About AMANDA HAMPSON

Writing has always been a passion for me.

I love the challenge of tackling different styles and genres of writing.

As a teen I played around with short stories and poems. Later I wrote corporate copy, speeches and marketing material in my work. I moved on to write feature articles on spec for magazines on subjects that interested me.

Success in the area of feature writing led me to write my first non-fiction book ‘Battles with the Baby Gods’ and a subsequent non-fiction book ‘Take Me Home‘. Once these were published I felt ready to tackle the big scary dream - the novel.

My first novel ‘The Olive Sisters’ was published by Penguin Australia in 2005. It has been reprinted numerous times and has also been published overseas.

In 2007 a film option was taken on the book. I have spent the last couple of years working with the producers on the screenplay adaptation of The Olive Sisters and an early draft achieved quarterfinal listing in the 2009 American Screenwriter’s Association 12th International Screenplay Competition.

My most recent novel ‘Two for the Road’ was published by Penguin Australia in 2008.

Last year I wrote an original screenplay called ‘Last Days of the Empire Hotel’ set in London in 1966 and this has recently been optioned.

I’m currently working on a third screenplay entitled ‘Call Me Crazy’ about a bored middle-aged man who wrecks his marriage when he becomes infatuated with a feckless golf pro. With the help of his three self-absorbed daughters, he sets out to win back the love of his life.

Over the last couple of years I have been using my skills, experience and enthusiasm for writing to create and develop writing workshops that help people achieve their own writing dreams.