author. advocate. advisor.

Amy L. Bernstein writes stories that let readers feel by making them think. She is the award-winning author of seven books, including, most recently, Tent City, a family saga about the decline of the American Dream; and Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration, a popular source of encouragement for self-doubting creatives. Amy brings a compassionate and insightful voice to the challenges and joys of the artistic process at writers' conferences around the U.S. Amy also runs a book coaching business, helping nonfiction authors craft compelling book proposals. She is a past recipient of a Rubys Artist Grant, an Onassis Foundation grant, and multiple Maryland Humanities grants, among others. In 2025, she became a Pushcart-nominated poet. Amy has also worked as an award-winning journalist, an executive speechwriter, and as a communications director in government and nonprofits.

• Tune into a conversation on creativity and risk-taking with life coach Stacey Andon. 
• Making a mid-life pivot? My conversation with Claire Waite Brown, here, will inspire you.
• Get a taste of my teaching life through this conversation with bestselling author Alessandra Torre  on revealing character through dialogue. 
• Want more writing craft? Check out some of my blogs for guru Jane Friedman, including tips for writing a great second draft and the peril and promise of writing in first-person.
• I'm an in-demand podcast guest, exploring creativity, publishing, writing, and aging with alacrity. 

I have lived in Baltimore, Maryland for over 35 years and it is now my beloved home. Baltimore is a fantastic city in which to live, work, and play. I try to give back by directly supporting local artists, nonprofit cultural organizations, and arts institutions through direct and in-kind giving (including workshops, mentoring, and teaching). I also serve as an occasional judge for arts-related programs and contests serving teens and adults. Nationally, I'm a volunteer with the Women's Fiction Writers Association, the Maryland Writers Association, the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP), and more.