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.
Episodes
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...
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 wh...
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 cho...
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
• usi...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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 expre...
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 s...
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...
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 reta...
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 st...
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 panel...
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 provi...
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...
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 pre...
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 wri...
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...
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 ...
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 creati...
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