Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes

Amra Pajalic
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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.

  1. 1d ago

    36-Inspiration Finds Us Working: Forget the Rules, Write the Next Book

    Jim Shomos spent twenty years breaking format as a screenwriter and producer—his 2005 series Forget the Rules was the world's first to broadcast every episode across TV, web and mobile at once—before pivoting to indie fiction. He and Amra trace that reinvention: how a screenplay that couldn't get financed became his debut novel Up Here, why he chose indie publishing after COVID lockdown made the decision for him, and what changed when he swapped studio notes and gatekeepers for total creative control. They dig into the discipline behind the craft—Jim's answer to "what's your greatest talent" isn't story or voice, it's showing up—along with the pull of romance versus thrillers, where AI actually earns its keep for an indie author (and where it doesn't), and how grief and upheaval reshaped both their writing lives. A candid look at what it costs, and what it's worth, to keep chipping away at the work. Takeaways Creative FreedomCollaboration in Creative Projects DisciplineContinuous learning Chapters 00:00 Meet Jim Shomos01:28 The Birth of Forget the Rules04:31 Total Creative Control vs. Studio Notes08:53 From Copywriter to Screenwriter: Craft, Mentors, and Emotional Truth15:54 Gatekeepers and a Subjective Industry18:27 Streaming Economics and Vanishing Residuals20:36 When Editors Pull You in Different Directions23:41 Can AI Write an Original Story?27:37 Canva, AI Narration, and Indie Marketing Tools29:45 Grief, Sabbatical, and Stepping Back31:02 Becoming a Romance Writer, and a Lifelong Thriller Reader33:11 The Idea Behind Up Here34:32 25 Years of Pitching One Script36:18 Craft, Discipline, and the Myth of Inspiration39:13 "Real Writing Is Rewriting"41:45 Parenthood, Upheaval, and Getting the Work Done44:06 Why Reading Makes You a Better Writer45:21 Deciding on the Next Project: Kidnap47:33 COVID and the Decision to Go Indie48:13 Finding a Publishing Community: BusyBird and Romance Writers of Australia51:23 Hybrid vs. Traditional Publishing, and Spotting the Scams55:04 Staying Current on Marketing56:10 Choosing to Write the Next Book57:02 Protecting Your IP as an Indie Author58:15 Walking Away from Producing59:11 Legacy, Mortality, and What Matters Now1:00:13 Where to Find Jim Jim Shomos Jim Shomos spent over twenty years as a screenwriter and producer before reinventing himself as an indie novelist. Jim Shomos created ‘forget the rules’—the world's first comedy-drama series to broadcast every episode on TV, web and mobile at once—picked up wins and nominations at Cannes and the Australian Writers' Guild, and was once ranked in Australia's Film & TV Power-50. A few years ago, he turned that screenwriting instinct toward the page. Today he's the indie-published author of three contemporary romance novels, and  Up Here, Three Women in November, and More Text Than Sex.   Website: https://jimshomos.com/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jim_shomos/

  2. Aug 16

    35-When Pre-Orders Drop, So Does the Series

    Fiona Tarr discusses her transition from writing fantasy to crime fiction, the process of building a community of readers, and the strategies for exploiting her intellectual property. She shares insights into genre planning, community engagement, and the challenges and opportunities of self-publishing. The conversation covers the challenges and strategies of being an indie author, including the balance between writing and business, the use of Kickstarter and special editions, engagement with library events and public lending rights, challenges with Kindle Unlimited and wide distribution, navigating industry challenges, advice for emerging indie authors, and series completion and reader engagement. Takeaways Genre TransitionBuilding a CommunityExploiting Intellectual Property Adapting to the evolving industryUnderstanding the market and reader preferences Chapters 00:00 Transition from Fantasy to Crime03:52 Building a Community of Readers07:21 Exploiting Intellectual Property41:47 Series Completion and Reader Engagement About Fiona Tarr Fiona Tarr is a number-one bestselling Amazon author who has built a devoted, worldwide readership from her home in Noosa, Queensland. In 2023 she launched the Opal Fields series, following Constable Jenny Williams through a remote opal-mining town inspired by Coober Pedy, and it changed everything. She has written full-time ever since. Since then, Fiona has built two ongoing crime series — Opal Fields and Dawn Grave — alongside the Foxy Mysteries spin-off, racking up tens of thousands of reader ratings. Website & Social Handles•      Website: fionatarr.com •      Instagram: @fionatarr •      Facebook: Fiona Tarr – Author (facebook.com/fionatarr.atime2write) •      YouTube: Fiona Tarr on YouTube

  3. Aug 2

    34-Start Messy, Start Anyway (How an Instagram Live Grew Into a Whole Community)

    The conversation with Mirela Cufurovic covers her projects, including Tea Time with Mirela and the Australian Muslim Review, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry. Mirela's work focuses on amplifying diverse voices, fostering genuine connections, and addressing the limitations of traditional publishing. She also discusses the impact of her projects on professional development and the need for greater representation in literature and history. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including the challenges of applying for grants and funding, the manipulation in the publishing industry, the impact of self-publishing, the importance of intention and passion in creative projects, and the issue of burnout and sustaining creativity. The discussion also delves into the value of genuine connection, the joy of connecting with like-minded individuals, and the significance of trusting oneself. Takeaways Amplifying diverse voicesChallenges in traditional publishing Challenges of applying for grants and fundingImpact of self-publishingImportance of intention and passion in creative projectsIssue of burnout and sustaining creativityValue of genuine connection and trust in oneself Chapters 00:00 Limitations of Traditional Publishing42:00 Value of Genuine Connection and Trust in Oneself Connect with Mirela Cufurovic Mirela Cufurovic is a historian, writer, interviewer, and founder of Tea Time with Mirela, an Instagram interview series with female authors in Australia. Through long-form discussions with writers, academics, artists, and community voices, she has built a platform that values nuance, intellectual curiosity, and genuine dialogue in an online space often driven by speed and simplification. ​ She is also the founder of The Australian Muslim Review on Substack, an independent publication dedicated to amplifying Muslim voices, ideas, literature, history, and cultural commentary beyond the narrow frameworks often presented in mainstream media. Her work explores the importance of storytelling, historical memory, representation, and community-led media spaces. Personal - https://mirelacufurovic.substack.com TAMR - https://theaustralianmuslimreview.substack.com Tea Time with Mirela - https://mirelacufurovic.substack.com/podcast

  4. Jul 19

    33-How One Scary Thing a Week Won a National Award (After a Decade Indoors)

    Krystle Herdy, a queer disabled poet and editor, discusses the emotional reality of writing poetry, navigating literary spaces as a queer and disabled writer, and the pressure of recognition. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, representation, and accessibility in the literary world. The conversation covers the journey of a poet and writer, Krystle, as she navigates the challenges and triumphs of her creative life. It delves into the themes of bravery, self-compassion, the value of poetry, and the importance of creating accessible spaces for disabled writers. Takeaways Authenticity and representation are crucial in the literary world.Accessibility and inclusion are essential for writers with disabilities. Bravery in creativityKindness to oneselfThe value of poetryCreating accessible spaces for disabled writers Chapters 00:00 Challenges of Accessibility and Inclusion in Literary Spaces15:52 Impact of Recognition and Personal Journey25:15 The Value of Poetry30:25 Kindness to Oneself

  5. Season 2 Trailer

    30.5 Season Highlights episodes 21-30

    Season two of Amra's Armchair Anecdotes delves into deep and honest conversations about generational trauma, art therapy, indie publishing, sustainable living, the business of making art, writing and publishing challenges, the emotional cost of writing trauma, and print on demand publishing. Each episode offers unique insights and perspectives on these topics, providing a rich and diverse exploration of creativity, healing, and storytelling. Takeaways Exploring the impact of generational traumaThe intersection of art therapy and dietary rebellion Chapters 00:00 Exploring Generational Trauma03:01 Art Therapy and Dietary Rebellion04:11 The Reality of Indie Publishing05:27 Living Sustainably and Electric Homes07:13 The Messy Business of Making Art09:32 The Challenges of Writing and Publishing12:24 The Emotional Cost of Writing Trauma14:13 Demystifying Print on Demand Publishing

  6. Jul 5

    32-How a Viral Comedy Character Sold Out Her Debut Novel (Without Bookstore Gatekeepers)

    The conversation delves into the multifaceted artistic journey of Jelena Curic, exploring her experiences as a writer, comedian, singer, and cultural representative. From the creation of the character Teta Yela to the challenges of cultural representation in writing, the discussion highlights the complexities of artistic identity and the pursuit of creative freedom. Jelena's journey reflects the triumphs and struggles of navigating the publishing industry and embracing a multifaceted approach to artistry. The conversation covers diverse podcast content, midlife challenges, coping with anxiety and vulnerability, embracing confidence and authenticity, creative risks and content creation, and navigating online identities. It delves into the multifaceted nature of storytelling, the complexities of midlife relationships, and the emotional impact of menopause. It also explores the importance of authenticity, confidence, and creative expression, as well as the challenges of managing multiple online identities and promoting writing and books. Takeaways Multifaceted artistry: Embracing diverse creative expressionsCultural representation: Navigating challenges in writing and storytelling Diverse storytelling in podcastsNavigating midlife challengesEmbracing authenticity and confidenceNavigating online identities and content creation Chapters 00:00 Introducing Jelena Churich: The Multifaceted Artist08:29 Navigating the Publishing Industry: Struggles and Triumphs20:01 Artistic Identity and Creative Freedom27:26 Embracing Multifaceted Artistry: Breaking the Mold35:19 Coping with Anxiety and Vulnerability45:05 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

  7. Jun 21

    31-Why Most People Never Tell the Truth About Their Childhood

    Warren Rankine, author of Fifteen Feet Tall, shares his journey from business to authorship, the emotional process of writing, the decision to publish, and the challenges of vulnerability and cultural representation in memoir writing. He discusses the role of editors and the response to his memoir from men and women, highlighting the growth and evolution experienced through the writing process. The conversation delves into the themes of compassion and connection, revisiting personal records, institutional trauma and freedom of information, separating craft from product, persistence in marketing and promotion, and belief in self and value creation. Warren's experiences and insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring authors and individuals navigating personal challenges. Takeaways The journey from business to authorshipThe emotional process of memoir writing Compassion and empathy build trustRevisiting personal records can reveal discrepancies and confrontational surprisesPersistence and belief in self are crucial in marketing and promotion Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Authorship06:31 The Decision to Publish and the Editing Process13:46 Writing About Family and Vulnerability25:50 Vulnerability and Growth in Memoir Writing32:04 Compassion and Connection37:23 Institutional Trauma and Freedom of Information46:03 Persistence in Marketing and Promotion52:16 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/

  8. Jun 7

    30-Publishing Without Gatekeepers: Freedom, Risk and Reinvention

    The conversation delves into the role of IngramSpark in indie publishing, the responsibilities of author publishers, bookstore access and discoverability, the significance of metadata, the importance of proofreading and quality control, and innovations in print on demand. Key takeaways include the need for indie authors to take an active role in marketing and promoting their books, as well as the importance of thorough proofreading and quality control in indie publishing. The conversation covers the themes of collaboration and community in publishing, as well as the global opportunities available to authors. It delves into the understanding of wholesale discounts, the comparison between traditional and indie publishing, the emergence of e-commerce and direct selling, and the impact of language translation and customizable books on the publishing industry. Takeaways Indie authors need to take an active role in marketing and promoting their booksThe importance of thorough proofreading and quality control in indie publishing Collaboration and communityGlobal publishing opportunities Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Role of IngramSpark09:02 Bookstore Access and Discoverability17:59 The Importance of Proofreading and Quality Control24:53 Innovations in Print on Demand30:07 Understanding Wholesale Discounts41:01 E-commerce and Direct Selling47:24 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

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Amra Pajalic
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Amra Pajalic
  • Show Website
    Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes