Month: August 2016

Write a Story Challenge

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

For the first time, I’m trying something new: a story challenge on Instagram. It’s where you write 1-3 sentences a day with a word as the theme. Besides almost continually being behind … it’s been a fun thinkless challenge (okay, maybe not quite “thinkless” but close 😉 ). If you’re on IG, you can follow me @amandateroauthor. However, I know how it is to NOT be on IG and be “out of the loop,” so here’s my story up to today – day eight. I don’t have a title, but it’s life from the eyes of a toddler.

 

IMG_4372IMG_4374IMG_4381

IMG_4393

IMG_4439

IMG_4558

IMG_4560

IMG_4562

 

Scripture Designs

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

I recently got my first paid-app for my iPhone, and I’ll admit, I’m loving it!! One of the reasons I love it is because it gives me a chance to share God’s Word more. 🙂 If you’re on Instagram, I usually design one a day from the Scripture I’ve read. Follow me @amandateroauthor. For those of you who aren’t, I’ll be putting them up on here on the blog … just not consistently one a day. You’ll just get a great dose of Scripture once a week. 😉 Here are some for this week!

An Elegant Facade | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

27066722This was a very clever and intertwined book. I haven’t read the other books by this author yet, but was able to enjoy this as a stand-alone.

In some aspects, the writing seemed a little amateur (repeating similar phrases often within a paragraph), but the plot line was so rich that it was more of an afterthought about the writing.

At first, I thought Georgina was just a snob. However, realizing that she had a reason for acting the way she did — and a secret she desperately wanted to hide from society — made her endearing.

Colin was amazing. In hindsight, it’s easy to think of him as too perfect, but his relationship with his family definitely showed him as imperfect. I really, really liked how Colin’s acceptance helped Georgina to realize God’s acceptance.

That being said, the first 3/4 of this book didn’t impress me as a Christian book. But there was a pretty strong spiritual lesson towards the end. It was very neat to see how the author tied it all together. I loved one of the character’s hunger and thirst for the Scripture!

There were a few romantic scenes, a kiss, etc. I can’t say it was the main thrust of the book (or maybe it was because I was more intrigued by Georgina’s problem that I skimmed over the romance.” ;)), but it was obviously in there.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book … and think I found a new favorite author. Looking forward to reading more!

Favorite quote:
“I think, if this is going to mean anything, He’s going to have to be my God. If He wants me to … to change, then He’s going to have to speak to me Himself.”

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from Bethany House*

About the Book
Lady Georgina Hawthorne has worked tirelessly to seal her place as the Incomparable for her debut season. At her first London ball, she hopes to snag the attention of an earl.
With money and business connections, but without impeccable bloodlines, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. When he first encounters the fashionable Lady Georgina, he’s irritated by his attraction to a woman who concerns herself only with status and appearance.
What Colin doesn’t know is that Georgina’s desperate social aspirations are driven by the shameful secret she harbors. Association with Colin McCrae is not part of Georgina’s plan, but as their paths continue to cross, they both must decide if the realization of their dreams is worth the sacrifices they must make. 

To purchase the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Fa%C3%A7ade-Hawthorne-House-Book-ebook/dp/B01AO3OTTK?ie=UTF8&qid=1455829688&ref_=tmm_kin_swatch_0&sr=1-3#navbar

To learn about the author: http://www.kristiannhunter.com/

Hope Ann | Author Interview

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Today, I’m delighted to have Hope Ann here with an interview!

1) In a nutshell, what do you write​?​

Fantasy! Christian themed fantasy mainly, both novels and novellas. I love the genre. I also really enjoy futuristic fiction and work with that sometimes too (ok, so I’ve a trilogy set two hundred years into the future that I’m working on sporadically, but that doesn’t really fit into the ‘nutshell’ portion of this question. 😉).  

2) What spurred on the desire for writing​?​

I enjoy writing about 64% of the time, but my main drive to write is simply that I have all kinds of stories fluttering about in my head and I have to write them out and share them with the world. I want to provide inspirational and exciting fiction for Christian readers…the kinds of stuff I had a hard time finding when I was younger. My greatest hope is that I’ll inspire readers to live a stronger Christian life.

3) How do you balance writing with living — or is writing your full-time job?

At this point, I live at home and help around the house. And, after I get married, I plan to stay at home as well. So writing is my main job, though not really a full-time job. I also have a part-time job knitting hats.
As to writing itself, I deadline out for myself what I want to get done and when I want to have it done by. And then I write as I’m able, around housework and noisy siblings. I normally get two to three house of writing done in the morning and another hour or two done in the afternoon. I tend to write in short chunks, working on at least two stories at one time, along with articles or blog posts. But even when I’m not writing, I’m thinking about stories, titles, plot holes, idea…the thought process invades as much of my day as I let it.

4) Who do you hope to reach with your writing?

Follow Hope on her blog

My main audience is Christian teens and young adults. I want to give them good material to read, which will also teach them Biblical truths and inspire them. 


5) If someone asked you for your best writing tip, what would it be?

Don’t ever give up. Just keep writing. I know that’s one of the oldest pieces of writing advice, but it’s true. There’s times where I (and I think all writers) feel discouraged. Or we feel that our work is utterly awful and should never be seen. Or that it will never get done. Or that no one will like it. But keep working and writing though those down moments…or days, or weeks. Get the draft done. Then edit it. Then edit it some more. Don’t give up because, in the end, you will have a good story which can touch people’s lives.
A second tip, closely related, is that any story you write won’t be for everyone. There will always be someone who won’t care for it. It’s not their style or they can’t get engaged. Don’t be discouraged. It happens. Write for those people who love your work and don’t worry about those who don’t care for it.
​6) What are three things that you greatly enjoy doing?
Reading! Fantasy, of course, but also Greek and Roman history as well as anything about spies I can get my hands on.
Climbing trees. What can I say? I love climbing…especially in strong winds.
Archery! I’m not very good, but I own a recurve bow and enjoy shooting it.

7) What is your newest release about? What do you hope readers will learn from this story?

Song of the Sword is a retelling of Rapunzel, complete with high towers, dark mistbenders, a blackened rose, and a powerful sword. Intermingled with the story are strands of allegory. Each of my Legends of Light novellas focuses on a different aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit. For Song of the Sword, that focus is joy and I hope the story will inspire readers and help them realize that our joy does not come from events and situations surrounding us, but Christ alone.

Books and Links
Books: Rose of Prophecy 
Free on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Prophecy-Beauty-Novella-Legends-ebook/dp/B01BEGXNWU
Blog: https://authorhopeann.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hope-Ann-185066388495997/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.in.the.light/

About the Author

Hope Ann is a Christian wordsmith, avid reader, and dedicated authoress. With the help of her resident realm leapers, Kirin and Elena, she loves to research published legends, like Lord of the Rings, as well as recount her own tales of undiscovered lands. Her time is taken up with writing, reading, archery, knife throwing, playing with inspirational photos, helping care for the house and eight younger siblings, and generally enjoying the adventures of life on a small farm at the crossroads of America.

Giveaway Winners!

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Every time I draw for a giveaway winner, I wish everyone could have won. Today, however, is kind of a win-win. 😉 For those of you who didn’t win “Journey to Love” or “Letter of Love,” you can get them for free for Amazon Kindle today!! The promotion ends tonight though, so hurry (click on the links for the book titles above to get them on Amazon)!

Now…the winners…


For the US Giveaway: Melissa H!

For the International Giveaway: William!

I have emailed both of you with more details! Congratulations, and once again – thank you ALL for your support and love!

Spiritual Battles

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
“For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” Deuteronomy 20:4

Such is true in the spiritual world — “for we wrestle not against flesh and blood.” And in these battles, we must arm ourselves with God’s armor. Our flesh cannot fight spiritual battles; we must rely on the Lord.