Amanda McKoy Flanagan Author Bio:
A native New Yorker turned Coloradan, Amanda McKoy Flanagan blends street smarts with tree hugging for a sensible and spiritual approach to love and loss; she is no stranger to either. Author, blogger, motivational speaker, and podcaster, Amanda recently released her debut inspirational memoir, Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go, and is co-host of the podcast, Sol Rising. Co-founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Castle Rock Clubhouse, a recovery clubhouse that serves as meeting space for various twelve-step programs, Amanda is passionate about sobriety, meditation, and spirituality. Through her commitment to climate action, she holds the spirit of loving-kindness, faithful perseverance, and compassionate service in high regard. A lover of horses, drumming, running, vegan eating, and dancing, she also enjoys singing with abandon to loud rock music, sometimes while driving a little too fast! Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany in English and journalism and a master’s degree in social work from Stony Brook University, New York. Nevertheless, life has been her greatest teacher by far.
She lives in Castle Rock, Colorado, with her family and pup, Dolly.
What inspires you to write?
Deep, meaningful, vulnerable connection inspires me to write. I'm compelled to challenge people to dig deep into their well of emotions and to become comfortable with the most unpleasant ones as well as the pleasant ones (mostly the unpleasant ones!). Finding comfort in all of our emotions will help us to feel safe enough to heal the pain inside. Fear of pain keeps us separate from ourselves and one another, and this disconnection is responsible for much of the chaos in the world. I am inspired by the pain in the world, and have a soul mission to help repair and restore our brokenness and lead people to healing.
Tell us about your writing process.
My book was divinely inspired. I know that sounds hokey, but it's true. I was struck with a knowing I was going to write a book, and once I opened myself up to whatever needed to flow, the ideas and words came. My first book (nonfiction inspirational memoir/personal development) was a seat of the pants experience. I'm not sure what it will look like going forward but trust I will know the path to take when the time is right. That said, I suggest an outline. In hindsight, it would have been much easier to begin with an outline. However, like I said, an outline wasn't possible for this book. It needed to take shape organically to maintain the integrity of the work.
Who are your favorite authors?
Brene Brown, Ram Dass, Kathryn Shulz, Kristin Hannah, Elin Hildebrand, Jodi Piccoult, Rea Frey
What genres do you write?
Nonfiction, and I am interested in writing fiction next.
How did you choose the genre(s) you write?
I write my experience. If I do write a novel, it will be realistic fiction based on my own life experience and the experience of those close to me.
What three things are on your writing desk at any given moment?
Inspirational cards, gemstones, a mug of tea.
What hobbies do you have when you need a break from writing?
Running and drumming.
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Home Page Link
Follow On Amazon
Link to Author Page on Barnes & Noble
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
