Welcome to the Halls of Olympus!
The Muses are proud to announce the Olympus Spotlights,
A place where our young warriors are showcased.
Join us in the thunderous applause of Zeus as you learn more about this week's champions!

This mighty champion hails from the House of Ourania, the Muse of the Stars and Creatures of the Night.

Ruthless alphas, double-crossing allies, and one young princess thrust into their darkly seductive world.
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Princess Lyandra, the Grand Alpha's daughter, is facing the most challenging task of her life: finding peace between the werewolves and the humans.

When a band of werewolves called the Crusaders threaten to expose their species, she needs to reclaim her right to be an Alpha while convincing the humans her people aren't the animalistic brutes of legend. Although she's been living among the humans for years, she isn't sure she's got what it takes.

Thrust into a world of political intrigue, Lyandra is forced to accept the help of her mysterious mate Raven, a man she isn't sure she can trust.

A story of love, duty, and death in a world on the brink of revolution.

Interview with Champion midnightcupofnoodles:

1. What inspired you to start writing?
As long as I remember, I have loved stories. I must have spent hundreds of sleepless hours immersed in books, lapping up each word, when I ought to have been studying. //awkward laugh
My inspiration to write comes from my love for reading.

2. Do you complete research for your books? If so, what's your method?
Quite a few. Since I currently write urban fantasy books, I spend time listening to podcasts about everything from evolution to astrology. As my profession related to user research, I tend to keep asking myself this single word until I'm completely satisfied with any scene or character - Why.

3. If you had to pick one animal or thing that would represent your writing, what would it be?
A puzzle. I enjoy scattering bits and pieces of information throughout the novel and letting the readers piece together the story. Ultimately, it's not just the ending, but the whole process of how you make it there.
I also love creating characters that are complex and getting the readers confused about whether they love or hate someone, and maybe, even both.

4. What do you consider your writer's kryptonite?
Writing too fast. As a hardcore pantser, if I end up creating a detailed outline, I tend to lose interest in the story.

5. Any plans for books or a series?
Oh yes, absolutely. I'm writing a series called the New World Chronicles, which follows the main character across three books. Once finished, I'm planning on writing standalone novels for a few other characters set in the same world.

6. What is your ultimate goal for your book? tv show? movie? best seller? hobby?
A TV show. Netflix and chill, y'all!
There are so many plot twists, it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

7. Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special?
Oh yes. I'm partial to quite a few characters, but my favorite by far is a mute woman. What makes her so special is her resilience and kindness, even though life hasn't been fair to her. Compassion and empathy is something we can all have a bit more for, especially in these testing times.

8. Any last notes about your book for the readers?
Both as an author and a reader, I'm a sucker for happy endings, but not before throwing every possible hurdle in the way of these characters. If you enjoy unpredictable plots, character-driven arcs, and slow-burn romances, give my books a chance. I'm always open to hearing your thoughts, and becoming a better writer.

This fearless gladiator hails from the House of Clio, the Muse of History.

Can she ever escape from the shadow?
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Avigayil bat Abiyah.
Daughter of Abiyah.
Abiyah, who seemingly is the most upright man in all of Judea. A man who is set on helping his people gain true freedom, from the Romans, and any other power wanting to do them harm.
That is, until he is murdered, assassinated by the people closest to him.
Eleven years later, his daughter, Avigayil, follows in her father's footsteps, but in her own way.
On the run, she joins a group of bandits called the 'Orev', or Ravens. Avi is as headstrong as her father, and in her mind, she only has two goals: the protection of the family she has left, and the revenge of her father's wrongful death.
But the time she lives in is one of the most complex and unpredictable times in human history, one of bloodshed, betrayals, war, and rebellion.
Avi is set on avenging her father's untimely death at the hands of the people he trusted, and this vengeance consumes her life. But with war soon approaching and her family caught in the cross-hairs, can she truly fulfill her goal and save herself and those she loves? In 64 AD, the Roman Emperor is mad, the Governor of Judea is corrupt, and in every corner, Jews like Avi find enemies lurking.
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In the Raven's Shadow follows Avi through this unpredictable time: through the Jewish Rebellion and Judeo-Roman wars, through Nero's reign, through the blood year of Four Emperors, and through the Christian persecutions, all the war to the last of the Flavians.
Through all this, Avi must fight the powers without, and the growing shadow of hatred within.
Will she make it out of such a time unscathed?
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Highest Recorded Ranking - #1 in Judaism
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TRIGGER WARNING: Strong mentions of violence (graphic), allusions to sexual abuse

Interview with Gladiator Jinx4Life:

1.What inspired you to start writing?
My cousin and I wrote our first story when we were six years old. The name of it was "Amelia and Victoria", and since that moment, writing stuck to me. We used to read so many books as kids and watch movies together, then act out our own versions of stories while playing dress up. After a while the idea came to put all of those ideas in our minds on paper, so that's what we did, and I've been in love with writing ever since.

2. Do you complete research for your books? If so, what's your method?
I do a lot of research on all of my books. The current one, for instance "In the Raven's Shadow", took about ten years to come to fruition. I've been researching Ancient Rome, Judea, etc since I was in elementary school, and multiple drafts and different stories came out of that research until the final one came out. My method is watching documentaries, seeing different biases and viewpoints in historical articles or documentaries, learning a bit of the culture, asking friends who happen to have that culture questions. I tend to immerse myself completely in whatever country, era, or time period before I sit down to write anything, and I get as many viewpoints as possible to get the bigger picture.

3.If you had to pick one animal or thing that would represent your writing, what would it be?
Wolf. I love wolves, and I really think they represent both me and my approach to writing. I've loved wolves since I was an infant, and I think the misconception people have is that 'lone wolf' persona. Wolves value family, value their pack and loyalty, and that is a big theme in all of my stories. Especially my current main character, the aspect of providing for the pack, providing for the family, is central.

4.What do you consider your writer's kryptonite?
Too many ideas. My mind is constantly crowded with different ideas and scenes that may not even be related to the story i'm writing now, so I get sidetracked from a goal very easily simply because a new idea for another story pops up. I have folders on top of folders of just ideas, that, even if I don't build up on them, they're always there just in case.

5. Any plans for books or a series?
The current book, "In the Raven's Shadow", I'm currently planning and debating whether or not to turn it into a series. There's quite a lot I want to get done with this project specifically, and I've gotten a lot of good feedback on it from family, university professors, etc. This story has quite a journey, and I'm hoping to go through the entirety of it, probably in a series.

6. What is your ultimate goal for your book? TV show? Movie? Bestseller? Hobby?
I would LOVE for it to be shown on TV! One of the main things when I write this is to have language that almost makes a movie in the reader's mind. To have that turn into an actual movie or tv series would be mind blowing, and I'd absolutely love that!

7.Do you have a favorite character you have written? If so, who? And what makes them special?
My favorite character is Avi, the MC of In the Raven's Shadow. I always write my main female characters to be smart, intelligent, and brave, to break away from a certain construct of what female protagonists are supposed to be like, but I feel as though Avi takes it to another level. She's bold, but she's human. She makes mistakes, grave ones, and I think that this is the first character where I go in depth about the mistakes and weaknesses she has, even if she tries to portray herself to others differently. I see myself in her a lot more than the others, and I'm really excited to see and show how she grows throughout the story.

8. Any last notes about your book for the readers?
"In the Raven's Shadow" isn't a light book. It has a lot of heavy themes in it, which can be expected in a wartime story. But I wanted to make this book as raw and realistic as possible, while still giving an aspect of hope throughout it. It's rough, but it's not hopeless, and that's the message I want my readers to get from this.

This warrior hails from the House of Calliope the Muse of Fantasy and Dragons.

[A Complete novel/Editing IP]

Deep in the shadows of Mount Dragontail west in the Kingdom of Aduzura lies a great power. Its greatness brought greed from all over Aduzura and its surroundings. Those who came were about to set everything in their way on fire just to seize what's in that mountain. Edgar is a married man who will be involved from nowhere in a ruthless war against a race that is unforgiving and is about to be even more dangerous. that will require him to be another thing that can face their evil.

Interview with Warrior HOSAM_MZ:

1.What inspired you to start writing?
It started as bits during school holiday when I was bored. Little by little I grew to like what I've been writing and decided to give it a good portion of my time. From short stories to novellas and here I am.

2. Do you complete research for your books? If so, what's your method?
When I started, I wasn't taking this seriously although it's important. I usually dug a little with some simple google searches. But now I prefer reading novels or essays that cover the topic I'm looking after. For example, I want to know more about vampires' folklore so I'm reading GRRM's vampire story Fevre Dream and I intend to read Bram Stokers' Dracula soon.

3. If you had to pick one animal or thing that would represent your writing, what would it be?
Maybe a cunning fox who is waiting among some green lovely bushes for his victim to come and get bloody torn up LOL.

4.What do you consider your writer's kryptonite?
Writer's block as most writers of course. I usually surrendered to it in the past until it resolved itself. Now, I prefer to keep notes on what I would do with the story, like some headlines. This way I try to prevent my mind from blocking. It's something that I advise all writers to do if they can.

5. Any plans for books or a series?
I nearly don't have anything but plans (lol.) I always try to write as many and various novels as I can simultaneously so I don't get bored.
So, there's a fantasy novel that I'm working on called Ludivaya (some elves, dragons, dark magic and stuff.) I'm also writing a zombie apocalypse novel called Viscera. There's for sure the second volume of my published novel The Destined. Also I plan to publish an anthology of horror on wattpad soon.

6. What is your ultimate goal for your book? tv show? movie? best seller? Hobby?
Writing for me is mostly a hobby, I do it because I enjoy it. Of course I'd love for my books to be best sellers someday though.

7. Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special?
Well... I'd say the banished Elven Minister Daryngor The Serpent form my novel Ludivaya. I don't want to spoil it but what I can say is this, he's a determined and a proud elf who doesn't know fear. Devoted to his lady wife Tanila who has rumors surrounding her that Daryngor doesn't wish to listen. After the elven rule fell at the hands of King Sebastian, he escaped with her to the mountains of the mythical west where he didn't stop his trial of triumphing over again to take what is his by right.
Him being a sorcerer, is a hard one to beat in a fight. His battle scenes are feeling great for me to write. As well as all his other scenes.

Want to know more about the amazing Houses and members featured in this Issue?
Check out our recruiting book on our profile.

What is the Olympus Writing Group?
"It's a Writing Community with a unique twist on it. We create a positive environment in our Community and allow our members to be mentored by their Muses (House Leaders) in nine houses inspired by the Nine Muses of Greek Mythology. Writing is a journey and we recognize that. But just because you're taking a journey, doesn't mean you have to take it alone or that you can't ask for help. That's why we're here. Take your writing journey with us. Experience the mentorship of our experienced Muses (House Leaders). Be a part of a positive environment. Meet people who will support you on your journey. And above all, know that you do not walk this path alone."

The Houses are:
Clio (Historical Fiction)
Euterpe (Non-Fiction, (General Fiction: New Adult, Young Adult, Adult))
Thalia (Humour, Short Story, Poetry)
Melpomene (Thriller, Mystery/Suspense, Horror)
Terpsichore (Sci-fi)
Erato (Romance, Drama, Chicklit)
Polymnia (Fan Fiction, Teen Fiction)
Ourania (Paranormal, Vampire, Werewolf, Urban Fantasy, Magical Realism)
Calliope (High Fantasy, all other forms of fantasy aside from Magical Realism and Urban Fantasy, Adventure, Action)