Scarlet Ibis James's Blog

Honored to share that my novel Scarlet Birthright won first place in three categories at the 2025 International Firebird Book Awards: African American Fiction, Literary Fiction, and Multicultural Fiction.

Grateful to Speak Up Talk Radio for hosting awards that celebrate literary excellence while supporting women and children in shelters through their charitable mission.

Thank you to the judges, fellow authors, and readers who make this literary community so meaningful.

#FirebirdBookAwards #ScarletBirthright #LiteraryFiction

I’m thrilled to share that Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire has been named a Finalist for the 2025 American Legacy Book Awards in the Multicultural Fiction category!



When I wrote this collection, I poured in stories that celebrate love in all its messiness and beauty—across cultures, generations, and emotional landscapes. These aren’t just romantic tales; they’re windows into identity, survival, connection, and desire.

Being recognized in this way feels surreal—and deeply affirming.

To every reader who picked up the book, left a review, sent a message, or passed it to a friend: thank you. You helped this collection find its wings.

More updates soon, but for now… I’m going to soak in this joy.

If you haven’t read it yet, now’s a perfect time.
scarletibisjames [dot] com

Hello, Dear Goodreads friends!

I’m just a week into sharing Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind with the world, and my heart is so full. I have to admit, I was a bundle of nerves when I first released this novella—Trisha, Joromi, Margaret, and everyone in between have felt like my secret family for so long. Letting them go was both thrilling and terrifying!

Your warmth and encouragement have been overwhelming in the best way. It’s incredible to see quotes like:
- “Unputdownable… beautifully written with powerful messages on the human condition.”
- “I loved how it wove Trinidadian traditions and lingo into a modern, relatable family saga.”

I never expected so many of you to find pieces of your own story in these pages—about family, love, courage, and hope. Seeing that Scarlet Birthright is now #2 in New Release Historical African Fiction on Amazon and hearing about all the local bookstore sightings in Trinidad and Tobago feels unreal. Thank you for embracing these characters the way I have and for giving me the courage to keep writing and sharing.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or see your review here on Goodreads if you've read it already. (They truly mean the world to me!) And if you’re still deciding, I hope you’ll come along on this journey into the heart of a family navigating secrets, silences, and second chances.

Thank you for making this first week so special from my heart to yours. I’m grateful beyond words!

Warmly,
Scarlet Ibis James

"Stories, like children, sometimes choose their own paths."

I'm thrilled to announce the release of "Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind," a story of passion, fear, courage, and how they flow through generations like blood.

When Joromi meets a young woman at his fête in 1969 Trinidad, their brief, intense relationship changes everything. Follow their daughter Trisha's journey to understand her roots, her father's absence, and the legacy her parents left behind.

Scarlet Ibis James' novel Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind explores the complexities of life, the bonds of family, and death. Most importantly, it tells a touching love story. Birthright will appeal to readers who enjoy romance and stories centered around family dynamics.

The audiobook, Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind: The Scarlet Yearnings Collection, Book 2 is fabulously narrated by Le-Georgia Chambers and Richard Ragoobarsingh!

Available now in print and digital formats, everywhere!

#ScarletBirthright #NewBook #CaribbeanLiterature #TrinidadStories #FamilySaga #BookLaunch

Dear Goodreads Friends,

I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with my wonderful readers! Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire is getting a stunning new cover for its second edition, designed by the incredibly talented artist Rodney Hazard (IG @rodneyhazard).

While the first edition, with its AI-generated cover, will always hold a special place in my heart as the birth of these stories, collaborating with Rodney has been an absolute dream. His artistic vision has captured the essence of these tales of love and yearning in ways that naturally elevate the collection.

The reissued edition also features an expanded story, adding new depth to the collection. If you own the first edition, you now have a limited collector's item! And don't worry - I'm offering all first edition owners free access to the expanded content.

For those who haven't yet picked up a copy, the second edition will be available everywhere books are sold. And if you're a book cover enthusiast like me, I think you'll find this new design absolutely captivating.

I'd love to hear what you think of the new look! Have you ever fallen in love with a book all over again because of a cover redesign?

Thank you all for your continued support of my writing journey!

Warmly,
Scarlet Ibis James

P.S. If you've read Scarlet Yearnings, I'd be eternally grateful if you could leave a review here on Goodreads. Your thoughts help other readers discover these stories!

Hey, Book Squad! My new YouTube video just dropped!

Catch an exclusive snippet of “Love Me, Daddy”—a short story from my collection, Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire. It unpacks one woman’s struggle with the void left by her parent, and I’ll be answering your burning questions at the end.

Tune in to explore the nuances of love, family, and identity with me! Bookthreads #ScarletYearnings #LoveMeDaddy #AuthorLife #Audiobook with Jasmin L. Kirkwood

Watch: https://youtu.be/isFyv1_RFq4

🌺 Remember that young woman who made your heart ache in the opening story? The one who discovered her father's letter at his funeral, then found herself drawn to a mysterious DJ at a pool party? Well, I couldn't let her story end there...

✨ I'm thrilled to announce that Trisha's journey continues in Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind - a novella that delves deeper into her world of love, identity, and healing. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Trinidad and New York City, this story explores what happens when the ghosts of our parents' choices collide with our own desires.

🔔 Coming April 2025! Add it to your "Want to Read" shelf to be notified when it launches. Your support means the world to me, and I can't wait to share this next chapter of Trisha's story with you all.

Check out my site for an advanced reader copy. ScarletIbisJames.com

#ScarletBirthright ~ #ComingSoon ~ #TrinidadianLit ~ #WomensFiction ~ #NewBook




Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind

🌺 FREE VIRTUAL BOOK TALK 🖤

ᴍᴇᴇᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ @ sᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ᴊᴀɴ 11 @ 𝟾:𝟶𝟶 ᴘᴍ ᴇᴛ

Whether you're a lover of Scarlet Yearnings stories, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about the creative process, this fireside chat promises an evening of authenticity, inspiration, and unexpected revelations. Space is limited.

ʀᴇɢɪsᴛʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴄʟᴏsᴇs @ ғʀɪᴅᴀʏ ᴊᴀɴ 𝟷𝟶 𝟿:𝟹𝟶 ᴘᴍ ᴇᴛ (ᴛᴏᴅᴀʏ)

CLICK HERE

🌺𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊🖤

◉ Music + Salutation + Intention + Origins + Storytelling + Community ◉

Be with me on January 5 at 4 PM EST for an unforgettable afternoon introducing new fans to the book Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire.

❀*ੈ𑁍༘⋆➡️ REGISTER and Come, will you? bit.ly/communionww

Hosted by the ғᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀɪᴏᴛs, this vibrant gathering will incorporate soul-stirring music, a warm welcome, and the heartfelt intention behind each enthralling reading.

Uncover the origins of these love-laced narratives as they bloom into an immersive storytelling experience, forging a shared sense of community among all who attend.

I wish you to surrender to the allure of these pages, discover the magic in each whispered word, and let Scarlet Yearnings captivate your heart in an extraordinary homage to love and longing.

© Scarlet Ibis James 2024, All Rights Reserved.

Do you already have a copy? Tell a friend!

Enter for a chance to win Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire!

I’m thrilled to share that we’re hosting a special Goodreads giveaway for my short story collection, Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire! If you love contemporary literary fiction brimming with passion, longing, and the hidden corners of the human heart, this is your chance to win a free copy.

Giveaway Dates: OPEN NOW until 11:59pm PT on Wednesday, January 1

How to Enter:
- Head over to Goodreads Giveaway and click “Enter Giveaway.”
- Confirm your entry—you’re all set!

What to Expect from Scarlet Yearnings:
- Compelling stories exploring the highs and lows of desire.
- Characters wrestling with love’s complexities—perfect for fans of thought-provoking, emotional reads.
- A nuanced look at how passion can both illuminate and challenge us.

Don’t miss out on this chance to add this short story collection, Scarlet Yearnings, to your 2024 reading list. Good luck, and happy reading!

Yours,
Scarlet