Tag: Writing

Two Civil War Books

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

I am quickly becoming a Civil War nerd. I mean, after all, I am writing a book that era, so why not buy books and find fun collection items? 😉  My reviews for both of these books are short, but that’s because there really was so much information to process from them. I took steady notes the whole time I read them both (plus got some great story ideas…). They were both worth the read to me.

The 18th Missouri

It took me a few months to read this, just because I’m a slow reader when it comes to processing information and taking notes. But I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the 18th Missouri regiment! It covered more of an overview of the regiment, but occasionally honed in to different soldiers or officers. Starting at the very beginning of the regiment’s formation, the book satisfactorily ended with an epilogue of sorts with a brief overview of various soldiers’ lives after the war(’til death).

Being a war book, there are definitely some gruesome tales as well as men taking God’s Name in vain. I didn’t notice many curse words (I was expecting more in a secular war book).

About the Book
Gives a history of the Union 18th Missouri Infantry from its formation in July 1861 to its muster-out in July 1865. The book uses first hand accounts such as letters and diaries.

Buy the Book on Amazon

Civil War Journal of a Union Soldier

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! If you want an inside-look at a soldier’s life during the Civil War, this is it. From the rations to weather to casualties, a very thorough review of daily life was covered.

This book is invaluable to me as an author and I will definitely reference back to it.

About the Book

Harmon Camburn signed up for duty as a Union soldier two weeks after the first shots were fired in the Civil War. He served for the next three years, fighting in both Battles of Bull Run and other skirmishes of the War Between the States. His tour of duty ended with a shot through his lung and capture by Confederate soldiers. Fortunately, he survived his wounds and wrote about his time in the Union army. His great granddaughter, P.C. Zick, presents this journal along with additional annotations about the war in general. The journal weaves a tragic and compelling tapestry of war from the view at its center. Mr. Camburn’s sardonic and realistic view of war is worth remembering.
From the day of his enlistment in the Army in April 1861 in Adrian, Michigan, to his final days in the service of the army near Knoxville, Tennessee, the journal provides insight into the minutiae of a soldier’s life, from what they ate to the somewhat unorthodox method of obtaining food. It shows the horror of the battlefield to the joys of simply having the sun shine after days of rain.
Here is a personal account of war and all its sundry causes and effects from the eyes of a man who fought it.
Buy the Book on Amazon

Create a Company with Me!

Published on by Amanda Tero5 Comments

I need help with something fun! I have decided that, for my Civil War story (aka, “Journey of Choice”), I will create my own company to be in the 18th Missouri regiment. This means I need 100 men (I probably won’t mention them all by name, but I need to know of them as an author, right?). And I have four. 😉 I feel very dry when it comes to thinking up SO many names, so I’m asking you: what are some Civil War-era names? First and last. Shoot away!!!


Giveaway Reminder, Guest Post

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

I don’t always post short “just links” type things on here, but I wanted to make sure that all of you had a chance to enter Jen Turano’s giveaway from last week. It ends tonight! Hop over to enter!

And then, since I was posting for that anyway, why not steer you over to a lovely blog, Noveltea, where Lydia did a guest post and book review for me, centered on “Me? Teach Piano?” So if you’re interested: http://aidylewoh.blogspot.mx/2016/08/pianos-teaching-and-guest.html

The Pantster’s Lifesaver

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
I recently posted this on Word Painters, and thought I’d share it with my readers here as well (though, if you’re a writer, I highly recommend you start following Word Painters!)


~*~*~
I write what’s considered a “pantster” writing style. You know, “fly by the seat of your pants.” Writing before you have it all outlined. Thinking up plotlines as you go. It’s great fun to do so, but there can very easily be major pitfalls in writing this style. One of the most common pitfalls is inconsistency. You’ve probably seen them in amateur writing before — the one comment that suddenly makes you stop with, “Wait! I thought this character had blue eyes three chapters ago…” And of course, as a writer, this is the type of mistake I’d like to avoid. However, if I’m creating characters, scenes, and situations as I go, it means that I most likely haven’t sat down to think them through carefully.
I have honestly tried to print out character sheets and outline my characters before I write them, but that just doesn’t work for me (you know, the ones where you have to decide their whole back story, eye color, favorites, and everything else). My characters tend to form as I write them — and sometimes, I don’t have the same “list of knowledge” for each character (e.g. I don’t know each of my character’s family trees). That being the case, I just create Word documents which save my pantster-loving life (er, my story).

As soon as I introduce a character in my story, I create a document for him. 

Yep, just a name. Then, as I write a little more, I might add something like this:

His character develops more — an interesting trait or something — and with every addition I put in my manuscript, I put in my character page. I also jot down anything I think is important for me to remember. Sometimes, I’ll add a quote from this character or special phraseology, if applicable.


Here, we must leave my Zeke Thomas example, because this is as far as I’ve currently developed him. As I continue to write Journey of Choice, and if Zeke continues to show up in the scenes, then his document will grow. And as I continue to write, I have something to go back to, to glance at, to keep me consistent.

One more example before I leave, because this method helps me for more than just characters. Here’s my castle plans for my WIP, “Befriending the Beast.” I have more rooms floating around in my mind, but Belle hasn’t yet entered these rooms, so I haven’t quite decided which floor they’re on, or what they looks like. When I do decide, you can be sure that it will find its place in this document.


I know there are magnitudes of methods for preserving your ideas as you write. This is just the method that works best for me, but I’d love to hear your side. 
How do you develop your characters, scenes, and plots? 
Do you use premade outlines and character sheets? Do you plan your characters before you write them out, or do they develop “on their own?” Do you keep a notebook by your laptop? Do you sketch house plans? What is your secret?

Book Trailer! ("Befriending the Beast")

Published on by Amanda Tero4 Comments
When I first saw someone’s book trailer, I was like, “Okay, whatever.” But, I have to admit, this one was super fun to make! I’m really excited to share just one more glimpse of Belle’s story with you!
And now, going beyond my exuberance with my upcoming release, I’d like to hear from you: what is your favorite fairy tale retelling?

Readers and Bloggers needed!

Published on by Amanda Tero7 Comments
I’m getting things pulled together for my newest novella’s release (“Befriending the Beast” — a Beauty and the Beast non-magical retelling with a twist). This means … beta-readers, reviewers, cover-reveals, and blog tours! 🙂 I’m just gathering info right now, but I have dates and deadlines on the form to give you an idea of when everything’s happening (Lord willing). Sign up if you’re interested!

"Befriending the Beast" on Pinterest

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
I have discovered how amazingly helpful Pinterest is for writers! Seriously, I am more of a visual learner, so when it comes to describing people, places, and things, being able to LOOK at pictures helps me tremendously!!

No, I’m not infatuated with my “Befriending the Beast” story (okay, maybe I am a little stoked about it…) anyway, I thought you Pinterest lovers would like to see a little of the “behind the scenes” work of the story. Where I get my inspiration from. Because I like lovely pictures! Hop on over and check out “Befriending the Beast’s” Pinterest board!

(and yes, this is cross-posted from my writing blog)

Beauty and the Beast with a twist | My WIP Reveal

Published on by Amanda Tero24 Comments

I’m super excited to reveal a little more about my current WIP–and even more excited to have everyone play a game with me!! “Befriending the Beast” was supposed to be a short story. First draft (very, very rough draft) was 19 Microsoft Word pages, 7,800 words. Yesterday in the edits, I added 1,000 words and am adding more plot depth. How many of you want to guess how long this “short story” will end up being? I have no clue what the right answer will be until it’s finished. But it’s fun to guess, isn’t it? And added to that, if your guess is close to the end result I’ll send you a paperback!!! Ready… Set… Guess!!


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.