Quibble’s Yuletide Yarns

A Month of Tiny Tales, Genre Cheer, and Holiday Whimsy

Hello, dear readers!

It’s me, Quibble, your ever-curious literary sidekick, back with a snow-dusted scarf and a heart full of stories. December has arrived, and I’m positively twinkling with excitement. The cocoa is hot, the books are stacked, and I’ve got glitter in my binding. This month? It’s all about short stories, festive reads, and a genre spotlight that sparkles with magic: Fantasy!

December is National Short Story Month, and I’m cozied up beside the fireplace with a stack of tiny tales that pack a mighty punch. Short stories are like snowflakes, each one unique, fleeting, and full of wonder. Whether it’s flash fiction, poetic morsels, or speculative snacks, these bite-sized gems deliver big feelings in small packages. Maximum impact, minimum page count? Yes, please.

But wait, there’s more!

Our Small Bites Short Story Contest is still going strong! From November 1st through January 31st, writers from all walks of life are invited to submit their most deliciously brief creations. I’ve already read entries about rebellious biscuits, time-traveling cats, and haunted mittens, and I’m hungry for more. The winning stories will be featured in a special anthology that’s sure to be a feast for the imagination. So keep those pencils sharp and your ideas bold, brevity never tasted so good.

And since December is also Read a New Book Month, I’ve been diving into fresh releases like a snow angel into a book pile. No shelf shall go untouched! From cozy mysteries to epic fantasies, I’m on a quest to discover new favorites and share them with anyone who’ll listen (and even those who won’t).

Speaking of favorites, our monthly genre spotlight is Fantasy! Dragons, enchanted forests, magical quests, and missing moons, this month celebrates the stories that whisk us away to worlds where anything is possible. I’ve been blending genres like hot cocoa and peppermint, gifting myself tales that sparkle with whimsy and wonder.

Meanwhile, I’ve been spreading cheer one genre at a time with my Cozy Winter Reads bundle. Picture this: me, two cats named Frillists and Pixel, and a stack of books wrapped like presents. It’s festive, it’s fuzzy, and it’s full of literary love.

December also marks the soft launch of Inkrealm, a VR book world stitched together from trivia, clues, and cozy corners where stories don’t just sit on shelves, they shimmer and beckon. It’s a gentle opening, a chance to wander through mythic halls and discover that even glitches can be lore. Me and my friends are already poking around, leaving breadcrumbs and giggles for anyone curious enough to step inside.

And don’t forget, Inklight 2026 is just around the corner! Tickets are available now for our June celebration of all things literary, and early discounts are still available, get your tickets now before they vanish like snowflakes. If you’ve ever dreamed of mingling with authors under twinkle lights, now’s the time to snag your spot.

So whether you’re submitting a short story, discovering a new book, or curling up with a fantasy tale, December invites you to celebrate stories in all their cozy, magical forms. And I’ll be right here, cheering you on, sipping cocoa, and flipping pages with flair.

With ink-stained affection,

Quibble

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