Still life and storylines

Hi, I’m Amy Rose , Pen name Amy Stanbra  — a Yorkshire-based artist and author with a deep love for stories in all their forms. My creative work stretches across visual art, children’s books, and psychological crime fiction, and I find that each part feeds the other in unexpected ways. In a world oversaturated with noise, I create to stir something real. Whether you're turning the pages of a gritty crime thriller, reading a child’s story that sparks wonder, or pausing before a painting that feels like memory.

As an Artist

I work in oil, acrylic, watercolour, ink, and glass — often drawn to still-life pieces that carry emotion and layered meaning. My art is rooted in storytelling, which is why I created Still Life & Storylines, my studio and creative brand based in Rotherham. Painting gives me space to reflect, to breathe — and sometimes, it's where my next story begins.

As a Children's Author

Before writing full-time, I worked in childcare, which shaped the way I write for younger readers — always with a sense of wonder, fun, and imagination. My books are colourful and a little bit cheeky, with characters that children can connect with.
A few favourites include JJ and the Fire Engine, which was inspired by a fearless two-year-old, and If Jen Won the Lottery, which plays with big ideas in fun, accessible ways. Some of my books are illustrated by my daughter, which makes them even more special.

As a Crime & Psychological Thriller Writer

On the darker side of storytelling, I write crime thrillers that dig into identity, obsession, and the grey areas of morality. My debut, The Gallery of Lies, introduced Detective Mara Vandelyn, and I’m now deep into the third book in that series.

These stories are set in South Yorkshire and are heavily influenced by my background in art, music, psychology, and human behaviour. I love exploring what drives people — especially when it’s not what it seems on the surface.