Maureen Mancini Amaturo is a freelance writer, columnist, poet, and writes fiction for both the adult and children’s markets. Her poetry has been published by Beatlefest, in several national anthologies, and has become song lyrics for local bands. When her short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Harlem” won first place in a national competition, she was labeled “America’s next Flannery O’Connor.”
After a career of fashion and beauty writing – having written for several major cosmetic companies and designers, published two beauty how-to books, and having had work published in Parents, Glamour, Vogue, Redbook, newspapers, advertising (U.S. and global,) beauty catalogs, and designer websites – Maureen saw fiction as a natural next step. But she hasn’t abandoned her fashion writing altogether. She writes a bi-weekly fashion column, “Dressing On The Side,” for her local newspaper.
While Co-Chairman of Unicorn Writers Conference, Maureen produced six annual events attracting writers from across the U.S.A, as well as some global writers. Additionally, she is actively involved in conceptualizing, curating, and producing exhibits, performing arts, and literary arts events for local arts organizations. Having established a Literary Arts Program at her community arts center, Maureen created and produced an annual Edgar Allan Poe event involving best-selling authors, television and Broadway personalities, and the Curators of Edgar Allan Poe Museums across America. At The 2009 Edgar Awards, Jeff Jerome, Curator of the Poe Museum in Maryland, presented Maureen with a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the city of Baltimore for her efforts in promoting the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
Maureen teaches a variety of Creative Writing classes to students of all ages, Fashion Illustration, Jewelry Design, and other mixed media arts workshops. Additionally, she provides one-on-one editing guidance to authors. Maureen writes articles and conducts celebrity interviews for her local newspapers. She is founder of the Sound Shore Writers Group, now in its eighth year, and is currently at work on several new children’s books and a novel in the women’s fiction genre. Maureen holds a B.A. in English and an MFA in Creative Writing.