Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen : Quest for Leviathan

Are sea monsters a real thing? What about fire-breathing dragons? According to the Bible, there is a fire-breathing sea creature who really existed: the leviathan. Amanda Tero brings this dragon to life in her newest short story, "Quest for Leviathan." Join Anath and his crew of ninety-nine rowers as they face the waves of the Mediterranean Sea and the power of Leviathan.

Leviathan took the life of his father.

Anath has spent three years preparing for the voyage that will end the threat of Leviathan. Yet as the Valor launches into the depths of the Mediterranean, an inward quest also begins, taking Anath to depths he is not willing to face.

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Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continued to add to her collection with other short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Connect with Amanda

Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com

Website: http://amandatero.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandateroauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaruthtero/

Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero

Amanda Tero’s new story Quest for Leviathan places an interesting spin on a Biblical passage. Tero based this tale on Job 41, and I love how authors become inspired to write a story connected to something they love or something they have read themselves. It helps the reader to better identify with the original text or a specific part of history.

There are so many scars in Anath’s life, including Leviathan--the sea monster he feels he must fight. Anath battles yesterday’s pain on a daily basis, but he also holds so much grudge within his heart. Will there every be a moment when he knows what to do with all of this hurt? Can he be still long enough to let go and to let God take over his life?

This is a short story, but it holds such an excellent lesson for the reader. No matter the storms of life, the Lord will be there to fight the battles (Deuteronomy 1:30). There is nothing in life He does not understand, because He knows each and every moment of our lives—every time we have ever experienced pain or fear. Hopefully, Anath will come to comprehend this truth throughout his own journey.

I recommend giving a copy of this book to any young person who might be facing their own giant. Take heart—the Lord is with you! Happy reading!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy.

1. It's such an amazing accomplishment to be able to sit down and write a story—in regards to the writing process, what helps you achieve your literary goals?

Wow… well, time is a valuable commodity. ;) But apart from the obvious, reading other fictional books and then books on the writing craft has helped me immensely. Above that, getting my own writing critiqued by other writers and readers has pointed me in the right direction.

2. What advice would you give to writers who want to become published authors one day?

I could give a lot of advice from mistakes I’ve made. ;) Top piece of advice, though, is to be sure you’re following God every step of the way! Then, don’t be too proud to learn. Always try to actively learn as you write. Anyone can get an idea, and anyone can jot down words…but I personally believe that as Christian authors, our quality is a testimony of our diligence to develop the gifts that God has given us.

3. After your initial inspiration comes, how do you transform that idea into reality?

It is different for every work. Sometimes, I just sit down and write. More lately, I’ve become more of a planner (a result of me realizing that my stories usually lack any depth in the first draft). I will bounce the idea off a friend, think about it, pray about it, keep an ongoing idea-file on my phone in which to jot down different fragments of thoughts or quotes, and research (amazing inspiration comes by just researching the era!).

4. Do you ever feel like abandoning the writer's pen?

Sadly, yes. It is never because of a lack of desire, but a lack of time. Lord willing, this fall I’ll be attending college for the first time to pursue a music degree. Because it’s a completely different field than writing, and I’ll still be teaching several piano/violin students, I’m not so sure how much writing time I’ll be able to squeeze in. I’m hoping and praying that I can keep jotting down short stories to hone my skill and keep in practice, but we’ll see.

5. What encouraging words would you give to a writer who may feel discouraged in their literary journey?

If this is what God has led you to do, and you are certain beyond any doubt that you’re supposed to be here, KEEP ON! There are ruts and valleys and dry spells in writing, just as in everything else. But you’ll get through it. No one stays there forever!

6. Who or what in your life inspired you to become an author?

This is a difficult question to answer. In some ways, my mom was a big inspiration. She was my teacher (we were homeschooled) and helped us to develop a love for reading. Above that, when she saw that I was interested in creative writing, she steered my schooling to go in that direction and was brutal in editing my papers (don’t worry, I survived and my readers all thank her for it ;) ). So that, plus having bookshelves full of well-written books helped my desire in becoming an author.