Takeaways

• Exploring the impact of generational trauma
• The intersection of art therapy and dietary rebellion

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Generational Trauma
• 03:01 Art Therapy and Dietary Rebellion
• 04:11 The Reality of Indie Publishing
• 05:27 Living Sustainably and Electric Homes
• 07:13 The Messy Business of Making Art
• 09:32 The Challenges of Writing and Publishing
• 12:24 The Emotional Cost of Writing Trauma
• 14:13 Demystifying Print on Demand Publishing

Takeaways

• Authenticity and representation are crucial in the literary world.
• Accessibility and inclusion are essential for writers with disabilities. Bravery in creativity
• Kindness to oneself
• The value of poetry
• Creating accessible spaces for disabled writers

Chapters

• 00:00 Challenges of Accessibility and Inclusion in Literary Spaces
• 15:52 Impact of Recognition and Personal Journey
• 25:15 The Value of Poetry
• 30:25 Kindness to Oneself

Takeaways

• Multifaceted artistry: Embracing diverse creative expressions
• Cultural representation: Navigating challenges in writing and storytelling Diverse storytelling in podcasts
• Navigating midlife challenges
• Embracing authenticity and confidence
• Navigating online identities and content creation

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing Jelena Churich: The Multifaceted Artist
• 08:29 Navigating the Publishing Industry: Struggles and Triumphs
• 20:01 Artistic Identity and Creative Freedom
• 27:26 Embracing Multifaceted Artistry: Breaking the Mold
• 35:19 Coping with Anxiety and Vulnerability
• 45:05 Navigating Online Identities

Guest bio:

Jelena Curic wears a few hats — literary novelist, crime writer, comedian, and, by her own admission, the resident diva of her local Croatian community, singing most weekends whether or not anyone asked her to. You may already know her online as Teta Jela, the aunty who says the things the rest of us only think. Her name is Jelena Curic.

Jelena's debut novel, Sing to Me, was published by WestWords in 2025. It follows Pero — a Croatian immigrant in 1980s Western Sydney, a flawed and fascinating man who, when Tito dies and his mother's health fails, returns home to confront family secrets, a father who won't speak to him, and the long shadow of a war-torn past. It's a story about silence, forgiveness, and the song the soul forgets it knows.

She came up through the WestWords Academy and Accelerator and was shortlisted for the Born Writers Award two years running — and today she's here to talk about everything she learned getting that book into the world.

You can find Jelena at jelenacuric.com, follow Jelena the writer in her Teta Jela on Instagram @jelena.curic_writer

Takeaways

• The journey from business to authorship
• The emotional process of memoir writing Compassion and empathy build trust
• Revisiting personal records can reveal discrepancies and confrontational surprises
• Persistence and belief in self are crucial in marketing and promotion

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey to Authorship
• 06:31 The Decision to Publish and the Editing Process
• 13:46 Writing About Family and Vulnerability
• 25:50 Vulnerability and Growth in Memoir Writing
• 32:04 Compassion and Connection
• 37:23 Institutional Trauma and Freedom of Information
• 46:03 Persistence in Marketing and Promotion
• 52:16 Belief in Self and Value Creation

About Warren Rankine

Warren Rankine is author of Fifteen Feet Tall — a memoir written by a Ngarrindjeri man exploring childhood abandonment, foster care, trauma, identity, survival, and what it means to rebuild a life after growing up without stability.

Warren’s story isn’t just the memoir itself, but the way he’s approached authorship. He’s not coming from a literary or academic background. He built a business first, then turned to storytelling, and has approached publishing with a really direct, entrepreneurial mindset.

We’re talking about writing trauma honestly without becoming trapped by it, the emotional cost of memoir, masculinity and vulnerability, and the realities of marketing and direct-selling your own story in a crowded publishing landscape.

Website: https://www.fifteenfeettall.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fifteen_feet_tall/

Takeaways

• Indie authors need to take an active role in marketing and promoting their books
• The importance of thorough proofreading and quality control in indie publishing Collaboration and community
• Global publishing opportunities

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding the Role of IngramSpark
• 09:02 Bookstore Access and Discoverability
• 17:59 The Importance of Proofreading and Quality Control
• 24:53 Innovations in Print on Demand
• 30:07 Understanding Wholesale Discounts
• 41:01 E-commerce and Direct Selling
• 47:24 Language Translation and Customisable Books

https://www.tiktok.com/@ingramsparkbooks

https://www.instagram.com/ingramsparkbooks/

https://www.youtube.com/user/IngramSpark

https://www.facebook.com/IngramSpark

Takeaways

• Long-term writing career challenges
• Balancing writing with a full-time job Historical fiction challenges
• Impact of historical accuracy
• Readers' preference for escapism

Chapters

• 00:00 The Reality of a Writing Career
• 05:54 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing
• 11:08 Advances and Royalties
• 20:00 Balancing Writing and Work
• 28:47 Historical Fiction and Costumes
• 34:11 Impact of Education on Historical Interest
• 40:00 Impact of Feminism on Historical Romance
• 45:46 Historical Realism vs. Fantasy
• 53:31 Transition to New Series

About Alison Stuart:

Alison Stuart is an Australian author of historical fiction whose work spans centuries—from medieval England to colonial Australia. Her novels dig into power, politics, and the personal cost of history, but what stands out is her persistence. This is someone who built a writing career alongside a full professional life, adapted to a changing publishing landscape, and kept going when plenty of people would have quietly stopped.

Website: https://www.alisonstuart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alison_stuart14/

Takeaways

• Authentic storytelling
• Navigating traditional and independent publishing
• The impact of personal trauma on writing
• The importance of therapy in the creative process Parenting and setting boundaries are crucial for teaching children about consent and personal autonomy.
• Perimenopause can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being, and seeking appropriate treatment is essential.
• Writing about trauma can lead to emotional fatigue, and setting boundaries and practicing self-care are important for writers exploring this topic.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey of a Writer
• 09:53 Traditional vs. Independent Publishing
• 20:11 The Impact of Personal Trauma on Writing
• 30:06 The Role of Therapy in the Creative Process
• 42:27 Navigating Perimenopause
• 48:11 The Impact of Trauma and Writing About Trauma
• 53:51 Upcoming Projects and Career Development

Connect with Violeta Matijević-Bagia

Violeta Matijević Bagia is an author, writing coach, and a fierce advocate for using storytelling as a way to make sense of the things we don’t always have language for. She’s navigated both traditional and independent publishing, written across genres from sci-fi to literary fiction, and built a coaching practice focused on helping writers move from stuck ideas to finished work.
 
Website: https://violetamatijevic88.wixsite.com/violetambagia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violeta.m.bagia_writer/

Takeaways

• Publishing readiness requires objectivity and a commitment to quality.
• Consistency and discipline are essential habits for writers to finish books.
• Characterization is a key element in storytelling, providing readers with relatable and compelling experiences.
• Ethical publishing involves writers retaining 100% of their rights and royalties, with a focus on supporting authors in the publishing process. Self-publishing empowers authors to control their journey and reach a global audience.
• The impact of AI on publishing is significant, offering new opportunities and challenges for authors and the industry.

Chapters

• 00:00 Structural Editing and Ethical Publishing
• 37:02 Challenges in the Publishing Industry
• 46:25 The Rise of Self-Publishing
• 59:09 Understanding the Industry and Global Reach
• 01:09:06 Empowerment of Indie Authors

About Les Zig

Les Zig is an Australian novelist, editor, and publishing mentor who has over a decade helping writers turn manuscripts into books.
Les is the author of several novels including Just Another Week in Suburbia, August Falling, and the young adult novel Pride. His work explores the complexities of everyday life, relationships, and the quiet dramas that unfold in ordinary communities.
Alongside his own writing career, Les is a key member of the team at Busybird Publishing, an independent Melbourne publishing house dedicated to supporting emerging writers. Through Busybird he has worked as a structural editor, mentor, and publishing guide, helping hundreds of authors develop their stories and navigate the path to publication.
What makes Les particularly interesting is that he’s seen writing from both sides of the desk: as a novelist wrestling with drafts and rejection, and as a publisher evaluating manuscripts and helping writers shape their work into publishable books.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/leszig/
Website: ​​https://www.leszig.com/www.leszig.com/

Takeaways

• Transition from teaching to running a small creative business
• Challenges of marketing and pricing as a small business owner The challenges and misconceptions faced by indie authors
• The importance of embracing the human element in content creation

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 06:22 Challenges of Marketing and Pricing
• 24:36 Challenges of Being a Small Business Owner
• 34:57 Challenges of Indie Authors
• 40:28 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing
• 48:04 The Publishing Industry and Human Element
• 59:48 Lifelong Learning and Authenticity

Connect with Kellie Nielsen

Kellie Nielsen is an author coach, educator, and the founder of Just Right Words. Kellie spent over two decades as a teacher, working closely with language, learning, and the messy realities of how people actually develop confidence in their writing. These days, she brings that experience into her work as an author coach, supporting writers who want more than vague encouragement or cookie-cutter advice.
Through Just Right Words, Kellie works with emerging and indie authors at all stages — from idea and early drafts through to editing, refinement, and publication — with a strong focus on clarity, craft, and sustainable creative practice. She’s also deeply invested in the indie community, advocating for writers to understand their work not just as art, but as something worth backing, protecting, and building carefully over time.
In this conversation, we’re talking about the shift from teaching to running a small creative business, the skills educators bring into author coaching, the realities of working one-on-one with writers, and what genuine support for the indie community actually looks like — beyond buzzwords and gatekeeping.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/justrightwords/
Website: ​https://justrightwords.com.au/

This run of Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes moves through early menopause and POI, refugee identity, neurodiversity, resilience, creative risk, and what it really takes to build a sustainable literary life. These aren’t polished origin stories or neat success arcs. They’re conversations about bodies that don’t cooperate, careers built sideways, voices found late (or fought for), and the quiet, unglamorous work of staying creative in a world that prefers shortcuts.

Across artists, writers, academics, performers, and small-press trailblazers, these episodes ask the same hard questions from different angles:
What does it cost to keep going? Who gets to speak—and on what terms? And how do you build a creative life that doesn’t burn you out or erase where you came from?

If you’ve ever felt out of step, underprepared, or like your path didn’t come with a map—this stretch of episodes is for you.

Join me for Season 2 where I continue deep conversations and learning.

Takeaways

• Adapting to change in the publishing industry
• Utilizing AI as a creative partner Radical acceptance
• Longevity over money

Chapters

• 00:00 The Tech Side of Podcasting
• 40:44 Journey into Art and Writing
• 48:25 Navigating Creative Challenges
• 59:50 Embracing Authenticity and Fun
• 01:06:28 Conclusion and Future Conversations

Connect with Tor Roxburgh 

Tor Roxburgh is a fiercely creative Australian multidisciplinary artist who refuses easy categorisation. She’s the author of 17 published works—spanning speculative fiction, young adult novels, non-fiction and short stories—and her narrative imagination leaps across genres from science fiction to mystery. Her writing is grounded in deep curiosity about worlds both possible and impossible.
She is the author of epic fantasy saga Promise of Stone Series with book 1 The Light Heart of Stone and has just published Book 2 The Rush of Stone.
Beyond the page, Tor paints expressive, narrative-rich visual art and co-designs public sculpture in a creative partnership that has spanned decades. Her work has been exhibited both in Australia and internationally, from gallery walls to urban spaces.
She also co-hosts the technology and innovation podcast Ok Smart-ass with Patrick Bonello, where she talks all things tech with humour, insight, and fearless questioning.
Tor isn’t just a creator—she’s an independent maker who builds her art on her own terms, whether that’s through self-publishing, studio practice, or curious conversations about the future of tech and ideas.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/torroxburghwrites/
Website: https://torroxburgh.com/

Takeaways

• Living sustainably requires practical steps and a deliberate approach.
• Electric vehicle ownership comes with challenges such as infrastructure limitations and cost considerations. Government incentives drive solar energy adoption
• Sustainable home practices reduce environmental impact

Chapters

• 00:00 Living Sustainably: A Practical Approach
• 06:23 Challenges of Electric Vehicle Ownership
• 13:31 Government Policies and Environmental Impact
• 22:46 Solar Batteries and Community Initiatives
• 28:57 Promoting Sustainability and Community Efforts
• 34:10 Sustainable Home Practices
• 40:17 Challenges in Australian Housing
• 45:21 Advocacy for Sustainability
• 52:10 Debunking Sustainability Myths
• 59:02 Taking Action for Sustainability

Connect with Renee Robinson

Renee Robinson is someone who doesn’t just talk about sustainability, she actually lives it. Renee drives an electric car, powers her home with her own electricity generation, and has taken the kind of practical steps most of us only daydream about. She’s proof that an electrified, low-emissions lifestyle isn’t some futuristic fantasy; it’s happening right now in an ordinary Victorian home.
Her efforts caught the attention of the Victorian Government, and in November 2024 her house became the launch site for the State Electricity Commission’s new electric-home planner pilot, with Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and the Member for Eureka turning up to showcase what’s possible. In February 2025 Renee was selected as one of 20 women from around Australia to be part of the 1 Million Women enjoy to Canberra to convince political to support the electrification of one million homes across Australia. Today, Renee joins me to cut through the hype and talk honestly about what works, what doesn’t, and what it really takes to live sustainably in a world that’s still playing catch-up.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peppercorn_mill/

Takeaways

• Urban fantasy mysteries
• Multicultural representation in fiction Indie publishing as a small business
• The importance of continuous learning and adaptation

Chapters

• 00:00 Translation and Audiobooks
• 32:12 Positioning as a Small Business
• 37:12 Collaborative Work and Support System
• 43:38 The Complexity of Language Translation
• 51:29 The Rigor of Indie Publishing
• 57:03 The Cycle of Writing and Editing

Connect with P.L. Matthews

I’m chatting with P. L. Matthews — Paola — an Australian indie author crafting cosy urban-fantasy mysteries set right here in Sydney. She’s someone who grew up with a mother who could allegedly see fairies in the garden, wrote award-winning stories in her twenties, stepped away from writing for years, and then quietly returned to the page like someone slipping back into a secret world.

Paola writes the way she lives: with creativity spilling out in every direction. When she’s not working on her Green Witch Mysteries or drafting a brand-new series, she’s at the piano, painting with her community group, dancing around the house, or collaborating with translators across the world. And yes — chai tea is basically her bloodstream at this point.

What hooked me about her story is the honesty behind it. Writing full-time has been the hardest thing she’s ever done. Editing drives her mad. The messy middle of a manuscript slows her to a crawl. And yet she still shows up — every day — because storytelling is where she feels most like herself.
In this episode, we dive into the magic of beginnings, the realities of indie publishing, the power of community, and what it takes to create stories that leave readers feeling lighter, comforted, and a little more enchanted by the world.
Let’s settle in and welcome P. L. Matthews to the armchair.

Website: https://plmatthews.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pl_matthews_author/

Takeaways

• Dance with the Universe
• Creativity and Passion
• Courage and Compulsion Carnivore diet benefits
• Fasting and its impact on the body

Chapters

• 00:00 Writing a Children's Book
• 33:18 Transition to a Carnivore Diet
• 39:19 Impact of the Carnivore Diet
• 45:06 Benefits of Fasting
• 55:21 Personal Testimony and Dietary Insights

Connect with Vicki E. Stergiannis

Vicki E. Stergiannis has spent the past 30 years shaping minds, making art, and helping people heal. She trained in Fine Art at Monash and later completed a Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne, before taking an unexpected leap that sent her to Europe for 23 years, where she taught English and immersed herself in cross-cultural classrooms.

Since returning to Australia, she’s taught English and Art across schools, adult-education programs, and community organisations, and more recently she’s expanded her practice with a Diploma in Mental Health. Today she works as an Art Therapist in the Melton area, blending psychology, creativity, and symbolism to support her clients.

She’s also a working artist—taking commissions, running workshops, and teaching everything from acrylic florals to watercolour to sacred geometry. And for the last four years she’s been teaching EAL to adult immigrants, a role she describes as some of the most meaningful work of her life.
Vicki brings warmth, fire, and a big creative heart into every space she steps into. And just to keep things interesting, she’s also a proud carnivore and advocate for the carnivore lifestyle—so we’re absolutely digging into that too.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/vicsterooart/

Takeaways

• Trauma and its impact on the nervous system
• The intersection of lived experience and research Body feedback affects nervous system
• Transforming fear into action
• Embracing discomfort and feelings
• Transition from traditional to indie author journey

Chapters

• 00:00 Nervous System Trauma and Healing
• 33:31 Body Feedback and Nervous System
• 43:26 Embracing Discomfort and Feelings
• 53:23 Transition from Traditional to Indie Author Journey

Connect with Ruth Clare

Author, speaker, scientist, actor, and relentless truth-teller, Ruth Clare. Ruth is best known for her award-winning memoir Enemy, a powerful exploration of growing up with a Vietnam veteran father and the hidden legacy of intergenerational trauma. Her writing doesn’t flinch; she digs into the realities of domestic violence, the psychological fallout of war, and what happens when a child grows up in a home where fear is a constant companion.
​
Ruth’s work sits at the intersection of lived experience and research. She blends science, storytelling, and emotional insight to help people understand how trauma shapes the nervous system — and how we can reclaim agency. Her follow-up books, including Beyond Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn and her upcoming guide Turn Fear into Courage, build on that mission, offering practical tools for anyone trying to break old patterns and move toward a more grounded life.
​
Beyond the page, Ruth is a dynamic keynote speaker who has delivered talks across Australia, a trained actor who understands embodiment from the inside out, and a creative whose honesty has helped countless people feel seen.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthclareauthor/
Website: ruthclare.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Lukas Kasper

Today’s guest is Melbourne-based artist Lukas Kasper, whose journey into art began back in 2009, deeply inspired by street art, graffiti, and skateboarding culture. Lukas is best known for his large-scale murals and public art projects that blend bold line work, adaptive colour palettes, and a love of native flora and fauna.
His work often explores themes of mental health, environmental awareness, and our relationship with animals—melding these worlds through imaginative visuals and a street art sensibility. Lukas has painted walls and exhibited his work across Australia, North America, and Southeast Asia. His career includes artist residencies, brand collaborations, and community-focused workshops, all of which have shaped the transitions in his practice over time.

Website: https://www.lukaskasper.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaspersart/

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.

Connect with Demet Divaroren

Demet Divaroren is the award winning author of Living on Hope Street and the co-editor of CBCA shortlisted anthology Growing up Muslim in Australia. She was born in her mother’s childhood home in Adana, Turkey. Demet migrated to Australia with her family when she was six months old and grew up on the outskirts of Melbourne. Her language was a fusion of English and Turkish words, a phonetic, random mix of strong vowels and sneaky silent letters.
 
Today, Demet’s unique voice shapes her stories, which explore multiculturalism, cross cultural relationships, racism, injustice, gender based oppression, and what it means to be human.
 
Blood Moon Bride is her second novel.
​
Website: https://www.demetdivaroren.com/​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demetdivaroren/​

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

Connect with Koraly Dimitriadis

Koraly Dimitriadis is a Cypriot-Australian poet, filmmaker, freelance writer, and founder of Outside the Box Press. Her breakout collection Love and F–k Poems became a bestseller, translated into Greek, longlisted for the UK Poetry Book Awards, and in 2025 won Best Book of Narrative Poetry at the Legacy Book Awards. She followed it with Just Give Me the Pills and She’s Not Normal, cementing her reputation as one of Australia’s boldest poetic voices.
Koraly’s short-story collection The Mother Must Die was published by Puncher & Wattmann in 2024, and her opinion writing—over 160 pieces—has appeared in The Guardian, The Age, Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, and more. As a filmmaker, her poetry films have screened on SBS On Demand, at the Sydney Opera House, and at international festivals, earning multiple awards including the Monologues and Poetry International Film Festival (USA).
A fearless creative who moves between page, stage, and screen, Koraly uses her art and small-business platform to challenge taboos, celebrate identity, and inspire women to speak their truth.

​Website: https://koralydimitriadis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koraly_poet/

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

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

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

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

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.

Connect with Fikret Pajalic

Fikret Pajalic came to Melbourne as a refugee, learnt English in his mid-twenties and started writing years later. He has won and placed in competitions, published in anthologies and literary magazines.  

His fiction has appeared in Meanjin, Overland, Westerly, Etchings, Sleepers, Antipodes, The Big Issue, Hotel Amerika, Wisconsin Review, The Minnesota Review, Fjords Review, Sheepshead Review, Bop Dead City, Structo, Paper and Ink,  JAAM and elsewhere. For a full list of his publication achievements and to read samples of his work view his Literary CV.

In 2014 he was awarded a Creative Victoria grant, and in 2015 an Australia Council grant for the development of his literary manuscript  ‘Complication’ and 2016 from Brimbank City Council for the development of chapbook . He is married to author Amra Pajalic and they live in Melbourne's western suburbs with their daughter.

​Website: https://www.fikretpajalic.com/
Instagram: ​www.instagram.com/fikretpajalic17/

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.

Connect with Tania Segura

Tania is a passionate educator and co-founder of RakaTa, Melbourne’s vibrant Cuban dance crew. With a teaching career spanning nearly three decades, she blends her expertise in education with her love for Cuban Salsa, Rueda de Casino, and Reggaeton. Alongside her partner Gene, she has performed at major Latin dance festivals in Australia and New Zealand, and trained with renowned Cuban artists both locally and in Cuba. Tania brings inclusive, high-energy workshops to schools and communities, empowering dancers of all levels. Her mission: to honour Cuban tradition while infusing it with creativity, joy, and a fierce love of dance.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recreatingtania/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RakaTaCrew/

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.

Connect with Lee Agius

Lee Agius – Creative Art Therapist, Mental Health Practitioner, Artist & Yoga Teacher
Lee Agius is a registered art therapist, creative facilitator, visual artist, and yoga teacher who brings a holistic, heart-centred approach to mental health and wellbeing. Based in Deer Park, she offers 1:1 art therapy sessions and facilitates expressive arts workshops that help people reconnect with themselves through creativity, movement, and mindfulness.
Lee’s work blends professional insight with her own lived experience as a neurodivergent person, creating an inclusive, non-judgmental space where individuals can safely explore their inner world. Her sessions support emotional expression, self-discovery, and healing for people of all ages and backgrounds.
With a practice grounded in both the therapeutic and creative arts, Lee has worked with community organisations, councils, schools, and health services to deliver meaningful, accessible programs that foster resilience, connection, and self-kindness.
Website: www.serviceartfulwarrior.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/artfulwarriorr/

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

Connect with Nina Nikolic

Nina Nikolic is a Serbian Australian actor based between Melbourne and Sydney, known for a playfully gritty presence and versatility.

She brings grounded, imaginative characters and narration to life across video games, animation, film, audio dramas, audiobooks, commercial and corporate work. Audiences may recognise her as Grandma in Fruitbus, Perceval in Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, and campaigns for Google and WeightWatchers.

A lifelong gamer and Twitch Partner under the handle KidKerrigan, Nina thrives in live, collaborative environments with fellow creatives. Off mic, she is also a book lover with a soft spot for cosy romances, medical dramas, speculative fiction and dogs.
 
Nina has also been my narrator on three projects, Sabiha’s Dilemma, Alma’s Loyalty and The Climb, a dual narrated young adult romance.

Website: VoicesOfNina.com 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofnina/