Meet Amanda Davis

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Amanda , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I can’t say I knew my purpose ever since I was young but I realized the power of art at a young age. My Dad died when I was twelve years old. After his death, I used art and writing as a tool to process and cope with my feelings and emotions surrounding his death. Now, as an adult, I realize how powerful the arts can be and that everyone has a story to tell. As a teacher, I would always tell my students to be kind to one another because they never know what someone is going through. I was that kid that was ‘going through something’ but no one really knew. This experience taught me about the power of the arts and is what led me to become an art educator and children’s book author-illustrator. I want to empower others to tell their stories so they can learn more about themselves, others, and the world around them and so they can feel less alone. This is my purpose and my passion.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator who uses my words and pictures to light up the world with kindness.

After losing my father at the age of twelve, I turned to art and writing as an outlet. It became my voice. A way to cope. A way to escape. And a way to tell my story. I was thus inspired to teach art and pursue my passion for writing and illustrating children’s books. Through my work, I strive to empower younger generations to tell their own stories and offer children and adults an entryway into a world of discovery. A world that can help them make sense of themselves, others, and the community around them. A world where they can navigate, imagine, and feel inspired—over and over again.

I am the author of the award-winning picture book, 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag illustrated by Sally Wern Comport and Moonlight Memories, illustrated by Michelle Jing Chan. My author-illustrator debut, Sometimes Stormy, will release with Free Spirit Publishing, fall 2025, and I have three more picture books on the way. My poetry and illustrations appear in the Writers’ Loft Poetry Anthology, Friends and Anemones: Ocean Poems for Children and Gnomes and Un-Gnomes. My photograph titled, Icelandic Horse, was published in The Sunlight Press. I am the recipient of the Ann Whitford Paul—Writer’s Digest Most Promising Picture Book Manuscript Grant.

I have over ten years of experience as a classroom teacher and was selected as Massachusetts Secondary Art Educator of the Year. I enjoy helping other creatives hone their craft by offering critique and mentoring services through Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning. I’m an active member of SCBWI, 12×12, The Writer’s Loft, and National Art Education Association.

When I’m not busy creating, you can find me sipping tea, petting dogs, and exploring the natural wonders of The Bay State with my family and my rescue pups.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Curiosity, empathy, and belief.

Curiosity:
My advice on curiosity is always remain curious. As storytellers, we must continue to pay attention to the world around us. Slow down. Listen. Listen to the stories of others and to the stories inside that are calling you. Ask questions. Connect with your fellow humans. Curiosity is accessible to us all and one of the easiest ways we can gather inspiration and find happiness in our daily lives.

Empathy:
Put yourself in other people’s shoes. You’ll find no matter what it is you are pursuing, this quality will soften your journey. Try to adopt the idea that everyone is just trying their best. Hold this same quality for yourself as well. Take some time to stand atop the balcony and view yourself from another person’s eyes. If you’re struggling on your journey, give yourself the same compassion that you would give to others. When you are purusing a passion or dream, there will be challenges that can steer you off course. Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. This will help you keep moving forward.

Belief:
Believe in yourself. It took me ten years to publish my first book and although there were times I felt it may never happen. I never gave up. I reminded myself if others can do it, I can too. With every rejection that came through on my stories or art, I sent another submission out. I’m constantly learning and encountering new challenges on my creative journey so I’m always reminding myself just to keep keeping on!

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Right now, I’m looking to partner with more educators, librarians and those in the school and library market for my school visits. As a former art educator, I LOVE doing school visits and offer a variety of programs that can be customized to any grade level and school needs. I’m also looking to share what I’ve learned thus far on my publishing journey by offering critique and mentor services to writers and illustrators who are looking for support. I offer mentoring through the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning and starting in 2025, I will also be a faculty advisor for a program called, The Verge, through the Writing Barn. We all need helping hands along the way so if anyone reading this feels like they may need some extra support in their creative journey, please reach out! I’d be happy to help. More information on my school visits and critique services can be found on my website.

Contact Info:

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