Life & Work with Amanda E.K. of Cap Hill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda E.K..

Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to today?
My upbringing as a fundamentalist evangelical Christian influences all of my work today. When I was running Suspect Press – the Denver literary & arts magazine– I made many connections with other artists and writers who also grew up in the Church and experienced similar religious trauma. This led me to realize that I was meant to share my faith journey so that others may know that their stories are of value and that they aren’t alone. I’ve published personal essays about my experience in the Church and my evolution away from traditional gender & sexual identities and relationship norms. I’ve written a memoir about my experience growing up in purity culture (the idea that women are in charge of controlling men’s sex drives and that they must save all sexual pleasure for marriage, among other aspects). I’ve made a series of short films and written a TV screenplay that includes themes of religious trauma and personal identity with my production team, Glass Cactus. As I healed from the trauma and got more comfortable exploring and expressing my sexuality, I took on a writing position as the erotica columnist for OUT FRONT Magazine. This led to getting a book deal, a queer erotica story collection – The Risk it Takes to Bloom – that was released in February 2022. I’m also working as a Creative Coach & Reiki Healer. I work with individuals looking to explore the depths of their self-awareness to help them navigate and take control of their own lives by using the Enneagram, dreamwork, synesthesia (cross-sensory exploration), and energy healing.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
The road is rarely smooth but always worth the journey. My complex-PTSD is often triggered in the work that I do, but with the help of my therapist, I’ve learned that there is no healing without facing the past and releasing the pent-up emotions that once served as survival.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a memoirist, erotica writer, screenwriter, filmmaker, editor, creative community organizer, Creative Coach & Reiki healer. Pre-pandemic, I taught a weekly writing class for all levels of writers, and I co-founded the creative writing & cannabis class, Lit on Lit – the first and only writing class of its kind. I’ve published short fiction and poetry, and non-fiction work, and I’ve had my writing recognized on the Low Orbit podcast, Humanitou podcast, and Mortified Live. The television pilot I co-wrote with Jesse Livingston made it to the second round at the Austin Film Festival. Our short films have received nominations at a handful of other film festivals. I’m most proud of my dedication to creating the work I want to put out in the world.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’ve met my best friends in Denver. A place stands out for its people, and Denver is brimming with kind and talented people. One of the most frustrating things about Denver is the traffic and parking – but I’ve found peace in my pocket of the city near Cheesman Park, where I can walk to most everything I need.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amandaekwriter.com
• Instagram: @amanda.ek.writer
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaq9RAq5EhZXuZ5FjUEfoIQ

Image Credits
My headshot credit goes to: @ottoshotgun