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.

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!

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!

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.

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.