Hello…

I’m Amanda, a writer and photographer from Omaha.

I originally started this website — previously called Everybody Unlocked — in 2016 as a way to kickstart my career as a body language and lie detection coach. But after much thought and consideration on the world of body language experts and self-help gurus who spew half-science and cheesy, unreliable life and leadership hacks, and later learning that confidence and authentic connection starts from within, I decided to switch gears and create a website and blog about seeking inner truth and healing, and in 2018 it was renamed The Candid Crook.

My site has gone through several looks and layouts these past few years, and a handful posts were sporadically published (and now republished); it’s been slow-going and taken me forever to get serious about being a writer, in part thanks to the constant grumble of my inner critic, and also having no idea who I was or what I was about. Attempting to make a site and blog with no real goal or direction, then trying to explain it to people, was a confusing and fruitless endeavor. A shaking fear of being judged or confronted by friends, family and strangers for putting my personal opinions, truths and stories out there was also major obstacle to traverse through, but I’ve learned it’s not my job to appease others and feel it’s my duty to tell these stories regardless.

It’s been my goal to be a writer since I was twelve or thirteen, and teaching and helping others has been a long-time passion. While I do journal religiously, I’ve spent many years busying myself with other paths to avoid writing outside of a notebook because of deeply engrained self-limiting beliefs. That’s not to say that each career or life path I’ve been on were a waste because they weren’t; so many invaluable skills and lessons have come from each job I’ve had or place I’ve been, and every one of them has carried me to where I am now. Many of these experiences you’ll find within the stories of my blog!

The purpose of this blog is to write for personal enjoyment and to process my own history and internal revelations — but I believe my stories and adventures will be relatable enough to readers that they spark more people to begin their journey through the thick fog of self-deception, into a more free and honest future.

I’ve determined that even if this blog goes unread, at least I enjoyed making and growing from it. Alternatively, for those who happen to stumble upon my writing, I hope it’s both entertaining and healing for you. But if you find yourself offended, upset, or triggered by any of the contents, I challenge you to ask yourself why and really search for the answers.

Lastly, I don’t claim to be an expert or guru on the topics discussed within my stories, just a gal who loves reading books and articles and applying what I learn to my life. I’m still learning who I am and unveiling my inner truths; I’ve done my own research and critical thinking in the process, and I encourage you to do the same. Just because something is published in a book or online does not solidify 100% truth within its contents. We all navigate life differently. My life experiences and personal truths will differ from yours, although they may be similar. It’s up to each us to sift through years of denial and suppressed or repressed memories to discover our honest realities — what is true for us and nobody else.

Because who can know you better than yourself?

Happy truth-seeking, friends!