The Problematic Pen

I’m excited to share that the Steppe Saga now has new covers! While I loved my original cover for Of Wind and Wolves, with the upcoming release of The Gifts of Heaven (now available for preorder!), I wanted covers that truly captured the trilogy’s spirit, coordinated well together, and evoked a classic historical fiction vibe. No pressure! My designer really came through, and I think these covers . . . cover all the bases. I couldn’t be happier with them. I hope you like them, too.

I’m absolutely delighted to share that Of Wind and Wolves has been honored with an IPPY Award in Historical Fiction! I never expected my odd debut novel to stand out enough to earn such recognition among thousands of entries, and I’m blown away by this news. It truly means a lot to have my work acknowledged by such a respected institution.

The Steppe Saga Journal Who gets the final word on the genre of our books? What follows is the first entry in what I hope will become a series of journal-style posts delving into the research and intentions behind some of my favorite elements of the Steppe Saga trilogy. These posts may cover a variety of topics, from research discoveries to character development, scene inspirations, themes, and beyond. While I have several subjects in mind, I don’t have a set plan.

I just want to let everyone know that my current Kindle Countdown Deal is on until May 5. You can get Of Wind and Wolves for $0.99 or FREE with Kindle Unlimited. If you’re a fan of ancient historical fiction, curious about steppe culture, or just want to read something a little different, please check it out! It has earned FIVE STARRED/RECOMMENDED REVIEWS so far. I’d love to hear what you think! Anaiti is a hamazan, trained in riding and archery yet untested in war.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash One of the best conversations I’ve ever overheard took place some years ago at my town’s coffee shop during these Friday open-mic nights that were hosted by a local musician. I am not a musician anymore, but my then-boyfriend used to insist, after a grueling week of workin’ for the man, on spending his Friday nights home alone, getting stoned and strumming his own guitar, a ritual I was not sad to be excluded from.

Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash We often conceptualize the heart as an abstraction—an indwelling seat of emotional intelligence rather than a muscular pump for the circulation of blood. To say of someone, “He has a good heart,” is not to compliment him on his cardiovascular health but on his character. It is not the only organ freighted with emotional baggage.

Glenshee "Wonderland" my ass I usually complain about summer. I don’t do well in the heat and I hate the bugs. So do the horses. So, when winter rolls around, it’s no fun, but I usually don’t mind it too much unless there is a lot of snow or ice. For the last few years, we’ve had pretty mild winters here in the Northeast—at least where I live. The weather here can get cold, but snow is usually minimal. So this winter has taken us a bit by surprise.

Warden Tree Press A new review from the US Review of Books I’m extremely gratified to receive a Recommended Review from the US Review of Books for Of Wind and Wolves. Among other things, the reviewer compared the historical novel favorably to George R.R. Martin's epic A Song of Ice and Fire, saying: Elliott has written a remarkable first book . . . full of memorable sentences and reflections on the human condition. Her characters are complicated, honorable, and flawed. . . .

A dark historical epic of love, war, and the cost of duty on the Scythian steppe—$.99 on Kindle through Feb 18. Get Deal Thanks for reading Warden Tree Press! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash Of Wind and Wolves has recently been honored with an editorial review from the Historical Novel Society. While every review is special and appreciated, this one struck a special chord because it described exactly how I feel about the book, which has always been so hard for me to summarize for others when they ask me about it because, more than anything, it’s about the individual experience of reading it: The author . . .