Amy Love is a writer, editor, bibliophile, selenophile, + founder of
Secret Book Stuff.
In the past ten years, I’ve worked for some amazing agencies, including Dream & Do, Words of Prey, The Contented Copywriter, Design Bug, and Salty Designs Studios. Recently, I’ve written for Virgin Money and UNSW, and edited a series of six ‘mini’ books for independent Australian publisher Debut Books – small books about big topics, such as disability, sexuality, and identity.
The kinda serious stuff.
In 2016, I graduated with a PhD in English (Creative Writing) from the University of Newcastle, Australia. My novel manuscript, Halfway to Nowhere, was shortlisted for the Kill Your Darlings Unpublished Manuscript Prize and I was awarded a Residential Fellowship through the Varuna Writer’s House in 2021. Then in March 2022, I was shortlisted for the Varuna Pitch Me! prize, judged by literary agent Grace Heifetz and publisher Alex Craig from Ultimo Press.
For six years, I taught creative writing at the University of Newcastle, moulding bright young minds towards my true agenda: read more fucking books. Jokes. But not really. I love teaching writing, sharing my passion for words and my knowledge of the world of writing and publishing, which is why I offer mentoring sessions with budding writers.
As a research assistant for top-level academics, I have worked on projects such as the Royal Commission (yes, that Royal Commission… see, I can be serious too), the representation of women in the music industry, and queer representation in Young Adult literature.
The fun stuff.
Gosh darnit I have done a whole heap of fun things in my career. I co-founded a breakfast event series in Sydney called Cereal Entrepreneurs, interviewing people in business and running creative workshops. I’ve transformed my bookshop into Flourish & Blotts for a Harry Potter-themed dinner and show series in Newcastle, and I've been editor-in-chief of an online postgraduate creative writing journal. That’s just the cherry on top of ten years of fun celebrating all things words, ideas, books, and creativity.
I have also managed social media accounts, worked in-house for magazines, ghostwritten a memoir, guest edited a children’s book, and I’m a regular contributor to Swell magazine and The Conscious Space blog.
Oh, you want more? Well, I’m also a marriage celebrant and a Pilates instructor and I was a ballerina once upon a time. If you ask nicely I’ll tell you all about the astrological signs and human design profiles because I am a mixed bag of lollies and I love to do lots of things.
The good stuff.
I love working with brands aligned with a conscious message and a social good intention. With my words, I help people share stories that matter. Stories with heart. Stories that can change the world.
The right now stuff.
Right this second, I’m guest-curating the Newcastle Writers Festival and writing the stories of fibre artists around the world for a coffee-table book project with Timeless Textiles Gallery. And also re-watching Veronica Mars, because why the heck not?
Am I the right writer for you?
Let me tell you a little story. For a long time, I thought I had to choose sides — you know, between soul and science. Even in putting together this new website, I contemplated creating two identities, two platforms, two versions of myself and what I offer. I mean, I work as a lecturer, a research assistant, an editor of important, serious words. I have a PhD, for crying out loud.
But I’m also a meditator, a yoga practitioner, an astrology enthusiast who cleanses her work space with palo santo most mornings. Mercury Retrograde is a real thing and if you have a sore throat I’ll probably ask ‘Are you speaking your truth?’ without even thinking.
I write fun, snappy copy for soulful small businesses and also edit information booklets for surgeons. I write sweary book reviews on Instagram and collate research reports about trauma in the Royal Commission. I run a social enterprise and write for other social enterprises. I read books and I write them.
One day I realised, I can be both. I can be it all.
So here it is — welcome. My online space for all the things.
What you say…
“Amy will support you wholeheartedly on your creative adventure. You will feel inspired to write more, ignited in your purpose and be given the practical tools to truly bring your words to life. Amy is my sacred go-to for writing accountability and creative guidance, she is a true visionary when it comes to helping me write captively and with intention.”
- Kate (Founder, Gumboots by the Sea - Creative Mentoring)
Amy Lovat has been sharing stories with our Swell readers for over 10 issues. Every article Amy submits is insightful and creative. We've had such lovely feedback from interviewees about how effortless Amy is to talk to and that she makes them feel at ease. This is evident in the warmth in each piece, which leaves the reader feeling like they are witnessing a conversation between old friends.
- Bec Geraghty & Kristy Coady (Founders, Swell Magazine - Feature Writing)