The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 543: Our World's Beauty is Preposterous | Amanda Dykes, A Pocketful of Wonder
Aug 7, 2025
Bestselling novelist Amanda Dykes, known for her heartwarming tales and exploration of nature, shares her inspiring journey from English teacher to acclaimed author. She discusses the profound impact of grief on creativity and the making of her enchanting children's book, A Pocketful of Wonder. Amanda highlights the power of imagination, the importance of beauty in our lives, and how nurturing wonder in children is essential. From concrete poems to the magic of nature, this conversation encourages embracing the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us.
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From Teaching to Writing Journey
- Amanda Dykes shifted from being an English teacher to an award-winning author after deep grief and delays in adopting again.
- Writing her first book in six months was fast, yet it took years to get published, showing a journey of growth and perseverance.
Writing as Tool Use
- Writing a book is like using literary devices as tools rather than just recognizing them.
- Authors use imagination to turn abstract ideas into stories, making the blank page exciting yet daunting.
Publishing Road to Breakthrough
- Amanda faced multiple publishing rejections but viewed the process as growth rather than failure.
- A sudden opportunity allowed her to pitch a new novel, leading to two publishing offers and her breakthrough.
