Local writer Amanda Tero has released her newest book, “A Strand of Hope,” the first of four-book series that she collaborated on with other writers from around the country.
Tero said she and the other writers met through social media and came up with the idea of the book series called “The Librarians of Willow Hollow.”
“It’s been an amazing experience to work together with such a great group of writers,” Tero said. “My book is the first of the series to release. The others will be releasing over the next few weeks.”
The book centers on Lena Davis. As Tero states on her website, “Lena Davis is the daughter her mom never wanted. But she survived. Through stories. Because books didn’t judge. Books weren’t angry she was alive. Books never expected her to be anything but who she was.”
Tero said the library becomes her “true home.” Her library then is designated as one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Packhorse Library Project. “Lena is determined to get the job of bringing books to highlanders, believing she’ll finally be free of her mom forever.”
Tero has published a number of works over the years. She has written five novellas and eight short stories. Last year, she graduated from East Central Community College, and she is heading to William Carey University to complete her four-year degree.
Tero said it took about a year to write her book, and she said Lena’s story kind of wrote herself.
“She pretty much told her own story,” Tero said. “I’m really pleased with the way the story came together.”
One thing that Tero improved on with this book was her promotion for the book. In the past, she did most of the promotion herself, but this time she recruited a team to help her promote the book.
That group also helped her have a launch party for her new book. It was held recently at Newton’s historic Hoye-McElroy House. She said it was successful.
“Even with everything going on, I think we had a great turnout,” Tero said. “We didn’t have a big crowd all at one time, but we did have a steady group throughout the afternoon. I can’t thank everyone on my team and everyone who came out to support me.”
Her team also helped her get a website together, gave her reviews on her book and other items to help make it a successful launch.
“I could not have done this without them,” Tero said.
The book is currently available on Amazon.com for 99 cents. A limited number of print copies of the book were also available at her release party.
For more information on her and her book, log on to www.amandatero.com.
