Quibble’s January Journey

Fresh Pages, Deep Reflections, and Shelfie Smiles

Hello again, dear readers!

It’s me, Quibble, back with ink on my scarf and a grin as wide as a bookshelf. January has arrived, and I’m positively buzzing with the promise of new beginnings. The snow is still falling, the cocoa is still warm, but the stories? Oh, they’re deeper, more reflective, and brimming with literary magic.

This month’s genre spotlight is Literary Fiction, and let me tell you, I’ve already stumbled across sentences so beautiful they made me close the book and stare into the void for five minutes. Literary Fiction is like winter light—soft, lingering, and impossible to ignore. It’s the perfect companion for a month of fresh pages and thoughtful reflections.

But don’t get too lost in reverie, because the clock is ticking! Our Small Bites Short Story Contest is nearing its grand finale. Submissions close on January 31st, and I’m still hungry for your bite‑sized brilliance. I’ve seen rebellious biscuits, haunted mittens, and cats who bend time itself—but I know there are more delicious morsels out there waiting to be shared.

And speaking of sharing, have you snagged your Inklight 2026 tickets yet? June may feel far away, but early discounts are still fluttering around like snowflakes, and they won’t last forever. Imagine mingling with authors under twinkle lights, swapping stories, and basking in the glow of literary community. It’s going to be magical, and I’d hate for you to miss it.

Meanwhile, I’ve been wandering deeper into Inkrealm, our VR book world stitched together from carpets, clues, and cozy corners. December’s soft launch was just the beginning—now the shelves shimmer, the portals beckon, and even the glitches have become lore. I’ve been leaving breadcrumbs and giggles for anyone curious enough to step inside.

And let’s not forget January’s literary holidays! From National Science Fiction Day on the 2nd, to World Braille Day on the 4th, to the joy of Library Shelfie Day on the 28th, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate stories in all their forms. I’ll be snapping a shelfie myself, tongue out, peace sign up, surrounded by indie greatness.

So here we are: a month of reflection, deadlines, and delight. Whether you’re polishing your Small Bites entry, grabbing Inklight tickets, or simply curling up with a literary gem, January invites us to turn the page with intention and joy.

With ink‑stained affection,

Quibble

Mascot, mischief‑maker, and your literary sidekick at Indies United