drabble in the drafts folder...... đ Please enjoy one of my own original pieces, 'Imagination' which was published in Mythical Creatures of Asia in 2021. I do love Persian mythology! Imagination Kelly Matsuura Soraya used her first wish to end the drought in her region. She next wished to be... Continue Reading →
SUBMISSIONS OPEN JUNE 1ST!
While Insignia 2021: Best Asian Speculative Fiction has long been delayed, I'm happy to report it is now in the final proofreading stage and will be released in the next few weeks (once all the contributors have given their approval). Thanks everyone for your patience and support. With that book back on track, I'm ready... Continue Reading →
 INSTINCTS #27:âEquipment Checklist (for a YĹkai P.I.âs Stakeout from behind a High Privacy Fence)’ by John H. Dromey
New haiku (with illustration) by John H. Dromey! Enjoy đ Equipment Checklist (for a YĹkai P.I.âs Stakeout from behind a High Privacy Fence) John H. Dromey Sticking her neck out. The rokurokubi said Scratch the periscope            John H. Dromey was born in northeast Missouri, USA. He enjoys readingâmysteries in particularâand writing in a variety of... Continue Reading →
NEW RELEASE!! ‘Mythical Beings of Asia’ (Insignia Drabbles #4)
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!! A huge thanks to all the contributors in this anthology. đ Mythical Beings of Asia is the fourth volume in the Insignia Drabbles series. This anthology includes 60 drabbles (100-word stories) and 2 bonus flash stories inspired by Asian folklore. Release Date: September 30th, 2021 Contributors (drabbles): | Amrita Valan | Celestine Trinidad | | Dawn DeBraal | DJ Elton | Fariel Shafee | | Fusako... Continue Reading →
Mythical Drabbles: ‘Sibling Rivalry’ by Kevin Hopson
Today's drabble is by new contributor, Kevin Hopson. Kevin has 3 drabbles each in Mythical Creatures of Asia and the upcoming Mythical Beings of Asia (links below story). Enjoy! Sibling Rivalry Kevin Hopson âGo to sleep, or the Gurumapa will come for you,â Keshab said. Mukta gawked at his older brother. âDonât speak his name.... Continue Reading →
Mythical Drabbles: ‘Come Play’ by Gabriella Balcom
Today's Mythical Drabble by Gabriella Balcom is based on Japanese folktales of the river-dwelling kappa. Enjoy! Come Play Gabriella Balcom Nine-year-old Fumio heard splashing and ran toward the Mogami River. Glimpsing children playing in the water, he smiled. But his eyes widened when he neared them and saw their yellowish-blue skin. Although small, the beings... Continue Reading →
INSTINCTS #26: ‘Torrid Turnabout’ by John H. Dromey
Please enjoy this month's INSTINCTS poem, 'Torrid Turnabout' by regular contributor, John H. Dromey!          Torrid Turnabout         John H. Dromey Slay a ryu or go Out in a blaze of glory Gokuâs plan backfired He turned tail and ran The dragonâs breath scorched the seat Of Gokuâs trousers   John H. Dromey was born in northeast Missouri,... Continue Reading →
COVER REVEAL! ‘Mythical Beings of Asia’ (Insignia Drabbles #4)
Designing covers for our anthologies is always an equal measure of stress and excitement, but I'm really happy with how this cover turned out đ Mythical Beings of Asia is the fourth volume in the Insignia Drabbles series. This anthology includes 60 drabbles (100-word stories) and 2 bonus flash stories inspired by Asian folklore. Release Date: planned for... Continue Reading →
Mythical Drabbles: ‘The Feast’ by Chris Bannor
It's my pleasure to share a Japanese myth-inspired drabble today by Chris Bannor. Chris has 3 drabbles in Mythical Creatures of Asia, and also features in Southeast Asian Fantasy Drabbles. The Feast Chris Bannor They ran from the village, their feast of charcoal and embers complete. They danced in glee, the noisy basabasa of their... Continue Reading →