iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

It would appear I ran out of ideas for chapter titles the last time I was working on this manuscript (the sequel to AN HONESTY OF THIEVES, April 2027, @thebrokenbinding.bsky.social for those who are interested). Professional writer? Not in this house.

A screenshot of the chapter heading for a work in progress, with titles such as blah, bloop, blip because I ran out of inspiration.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

"The best dragon book I have ever read". First review for The Sport of Wings is in and it's a belter! #fantasyromance #dragonbook #fantasybooks #indieauthor #hybridauthor

Pretty photo of The Sport of Wings among dragons and autumnal vibes, with the review beneath giving it 5 stars.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Here it is! The cover for The Sport of Wings, publishing 16 October 2026. ARCs available: sign up here: anna-stephens.com/.../arc-sign... and pre-orders soon. Please share with anyone who would enjoy a fantasy romance full of high stakes dragon racing, rags to riches, and a forbidden relationship.

Cover of The Sport of Wings, featuring a bold black and red background with filigree and roses in the corners and a black dragon in the centre, above the book title.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

ARCs are now live for The Sport of Wings, my debut #fantasyomance, featuring more dragons than you can shake a stick at, and high-stakes, adrenaline-fuelled racing of said dragons. And ROMANCE. godblind@anna-stephens.com to request. #indieauthor #hybridauthor #dragonbook

Graphic promoting ARCs for The Sport of Wings

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Hi! My new book, AN HONESTY OF THIEVES, is out in March from The Broken Binding. It's a fantasy heist with the sort of energy normally seen in orca ramming billionaires' yachts. No cover yet, but here are some graphics I made.

Graphic describing FMC Lan Tourmaline - lawyer, opinionated, somewhat stabby.

Graphic describing Crabsticks the murder-kitten, fluffy ball of rage

Graphic describing MMC Sweet Moonlight - rich, handsome, gentleman thief.

Graphic describing MMC the Diamond Prince - dramatic, not a gentleman but definitely a thief, slut.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

I'm going to reveal the cover for The Sport of Wings in my newsletter this Friday. Not only that, I'm going to be sharing the first chapter, too, so if you want a sneak peek to help you decide whether to sign up for an ARC, be sure to join! anna-stephens-newsletter.beehiiv.com

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Dragon owner. Dragon racer. Together, they can triumph. But only if they don't fall in love. ARCs imminent. Sign up at anna-stephens.com/2026/08/11/a... #fantasyromance #dragonbook #hybridauthor #indiebook

Graphic detailing main character Ryota.
Ogawa Ryota, Ryo to his friends, had everything ahead of him: as heir to the Scarlet Triple racing stable, he was rich, loved, and influential.
It was all a facade.
Constantly ignored and belittled by his father, who refuses to believe he is ready to lead the training programme for their dragons, Ryo smuggles a dragon out of the stable to enter an illegal night race.
She wins - but Ryo loses everything.

Graphic detailing main character Keaton.
Keaton Merriwether grew up in the Stink, the lowest, poorest part of Mantletown.
Working a dead end job to pay the bills, she lives for jockeying dragons in illegal night races, the only type of race she’s qualified to fly.
A chance encounter with Ryo leads to a breathtaking victory and then a devastating outcome. Keaton is arrested and thrown into prison, a convicted illegal racer.
From these twin ashes, a new stable will rise.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Me about to share this with my DnD group without comment... 😈😈😈

Picture of Staal from doctor who with the caption, the bravery of idiots is bravery nonetheless

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Bought these Rocket Dog flip flops for my honeymoon... nearly 12 years ago. They've finally reached the end of the line. ☹️ Fare thee well, squishy foam soles.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

New newsletter going out this weekend. Sign up here anna-stephens.com/get-in-touch/ or here anna-stephens-newsletter.beehiiv.com to subscribe and get the latest on both THE SPORT OF WINGS, my indie debut (fantasy romance), and AN HONESTY OF THIEVES, my next trad novel (heists). Bonus poodle pic.

An incredibly handsome and freshly groomed brown miniature poodle against pink/purple furniture and a grey carpet. Really, he's so gorgeous.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Barring a few tweaks, the cover for The Sport of Wings is almost done. The incredible Jenni Coutts is prettying up the final details, but if you want vibes, I've got vibes. Behold! #dragonbook #fantasyromance #hybridauthor

Red and black background with the words, The Sport of Wings, and, Can love survive the world's most dangerous game?

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

My developmental edit report came back yesterday. I was worried I hadn't nailed (ha, smut joke) the specifics of the romance genre, but it's not too bad. Some pacing issues, a few relationship tweaks, some worldbuilding work, and more detail in the racing. Let's go! #indieauthor #fantasyromance

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

If I had to give myself a report card for the year so far: Consistency: B Growth: C Balance: E (whoops!) Creativity: A Balance has been way off so far this year - all work and little play... What grades would you give yourself?

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

This month's #ObliqueStrategies card is particularly prescient. I have so much work on this month, including finishing a client edit, my dev edits for my indie debut, a short story, obviously a DND session to plan. I need to clear all that ready for another set of edits i have coming next month.

White card on black background, reading: distorting time

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Found out today that my sponsor dog at The Dogs Trust has died. Woody was surrendered to the trust at 2yrs old and lived there for the next 11yrs. He was rehomed twice and each time returned to the Trust. 😭 They've transferred my sponsorship over to a new dog, Hugo, a Shar Pei x Labrador. RIP Woody

2x postcards of dogs. On the left, a scruffy black poodle cross called Woody. On the right, a distinguished brown squishy faced shar pei / labrador mix called Hugo.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Also, my first event for which I was (partially) paid in tea towels!

A package with the label, thank you for taking part in cov lit fest

A predominantly blue and yellow tea towel with images of Coventry on it

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

I'm not saying it's hard to sleep in 30-degree heat while also having hot flushes, but the yellow line is the period I was awake for last night.

Smart watch sleep record showing wakefulness for over 3 continuous hours during the night

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Things are moving apace! Once I get edits back, I might be able to firm up a publication date. Definitely this year, hopefully the end of summer. #indieauthor #hybridauthor #dragonbook

A graphic of mountains at sunset with the silhouettes of 3 dragons in front.
Text reads, the Sport of Wings, cover design is almost finalised. Back cover copy is written.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Excited that the next step in my self-publishing adventure is here: the manuscript is with my editor, @edcrockerbooks.bsky.social

Graphic promoting my debut indie novel, the fantasy romance The Sport of Wings.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

We paid a ridiculous amount of money for a dog trainer recently because we've taken Bailey as far as we can and just don't have the tools for more. 2 weeks in and we've managed 2 hours in the pub with zero histrionics or overwhelmed behaviour. Worth every fucking penny and still much more to learn.

A brown poodle lying on a grey mat enthusiastically chomping on a lamb's foot.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Look how cute I am. Now make my food faster, human minion. It's safe to say we know who's boss.

A brown poodle sitting expectantly awaiting food in a pale coloured room. A red wall is visible in the centre of the picture.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Couldn't be bothered to cook in the heat, so gyoza and veggies it is, with a lovely sesame and soy dressing

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

The garden birds have figured out the new feeder, which is specifically for small birds as the magpies and jackdaws steal from the other types! Slightly blurry, but that Great Tit is having a grand old time on the mealworm mix.

A slightly out of focus shot of a Great Tit on a UFO shaped bird feeder against a leafy backdrop.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

Very much enjoying how much this total arsehole is ruining my players' lives. Head of the Shadowmasters in Telflamm, he's charismatic, menacing, and has plans within plans. Also pretty proud of the paint job I did on him. #forgottenrealms #dnd5e

A dungeons and dragons miniature human male in a red frockcoat with a sword, smoking a cigar

Close up of A dungeons and dragons miniature human male in a red frockcoat with a sword, smoking a cigar

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Happy 7th birthday to Mr Sniff, AKA The Boy, Colonel Burp, His Majesty, Buddy, Sausage, Sweetpea... oh, and his given name: Bailey. We love you!

Poodle on a tree-lined canal towpath on a sunny day.

Poodle tucked into bed under a blue duvet

Poodle in a black and red harness pictured from below, mouth open and tongue lolling

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Listening to the audiobook of a Spell for Heartsickness by Alistair Reeves and it's adorable and cute and funny and John Joseph is a FANTASTIC voice actor. Big fan!

Cover of A Spell for Heartsickness, showing a young man in a big hat and pale shirt reaching up to cup the jaw of a dark haired man in a dark shirt.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

We love you, buddy. You're as weird as us, you like licking pavements and eyeballs - not at the same time, fortunately - and you love us with every strand of your little body. We'll try to keep doing better.

A brown poodle grinning as he stands on his hind legs to attract attention

A brown poodle running towards the camera on a beach

A brown poodle in a blue and red paddling pool

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Breaking out the notebook I bought at fantasycon for eastercon! This one is from Flame Tree Press. Gorgeous.

A glorious gold notebook adorned with a fierce red dragon

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Unreasonably excited for the amount of fluffy rice in my future.

Me and my new black-and-white silver rice cooker against cream curtains.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

1500 words this morning following on from the broken heart of yesterday. This isn't advancing the main plot much, but I have thrown in yet another twist my brain thinks is fun. I hope it knows how to resolve them all, as it's beginning to resemble yarn savaged by a kitten called Crabsticks.

Graphic of Crabsticks the kitten from book 1. Cute kitty pics and captions such as, once ate an entire chicken and then threw up.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

My family think my love for DnD is silly, juvenile, a waste of time. But you know what? Anything that's genuinely good for your mental health is never silly. And for what it's worth, playing make-believe with my friends, and watching people do the same, is good for me. I love these guys & mine, too

The critical role cast on the 11th anniversary of their first online actial play session.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Further to my rant about perimenopause and menopause last weekend, for those folks entering or within its hellish embrace, I have found this book to be a brilliant resource. Written by a nonbinary person, it's really trans inclusive and avoids heavily gendered terms wherever possible.

Cover of the non fiction book, what fresh hell is this, about the perimenopause and menopause

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

1012 words this morning. Snooping has been achieved, and a Grand Revelation, uh, revealed. It may, however, be misdirection. Or it may not! Who knows? Certainly not me, the author. I'm just proceeding on vibes at this point to see where they take me. Structure is for draft 2. Poodle for added aww

A freshly groomed, exceedingly dapper brown poodle by pale purple furniture. The tail is blurred by the speed of its wagging, as is right and proper.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

People were up in arms over the casting of THIS WOMAN as Helen of Troy because "she wasn't black". You're missing the point. Helen was the most beautiful woman in the world. LOOK AT LUPITA NYONG'O. Who else could play her???

Actress Lupita Nyongo'o holding a basket of fruit.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Have been doing lots of mini painting lately. I'm so bad at it, but as a writer, am intimately familiar with the idea of slow but steady progress and allowing myself grace. This guy is definitely my best to date.

A miniature human character seen from the back, for use in a DND campaign. Brilliant red coat.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Spouse is "out" out and has informed me dinner was not involved...

Photo of a glass of water, box of peanuts, and some painkillers, with instructions to consume in appropriate quantities in the hopes of staving off a hangover. I do not anticipate success.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

I've been playing, writing, and watching so much DnD lately that's officially infected my brain. Case in point, the automatic addition of a word to my WIP this morning:

A block of text describing a handsome woman in her 60s, with the words "...that was her true charisma stat" at the end. Clearly, "stat" shouldn't be there, and is a product of D&D brain rot. What a doofus.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Oh boy. Now I collect them all together, there's... a lot.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

This morning's dog walk saw the poodle take on the mighty #StormChandra and almost get blown away! We are now both extremely soggy but victorious against the elements. Here he is camouflaged against his blanket.

A wet brown poodle on a brown blanket against grey couch cushions

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

Watching Sandokan on Netflix. Not taken with the plot, but it has its finer points...

Lead actors from the Netflix remake of Sandokan.

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