Author | Lightnews

Amanda McLeod Writes

@amandamwrites.bsky.social

350 followers 240 following 320 posts

✒️🎨 Writing and art across genres, loves coffee, loathes noise. https://linktr.ee/AmandaMcLeod

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Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Nov 24

Intro post, as I realise I’ve not done one!
- author, artist, general creative
- writes fiction, CNF, poetry, long form, pretty much everything
- about nature, culture, mental health, and more
- Canberra based
- mother to two teens
- always has a doggo stuck to left leg (see pic)

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Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Aug 27

I keep forgetting that nothing autoposts here from Instagram 😣

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Aug 1

Back in a bit.

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 13

Today on Substack I’m talking pressure, deadlines, and how restriction sometimes leads to more creativity—and less decision paralysis. All while I’m working to a deadline.

#CreativeLife

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 11

You’ll also be supporting independent bookstores, which are essential for smaller presses and indie authors. Go forth and let your shopping do some good!

#ShortStoryCollection #IndieBookstores

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 11

If you’re in the US or UK and keen on my book, bookshop.org are having an Anti-Prime Day sale where you can get a discount. They do ebook and print, so whatever format takes your fancy, go for it!

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Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 10

Me, on waking: rough night. I need a little more sleep. I’ll close my eyes for another hour.
Me on waking again: how did it get to lunch time?

#RestIsNecessary

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 9

Join us!

Tom Snarsky @tomsnarsky.bsky.social · Jul 8

🔗: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

cc: @laurenparker.bsky.social @judemarr.bsky.social @amandamwrites.bsky.social @ctsalazar.bsky.social @bethgordonpoet.bsky.social

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Night Light, July 2025—ALFTM&OP Launch! 💌⛰️. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

us06web.zoom.us

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Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 7

Do the work: of trying, of failing, of learning, of succeeding. It’s all work and it all matters.
Artist, go. Do the work. (I’m so proud of you.)

#ArtistsOnBluesky #Creativity #Collage

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 6

Today’s Substack is on knowing your why, and digging deeper to really find it (because it’s probably not what you think).

#WhyIMakeArt #Creativity

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 5

Remember this painting? Someone else fell in love with that magic place too. ❤️

Congrats to the new owner. I hope it brings you the same sense of peace it brings me. And thank you for supporting human-made, real art.

@strathnairnarts
#ArtistsOfInstagram #WhyIMakeArt #Canberra

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 5

Earlier in the week I declared today would be a no things day. I have slept for about 14 hours, and now it’s 1pm and I’ve just finished breakfast. And I’m back in bed with books and maybe a movie.
This is the deep rest I advocate to hard for. Sometimes we all need a no things day. #DeepRest

a cat is sleeping in a fluffy blanket

ALT: a cat is sleeping in a fluffy blanket

media.tenor.com

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 4

#FlashbackFriday to a day I stuck my feet in my beloved Murrumbidgee and felt it wash away some of the weight.
#NatureHeals

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 3

The creatorium needed more light. It’s very atmospheric, which is perfect for a room in which atmosphere is key. Thanks @inspiredtowrite for the suggestion—I might need more…!

#Creative #WritingLife #MakeSomething

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 2

This painting is on show and for sale as part of the Squares exhibition at @StrathnairnArts. Go visit her, and if she speaks to you, make her yours.
#WhyIMakeArt #ArtistsOfBluesky #Canberra

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 2

To show someone something wonderful, and for them to recognise what it is they’re looking for. For both of us to see each other, and feel seen.

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 2

I’m not the only one who comes here to reset themselves; I’ve met plenty of people there who are also searching for something. We connect through our shared love of this place.
And this is why we make art: to connect.

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 2

This spot beside Ginninderra Creek is one of my magic places. I’ve seen it roaring with water, and I’ve seen it so low I can walk into the middle and sit on a rock. It’s seen me through joy, and through darkness. I knew I had to paint it.

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 1

It’s in print, ebook, and audiobook and I couldn’t be prouder. This really is a dream come true!

#ShortStoryCollection #FlashFictionCollection #AustralianFiction #ContemporaryFiction

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jul 1

My book is the Roy Kent of books (if you know, you know…)

Places I have seen it:
-Book Passion Belconnen
-Booktopia
-Readings
-Waterstones
-Amazon
-Apple Books
-Spotify
-Libro
-Libby

Probably more too but I’m in a bit of a spin about it all!

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Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jun 30

#FlashFiction #ShortStory #FlashFictionCollection #ShortStoryCollection #LiteraryFiction #HumanCondition #AustralianFiction #AustralianWriter #HumanBehaviour #Hope

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jun 30

… that all is not lost, that there’s beauty and joy left to be had in this world. Because there is.

Grab a copy wherever you get your books, or at the links in my bio.

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jun 30

RELEASE DAY!
Animal Behaviour (2nd Ed) is out in the world in print, ebook, and audiobook.

This is the final story in the book, and it’s one of the new ones. Just like in the first edition, I wanted to end on a note of hope…

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Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jun 29

Today on my Substack, it’s a hopeful story for a messy world. I also talk a little about my book (out tomorrow in orint, ebook, and audiobook), and what it means to me.
Link in bio. Enjoy.

#Hope #ShortStory #FlashFiction #BookRelease

Amanda McLeod Writes @amandamwrites.bsky.social · Jun 28

I adore this story. The protagonist has had a tough run, but there’s so much hope and beauty left. It ends so sweetly. A story the world needs.

Two days, people! Two days until it’s out there! Preorder now, links in bio.