Her themes included feminism, social reform, and a favourable view of the Rebecca Riots (1839–1843) in response to unfair taxation.

[2] Her uncle was John Dillwyn Llewelyn of Penllergare who, along with his wife Emma Thomasina Talbot, his sister (Amy's aunt) Mary Dillwyn and his daughter (Amy's cousin) Theresa Story Maskelyne (née Dillwyn-Llewellyn) were pioneers of early photography.

Research into Dillwyn's life has also shown a close relationship with Olive Talbot through letters, who she called her "wife" in diaries.

Dillwyn lived in lodgings until the business was saved, eventually moving into Tŷ Glyn, her home for the rest of her life.

[6] Her unorthodox appearance, her habit of smoking cigars and her lifestyle made her a well-known figure in the local community.

When the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies was formed at the turn of the century, Dillwyn joined as one of the earliest supporters in Wales.

[citation needed] Her house, Tŷ Glyn (now Mumbles Nursing Home), still stands at West Cross, Swansea and a Blue plaque has been installed on its boundary wall.

Telling the fictionalised account of a Rebecca rioter, loyal to the cause even when transported to Australia, the novel shows Dillwyn's political views, liberal towards the Rebecca rioters and against English rule, despite her father's part in squashing the riots.

[14] Her novel Jill was the most commercially successful, with the original July 1884 print selling out, causing it to be reprinted in September of the same year.

[15] Bith David Painting and Kirsti Bohata identify recurring themes in her novels of crusading social reform, unrequited love and criticism of the upper classes.