Month: May 2018

Countdown to Release: 8 Days, How Many Words?

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
The author in me is always interested in other authors’ word-counts. Usually when I write a story, I just write until the idea’s out. However, for “Quest for Leviathan,” I wanted to write at least 4,000 words so that it would be well above the flash-fiction category, but I didn’t think I had a novella-suitable idea. Sure enough, it totaled at…

Which of course, I realize after-the-fact that if I had added JUST one more word, we’d have an even 4, 350. But I don’t notice these things until too late. 😉

How does “Quest for Leviathan” line up in my short-story word counts?
Letters from a Scatter-Brained Sister – 7,000+ words
Quest for Leviathan – 4,300+ words
Coffee Cake Days – 3,250+ words
Hartly Manor – 3,000+ words
Letter of Love – 2,900+ words
Maggie’s Hope Chest – 2,700+ words
Noelle’s Gift – 2,700+ words
Peace, Be Still – 2,600+ words

That makes it my second-longest short story.

Countdown to Release: 9 Days, Favorite Quote

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I’m fairly certain I’m not the only author guilty of coming up with a quote that HAS to go into the manuscript and then working the story around the quote. Such was the case for “Quest for Leviathan.” The quote, in essence, is not a new quote nor is it original to me. It comes from a thought I’ve heard portrayed in sermons and stood out to me as mind-blowing and very necessary for us as humans to understand. I was very happy to weave it into the wisdom of Joed, as he counseled Anath.

Countdown to Release: 10 Days, What is a Trireme?

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Anath’s vessel, Valor, is based off the Minoam’s Trireme. I was first introduced to this war-vessel years ago, when I watched the classic Ben-Hur (1959 Charlton Heston version that I adored as a pre-teen; little do you know how much you glean as a child!). But it wasn’t until I was researching ancient ships that I realized that this was the perfect type of vessel for Anath to use. It took a bit of research to figure out how to portray this ramming-ship. I cannot verify that triremes were actually in use during Anath’s era, so I did use a bit of historical license there.
My illustrator, Natalie, did a fantastic job capturing the beauty of this vessel! If you’d like an even more thorough introduction to this ship, visit: https://www.dkfindout.com/us/history/ancient-greece/trireme/?_escaped_fragment_=&_escaped_fragment_=#

Countdown to Release: 11 Days, Some Q&A

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In preparation for “Quest for Leviathan’s” blog tour, I have been having several bloggers send me interview questions. I thought that it would be fun to pick a few of their questions and answer them here. So here are three Q&A’s about “Quest for Leviathan.”
Q) Do you think you will do more stories like Quest for Leviathan?
A) I have longed to write a seafaring story for years now. It actually wasn’t until after I was into “Quest for Leviathan” that I realized I was finally doing something I had dreamed of doing! I imagine that it will not be my last sea-faring story. As for the era, I have several other ideas for Biblical-fiction type stories. So it won’t be the last for those either, Lord willing!
Q) Since this is Biblical fiction, were you nervous about taking too much historical license?
A) Oh yes! I love historical fiction, but what I love most about it is being accurate in my portrayal of the era. Since there are limited resources for researching this far back I had to use my imagination a lot, and that definitely made me nervous. As for the Biblical-fiction side, because I don’t actually portray any Bible characters, I wasn’t nervous about that (actually, that was the reason I didn’t portray Biblical characters; I would be too nervous there!).
Q) What was your favorite scene to write?
A) Ooh, I definitely had a favorite scene, and that was when Anath actually faces Leviathan! I loved exploring Job 41 and then portraying Leviathan on the pages of my fictional story. Not to mention a sea-battle between man and monster! The confrontation between the two was definitely my favorite!
Now, readers, do you have any Q&A? Next Monday I might try to answer more questions! 

Scripture Graphics #93

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And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
(Luke 9:23-24)
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
(Mark 10:29-30)
God’s ways are not our ways. Where we see loss, He sees an opportunity in which to bless us, He is not trying to steal good things from us. Rather, He is longing to bless us—and not just in heaven, but now, here on earth. Do we cling to that which is temporal and refuse to follow Him—thus robbing from ourselves the very blessings He wants to give us?


And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
(Mark 11:22)
Faith is a big thing today. We are often exhorted to “have faith.” Have faith, and it will all turn out. Have faith and hope for the best. But what is the object of our faith? Faith in anyone or anything but God is misplaced faith. It’s not just about how strong our faith is, but about how powerful our God is. So, do we have faith…IN God?


“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark‬ ‭12:30-31
We know these verses well, which sometimes lead us to quote or read them in a hurry. But have I stopped to truly ponder these words? “All” is all—every part, completely, wholly. Jesus describes more though: ALL our heart, soul, mind, strength. That should leave no part in me for self-love, self-exaltation, selfishness. Above that, our love is to go next in line to our neighbor (according to the Good Samaritan parable, “neighbor” means anyone who crosses our paths). This powerful, all-consuming love for God and others can be overwhelming—because I know my selfishness and shortcomings. But God has not given us the command without help: “but the fruit of the Spirit is love…” He is ready to help us love—but first, we need to realize how we lack love and how we need His help.



What attitude do we have when others violate God’s Word? Are we grieved because of the neglect of God’s Word, or does a fleshlier attitude take place?

What well-known verse has taken a new meaning for you lately?

Countdown to Release: 13 Days, How Did it All Begin?

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Every story begins with an idea. Sometimes, they’re big ideas, and sometimes they’re small. Sometimes, I get an idea that has great potential, but I have absolutely no clue where it’s going from there. That was what happened with “Quest for Leviathan.” 

It was June 2017 and I was reading through Job when the idea came. I jotted down a thought in my phone and saved it for later ponderings. The entirety of the idea? “A boy whose father was killed by Leviathan. He is angry at L, and he is angry at God—yet just like Job needed to realize the power of God, so does he.”
Little did I know that this idea was one that would take a full year to get from idea to publication (“Just a short story” should be easy, right? Not so with “Quest for Leviathan!” but looking back, God’s timing is impeccable and He knew that June 2018 was exactly when I needed to publish this story!)

Ever Faithful | Book Review

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I got this book in, and immediately my sisters and I had to “ooh and ahh” over the cover and inside pages. It is truly a beautiful book and a delight to just look at and flip through with a firm cover that will last throughout the years.
I obviously didn’t have time to read all 365 devotionals in order to review this book, but the portions that I read were amazingly deep for their simplicity and shortness. They are like little crumbs of manna to get us going each day. Whether it is a reminder to step away from our phones and spend quality time with God, relying on His strength, or just a list of encouraging verses, the devotionals are good little thought-provoking reminders to put our focus on Jesus Christ throughout the day.
I’m looking forward to using this in 2019 as an addition to my devotions.
*I received this book from Book Look Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*

Countdown to Release Day: 14 days, ordering print copies!

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The time is getting nearer and nearer… “Quest for Leviathan” is getting ready to be launched. 🙂 I’m super excited for this release and am looking forward to a fantastic blog tour (more on that another day).
I don’t know how faithful I’ll be with the countdown, but today marks just two weeks until release! Readers have already been reading and reviewing it on Goodreads and I am blown away by their kind words. God is so good!
Today I’m preparing to make my first paperback order! Would you like to reserve a signed copy? They are $8 plus $2.75 shipping (USA only). Send me an email at amandaterobooks@gmail.com and I’ll be happy to be sure to order enough to send one your way.

I’m still working on getting 99 reviewers. I am just three away! So if you’d like to read a free e-copy of “Quest for Leviathan,” hop over and sign up and I’ll send one your way! Or, if you’ve already read it and can think of a reader friend who also might enjoy it, then send them to the sign-up form.

Until later!

Proverbs Journible | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
My Review

The idea behind this journal is fascinating: copy the verses and, while you’re copying them, you’re reflecting on them to journal about it on the right hand side. I cannot say how many times I’ll skim through a verse, but when I slow down enough to copy it, so much more comes out of it and it is more meaningful and I come away with something far greater than just the first skim. So I really appreciate the format of this journal.
It has a hard cover that seems like it will last for years and includes a ribbon bookmark. The right pages are reserved for copying the Scriptures (I will mention that the writer will need to have smaller penmanship to fit on the lines presented) and the left pages for thoughts. There doesn’t seem to be a ton of room for in-depth thought for people who are used to individual Bible study, but it would be a fantastic journal for believers getting into really deciphering God’s Word.

*I received this book from Celebrate Lit and happily provided my honest review*


About these Books

Title: Journible: The 17:18 Series
Author: Robert Wynalda (a local businessman) and Dr. Joel R. Beeke (President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary)
Genre: Non-fiction, Bible study tool
Release Date: Series released in 2009
Why the 17:18 series?
In Deuteronomy 17, Moses is leaving final instructions concerning the future of Israel. As a prophet of God, Moses foretells of when Israel will place a king over the nation (v. 14). In verse 18, the king is commanded to not simply acquire a copy of the law (the entire book of Deuteronomy) from the scroll publishing house, but to hand write his own copy of the law. Thirty-four hundred years later, educators are discovering that students that physically write out their notes by hand have a much greater retention rate than simply hearing or visually reading the information. Apparently, God knew this to be true of the kings of Israel also. From such understanding came the conception of this series of books.

How to Use These Books
Each book is organized so that you can write out your very own copy of Scripture. You will be writing the Bible text only on the right hand page of the book. This should make for easier writing and also allows ample space on the left page to write your own notes and comments. From time to time a question or word will be lightly printed on the left page; these questions are to aid in further study, but should not interfere with your own notes and comments.
Purchase on Amazon


Scripture Graphics #92

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“And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.” Mark‬ ‭4:24
This verse comes after the parable of the Sower’s seed (vs. 3-20). Though it definitely applies to receiving the Word for salvation, receiving God’s Word also links to spiritual growth. If we do not accept and apply what God reveals to us, why would He give us more? The question then is not, “am I going to church and reading my Bible?” But, “Am I being obedient and applying what I hear?”


“And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” Mark‬ ‭4:38-40‬
The first words from the disciples’ lips were, “Carest Thou not?” It is easy to view trials and storms as an example that God does not care for our individual lives, when instead, He is allowing them to grow us in our faith. When faced with storms, we shouldn’t ask, “Do You even care what I’m going through?” But, “What do You want me to learn about You in this storm?”


The disciples’ hardened hearts prevented them from believing the power of God—even though they were eye-witnesses of Jesus’ miracles. Our hardened hearts can affect us too. We have 66 books of testimonies of God’s power, love, mercy, justice, judgment, and commands. Do our hearts believe, or are they hardened?


How often do we do daily, menial tasks with our heart focused on serving the Lord? How many tasks do we truly do “as unto the Lord?” Is our eternal perspective tainted by temporal, selfish desires, lusts, and pleasures?

What verse has kept you going today?