Amy Aves Challenger

ABOUT ME

I'm an American expat writer/artist
and mom of three kids living in Zürich, Switzerland. I studied communications design at Syracuse University and was trained by New York Writers' Coalition to lead workshops. I write articles, opinion pieces, essays, poetry and fiction. I also paint landscape, portraits, and editorial art. I co-founded a small organization of international moms building community with refugee moms and kids in Switzerland.

I've contributed to The Independent, HuffPost and MOPS International magazine and blog. My essays and articles have appeared in International Living, The Washington Post, Brain, Child Magazine, Your Teen Magazine, the Marin IJ, Mamalode and Poets Reading the News. My poems and short story were printed in an anthology called Secrets and Dreams. My middle grade short story called I'm Not Going To School will be published in a "bookazine" by Zizzle Literary in February.

I've completing a novel about a mom and her atypical son as they struggle to grow together in a world that wants everything and everyone typical.

In addition to writing for blogs, magazines, newsletters and other freelance projects, my experience includes illustration, design and communications work for public relations, corporate identity, product design, packaging and direct marketing companies.

I'm an idea woman and have created art and products for companies like Klutz Press, Papyrus, University Games, and Ronald McDonald Children's Charities. I've worked in the non-profit world for causes relating to refugees, poverty, the environment, education and homelessness.

I'm a former chair of a community college design program where I developed curricula, hired teachers and taught college courses. I've won some design awards. I’ve started a few grass roots organizations to serve the homeless in California and to support moms of special needs kids in Connecticut.

My paintings have sold in Gumps, other gift retailers, and have been reproduced on greeting cards and in publications.

I lead creative writing workshops inspired by the Amherst Writers and Artists Method, and was trained to do so by the New York Writer's Coalition and Westport Writers' Workshop of Westport, Connecticut.

I'm crazy about talking. So if you have questions, or are interested in discussing a project, please reach out. I'd be delighted to hear from you--