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The Scythian Trials by Elizabeth Isaacs
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: October 16th 2018
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction

Descendants of the Amazons, the Scythians work alongside prominent governments but answer to no one. Warriors living on the fringe of civilization, they live by one credo: Strength through Equality. Power through Knowledge.

Nya Thalestris is the brightest Scythian of her generation. Strong, capable, ruthless, she is sure to earn a spot in the Trials, a time-honored mating ritual responsible for the evolution of her species.

Abducted by their sworn enemy, the Drahzda, Nya is forever altered and spirals out of control. The Society sends in Jax Nickius. Infamous psychologist and one of the most brutal warriors of their kind, he discovers triggers planted in Nya’s mind. As Nya solidifies her spot in the Trials, Jax develops a plan to help her heal—while pursuing her as a mate. But, Nya’s attraction to Jax is at war with her instinct to never let anyone get too close.

During the Trials, Nya’s repressed memories surface, revealing a new enemy—one from inside the consulate walls—and a traitorous alliance on the horizon that could irrevocably change the course of history.

Since before the Bronze Age, the Society has managed to safeguard humanity from itself … until now.

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10 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer

10. Write your passion. Whether it’s romance, sci-fi, or contemporary, whatever you love to read is what you should write.

9. Never compare yourself to someone else. There’s only one you, and you’re it, so trying to compare your writing journey with another author’s is counterproductive and a huge waste of time and energy. Be the best you you can be.

8. Know your genre. There are certain attributes to every genre, and it’s critical that we know them. For example, beach reads are happily ever after stories that have no complicated subplots. Sci-fi is based in science. Fantasy is heavy on world-building as usually has mythological creatures or magic. I know it sounds simplistic, but it’s important to know the characteristics of the genre you want to write.

7. Grammar matters. Mechanics are the nuts and bolts of writing and serve as the foundation of telling a great story. Confused modifiers, weak adjectives, passive, fragmented, or run-on sentences pull the reader out of the story. As writers, it’s our responsibility to know our craft.

6. Self-care is important. Writing is a sedentary activity. Sitting in a chair for hours on end only moving your fingers can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. Take some time every day to exercise, and no bowl of snacks while sitting in front of the screen. Staying healthy is an important component of the creative process.

5. Read. Everyday. Not junk. The good stuff. If you can’t find something new, go back and reread stories you love, the ones that moved you in some way, and break them down. Analyze them. Find the magic between the words.

4. Write. Everyday. Even if it’s only a few hundred words. Even if you don’t feel like it. Even if you resent it. Write anyway.

3. Find your tribe and love them hard. Surround yourself with creative, intelligent, fierce, people who are brutally honest. These friends love you enough to tell you if your back fat is showing in that dress you want to buy, or if you have spinach in your teeth, or you need to tone it down and order a glass of water between the wine. Let them read your stuff before you send it somewhere and trust them. They’ll tell you if they see a plot hole or if your writing is weak.

2. Dedicate a few hours a week to improving your craft. Whether it is watching a video from a famous author or taking a class about plot and structure, make continuing your education a priority. The stronger the writer, the better the story.

1. There is an inescapable sense of vulnerability when we share creativity. Embrace it. Whether it be sharing music, writing, or a sculpture, the feeling is the same because it was created from a deeply personal, intimate place. There’s no getting around it. So be courageous and share your writing, for it is in these moments of intense vulnerability we truly live.

Author Bio

Elizabeth is an author, teacher, and publishing professional who began her career as a national presenter for Resource Profiles, where she developed teacher seminars designed to foster creative brain stimulation. Moving into formal education, she helped at-risk students improve their writing skills as well as created and implemented a creative writing/blogging program that centered on teaching the 21st-century learner. Works stemming from this initiative were published online and seen in over 40 countries.

Elizabeth receives invitations to speak nationwide at schools and book clubs. She co-founded the popular book site, Chirenjenzie, which reaches thousands of people throughout the world. The writer support and reader interest group promotes and interacts with followers on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and various other blog sites. Elizabeth has a Master's degree from Austin Peay State University, where she studied classical opera. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

"The Light of Asteria" received Honorable Mention at the New York Book Festival. Her newest work, "The Scythian Trials" will be released in 2017 by Vesuvian Media.