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Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
Amra Pajalic
20 episodes
1 week ago

Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—

writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into

 stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom 

from my armchair to yours.

Show more...
Books
Arts
RSS
All content for Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes is the property of Amra Pajalic and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—

writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into

 stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom 

from my armchair to yours.

Show more...
Books
Arts
Episodes (20/20)
Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
20-Early Menopause, Real Talk: A conversation with Antoinette about POI

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We share Antoinette’s story of premature ovarian insufficiency at 41, the harm of being dismissed, and the relief and clarity that came with HRT. We open up about rage, insomnia, brain fog, grief over lost choice, and how to advocate for better care at home, work, and in the clinic.

• early signs ignored and misattributed to stress
• navigating GP knowledge gaps and delayed referrals
• emotional crash, rage, intrusive thoughts, loss of empathy
• cognitive fog, sleep loss, night sweats, skin changes
• POI realities, fertility grief, and identity repair
• evidence‑based HRT as mechanism‑level treatment
• cardiometabolic and bone health risks and screening
• boundaries, relationships, and clearing energy drains
• workplace adjustments and policy awareness
• how to find menopause‑literate clinicians and resources

If you enjoyed today’s episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow for more insights, stories, and inspiration


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
1 month ago
58 minutes 56 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
19-From Shy Teen To Stage: A conversation with Veronica Ho

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Today I talk to my best friend, Veronica Ho and as two longtime friends we trace a candid path from quiet teen years to midlife strength, exploring how weightlifting became therapy, why boundaries matter, and how perimenopause reshapes health goals. We share the unglamorous prep, the cost, the mindset shifts, and the power of saying no.

• early body image and being a confidant
• why lifting started and what changed
• training stats, body composition, and safety
• food prep, budgets, and time protection
• stage experiences and doing it in her forties
• attention, projection, and dressing for self
• gym as therapy and routine under stress
• perimenopause, bone health, and recovery
• realistic goals, reasons why, and setbacks
• boundaries that signal commitment to self

Subscribe and follow for more inside stories and inspiration


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
1 month ago
38 minutes 23 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
18-Three Minutes To Matter: A conversation with Dr Katherine Firth

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Amra sits down with Dr Katherine Firth to unpack how the Three Minute Thesis turns complex research into a clear, human story and why that skill changes academic careers. Amra shares the path from department heat to university win to Asia–Pacific submission, including the full 3MT performance.

• what 3MT is and why it matters
• how to build a strong opening, middle and closing
• cutting jargon and choosing clean language
• using one slide as a memory anchor
• rehearsing in the real venue and managing nerves
• when to memorise versus use cue cards
• applying feedback between heats to improve
• career value for academia, industry and media
• building community, confidence and momentum
• ethical storytelling for sensitive research topics

Thank you for listening to my interview with Dr. Katherine Firth about the three-minute thesis competition. I will now be including my three-minute thesis application, and so you'll be able to listen to it. This is the one that went to the Asia Pacific heat, and I will also include a link to the initial La Trobe heat, which is the one that I won.


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
2 months ago
51 minutes 42 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
17-Building an indie literary life: A conversation with Koraly Dimitriadis

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We sit with poet and filmmaker Koraly Dimitriades to unpack gatekeeping, creative autonomy, and how to build a writing life that answers to the work, not the establishment. From founding a press to touring internationally, we share tactics, hard truths, and why protecting your voice matters.

• founding an indie press to keep creative control
• questioning “literary merit” through a colonial lens
• using zines, bookshops and data to secure distribution
• choosing offset vs print on demand for touring
• negotiating rights and asking about real marketing budgets
• moving from mainstream op-eds to social media for voice
• speaking truth, blacklisting and mental health boundaries
• targeting prizes and festivals that suit your style
• nontraditional sales channels and grassroots marketing
• redefining success and separating money from art
• community, nuance and sustaining a long career

Subscribe and follow for more insights, stories, and inspiration


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
2 months ago
54 minutes 48 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
16-From Booth to Business: A conversation with Nina Nikolic

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I sit down with actor and narrator Nina Nikolic to unpack the craft and business of voice work, from emotional performance and character choices to contracts, rates, and protecting your voice in an AI world. Along the way we swap practical systems for finding clients, tracking jobs, and turning creative energy into a sustainable career.

• balancing creative craft with small business habits
• social media as proof of life and connection
• lead sources, referrals, and asking how clients found us
• audiobook workflow, samples, pacing, and pickups
• pronunciation research and consistency across long texts
• performance choices that separate characters without caricature
• human narration versus AI, ethics, and accessibility
• adding voice protection language to audiobook back matter
• contracts, rights windows, and negotiating clauses
• owning IP and avoiding perpetual, all‑media traps
• input‑based goals versus outcome‑based goals
• pricing to a livable per‑finished‑hour rate
• reflection routines, tracking wins, and sustainable marketing

You can find the episode show notes, your free episode handouts, and my how‑to guides at amrapajalic.com/podcast


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 1 minute 25 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
15-Resilience Runs in Our Ink: A Conversation with Demet Divaroren

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Two award-winning authors discuss the transformative journey from rejection to publication and how fantasy fiction creates space to process real-world challenges.

• Demet shares her decade-long journey to publication through "process, perspective, perseverance, and practice"
• Co-editing "Growing Up Muslim in Australia" helped transform Demet's writing style
• "Blood Moon Bride" explores themes of oppression and resistance through fantasy
• Writing fantasy provided therapeutic distance during postpartum anxiety
• Storytelling carries inheritances through generations, echoing ancestral experiences
• Each generation of women in Demet's family pushed boundaries for the next
• The importance of raising children with intentional language around gender roles
• Perseverance as the key difference between published and unpublished writers
• Self-belief as the foundation for creative success
• We are "always coming of age" throughout our lives, constantly evolving

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow for more insights, stories, and inspiration. From my armchair to yours, remember every story begins with a single word.


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
3 months ago
38 minutes 56 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
14-From Street Art to Gallery Walls: An interview with Lukas Kasper

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Melbourne-based artist Lukas Kasper shares his journey from skateboarding graffiti artist to internationally recognized muralist working across Australia, North America and Southeast Asia. His evolution from painting monsters to creating works exploring mental health, environmental awareness and our relationship with animals reveals how creative practices change and grow over time.

• Beginning his art career through graffiti and skateboarding culture while finding community and validation
• Taking initiative by approaching cafes and bars to host art shows when formal gallery access wasn't available
• Adapting artistic style to different contexts while maintaining integrity across commercial work
• Balancing commissioned projects with personal vision when working with councils and brands
• Starting teaching at 17 and continuing community engagement through school workshops and YouTube tutorials
• Creating a YouTube channel to share spray paint techniques and document artistic journey
• Participating in international residencies including recent work in Mongolia and China
• Experiencing a pivotal six-month residency in Wodonga that transformed his career trajectory
• Finding motivation and building networks as keys to sustainable artistic practice
• Managing the mental and financial challenges of being a full-time working artist


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
4 months ago
37 minutes 26 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
13-Embracing Neurodiversity in a Square-Peg World: A conversation with Lee Agius

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Lee Agius shares her journey from sculptor to art therapist, revealing how chance encounters and supportive mentors helped her discover her creative path despite early educational challenges as a neurodivergent learner.

• Becoming a sculptor after a chance comment about her expressive hands during her travels in her early 20s
• Art school experience highlighting the difference between creativity for expression versus creativity for external validation
• Late diagnosis of dyslexia and ADHD providing clarity and compassion for her younger self
• Creating Artful Warrior Mental Health Therapy Service to provide accessible art therapy
• Balancing multiple roles and projects as a business owner with neurodivergent needs
• Navigating perimenopause and menopause challenges while questioning why women aren't more prepared
• Finding clarity and self-acceptance in post-menopausal life
• The transformative power of arts allowing her to progress from being unable to write essays to earning a master's degree with 98%

Visit amrapajalic.com/podcast for episode handouts and guides.


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
5 months ago
29 minutes 52 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
12-Dancing Through Life's Transitions: A conversation with Tania Segura

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Tania shares her journey from mother of three to co-founder of Melbourne's vibrant Cuban dance crew Rakata, exploring how a single dance class at age 30 completely transformed her life path.

• Beginning dance at 30 and discovering that Cuban salsa allowed her to flourish without classical training
• Transferring teaching skills from classroom to dance floor by breaking complex movements into simple steps
• Creating a dance curriculum focused on skills and expression rather than specific genres
• Learning to recognise and assert your worth in creative industries
• Honouring the cultural origins and storytelling aspects of Cuban dance
• Being signed by a modelling agency at age 50 after applying on impulse
• Appearing on SBS Insight's 50th anniversary special through a Facebook application
• Embracing midlife transitions and menopause as an opportunity for self-prioritisation
• Finding joy in trying new things without fear of failure
• The importance of creative expression and play as essential human activities

Visit amrapajalic.com/podcast for free episode handouts.


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
5 months ago
45 minutes 51 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
11-The Refugee Writer's Journey: A Conversation with Fikret Pajalic

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Writer Fikret Pajalic shares his journey from Bosnian refugee to published author, exploring how personal trauma became award-winning fiction through determination and craft. His short story collection "Complication" draws on refugee experiences, cross-cultural challenges, and unexpected connections.

• Began writing as therapy for PTSD after arriving in Australia as a refugee in 1994
• Developed a "revolving door submissions" strategy, persisting through multiple rejections
• Published in prestigious literary journals including Meanjin, Overland, and international magazines
• Named his collection "Complication" after watchmaking terminology, reflecting life's complexities
• Stories explore themes of refugee experiences, western suburbs life, racism, and cultural displacement
• Animals appear as recurring motifs throughout his stories
• Received grants from Creative Victoria (2014) and Australia Council (2015)
• Balance between staying true to artistic vision while being open to editorial guidance
• Writing process involves transforming both personal experiences and stories from his community
• Continues to navigate the residual mental health impacts of refugee experiences

Find the episode show notes, free episode handouts and how-to guides at amrapajalic.com/podcast.


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
6 months ago
28 minutes 53 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
10-Marketing Magic: How to Sell Your Book Without Selling Your Soul

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We explore how to market your book effectively without compromising your values or feeling overwhelmed. This episode offers practical strategies from metadata optimisation to social media marketing that work for both indie and traditionally published authors.

• Marketing is about connecting your story with readers who need it most
• Prepare comprehensive metadata including keywords, descriptions, and retail links
• Create titles and covers that meet genre expectations rather than trying to stand out
• Develop multiple versions of your blurb from one-sentence to full description
• Make a dedicated book page on your website with downloadable media kit materials
• Use universal purchase links for all promotions rather than favoring one retailer
• Create evergreen social media content that can be regularly recycled
• Design a unique hashtag for your book or series to build brand recognition
• Build an advanced reader team through platforms like NetGalley or your own list
• Focus on marketing activities you genuinely enjoy and can sustain long-term

You can download my metadata template from my website to help prepare your book for publication. Remember, marketing is a marathon, not a sprint - find what works for you and keep connecting with readers who will appreciate your stories.


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
6 months ago
32 minutes 7 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
9-The Business Side of Being an Author

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Being a successful author requires more than just writing skills – it means embracing entrepreneurship and developing a sustainable business model that supports your creative practice.

• Understanding taxes is essential – track income and expenses to claim writing-related deductions
• Invest in your business through editing, cover design, marketing, and professional development 
• Use technology to streamline operations – accounting software, social media schedulers, email marketing platforms
• Learn about industry-standard rates for freelance writing, speaking engagements, and workshops
• Apply for grants from government bodies, arts councils, and writing organizations
• Develop an entrepreneurial mindset by setting goals and tracking progress
• Establish a strong online presence with a professional website and consistent social media
• Build a mailing list to connect directly with readers independently of social media algorithms
• Join writing communities and Facebook groups to network and learn about industry trends
• Embracing your identity as a business owner can be empowering rather than intimidating

You can find the episode show notes, your free episode handouts and my how-to guides at amrapajalic.com/podcast


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
7 months ago
32 minutes 50 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
8-Own the Stage: Mastering Author Events

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Author public appearances require preparation, presence, and practice to create memorable, professional experiences for audiences while building your platform and connection with readers.

• Panels require advance research of fellow panelists, prepared bullet points, and supporting your colleagues while not oversharing
• Effective moderators serve the audience first by managing time, spotlighting all panelists equally, and asking insightful questions
• Workshops should be interactive with minimal lecturing—aim to talk no more than five minutes at a time
• Create handouts for workshops but don't feel obligated to share your entire presentation—protect your intellectual property
• Author talks should follow a narrative arc with strong openings and closings rather than feeling like sales pitches
• Technical difficulties happen to everyone—bring backup technology solutions and be prepared to adapt
• Your physical presence matters—maintain energy, make eye contact, dress professionally but comfortably
• Focus on connection and providing value rather than perfection

You can find episode show notes, free handouts and how-to guides at amrapajalic.com/podcast. Remember, every story begins with a single word.


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
7 months ago
1 hour 5 minutes 49 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
7-From Wounds to Words: Transforming Trauma into Powerful Storytelling

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Amra explores how our deepest wounds can be transformed through writing, sharing personal stories about growing up with a mother who had bipolar disorder and how that shaped her storytelling journey.

• Writing from trauma connects readers with universal experiences and emotions
• Memoir writing requires decisions about what to share and when you're ready to reveal personal stories
• Fiction provides "plausible deniability" while still allowing emotional truth to emerge
• Writing through trauma should ultimately help healing, not make things worse
• Take breaks, find trusted readers, and develop grounding rituals when writing difficult material
• Your personal story may connect with readers in unexpected and meaningful ways

Find episode handouts and how-to guides at amrahpayalich.com/podcast. I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode - connect with me on social media and let me know how your writing journey is going.


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
8 months ago
46 minutes 54 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
6-The Evolution of an Author: From Young Reader to Award-Winning Writer

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Amra shares her personal journey from childhood reader to award-winning author, exploring how she discovered her authentic voice after years of commercial detours and rejections.

• Growing up as an avid reader who found escapism and hope in books
• Finding early success with a fiery article about racism and injustice
• Navigating the traditional publishing world with a literary novel
• Detour into romance writing that ended in disappointment
• Life-changing advice: "Write something no one else can write"
• Writing a memoir about her mother's mental illness and migrant experience
• Discovering her strength in using personal stories to find universal truths
• Current focus on crime fiction that incorporates human rights advocacy
• Learning that authentic writing is more fulfilling than chasing commercial success
• Embracing evolution as a natural part of the writing journey

I'd love to hear about crossroads you're facing in your writing journey and what you're struggling with. Let me know if there are specific topics you'd like me to address in future episodes. You can find show notes and a special handout at amrapayalich.com/podcast. Keep writing and remember that your story matters.


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
8 months ago
53 minutes 15 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
5-The Power of Short Stories in Building Your Publication Portfolio

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Short stories offer writers a powerful pathway to develop craft, find their voice, build publication history, and create stepping stones toward novel publication success.

• Short stories help writers experiment with different themes, structures, and genres
• Publication in literary journals and anthologies provides validation and confidence
• Writing within strict word limits teaches concision and precision with language
• The submission process develops resilience and understanding of publishing timelines
• Each rejection is an opportunity to revise and improve your work
• Professional relationships with editors are crucial for long-term writing success
• Flash fiction and experimental forms can stretch your creative abilities
• Short stories can later serve as reader magnets for indie authors
• Maintaining a submission tracking system increases chances of publication
• Reading and deconstructing published short stories helps improve your own craft

Check out the show notes on my website at amrapajalic.com/podcast for handouts referencing opportunities mentioned in this episode, plus author guides based on these discussions.


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
9 months ago
58 minutes 13 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
4-Balancing the Pen and Paycheck

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Creative writers with full-time jobs face unique challenges balancing their passion with their paycheck. I share my 30-year journey navigating the worlds of teaching and writing, revealing practical strategies for maintaining a creative practice amid life's demands.

• Building writing into small pockets of available time rather than waiting for perfect conditions
• Creating accountability through writing groups, online communities, and mentorships
• Recognizing your energy patterns and assigning creative tasks accordingly
• Finding inspiration within your day job rather than seeing it as an obstacle
• Using morning routines, music, and environmental shifts to trigger creative states
• Avoiding creative burnout through strategic rest and rejuvenation practices
• Experimenting with different writing approaches until finding what works for you
• Honoring your creative impulses to invite more inspiration

Visit amrapajalic.com/podcast for the full transcript, show notes, and how-to guides to support your writing practice. These cost-effective $5 guides provide actionable steps to help integrate creativity into your busy life while supporting this podcast.


Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
9 months ago
57 minutes

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
3-Mastering the Art of Book and Memoir Pitches

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This episode unravels the secrets to successful pitching in the literary world, highlighting the importance of research, personalized query letters, and effective summarization. Amra offers practical advice for writers, from perfecting elevator pitches to navigating freelance writing opportunities and securing media attention. 

• Exploring the significance of query letters in pitching 
• Tips for crafting an effective elevator pitch 
• The role of a one-page synopsis in storytelling 
• Building confidence for freelance writing through pitched articles 
• Importance of media attention and strategizing outreach 
• Pitching writing workshops to build credibility and presence

Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
10 months ago
1 hour 3 minutes 13 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
2-The Journey from Traditional to Indie Publishing

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Explore my evolution from traditionally published author to independent publisher, revealing the challenges, lessons learned, and the empowering decision to embrace self-publishing. Learn about the critical shifts in my narrative that shaped my vision for inclusive and accessible literature. 
• Understanding the differences between traditional, indie, and hybrid publishing 
• The pivotal moments and decisions in my journey as a writer 
• Insights into building a small press and advocating for diversity 
• The challenges faced when transitioning to indie authorship 
• Essential tips and strategies for aspiring indie authors 
• Encouragement to embrace and celebrate every writer's unique pathway

Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Show more...
10 months ago
44 minutes 11 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
1-The Impact of Writing Residencies

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This episode highlights the life-changing impact of writing residencies on a writer's creative practice. Amra shares personal experiences, offers practical advice on applying for residencies, and emphasises the importance of community, networking, and dedicated time for writing.

• Exploring the transformative power of writing residencies 
• Balancing teaching and writing: personal journey as a creative 
• Importance of a creative CV for applications 
• Networking with fellow creatives in shared spaces 
• Practical tips on finding and applying for residencies 
• Seeking inspiration through connections and diverse interactions 
• Embracing unexpected moments for new ideas and projects 
• Call to Action: amrapajalic.com/podcast for handouts and resources

Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.

Episodes are posted every second Monday.

You can subscribe on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastIndex, YouTube, or RSS, all directories

Episode show notes are transcripts at https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

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10 months ago
26 minutes 2 seconds

Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes

Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—

writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into

 stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom 

from my armchair to yours.