Amanda Staples
Short Story Writer, Playwright, Author of Eating for Energy, and Budding Novelist.
Available Works
Eating for Energy
Conflict - themed anthology (short story only)
Horology - themed anthology (short story only)
We Run Through The Dark Together - mental health themed anthology (two short stories)
Bio
I am a writer. Phew. That feels like coming out at Writers' Anonymous. I have been writing for decades. It was my dirty little secret. I NEVER told anyone, well, barely anyone. I have the usual pile of stuff I can't look at even with a pot of tea and a whisky chaser. But, I cannot shred it because it got me where I am and I'm grateful. To admit to being a writer is tricky. People think it's easy - like cutting hair, but like hairdressing, it is skilled and it is hard work. Everyone thinks they have a book in them until they try to write it. Writing immerses you in a love/hate schizophrenic relationship with your Self. It is tantamount to creative self-harm. It's an addiction. And they are the good times! Why do I do it? Because after years of trying not to, I found I can't not.
In 2016 I made the decision and commitment to take writing seriously. I sent a lot of short stories to a lot of places (see Works/Writing CV for how that turned out).
I took up a suggestion to publish a recipe book based on my experience of handling Chronic Fatigue with nutrition. I finished a novel. Hated it. Started another. I won an award in a playwriting comp and took a punt on asking a theatre company to take a look. It went on stage in London 19 August 2017 as a one-act play. The piece then went on stage as a full length play from 23-27 January 2018 at Alma Tavern Theatre, Bristol.
​
I have been selected to perform my short stories at Bath Lit Fringe Fest, and Talking Tales and Writers Unchained events in Bristol.
​
My second novel is in the editing stage. I will soon be doing the standard trawl of e-door to door knocking for an agent. Wish me luck!
​
I am a member of North Bristol Writers, and Writing Retreat Rep for Writers' HQ.
​
See Writing CV on the Bio or Works tab for further info about what I've been up to.
Creative writing is the use of writing as an exploration and expression of self. It is intrinsically related to emotion.
News & Events
28 August 2017 saw the first production of my play Weston on a Sunday. This one act version won an award in the Segora One Act Playwriting Competition in 2016. I approached The Pigeon Collective with the script and they decided to produce it as a fundraiser for Alzheimer's Society. The play was well-received with the biggest complement from a nurse who works on an Alzheimer's ward saying it was 'spot on'. My undying thanks to all involved in this premiere of Weston on a Sunday.
​
​
In association with Far Out Man Theatre the full length version of the play was successfully produced at Alma Tavern Theatre, Bristol from 23-27 January 2018. The final three days were a sell out which makes me so grateful. Thank you.
​
In February 2018 I was thrilled to be appointed Writing Retreat Rep for Writers' HQ. I will be covering Cheltenham for a few months then setting up in my home town of Bristol. If you want to know more about these valuable writers space days, visit www.writershq.co.uk.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit m's easy.A
Contact
You can follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook - see below.
Email: scribestaples@gmail.com
Sign up to be the first to know about new stuff, events and more!
Follow me here: (don't stalk me in the street)