Writing – Page 11 – Amanda Tero Books

Of tea parties, music, walks and… a few words…

Published on March 27, 2018 by Amanda Tero2 Comments

Last week was a busy week. My mom stayed down in Louisiana to help my grandparents, so I was in essence surrogate mom for the week (on top of teaching piano/violin and other typical week responsibilities). It was a great week–just not one for writing.

Many things seem to be coming at me as a whirlwind, so one day, I just went to the park, walked for about an hour, and called a friend that I hadn’t talked to for a few months.

It was my first time at this park, and I think I’m going to definitely be revisiting!

To conclude the week, we had our homeschool tea party. This year was a vintage/retro picnic theme. I had the joy of being photographer for the event, and decided on a fun editing style–kind of bringing back the “old picture” thought.

And then, behind all of that, was writing. Writing last week was hit and miss–and more miss than hit. One thing I did write was a post for blogger Jessica–“A Day in My Life” (visit Jessica’s blog)–which was kind of a crazy abnormal day (which… is about every day). It is an interesting thought, though: what is a day in your life like? I’d love to hear!

I had hoped to add 1,000 words in my manuscript (“Protecting the Poor”). Instead, I got 849 (why didn’t I calculate that before-hand and write just one more? Anyone else do that?). And, no research for the week. In fact, I returned the library book that I was in the middle of reading, just because I don’t see much research time coming up soon. 😛

One last update, for those who don’t follow me on social media.

From Thursday:

I should be writing. I should be studying. I should be doing many of the things on my to-do list. But sometimes, when my day is busier, all I really need is a little time with the piano. Because so often, time with my piano means time reflecting on beautiful truths and reminders of my Lord and Savior. So maybe, I just really should be on the piano.

What do you do to refocus?

Leviathan Art, Protecting the Poor Progress…

Published on March 20, 2018 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Yes, it feels like it has been ages since I’ve been able to sit down to write, when in truth, it had only been about a week’s break. Last week, I was able to reach my 1,000 word goal in “Protecting the Poor!” I am still working on rewriting the beginning to strengthen the plot and characters’ goals before I finalize the ending. I didn’t get any research reading in, but this week looks a little less busy, so I may be able to do so this week.

Also, last week, my young artist friend gave me the first picture to go into “Quest for Leviathan!” Here’s a sneak-peek. It’s quite amazing!! 😀

Also with writing, I had writing day #2 of the year at our house. Do you ever have those days when you’re sitting down to write, and that was the last thing you feel like doing? Yeah, that was me on Thursday. I was able to get about 200 words in–during the three hours we had set aside. 😛 But, on the bright side, I replied to everyone’s comments here on the blog (if you commented in the last three months, go back and check 😉 ) and got the writing assignment up on Wordquill.

And THEN!!!!!!

For about two years, my cousin has been trying to get me down to Louisiana on a certain weekend to go with her to a library book sale (it’s a building specifically for this, and they open it every month). At long last, our weekends worked out, and I was able to go.

This place is dangerous, guys!

No, those are not all for me. I promise!! I did manage to keep about half of them and the others went to my sisters and some are for reselling.

Here is one of my favorite finds:

And yes, I did find room on my bookshelves for all of the new books I have. 😉 I just may need to do some arranging before I get any more books…

How was your week last week?
Is there any way that I can be praying for you?

Oh, and before I forget…
This week’s goals…
– Write 1,000 words
– Read 10 pages research

Do you have goals for this week?

Writing Day #2

Published on March 15, 2018 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

It’s Writing Day at my house again! I’m hoping to be able to get some writing in. But before that, I had to do a little prep work. I try to do a simple assignment for my writing friends who meet up with me, and meanwhile, I share those assignments on Wordquill.

Today’s assignment is Exploring Three POVs, which you can view here.

I say it in the post, but I’ll repeat here: if you actually do the exercise, I would really like to hear your results! Either comment here or on Wordquill or email me directly at

amandaterobooks(at)gmail(dom)com

Hopping in Briefly…

Published on March 13, 2018 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

So, I completely skipped last week. But the week prior, I got all of my goals (plus!) accomplished. Last week, life got crazy and I didn’t write at all. This week is still going crazy, but I’m hoping for at least 1,000 words written. I would say some research reading as well, but that all depends.

Just a teeny, tiny post, in case you were wondering if I disappeared. Yes, I kind of have. 😉

On the Upswing!

Published on February 27, 2018 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Last week’s writing went far better than I anticipated!! It was the final week of Author Olympics and that pushed me to do a lot more than I would have initially.

So, here are my goals and what really happened:

Write at least 3,000 words

WROTE 9,825!!!

Read 75 research pages

READ 111 pages
Finished both Knights and Armor and Handbook of Short Story Writing

This week, I’m not anticipating such a big writing/reading week. Not only is the sick season dwindling out so I can teach again (praise the Lord!!), but I also have some busy weekend plans.

I will, however, make some goals. Because, as I’ve indicated before, if you don’t reach for something then you will get nowhere. So, my goals for this week are…

Write 2,500 words
Read 30 pages (in other words, start another research/writing book)

From My Feed

This is needful on so many levels, both spiritual and physical.

For today, I’m thankful for a friend who challenged

me to go above my writing goals for today.

Why yes, I go downstairs for the evening prepared.

By the way, this crochet bag my mom made for me

is perfect—it fits not only my crochet,

but also other delightful things…

like books and kindles and notebooks…

This series holds a special place in my heart.

I first borrowed and read the “Love Comes Softly”

books from my Grandma Carpenter (the classic 2-in-1 copies).

Later, I inherited the first four books of this series

(pictured) from my Grandma Tero when she passed away.

So… this series connects me to both grandmothers.

I’m not usually sentimental, but here I just may be.

One of my goals this year is to re-read the

“Love Comes Softly” series. Tonight, I intend to start it!

Saturday reads/current review reads. It’s a lazy

Saturday after a very long week, for

which I’m grateful. I’m really looking forward

to chilling out today! What are your weekend reads?

And then from my Instagram Stories… regular updates on my writing and such:

So, there’s my glorious report from last week! Next week shan’t be quite so glorious, I imagine, but that’s okay. To each week there is a purpose. 😉

What do you hope to accomplish this week in writing?
Or… do you have some non-writing goals for the week?
Are you reading any good books? Any research books?

Short Story Success | Wordquill article

Published on February 24, 2018 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

I’m on Wordquill again! This time, with an article dedicated to the process of short story writing. Even though I’ve written several short stories, I still have a lot to learn in the area. Here, I’m just mentioning the starting basics. I hope they’re helpful to you!

~*~*~*~

Short stories, like all aspects of the written word, have taken their rise and fall in the course of time. Today, we not only have the timeless short stories of the past, but we also see writers daily adding to the plethora of short stories on the market. The short story is not a dying art, but it just may be suffering the abuse of many thoughtless writers.

Continue reading here…

Article at a Glimpse…

What is a short story?

Is Your Idea Short-Story Worthy?

What to Cut

And What Not to Cut

Start Your Story

Fill Your Story

End Your Story

Benefits of Writing Short Stories

Downfalls of Writing Short Stories

Write Your Short Story!

What have I been working on…???

Published on February 22, 2018 by Amanda Tero5 Comments

I told you I’d spill the beans soon. And here I am! In video and everything. So what is my current WIP? The video is less than five minutes long.

Author Olympics!!

Published on February 20, 2018 by Amanda Tero3 Comments

One of my FaceBook friends has started an Author Olympics to go during the winter Olympics.

I actually don’t watch the Olympics because we don’t have TV, but… Anita’s Author Olympics have been an excellent motivator for me to do more! We get to choose our own bronze, silver, and gold goals (whether writing or researching or editing or other writing-related thing…). This has been helpful for me, as each day I’ve been able to evaluate what I’d likely have time for, and then make goals accordingly.

So, last Tuesday, I really low-bid it on the goals (that’s what I get for making goals on a not-feeling-best day 😉 ). So, I’m pleased to say that I’ve been able to surpass those goals!

Last week, I…

– wrote 5, 517 words!

– read 74 pages in research/writing craft books

This week, I hope to…

– write 3,000 words (average 500 words a day)

… or more … 😉

– read 75 pages in research/writing craft books

{for the record, I think I’ve decided that I’ve read enough of The Bowyer’s Bible to get me where I need to go. I’ve only half-finished the book and I think my reading time will be more productive elsewhere, so… *gasp!* Horror of horrors, I’m going to NOT complete a book!!!}

From my Feed

This was from last week, but I didn’t feel like digging it out. 😉 I took a trip to the library with my sister and came home with…

Personal library trip rule:

Only get as many books as you can

actually read before they need to be returned.
…
I think I can do this in three weeks… if not,

I can call and renew for an extra three weeks.

That’s not cheating, is it???

{for the record, I had to renew the books yesterday, and… I’ve only made progress in two of the books; haven’t completed any of them! 😛 }

I’ve penned ten short stories (eight published), and this is the first time I’ve actually read something exclusively for the short-story writer. 😐 Actually, I wasn’t aware of these books until I saw them on my library’s shelves earlier. I’m eagerly excited to see what great tips these books hold. I just may be getting addicted to reading books on the writing craft. They’re really good, y’all! If you’re a writer, what are the best books “on writing” that you’ve read? And if you’re a writer and have NOT read books on writing… you really need to. A doctor doesn’t become a doctor by attempting surgery, but by learning first how to do it (and we’re all grateful). Sure, we can learn a lot BY writing, but we also need some experts to give us a little guidance here and there.
*okay, stepping down from my unintentional soap-box here!

For your random enjoyment:

Do you like chicken salad with

“all the fixings?”

Since I’ve kept y’all semi-updated about my energy levels, this was from last Monday:

Never underestimate the beauty of a completed to-do list. This one is especially beautiful for me, because it is the first real to-do list I’ve been able to complete all year! I am SO VERY THANKFUL to have energy after being weeks of low energy (due to vitamin D and iron deficiency). Praising Jesus!!!

Now for all of my daily updates. These you probably cannot see unless you are actually on Instagram, because I put these in my stories (if I get the settings right, you can only see stories if you’re following me??).

My current research-read. It’s cool and very useful!

Hang in there. If I have time this week, I just might release more information on this WIP that the Lord has been giving me so many words in! 🙂 I’ll tell you this much: last week, I hit the 20,000 word mark! My original goal was 25k, but… I just may have to tweak that a little. 😉

Your Goals

I’m going to start something this week and TRY to remember to keep it up! Link-ups!! I would obviously like to hear your goals here in a comment, BUT if you have a blog and want to start staying accountable on there, link up with your goals! (let’s hope I did this correctly 😉 ) document.write(”);

Hey, it’s me…

Published on February 13, 2018 by Amanda Tero2 Comments

I know… I skipped a week of writing updates. The sick bug has hit our house yet again and last Monday/Tuesday I was quite out of commission. Is anyone else having a hard time staying well this winter?

This week, I’m once again trying to get back into routine (how many times have I said that this year??). I had big plans of announcing my WIP… but I shall have to wait and see if I can get to that next week. 😉

First off… tomorrow!

Several of my eBooks will be on sale, so come back tomorrow for information on that.

Secondly… updates…

Since the last writing post, I have managed to…

– write 2,636 words

– read 40 pages of The Bowyer’s Bible

– read about half a book on the writing craft

– edit Leviathan and get it in the hands of my proof reader

This week, I’m really hesitant to put out goals. Not only am I hoping to teach (for the first time this month!), I also want to be available for whatever help the family needs, since I’ve kind of been out of commission and half of them are down sick now. BUT… we all know how it goes with no goals. So, I will attempt to…

Write 500 words
Read 10 pages in Bowyer’s Bible
Read 20 pages in Short Story Writing

Do you have goals for February?

Are you nearing the conclusion of any projects?

Did you get any great Valentine’s Day sales (whether books or chocolate 😉 )?

1/12 Writing Update

Published on January 30, 2018 by Amanda Tero2 Comments

Has the first month of 2018 passed already? (okay, almost passed… one day left) It went by in a haze for me! January did not go at all how I had hoped or planned, but it was still a good month in which the Lord taught me many lessons.

Goals from January

Before the whole month’s update, let’s see what was done last week.

Goal: Write 1,000 words

275 words

Goal: Edit Leviathan

made about halfway progress in editing

Goal: Read 20 pages in The Bowyer’s Bible

Read 21 pages (ha! 😉 )

Goal: Start another research book

Eh… not really

So yeah, this last week was not a very productive week in the writing realm. Life had other things in store (like teaching 2 1/2 days, attending a Piano Festival, an out-of-state day trip, and being wiped out for 2 days), so I’m really okay with not having accomplished as much. Considering the week I had, I am truly grateful for what I did accomplish!

I’m once again hesitant to put out goals for this coming week, but let’s try same goals as last week.

Edit Leviathan
Write 1,000 words
Read 20 pages in Bowyer’s Bible

We shall see what the Lord allows to happen. 🙂

Now, the fun part. What was I able to do in the month of January?

Finished rough drafts for two short stories

“Quest for Leviathan”
“Finding Christmas Joy”

Got “Quest for Leviathan” out to beta readers and received their feedback!

Wrote 7,355 words total

Which makes a bit over 200/words-a-day average!

Finished reading one book on the writing craft
Finished reading one research book
Kept regularly updated on social media

For the most part. 😉 This makes four consecutive Tuesdays in a row posting writing updates on the blog, so yay! And my FaceBook and Instagram have been more active…maybe not consistent, but better than last month, so that counts for something!

Honestly, considering that I operated at about 50% energy level the entire month (HUGE praise: this past Sunday, I was able to play piano with wonderful energy!!! I have really missed my piano! as well as pretty much every other aspect of life that takes energy to live 😉 ), I really am thankful for this progress–and appreciate so many people praying for me!

Now for the extra-fun part:

What did the Lord enable you to do this month? How many goals did you reach?

I know that it may seem a bit monotonous to have goals posted weekly, but it has really helped me to accomplish much more than I would have been inclined to do otherwise. So thanks for bearing with me in the goals!

From my Feed

I wasn’t as active on social media (for reasons given above), but here’s a glimpse!

From Monday: