Amanda West Lewis has built a life filled with words on the page and on the stage, combining careers as a writer, theatre director, and calligrapher. She is the artistic director and founder of the Ottawa Children's Theatre, a company dedicated to enriching young lives through drama. Amanda holds an M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, with a specialist certificate in writing picture books. Her published work includes seven books for children and youth ranging from historical YA fiction to craft and picture books. A professional calligrapher, her work has been featured in international shows and she has taught the history of letterform throughout Ontario.

She is passionate about the importance of arts education for all ages. You can find more about Amanda at http://www.amandawestlewis.com , on Facebook at @amandawest.lewis , and on Twitter at @AmandaWestLewis .