Jezebel’s Island: A Mystery Thriller by Gabriela Marie Milton coming soon at Literary Revelations – Excerpt 5

Jezebel’s Island: A Mystery Thriller by Gabriela Marie Milton coming soon at Literary Revelations – Excerpt 5

My dear subscribers and followers,

Here is another excerpt from my upcoming novel: Jezebel’s Island: A Mystery Thriller coming late June/early July at Literary Revelations.

Anastasia picked up her courses with indescribable slowness. Her head ached, and the light movements of the palm tress she had followed all afternoon through the windows of the amphitheater had made her nervous. Now the night birds, attracted by the light, crashed dazedly against the glass panes of the halls. They resembled airplanes over which pilots had lost all control, gliding over the mountains.

She found David in a bar near his apartment.

-Have you seen the newspapers?

Anastasia looked at him, smiling without quite knowing why.

-No.

-They eliminated the death penalty.

Anastasia wondered what she cared about all this. David took a seat in the chair across from her, tossing a stack of newspapers on the table.

-Listen to the Government Communiqué.

David leafed through one of the newspapers and began to read. It was a terse announcement, as if the government had reported the launching of a new ship into the water, something quite common on the Island. The death penalty was replaced by imprisonment, the duration of which depended on the seriousness of the act committed. David looked at her.

-What do you think?

-They will need new prisons. Let’s see where they will get the money to build them.

-Anastasia, please!

-I don’t know, David, believe me. I never thought of this.

Anastasia remembered Jezebel again dressed in that beautiful purple silk dress. She felt Armando’s glance. Did Armando say something? No, certainly not. Yet it seemed as though he had. Yes, he must have said something to her, to which Jezebel consented. Or perhaps not.

She began to read.

The Captain’s widow finally granted reporters a minute.

Ten minutes after the government announced the abolition of the death penalty, one of our reporters, who happened to be in the vicinity of the former governor’s house, managed to get some information from his widow. The conversation was recorded without the approval of the interlocutor. We assume full responsibility for the illegal recording of this conversation and its publication.

The reporter was there purely by chance? A doubt and frustration came over her, but she read on.

R. Madam, what was your reaction to the Captain’s announcement of the introduction of the death penalty?

J. I never meddled in their governance affairs.

R. Okay, but you must have had some reaction.

J. My husband acted as he saw fit.

R. Madam, please, the former Governor’s decision constituted an attack on our freedoms.

J. Do you consider that a proven criminal can be guaranteed his freedoms?

R. No, not that. But why should passing the mountains be considered a crime?

J. It was already considered as such upon my husband’s assumption of power.

R. Of course. But it was not punished so severely. The death penalty constituted the total severance of ties with the other side of the Island.

J. And the 20 years of incarceration now constitute the reestablishment of links with the other part of the Island?

R. No, but it is bearable.

J. Is there anything here that is truly bearable?

Thank you for reading!

Gabriela Marie Milton,
Author and Founder of Literary Revelations
Woman of the Month (May, 2026), at P.O.W.E.R Magazine
One of the 60th Women’s Entrepreneurs to Watch for in 2026, New York Weekly

My books (Only English)

#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)|
#1 Amazon bestseller, Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art – co-authored with Hikari (Literary Revelations)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan B

From My Desk to Times Square: A Note of Gratitude and Glamour

Sometimes, the journey of an author feels like a deep, introspective echo—it resonates in the countless hours spent honing a line of poetry or in the profound solitude of searching for that elusive word. Yet, it is with immense excitement that I share a truly surreal moment: thanks to the generous recognition by the Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized (P.O.W.E.R.), which has honored me as Women of the Month (with an interview to be featured soon in their magazine), my work is set to shine bright on a billboard in the vibrant heart of Times Square this September!

It is a glamorous, bright stage, a stark contrast to the quiet, introspective spaces where my books are born. I find myself feeling deeply humble.

I see this achievement as a remarkable milestone, yet I refuse to regard it as my final destination. Rather, I perceive it as a powerful moment of visibility for the profound themes I have passionately delved into in my books:

“Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings” (contains poems translated in Italian by Flavio Almerighi)

“Woman: Splendor and Sorrow”

“Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art” coauthored with Hikari

“Jezebel’s Island: A Mystery Thriller” upcoming in late June, early July.

These works were never intended to be fleeting. They were written with the hope that they might contribute something lasting to the cultural record, finding homes in your bookshelves. That these themes will now be reflected in the vibrant, kinetic light of Times Square feels like a beautiful, unexpected bridge between the quiet of the page and the noise of the world. Hikari’s paintings and tanka in “Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art” help so much my career and I am deeply grateful to her.

The Real Achievement

The true honor, however, transcends the New York Times billboards and the cherished “Woman of the Month” title—though my gratitude for these accolades runs deep; it resides in the unwavering love and support of the remarkable community that has passionately rallied around my work.

To my readers, to those who have bought my books, to my collaborators, and to the followers who engage with my writing every week: this is your celebration as much as it is mine. Without your curiosity, your time, and your belief in my voice, these milestones would have no soul. You have allowed me the privilege of moving from the isolation of the writing desk to a stage as public as Times Square, and for that, I am endlessly thankful.

As I prepare for the launch of Jezebel’s Island late June, I carry this gratitude with me.

Gabriela Marie Milton.
Author and Founder of Literary Revelations Publishing House.

Please follow me: IG @gabriela_marie_milton; X @shortprose1

My books (Only English)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

The UN Has Nothing on Poetry: A Note on “World Domination” – Literary Revelations

Dear Subscribers and followers.

As some of you may know I am Gabriela Marie Milton, an author, editor, and the founder of Literary Revelations.

I have a quick note about my publishing house: Literary Revelations.

The UN Has Nothing on Poetry: A Note on “World Domination” – Literary Revelations

If you had told me a few years ago that a boutique independent press like Literary Revelations dedicated to poetry and art would one day be flagged by global web servers for achieving “World Domination,” I would have laughed.

And yet, yesterday morning, a glance at the Literary Revelations administrative dashboard revealed that very milestone, unlocked and shining back at me.

In the playful language of WordPress developers, unlocking “World Domination” means something astonishing: Literary Revelations publishing house and its digital journal have officially registered active, consistent readership across more than 150 different countries. To put that into perspective, the United Nations has 193 member states. It turns out that the language of art, meaningful omission, and curated aesthetics is currently rippling across nearly the entire planet.

— 150+ Countries. 1 Shared Heart. —

In the modern publishing landscape, we are often told to chase the volume-driven model—to publish fast, lean into the loudest trends, and feed the commercial machine. But Literary Revelations was founded on a diametrically opposed philosophy. We chose to focus on vertical excellence. We chose archival quality. We chose to treat every anthology, every poem, and every editorial feature as a lasting monument to history.

When collections like Haiku for Soulmates break through algorithmic barriers to claim the #1 Bestseller spot simultaneously in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan, it feels like an extraordinary commercial victory. But seeing our readership span 150 nations tells a much deeper story. It tells us that whether a reader is sitting in a bustling café in Tokyo, a quiet village in the Mediterranean, a historic city in Europe, or right here in the United States, they are searching for the exact same thing: a sanctuary of genuine depth.

We aren’t actually looking to dominate the world, of course. We just want to fill it with beautiful words. We want to continue placing our authors’ works into permanent historical archives, ensuring that the creative pulse of this global community outlives us all. To our immense family of international authors, collaborators, and readers across 150+ countries: thank you for proving that the poetry can make the loudest impact.

Please check your blog. You may have received the same achievement.

Gabriela Marie Milton
Author, Editor, Founder

My mystery Thriller Jezebel’s Island is coming soon at Literary Revelations. Please stay tunned for more news and excerpts

IG @gabriela_marie_milton and on X @shortprose1

My books (Only English)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Haiku for Soulmates – #1 Amazon Bestseller in the US, Japan, and the UK

Haiku for Soulmates – #1 Amazon Bestseller in the US, Japan, and the UK: Publisher Literary Revelations

Thank you to all my subscribers, and contributors!

Congratulations to everyone!

Thank you to Hikari for painting this fabulous piece of art in honor of the launch of Haiku for Soulmates.

1 Bestseller

US – #1 Bestseller in all categories

Japan

Gabriela Marie Milton
Author and founder of Literary Revelations

IG @gabriela_marie_milton and on X @shortprose1

My books (Only English)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Haiku for Soulmates Reaches Amazon Top Release in the USA before its official launch

My dear followers and subscribers,

Haiku for Soulmates Reaches Amazon Top Release in the USA before its official launch! Publisher Literary Revelations.

“Haiku for Soulmates is here—a breathtaking collision of ancient tradition and the boundless, relented auroras of the modern spirit.

Today, the world becomes a little smaller and infinitely more beautiful. As an editor and publisher, my heart is overflowing; witnessing this vision transition from a dream into a living, breathing masterpiece is a moment of profound emotion. This is not just an anthology—it is a global sanctuary, a cinematic tapestry woven from the heartbeats of 200 extraordinary contributors.

From the sacred silence of its Japanese birthplace to the vibrant, shimmering horizons of voices spanning the globe, these pages hum with a rare, vertical excellence. We have captured the lightning of human connection and pressed it into ink.

To my brilliant contributors: you are the light that makes this aurora possible. To the world: I invite you to step into this gallery of the soul and lose yourself in the brilliance of the brief, the bold, and the transcendent.

LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Haiku-Soulmates-Literary-Revelations/dp/B0H17RMQJN/

Gabriela Marie Milton
Author and founder of Literary Revelations

My books (Only English)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Gabriela Marie Milton: Named Among the Top 30 Women Entrepreneurs of 2026 by New York Weekly

Featured

LINK;https://www.nyweeklymagazine.com/blog/top-30-women-entrepreneurs-to-look-out-for-in-2026-0

In a world that often measures success by the sheer volume of output, choosing a path defined by curation and artistic integrity can feel like a quiet rebellion. At Literary Revelations, we have always operated under a singular conviction: that quality is the only currency that truly appreciates over time.

It is with deep gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose that I share some news. I have been honored by New York Weekly as one of the Top 30 Women Entrepreneurs for 2026.

The Vision Behind the Venture

When I founded Literary Revelations, the goal was never to follow the standard commercial models of high-volume publishing. Instead, I envisioned a “digital salon”—a space where poetry, cinematic journalism, and high-art could intersect without the pressure of mass-market compromise.

Being recognized among such a formidable group of women entrepreneurs is a powerful reminder that there is a profound hunger for prestige and depth in the modern cultural landscape. Whether through our global anthologies or my own multimedia reportage, the mission remains the same: to bridge the gap between traditional excellence and the digital future.

The Strength of Community

Success in entrepreneurship is rarely a solitary endeavor. This recognition belongs equally to the authors, poets, and readers who have championed our high-art aesthetic. It belongs to the collaborators who understand that a well-crafted tanka or a meticulously edited journal entry carries more weight than a thousand “instapoems.”

As we move further into 2026, this honor serves as a springboard for what’s next. From our upcoming global anthologies to the expansion of our digital presence, we are doubling down on the belief that beauty and substance are not just luxuries—they are essentials.

Looking Ahead

Thank you, New York Weekly, for acknowledging the work we are doing to elevate the literary and cultural conversation. And thank you to my community for your unwavering support.

The journey of an entrepreneur is one of constant refinement. Today, we celebrate this milestone. Tomorrow, we return to the craft.

Gabriela Marie Milton
Author & Founder, Literary Revelations

Please follow me on IG @gabriela_marie_milton and ob X @shortprose1

My books (Only English)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton and an Update on Haiku for Soulmates

Poetic prose by Gabriela Marie Milton

I remember the call from Brussels like a wound that never quite closed. Your voice trembled.

“Jacques ignored us the entire evening,” you said.

“The only thing he talked about was you. He seemed… obsessed. With everything about you.”

The line went dead.

I stood there, breath caught somewhere between my chest and my throat, and then I walked—no, I fled—to the closet.

My fingers found the white dress before my eyes did. I pulled it out like it had been waiting for me, like it knew. The fabric slipped through my hands, soft and familiar, still carrying that scent—Hypnotic Poison. His perfume. His gift. His presence.

Something inside me snapped.

I grabbed the scissors.

The first cut was hesitant.

The sound—sharp, final—echoed louder than it should have. Then came another. And another. Faster now. The blades tore through silk and memory alike, each slice a refusal, a protest, a scream I couldn’t voice.

Gabriela Marie Milton

Updates on Haiku for Soulmates

To those of you who submitted to Haiku for Soulmates:

Please be patient. Due to the overwhelming response we have received, we are diligently navigating through the selection process. Rest assured, we will notify everyone via email regarding your acceptance status. To ensure you don’t miss a moment of this exhilarating journey, please follow Literary Revelations for timely updates!

Thank you

Gabriela Marie Milton
Author, Editor in Chief, Founder.

Please follow me on IG @gabriela_marie_milton and ob X @shortprose1

My books (Only English)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

A poem by Gabriela Marie Milton, and a beautiful acknowledgment of my blog

A Poem by Gabriela Marie Milton

In the summer’s lethargic haze, waves cry on my skin,
burying our slow afternoons where roses bloom between humid lips.

Tides pull us under their sensual drift,
reviving your thorned kisses in liquid memory.

A Beautiful Acknowledgment of my Blog

Best Poetry blog to read in 2026

Blog To Read

•March 2, 2026•3 min read

The top poetry blogs to read, follow, and share in 2026 are listed here. — *Best Poetry blog to read in 2026*

The blog that you find worth reading poetry in 2026. We have come up with the best poetry individual category blog to read and share across the web in 2026

Best Poetry blog to read in 2026

1. I Don’t Have My glasses on

I don’t have my glasses on: Beth, a cupcake maker, an enthusiastic dater, a lover of the arts, and a teacher, is the main voice behind this beautiful blog where she talks about everything but poetry.

2. Short Prose

Short Prose: Gabriela Marie Milton, a 3-time Amazon bestselling poet, award-winning poet, and internationally published author. Her poems are brief but profound.

Thank you to Lukesh for selecting my blog, and congratulations to Beth!

Best Poetry blog to read in 2026

Gabriela Marie Milton
Author, founder, editor in chief of Literary Revelations

Please follow me on IG @gabriela_marie_milton and on X @sholrtprose1

Please follow and subscribe to Literary Revelations, IG, and X @lr_publisher.

My books (Only English)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

In the Beginning – Poetic Prose – Poem by Gabriela Marie Milton

I am therefore I write

Gabriela Marie Milton

In the Beginning – Poetic Prose – Poem by Gabriela Marie Milton

In the beginning, the sky was dark, swollen with braided longings. The earth lay beneath it, clothed in smiling flowers and the slow breath of gods. Petals parted like whispered confessions, damp with promises. Desire had no name.

On that day, I bent and chose one bloom. My fingers lingered,. At the first trembling touch love burst from the ground.

The earth arched upward, aching, rising to meet the weight of the sky. Roots tightened, winds sighed, and the night thickened with roses and heavy steps. Your name became the name of desire spoken by birds.

The second day of creation started.

Gods of my many worlds, I beg your forgiveness.

Featured Art: Shutterstock

A thought and some reminder

I was asked in an interview how I write “lush poetry” and “haiku”, such different poetic genres. The answer is I do not know. I just can. I leave the beauty of both genres raining over me. I became one with my writings.

Please do not forget our fabulous Artist in Residence, Hikari, and me published Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese Art.

Delight yourself in its pages.

Call for Submission from Literary Revelations

Literary Revelations is thrilled to announce an open call for submissions for our upcoming anthology, Haiku for Soulmates. Whether you have a soulmate and wish to celebrate your connection, or you dream of finding one, we invite you to share your poetic voice. If you have a soulmate, please compose five haiku for him or her. If you do not, let your imagination shape five haiku that describe the soulmate you hope to meet.

To participate, please submit your five haiku to literaryrevelations@pm.me and clearly label your email subject as Haiku for Soulmates. Please note that unlabeled submissions may be misplaced and not read. The submission deadline is February 25. Your five haiku will be accepted or rejected as a block.

Gabriela Marie Milton

My books (Only English)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Why Poetry Sales Struggle in Today’s Market & Reminders

Why Poetry Sales Struggle in Today’s Market

My dear followers and subscribers,

This was first posted in Literary Revelations. For those of you who do not follow Literary Revelations, I hope this read is interesting.

The Economy of Emotion: Why Poetry Struggles at the Checkout Counter

In the literary world of 2026, a strange paradox exists. If you scroll through Instagram, you will find that poetry is more “viral” than ever. Short, punchy verses from “Instapoets” are screenshotted, shared, and tattooed at record rates. Yet, when we look at the hard data from 2025, a familiar trend remains: poetry unit sales continue to lag significantly behind other genres like Romance, Thriller, and Non-fiction.

While the Romance genre alone generated over $1.4 billion in sales last year, poetry remains a niche category, often struggling to break the million-copy mark across the entire industry. Here is why the “most shared” genre is often the “least purchased.”

1. The “Single Verse” Consumption Model

The primary challenge for poetry in the digital age is that it is inherently snackable. In 2025, 62% of poetry readers consumed work primarily via mobile devices.

• The Problem: Readers feel they have “experienced” the work by reading a single poem on a feed.

• The Contrast: A Mystery or Thriller novel requires a 300-page commitment to reach the “payoff.” You cannot “consume” a thriller via a single screenshot; you must buy the book to get the resolution.

2. Lack of “Binge-Ability”

Other genres thrive on the “just one more chapter” effect. Romance and Fantasy—the two highest-selling genres of 2025—rely on narrative momentum. * The Hook: Fiction creates a dopamine loop through plot and character development.

• The Barrier: Poetry is an emotional or intellectual “stop and think” medium. It is difficult to “binge-read” a collection of 80 poems in one sitting without suffering from emotional fatigue. Consequently, readers buy fewer books because they spend more time digesting the ones they already have.

3. The Utility Gap

Non-fiction (Self-Help, Memoirs, and Finance) remains the industry’s largest segment because it promises a tangible ROI (Return on Investment). * The Value: Readers view a $25 non-fiction book as an investment in a skill or a solution to a problem.

• The Perception: Poetry is often viewed as a luxury or a purely aesthetic experience. In an era of economic caution, “utility” often beats “artistry” at the cash register.

4. The Academic Shadow

Despite the rise of modern, accessible poets, the genre still carries the weight of “high art.” Many consumers still associate poetry with the difficult, coded language they were forced to analyze in school. While “Romantasy” (the 2025 breakout genre) promises pure escapism, poetry is often perceived as “work,” which can deter casual readers looking for relaxation.

On a different note,

Statistically, the vast majority of poets sell very few copies on Amazon. While the platform offers massive potential reach, most self-published poetry titles struggle to gain visibility without an external audience.

The Harsh Reality of Poetry Sales

Average Lifetime Sales: Approximately 90% of self-published books (across all genres) sell fewer than 100 copies in their entire lifetime.
Genre Challenges: Poetry is statistically one of the lowest-selling genres; it is estimated that of the roughly 10,000 new poetry books released annually, the top 10 titles account for 25% of all sales.
Typical New Author Performance: Industry data suggests that many new poets may only sell between 25 and 30 copies total. Without active marketing, a first-time self-published book might sell as few as 0 to 5 copies in its first year.

Why Sales Are Low for Most Poets

Lack of Organic Discovery: Amazon does not heavily promote poetry in its main browsing menus, meaning readers rarely “stumble upon” new poets unless they are specifically searching for them.
Saturation: In 2025, over 1.7 million books are self-published on Amazon KDP annually—roughly 4,700 new titles per day—making it extremely easy for a single collection to be buried.
Marketing Gap: Success on Amazon typically requires an existing following. “Instapoets” or those with large TikTok or Instagram audiences drive the majority of high-volume sales.

When is it Still “Worth It”?

Despite low average sales, Amazon remains a “worth it” tool if you adjust your expectations:

Zero Financial Risk: Unlike traditional printing, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is free to use, meaning selling even 10 copies results in a small profit rather than a loss.
The “Business Card” Effect: Having a professional book on Amazon can serve as a credential for speaking engagements, open mics, or local workshops.
Global Distribution: It is the only platform that allows a niche poet to be accessible to a global audience instantly, even if that audience is small.

The Blogging world – as a venue for sales

The philosophy behind buying poetry in the blogging world is reciprocity. By buying each other’s poetry and exchanging reviews, bloggers foster a sense of camaraderie and encouragement. This dynamic helps build trust, expand audiences, and create a network where creative work is appreciated and amplified through shared engagement. In the blogging world, it’s about cultivating a collaborative environment where everyone benefits from the collective growth and exposure. Nevertheless, that may give a poet 20-30 sales. Not more than that. But it gives everyone online friends and a nurturing community. Yet, what about quality?

Reminders:

Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton is now available in eBook format. It’s a wonderful album of poetry and art that showcases different perspectives on the same painting.

A local Japanese restaurant got Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art and Naoki Kimura’s Fine-Art Photography: Lullscapes in Light and Shadow, and now its walls are adorned with splendid art from within, framed and shiny. I thought I would share that with you.

YOU CAN GET THE BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Haiku-Tanka-Harmony-Power-Japanese-ebook/dp/B0GDRZMGYS/

Here is a short promotional video optimized for IG, so the video may appear blurred. My apologies for that.

Literary Revelations – Haiku for Soulmates -Call for submissions

Gabriela Marie Milton