Tag: Writing

The Discontented Writer

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
“I wish one of my friends were engaged – I know! I can write a story . . .” The thought ran through my mind casually and then I stopped, almost in horror. What did I just think?
Don’t get me wrong – I don’t believe that it is a sin to write about people going through an engagement or marriage. But my desire to write this story was summed up in one word: discontentment. In this instance, I was discontent that God did not have any of my close friends in a relationship. My solution? If God didn’t give it to me in real life, then I would create a fictional life and create what I wanted.
Of course, written in black and white, this sounds downright unbiblical (now you see why I was horrified?). But I know that as writers (and girls on top of that), it is easy to subconsciously slip into being a “discontented writer” where our goal in writing is no longer to please the Lord but to please our desires and daydreams. It is for this reason, that we must continually check our hearts and minds and pray through the ideas that we are pondering. Some questions we can ask ourselves are:
~Am I sure that I’m following God with this idea? or am I just following my daydreams?
~Does this idea have a message? or does it fulfill the desire of my flesh?
~What is my purpose for writing this story?
If we slowly ponder those questions and answer them seriously, I really believe that we will save ourselves many moments of regret in our writing.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

Unwanted Houseguests

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

When I was fourteen, I wrote about a family experience we had to a friend on the missionfield. Here is the unedited excerpt from my letter (including the original exclamation points).
Dear E—,
     Something absolutely dreadful has happened over here. I mean really, REALLY dreadful.
     It all started last Sunday evening. It was around 7:00. First, only a few of the members of the family came.
     They made us eat supper with them. And Rebecca and I had to get up at least six times just for them!
     Next, the family insisted upon sleeping in one of the coolest places (Since it is summer). No where’s else! Mom said to go ahead and put them where they wanted. Rebecca did so and all was peaceful until the next day, Monday.
     They got me up early then madeus eat with them again! Several of us were already getting tired of them. Me especially. I had to slave for them from breakfast until lunch (I still have burns from Monday). By then, there were over one hundred members of the family present (It’s ALL the totaltruth!). And guess what! You got it! Lunch was eaten with them AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mom was even tired of them!
     They let us eat our own supper, but stayed in the kitchen the whole time.
     That night, they stayed in the kitchen. Who knows what all they did?
     Tuesday morning they made us eat with them AGAIN!!!!!!!!!! I was so tired of them I didn’t eat much.
     They’re still in our house, though we chased out most of them. I CAN NOT wait until they are gone COMPLETELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     By now, I guess I should tell you their name. It is Donut. Yes, I spelled it correctly. Donut.
     Rebecca innocently asked Mom for permission to make donuts—a rare treat. She quadrupled the recipe and didn’t see that one recipe ALONE made four dozen donuts!
     And, well, you know the rest of the story. And I promise you; none of us want that kind of donut for a L-L-O-O-N-N-G-G time!

Love,
Amanda

Author Interview | Sarah Holman

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
For the past few months, I’ve been praying about doing some interviews/guest posts on here. Today, I am excited to have our first interview with stay-at-home author, Sarah Holman.
Me: When did you begin writing/know that you would be an author?
Sarah: Well, I started writing when I was eleven and thought I would always keep it as a hobby. While I had planned since I was in my early teens to be a nurse. However, because of some health challenges I was having, I realized I would not have the energy that I would need to complete nursing school. God showed me that my writing could be my full time writer. So, I followed His lead.
Me: About how much time do you spend writing?
Sarah: I spend about eight hours a day working on my writing in some form or fashion. I write blog posts, manage Homeschooled Authors, as well as write and edit some almost every day. 
Me: When you’re not writing, what are some things that you enjoy doing?
Sarah: Reading is number one on my list of things I love. I read about two to three books a week. I also enjoy spending time with my siblings, scrapbooking, sewing, and taking walks in the forest.
Me: What helps inspire you in writing? (reading other books, listening to music, etc.)
Sarah: Movies are normally my biggest inspiration. It is normally a single line or a side plot that I jump on and want to make into a story. I also get a lot of inspiration from real life. Watching people it a bit of a hobby.
Me: Have there been any Scripture verses that God really used to encourage you in your writing journey?
Sarah: Always, but they are different for each book. For instance, while I was writing A Different Kind of Courage, this verse inspired me and drove the story forward. 
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.John 3:19-21 NIV
​
Me: How do you write? Do you usually spend some time plotting and outlining or do you jump right in?​
Sarah: I normally come up with an idea and add it to my schedule or file it away for the future. Then, when it comes time to work on a project, I dive right in. It normally takes me only a month to write it and I do very little if any outlining. However, it then takes me about two months to edit, then I send it to my editors, do a final edit, then publish. That is how it works if things go perfectly, but they often don’t.
Me: Out of all the books/short stories you have written, what is your favorite? Why?
A Different Kind of CourageSarah: Asking an author to pick a favorite among the stories they wrote is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child. Each book is dear for me for one reason or another. However, if I had to pick one, I would pick A Different Kind of Courage. It was so much fun combining my love of history and writing to create this book.
Me: What would you say to encourage another young, Christian writer?
Sarah: You are going to have people who love your books no matter what you write and you are going to have people who hate your books no matter what you write. Write for the glory of God and for Him alone. When I started writing, my prayer was that for each book, one person would be brought closer to God. I have been blessed to be able to hear some of the stories of how God has used the books, and it has made all the work worthwhile.
And some random questions:
What is your favorite season?
Summer!
If you could go anywhere, where would it be? Why?
England. I have always wanted to visit the museums, visit some people I know there, and see an English castle.
What is your favorite time period?
Currently, it is the American Revolution. Ever since I started writing A Different Kind of Courage, I have come a bit obsessed over the time period. 
What is one dream that you have?
To host a conference for HomeschooledAuthors
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Romans 8:38-39
What is your salvation testimony?
When I was four or five I was watching a Donut Man (a kids singing video) and it talked about salvation. I asked Jesus into my heart at that very young age, and as I have grown, God has matured and nurtured that faith.
Anything else about you or your writing that you’d like to add?
I love staying connected with my readers you can find me at my Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and also the website I run Homeschooled Authors.

Thanks for joining us, Sarah! Best wishes on your writing – and may God direct your steps!

~*~*~
Note: While I interview different authors on here, I have not read all of their material and cannot personally endorse what I have not read. 🙂

Writing Website

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
I promise that I’m not addicted to making new websites! Perhaps a little too overly organized, but not addicted. 😉 I present to you my writing website: www.amandatero.weebly.com.
Lord willing, I will be setting up a table at the Louisiana Homeschool (CHEF) Conference for With a Joyful Noise in April. While doing so, Mom suggested that I print up some of the short stories that the Lord has allowed me to pen in the past few years to sell there. And while doing so, why not have a place that is not jumbled with my other thoughts as they are here? Not to mention that this is an idea that I have been praying about for the past several months. As far as I know, this will be my last new endeavor . . . for at least the week. 😉
If you’re on FaceBook, feel free to follow my author page.

~*~
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5

Debt of Mercy

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Last week, I asked for help in titling a short work of fiction that the Lord allowed me to write. This week, several people worked together to help me create a title!
I now announce:

Lord willing, in a day or two I’ll have something exciting to announce about writing!
~*~
“For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.” 
(Psalm 100:5)

Title my Story . . .

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

“Sabina, you dawdler!” Impatience etched Gillota’s voice. “Mass is nigh over and Lord Raboc will not be kept waiting!”

Sabina nodded mutely and balanced her tray of bread as she piled on another loaf.

“Enough! Go!” The head cook flipped her hands and Sabina quickly heeded the message.

In the dining hall, Sabina could hear the low tones of Raboc’s laughter. At least he was in good humor this morning. Sabina relinquished her load to the table and returned to the kitchen for more. The rowdiness in the dining hall only escalated as Raboc filled himself with food and wine.

With her task finished, Sabina waited in a quiet corner for Raboc to leave the room. Her eyes travelled to the narrow slit of a window. From her elevated standpoint, she could see for miles down the well-worn road. In the morning sunlight, a cloud of dust formed on the horizon. Sabina squinted her eyes. No small company formed such commotion.

Raboc pounded his fist on the table and Sabina jerked her attention to him. “More!” he commanded, holding his cup out. Sabina rushed to fulfill the task then took initiative to clear up the used dishes. Each time she passed the window, she paused, her curiosity intensified.

“More!”

How much wine would Raboc inhale? It was still early morning, but Sabina obeyed without word or question. Finally, Raboc loitered to the next room and Sabina hurried with the other girls to clean.

On her final trip to the dining hall, a loud exclamation from the next room stopped her.

“And what pleasure have I this visit?” Raboc’s polite query contrasted his earlier tone. Sabina slipped to the doorway.

“No pleasure, but duty.” The man speaking was surrounded by several guards. Sabina’s eyes quickly took in the velvet cap and fur coats carefully adorned with peacock feathers. The king himself. “It has been brought to my attention, Lord Raboc, that you have taken control of funds and misplaced them.”
(the first tidbit of Ancel’s story)

~*~
After hearing a sermon on Matthew 18, the story of Raboc and Ancel brewed in the back of my mind for a few weeks. This week, the Lord allowed me to finish the rough draft of Ancel’s story (2, 133 words). It is not my desire to retell Scripture or reinterpret it neither is this story intended to be an allegory. It is simply a story to demonstrate forgiveness and a few of the lessons that I have learned in that subject.

I had fun jotting down this story, doing several things which are new for me: 1) writing with an omniscient viewpoint (following more than one character), 2) writing mainly from the guys’ perspectives (yes, I am a girl and usually write in the viewpoint of which I’m most familiar), and 3) writing a story loosely {very loosely} set in feudal England (little did I know that my research for a paper on feudal England when I was sixteen would resurface to help me with a piece of fiction).

Now for the part which is of semi-importance: I really need a title. The working title was “That Thou Owest,” but after writing the story, I realize the title does not display the content of the story. So, I have a favor to ask: I need a title and would like your input! Of course, to know the content of the story, you must take your time to read it.
If you are interested in reading Ancel’s story, please shoot me an email at withajoyfulnoise(at)gmail(dot)com and I would be more than happy to send you a PDF of the story. In return, I ask that you offer some title suggestions – and while you’re at it, you can also give me your critique of it, if you notice anything that needs to be addressed.

Short Stories and Covers

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

I have been working on a few small projects for Christmas – namely, writing short stories for my three youngest sisters. I am very grateful for the Lord allowing me to complete them in good time to get them self-printed and ready for their gift bags! I also praise the Lord for the ideas that He gave me and also allowing me to see the completion of these projects. As I write, I realize how very much I must rely on God for the ideas, the flow of the story, the message He wants me to teach, and of course, the completion. Wow! He is so good!

Some of you may remember “Maggie’s Hope Chest” from a post a few months ago. This was the hardest cover to design, for some reason and I’m very thankful for the many friends who pitched in to give me advice and ideas. As you may remember, the story idea was one that I had several years ago but it wasn’t until this year that the Lord allowed me to complete it.

Front Cover:
Back Cover:
“Noelle’s Gift” began with the title. Only the title. As I pondered ideas and prayed, the Lord gradually gave me a skeleton of an idea and one day, blossomed the idea to completion. For once, I yielded to the temptation of designing the book cover before I actually wrote the story. 🙂 After the rough draft of the cover was designed (which was slightly different than the cover below), the Lord helped me to write the entire short story the same night – rare. 
Front Cover:

Back Cover:

Last but not least, my baby sister is just learning how to read. After I had decided to write stories for my two almost-youngest sisters, I prayed about the possibility of writing one that my five-year-old sister could read for herself – and hopefully learn from. Again, the Lord gave me an idea.

Front Cover:
Note: I may decide to replace the little girl on the cover if I get a picture I like better . . .
Back Cover:

 I am praying about what the Lord would have me to do with the short stories I’ve written for my sisters. For now, however, if you would like to read them, send me an email at withajoyfulnoise(at)gmail(dot)com and I can get you a PDF.
At this point, critiques and feedback are most welcome!

What are some Christmas projects that you’ve been working on?

A Story to Share or Truth to Teach?

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
I challenge you to read the title of this article again and think about it for ten seconds.
As a Christian writer, what is your goal in writing? Do you simply want to share good stories? or do you want to impart to your readers truth?
Many young Christian writers admit that they do not just want to write the moral stories they find themselves churning out, but they want to share God’s truth. But many of them are clueless in how to do this. And they surely do not want to sound like those stiff books in which all of the characters are well-behaved, memorizing hundreds of verses a day, mourning over an ounce of sin, and living an impossibly perfect life (okay, so perhaps that is an exaggeration).
As I pondered this situation, I realized something: how can we write good, solid Christian books if we are not striving to live a good, solid Christian life? How can we impart to our readers truths from God’s Word if we do not even know what these truths are?
So often, we get so wrapped up in the writing process that we neglect our writing purpose. To write Christian stories, we must be grounded in God’s Word. This does not mean to merely look up a few verses if your character is learning about forgiveness. What does your daily devotion life looks like? Are you actively reading, memorizing, studying, and learning from God’s Word?
In writing, does your plot detract from the message? Is there an element in the story that pulls your reader’s attention away from Christ and places it on something that is but to fade away? Is your message clear? or will your writer come away with, “Well … she quoted a lot of Bible verses…”? You do not have to strive for some big, theological truth. What lessons has God taught you? Those are important lessons too that you can share with others.
As you ponder these questions, I encourage you to pray for God’s direction in your writing. What truths would He have you to teach? Which Scriptures would He have you to use? May He lead you as you seek Him and may all of your writing bring glory to His Name!

Extra: Many novels are written today under the name “Christian,” but if God is only mentioned once or twice and prayed to only during troubles, can it really qualify for a “Christian” book?

Maggie’s Hopechest (cover design)

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments

It was Maggie’s teenage dream to acquire her very own hopechest. Surely now that the Lord provided one for her, He wouldn’t ask her to give up the collection she’s worked on for years – or would He?

“Maggie’s Hopechest” is a short story that the Lord allowed me to write recently. It’s an old idea that I’ve had for several years, but never made the time to sit down and write it. Short stories are an excellent way to express story ideas when you don’t have time to sit down and write a full-length novel. I’m not a short-story writer by any means (aka: I’m very wordy) but this was a great challenge for me to stay concise and keep the plot flowing.
But! I haven’t edited the short story yet, so for now, here’s the cover I was playing with:
Original
After looking at it, I realized that it looks very vintage and masculine. Neither are a good portrayal of the short story (it is a modern story about a girl), so I played with some color, trying to “soften” the tones.
Purple

Pink

As I looked at it, I began to wonder if the chest was what gave it that look, so I tried to lower the opacity on the chest:

Pink 02

And, as I always like “behind-the-scenes” stuff, here is the base image that I used. I actually created this image as a background for my sister’s blog, using a picture of burlap (with writing) and a few Photoshop Elements features.
And then, since I didn’t have any picture of a hopechest or trunk on hand, I searched for a royalty free image and found one:
Via freerangestock.com (use caution when looking!)

If you would be so kind as to give your opinion and/or advice concerning my “cover play,” here are some questions I’m wondering:

– Does the cover look too masculine?
– Which cover gives the thought of a girl with her treasured possessions?
– Any overall suggestions?

And a random question on the topic:
– Do you have a hopechest? (no, I do not :))

~*~*~
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 

Where Faith Grows

Published on by Amanda Tero5 Comments
I shall be very bold today and share an exciting project that the Lord has allowed me to work on. As with most of the projects that God allows me to begin, I don’t know where it will end up. I shared a few weeks ago about my teenage passion (obsession) of writing and how the Lord had to take it away for a few years. This year, He has allowed me to work on my first big writing project since I was probably fourteen. This project has taken the title of Where Faith Grows. I am grateful that the Lord allowed me to finish the first very, very, very rough draft in eight months and am now waiting for about six months (trying to follow the idea from my friend) before diving in to do some editing. Some SERIOUS editing!
But for the fun part: the cover!!! I played around with designing the cover a few months ago and this is what I came up with:

I originally liked it, but after a few months of setting, thought it was too dark for what I really wanted. So I attempted a revamp and this is what I currently have:

As always, I welcome your honest opinion! I have fun getting ideas from published covers (sh! but romance books have my favorite covers! [I don’t endorse reading them]) but also realize that I’m still in the rough when it comes to learning layering, etc. So any tips are welcome!
Oh, and about the book . . .

One day, everything was going smoothly: Daddy at work, the rest enjoying their winter break. But the next day changed everything. Edith struggles to accept the adjustments she has to make, feeling the sacrifice of each day. She has to choose whether she will resist the struggles and suffer or allow God to use these struggles in her life to grow her faith in Him.

Excerpt from the rough draft:

“Yes, we must have faith the grain of a mustard seed,” Levi continued, “But where does our faith lie? ‘Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.'” Levi laughed lightly. “I guess in our case we could say, ‘Some trust in potatoes, and others in good crops.'” He glanced at Edith but she only replied with a faint smile. After a moment of silence, Levi sighed again. “Well, I’d best get a hoe to the field.” He thrust his hands in his pockets and sauntered off.

 It’s not really that funny. She could not think of an argument or find fault with what Levi had said. Then, another Scripture verse came to mine: For we walk by faith, not by sight. By sight, she saw a potato crop that was not yet planted nor guaranteed to grow, her daddy who now did not know how long before he could return to work, doctor’s bills which were undoubtedly piling up every day Daddy’s hospital stay was lengthened, and certainty in nothing around her. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith. What did she see by faith?