Amanda Betts

Author, Education Consultant

Amanda (AJ) Betts is an award-winning author, teacher and cyclist, living in Perth. Her novel ‘Zac and Mia’ won the 2012 Text Prize for best unpublished manuscript.

Where were you born?

I was born in Bundaberg, in Queensland.

What other jobs have you had?

Well, I’ve been a teacher, lecturer, waitress, education officer, envelope sealer, and chalet maid.

What have been the highlights of your career?

In chronological order?

• Seeing my name in print for the first time - at the age of 12
  

• Holding my first novel, ShutterSpeed

• Winning the Text Prize
  

What are you passionate about?

Blue skies, oceans, bikes, muffins, writing, writers, words, silence, travelling, forests, coffee, random moments, daydreaming, passion, respect, justice, learning, lost shopping lists, chocolate, all the things unknown, and the infinite possibilities of the future.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Maybe. Have you? I’ve been speaking at festivals and schools for over four years.

 

Click HERE to watch Amanda presenting a TEDx talk: Why I Collect Shopping Lists