Reading, Writing, and Raising Boys – Meet Amanda Flinn

Hi, I’m Amanda! Over the last few years I’ve been learning the ropes of freelance writing and traditional publishing as I work to build a career as a children’s author. It’s been a leap of faith and a lot of hard work, but I’ve met wonderful people along the way and continue to be encouraged and supported by my husband and three boys — who don’t really love to read, but have a mom who does.

My Books

Yoga Baby

Reaching, bending, rocking, and swaying--these are just a few of the moves a bouncy little baby tries when her mother practices yoga throughout the day. In the midst of a busy day, yoga turns out to be a surprising source of connection, fun, and giggles for mother and child. Surprising and silly, Yoga Baby proves that it's never too early for parents and children to explore together what their bodies can do--never too early, in short, for the life-giving practice of yoga!

God Made All Your Feelings

God made me and God made you. God made our minds and our feelings, too!

We all have lots and lots of feelings. For young children, feelings can be overwhelming and difficult to manage. This sweet picture book explores the wide variety of emotions kids experience--happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and others--and gently reassures them that it is it okay to feel these feelings and that God is with us through all the ups and downs. The book affirms young children with the message that all our emotions help us grow and that no matter how we are feeling, God loves us.

All God's Creatures

60 Days of Devotions for Animal-Loving Kids

All God's Creatures: 60 Days of Devotions for Animal-Loving Kids encourages habits of Scripture reading, prayer, and journaling through 60 different entries by over dozen children's authors. Full of bright illustrations, this sweet devotional explores a variety of the wonderful animals God created and the amazing traits each one exhibits to show us how to be more Christ-like. This is the perfect tool to inspire young hearts to draw close to the Lord.

I wrote on an entry about the self-confidence of the flamingo, how the elephant is family-oriented, the willingness of the dolphin to learn and the cleverness of the fox. Which animal are you most like?

 

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles & Divine Intervention

Miracles happen every day—to people from all walks of life. You’ll be inspired, awed and comforted by these 101 true stories from ordinary people who’ve had extraordinary experiences. From angel visitations to answered prayers, from amazing coincidences to astonishing luck, these moving stories will give you goosebumps and inspire you to look for the miracles all around you.

My real-life story is on page 212!

Editing Services

If you need help taking your manuscript or query letter to the next level, I offer critique services for board books, picture books, and magazine articles, both in rhyme and prose. Critiques will focus on big picture items like character, plot, pacing, voice, structure, conflict, and resolution. I’ll also comment on grammar and punctuation.

As a traditionally-published children’s author, and a long-time member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), I have experience on both sides of the table. My own work has been critiqued more times than I can count, and I have been able to offer feedback on hundreds of manuscripts over the last few years.

To make the most of a paid critique, I highly recommend sharing the manuscript with a writing friend or critique group before it comes to me.

A paid critique is not a guarantee that you will be able to sell your book to a publisher, but it is a step in the right direction.

I love helping writers on their journey to publication!

Events

Write Your Own Children's Book Workshop

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021 AT 7 PM CST – 8:30 PM CST - Jackson Civic Center

If you've always wanted to try your hand at writing a children's book, but never knew just how to start, this is the workshop for you! Join Chelsea Tornetto and myself, as we lead you through the process from beginning to end. At the end of four weeks, you'll have a completed manuscript you can submit to publishers or self-publish. All levels of experience welcome!

Author Visits / Virtual Events

I would love to come and talk to your school, church, or writing group about what it looks like to become a published author and my personal experience with stepping out of my comfort zone and into my calling.

I am also available for book signings specific to Yoga Baby and the children’s market. These 30 minute sessions are great for children under the age of 5 and include a short yoga flow, quick tips for practicing at home, and the benefits of yoga for parents and baby.

Amanda and Sarah put together a writers conference that served both beginner and intermediate authors as well as those who have not yet published but desire to. Additionally, they used their own experiences at the start to set us up for the day, encouraging us with their own stories and providing information to help us share our own. The presenters they invited and their topics afforded attendees a selection of meaningful subjects and provided practical material that could be applied immediately. Perhaps, most importantly, it was obvious Amanda and Sarah are passionate about this craft and helping others reach their writing goals. They have a heart to serve!

Adrienne Ross

Author of Push Your Way to Purpose, and the Aunt Alma series

I wish Sarah and Amanda hosted writing events when I first began writing and trying to understand the publishing industry. Their experience and encouragement are invaluable for aspiring authors. New(ish) writers must make Sarah and Amanda’s events part of their writer’s journey.

Karen Sargent

Author of the 2017 IAN Book of the Year, Waiting for Butterflies

I recently attended the Next Step Writing Workshop by Amanda Flinn. Wow! It was crammed packed with various tools on how to take my writing to the next level. From sharing her personal writing journey, to offering breakout sessions by other knowledgeable authors, to networking with other writers, it was an event well worth the money. If anyone is interested in becoming a better writer, I highly encourage you to attend Amanda's next workshop!

Lolita Hayes

Fiction writer

Amanda's workshops are designed by a "real", "regular" person for those same kinds of people. She connects you with other developing writers, and brings in people who have achieved success. All of these things give the workshop both a professional, but personal feel that stays with and inspires you! Best spent $40 I've laid down in a long time.

Leonard Gladden

Contributor for Kingdom Edge Magazine

The Next Steps Writers Workshop was just what I needed at this stage in my writing. I learned what “next steps” to take and I was able to pinpoint specific areas I really need to challenge myself in.

Camille Lancaster

Author of The Dog Who Loved Coffee

Blog

And Halloweensie Makes Three

And Halloweensie Makes Three

Earlier this month, I announced my entry into the Fall Frenzy Contest. It felt nice to be back into a writing rhyme, specifically, writing short...

I Entered a Writing Contest!

I Entered a Writing Contest!

If you've been around for a while, you know I LOVE a good writing contest. And contests are really what got me started on the path to a legit...

My Top Ten Books of 2020

My Top Ten Books of 2020

At the beginning of this year, I joined the Goodreads challenge and decided to read (or listen to) 40 books. I am ending the year at 41, but with...

News

Faith & Marriage

Faith & Marriage

I joined the writing team for A Wife Like Me in 2021!  Each month I get to write about faith and marriage, which allows me to be accountable and...

Writing

Writing

Writing & Selling Children’s Books in the Christian Market is now available! Written by Michelle Medlock Adams (my writing friend) and Cyle...

Yoga Baby

Yoga Baby

Getting a review from Kirkus is an exciting event. Here's just a snippet of what they had to say: “Rhyming text, expressive faces, and uncluttered...

Need advice or want to chat?

Not quite ready for a workshop or critique, but wanna chat about the industry? Are you interested to learn more about traditional publishing or the life of a freelance writer? Then let’s get to talking! Phone calls with writer friends are always FREE.

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