Amanda found a box stuffed with note books, scraps of paper, old menus, bits torn out of magazines and crumpled serviettes covered with her scribbles, observations, characters, plots and stories. That's when she realised she was passionate about storytelling and needed to share her characters and their stories with the world.
So far being an actress has been Amanda's favourite career, she hopes that writing stories for children will be her next new favourite career.
A Little More About Amanda
I was born in Johannesburg, studied Drama in Durban and accidentally ended up living in Cape Town (after house sitting a friend's mother's house.) My love of travel started when I was 10 years old, after my first trip to London. After studying, I went to live in London, Edinburgh and Italy, and now call Sydney, Australia home.
My favourite colour
Is purple.
My favourite quote is…
'A day without laughter is a day wasted' Charlie Chaplin said that.
I like to adjust it to daily living….
A day without mess is a day wasted,
A day without reading is a day wasted,
A day without paint is a day wasted,
A day without being in nature is a day wasted…..you get the idea.
Why do I want to be a published author?
I love books and stories and I want others to experience the same excitement I feel when reading. I look forward to that moment when my manuscripts become books and my characters and their stories come to life in someone else's world and imagination.
Tips to start you on your writing career.
Join a supportive group, Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is a must! When you join, you instantly gain an incredible network of friends.
Request to join a SCBWI CRITIQUE GROUP, it's invaluable for your writing motivation and improvement.
I've also joined Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) and Creative Kids Tales (CKT).
Australian Society of Authors is a wealth of information and courses.
Assessments and courses through The Children's Book Academy
I have learnt so much about the Kidlit world.
Attending events, talks, manuscript assessments, writing and critique groups. I've grown and learnt so much and loved every moment of this journey. The amazing talented people I have met have become wonderful and encouraging friends.
Frequently asked
Who is Amanda Lieber?
Amanda Lieber is an Australian children's author based in Sydney. Born in Johannesburg and trained as an actress in Durban, she has also lived in Cape Town, London, Edinburgh and Italy. Her debut picture book, My Giant Sea Shell, was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards 2024.
What is My Giant Sea Shell about?
My Giant Sea Shell is a picture book about a child watching a parent disappear into depression, and holding on to the hope that they will come back. It handles a difficult subject gently, through the eyes of a child, and is often used as a starting point for conversations between children and adults.
Who illustrated and published My Giant Sea Shell?
It was illustrated by Kathy Creamer and published by Little Pink Dog Books in 2023. The ISBN is 978-0-6489641-9-3.
Where can I buy My Giant Sea Shell?
You can buy it direct from Little Pink Dog Books, or order it through your favourite book store.
Does Amanda Lieber do school visits and author talks?
Yes. Amanda welcomes enquiries about school visits, author talks and media. The best way to reach her is through the contact page.
Are there teaching resources for My Giant Sea Shell?
Yes. Free teachers' notes and printable colouring-in sheets are available on the Books page.
Work with Amanda
School visits, author talks and media enquiries.