Speculative fiction & poetry
I’m Rhea Rose. I write about the strange things that slip into ordinary lives, sometimes with a laugh, sometimes with a shiver.
Come in. See what’s waiting.
Find your next read A little about meThe Tarot Sorceress Paranormal Mystery Series by R. E. Rose
A little magic. A lot of mischief. A lick of mystery.
Choose a door
Start with a novel, try a shorter journey, or wander into a poem. There’s more than one way in.
Try another title or clear your filters.
Open a cover to explore the work. Buy available ebooks directly from my bookshop, or follow a magazine link to read the original publication.
At home among the books, with my Aurora Award.
Hello, I’m Rhea
I write speculative fiction and poetry, and I like to follow a character just far enough for the familiar world to turn strange. Humour and horror often find themselves in the same room. I’m happy to let them talk.
My work has appeared in Tesseracts, Pulp Literature, On Spec, and other literary and genre magazines. I earned my MFA in creative writing at UBC and attended Clarion West. I also teach writing, edit Polar Starlight, and publish through RainWood Press.
Away from the desk, you’ll often find me walking, travelling, or talking books with other writers and readers. Several of my poems have found another life in music through my work with composer Nick Kelly.
Read an author interviewBeyond my own pages
Writing is solitary. A writing life doesn’t have to be.
Canadian speculative poetry
Aurora Award-winning editing
I edit Polar Starlight, a quarterly magazine where Canadian poets explore what might be, what couldn’t be, and what feels true all the same.
Every issue is free to read. Bring your curiosity; the poems will do the rest.
Explore the magazineChoose Back Issues at Polar Borealis to find Polar Starlight.
Recognizing BC writers
We created this award to honour Eileen’s contribution to our writing community and celebrate speculative poetry and short fiction by writers living in British Columbia.
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in BC. Eligible work first published in Polar Starlight and Polar Borealis during 2027 enters automatically; eligible work first published elsewhere during 2027 may also be submitted. Reprints of work first published outside the eligible period do not qualify.
Per category: winner $300, runner-up $200, honourable mention $100. Winners also receive a commemorative pin and certificate.
Jurors: Marcie Lynn Tentchoff (poetry) and Colleen Anderson (short fiction).
Submission deadline: January 31, 2028.
If entries are too few, a category’s eligibility period may extend backward or forward. An award may be withheld. AI-generated creative work is ineligible.
Port Coquitlam Arts Council supports the award and accepts donations through CanadaHelps.
With thanks to our arts sponsorPort Coquitlam Arts Council
My independent press gives Canadian speculative fiction a home, alongside books that invite readers to play, imagine, and create.
Browse the collectionsLet’s talk books
Readings, workshops, book events, and conversations about writing.
October 23–25, 2026 · Attending
Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel
15269 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC
I’ll be attending SiWC for a weekend of writing workshops, conversations, and connecting with fellow writers.
Visit the SiWC websiteTuesday, October 27, 2026 · 7–9 p.m. PDT
Golden Ears Writers Lobby Night
The ACT Arts Centre · 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
Join Rhea Rose and Golden Ears Writers for a free evening of spooky story and poetry writing, with seasonal prompts to spark your imagination.
Read the Maple Ridge News articleSubmission opportunity · November 3–9, 2026
Novellas & novels · For the 2028 publishing season
Adult fantasy, science fiction, horror, and genre-blending fiction. Novellas: 30,000–45,000 words. Novels: 45,001–100,000 words. Open to agented and unrepresented writers; payment is an advance and royalties.
No YA or middle grade. Work written with AI at any stage is ineligible. Check the publisher’s guidelines for manuscript format and submission instructions.
Read the submission guidelines
November 9–12, 2026 · Attending
Loon Lake · North Maple Ridge, BC
I’ll be at Loon Lake for this year’s writing retreat.
Sunday, November 22, 2026 · 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Port Moody Public Library
An afternoon to discover books and connect with local authors. Author table applications and further details are forthcoming; space is limited.
Submission opportunity · Deadline January 31, 2027
Apex Book Company & the Ray Bradbury Center
Edited by Maurice Broaddus and Carrie S. Cooper
Open to original, unpublished science fiction, horror, and other speculative fiction exploring contemporary human questions. Up to 5,000 words; pays $0.10 per word on acceptance.
No AI-assisted or AI-generated work. See the full guidelines for eligibility, manuscript format, and submission instructions.
Read the submission guidelinesTo invite me to an event or ask about a workshop, get in touch.
Email Rhearhearose@telus.net
