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. 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

    51 min

  2. May 24

    29-Writing Historical Fiction in a Changing Publishing Industry

    The conversation delves into the challenges of sustaining a long-term writing career, the transition to indie writing, the financial realities of publishing, the persistence and joy of writing, balancing writing with work, and the allure of historical fiction and costumes. The conversation delves into the challenges of writing historical fiction, the impact of historical accuracy, and readers' preference for escapism. Alison Stuart shares insights on the decline of historical romance, the influence of education on historical interest, and the changing reading patterns. The discussion also explores the impact of feminism on historical romance, the challenges of historical representation, and the perception of historical fiction by readers. Additionally, the conversation touches on the balance between historical realism and fantasy, the writing of uncomfortable truths, and the transition to a new series. Finally, Alison provides advice for writers, emphasizing the importance of learning the craft and seeking professional editing. Takeaways Long-term writing career challengesBalancing writing with a full-time job Historical fiction challengesImpact of historical accuracyReaders' preference for escapism Chapters 00:00 The Reality of a Writing Career05:54 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing11:08 Advances and Royalties20:00 Balancing Writing and Work28:47 Historical Fiction and Costumes34:11 Impact of Education on Historical Interest40:00 Impact of Feminism on Historical Romance45:46 Historical Realism vs. Fantasy53:31 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/

    52 min

  3. May 10

    28-Writing Through Trauma, Publishing Realities, and Finding Your Voice

    Violeta Matijevic-Bagia, author and writing coach, discusses her journey in traditional and independent publishing, the impact of personal trauma on her writing, and the challenges of navigating the publishing industry. She also shares insights on the importance of authenticity in storytelling and the role of therapy in her creative process. The conversation covers topics related to parenting, setting boundaries, perimenopause, and writing about trauma. It also delves into the impact of trauma on mental health and the importance of rest and self-care. The discussion highlights the need for open and deep conversations about heavy and uncomfortable topics. Takeaways Authentic storytellingNavigating traditional and independent publishingThe impact of personal trauma on writingThe 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 Writer09:53 Traditional vs. Independent Publishing20:11 The Impact of Personal Trauma on Writing30:06 The Role of Therapy in the Creative Process42:27 Navigating Perimenopause48:11 The Impact of Trauma and Writing About Trauma53:51 Upcoming Projects and Career Development Connect with Violeta Matijević-BagiaVioleta 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/

    54 min

  4. Apr 27

    27-Why Most Writers Aren’t Ready to Publish (According to a Publisher)

    The conversation with Les Zig covers the journey of a writer, editor, and publisher, highlighting the misconceptions about publishing readiness, the realities of the publishing world, and the habits that help writers finish books. It also delves into the importance of characterization in storytelling and the ethical approach to publishing. The conversation covers the challenges and pitfalls of the publishing industry, the rise of self-publishing, the impact of AI on publishing, and the empowerment of indie authors. It also delves into the importance of understanding the industry and the potential for global reach in the digital age. 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 Publishing37:02 Challenges in the Publishing Industry46:25 The Rise of Self-Publishing59:09 Understanding the Industry and Global Reach01:09:06 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/

    1h 1m

  5. Apr 12

    26-How She Turned Teaching Into a Business Coaching Authors

    The conversation covers the transition from teaching to running a small creative business, the challenges of marketing and pricing as a small business owner, and the experience of starting a small business full-time. It also delves into the background of the guest and her journey to becoming an author coach. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by indie authors, the comparison between traditional and indie publishing, the human element in the publishing industry, and the importance of lifelong learning and authenticity in content creation. Takeaways Transition from teaching to running a small creative businessChallenges of marketing and pricing as a small business owner The challenges and misconceptions faced by indie authorsThe importance of embracing the human element in content creation Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background06:22 Challenges of Marketing and Pricing24:36 Challenges of Being a Small Business Owner34:57 Challenges of Indie Authors40:28 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing48:04 The Publishing Industry and Human Element59:48 Lifelong Learning and Authenticity Connect with Kellie NielsenKellie 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/

    1h 2m

  6. Mar 30

    25-What It Takes to Go Your Own Way (And Build a Creative Life That Works)

    The conversation with Tor Roxburgh covers her journey as a writer, the transition from traditional publishing to independent publishing, and the use of AI in writing. It delves into ethical considerations, productivity, and the future vision for writing. Additionally, it explores the marketing and business side of independent publishing, as well as the tech side of podcasting. The conversation delves into the themes of radical acceptance, longevity over money, redefining success, navigating creative challenges, embracing authenticity and fun, and the future of creative exploration. Amra shares her journey of shedding shame, embracing freedom, and finding joy in writing and art. She redefines success, emphasizes the joy of creation, and discusses the importance of consistency and routine. The conversation concludes with a focus on authenticity, representation, and the future of creative exploration. Takeaways Adapting to change in the publishing industryUtilizing AI as a creative partner Radical acceptanceLongevity over money Chapters 00:00 The Tech Side of Podcasting40:44 Journey into Art and Writing48:25 Navigating Creative Challenges59:50 Embracing Authenticity and Fun01:06:28 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/

    1 hr

  7. Mar 15

    24-The Solar Scam No One Talks About (And How It’s Costing You Money)

    The conversation delves into the practical aspects of living sustainably, transitioning to an all-electric home, the challenges of electric vehicle ownership, cost and efficiency of electric vehicles, government policies and environmental impact, solar energy and grid feeding tariffs, solar batteries and community initiatives, electric car prices and environmental responsibility, and the environmental impact of government decisions. The discussion also highlights the importance of promoting sustainability and community efforts. The conversation covers the rise of solar energy, sustainable home practices, community solutions for electrification, challenges in Australian housing, advocacy for sustainability, debunking sustainability myths, taking action for sustainability, and an electric vehicle tour. The discussion emphasizes the importance of government incentives, personal investment, long-term benefits, rainwater tanks, waste reduction, community-owned solar farms, housing quality, energy efficiency, activism, education, electric vs. gas cooking, affordability, government support, incremental changes, and environmental impact. 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 adoptionSustainable home practices reduce environmental impact Chapters 00:00 Living Sustainably: A Practical Approach06:23 Challenges of Electric Vehicle Ownership13:31 Government Policies and Environmental Impact22:46 Solar Batteries and Community Initiatives28:57 Promoting Sustainability and Community Efforts34:10 Sustainable Home Practices40:17 Challenges in Australian Housing45:21 Advocacy for Sustainability52:10 Debunking Sustainability Myths59:02 Taking Action for Sustainability Connect with Renee RobinsonRenee 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/

    54 min

  8. Mar 1

    23-How She Quit Her Job to Write Full-Time (And What Almost Broke Her)

    In this conversation, Paola discusses her journey as an indie author, focusing on her urban fantasy mysteries, multicultural representation in fiction, writing and publishing tips, research and learning, character representation and themes, transition to full-time author, and the process of translation and audiobooks. The conversation delves into the world of indie publishing, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved in running an indie publishing business. It explores the complexities of translation, cover creation, and the impact of language nuances on the publishing process. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, adaptation, and the collaborative nature of the indie publishing world. Takeaways Urban fantasy mysteriesMulticultural representation in fiction Indie publishing as a small businessThe importance of continuous learning and adaptation Chapters 00:00 Translation and Audiobooks32:12 Positioning as a Small Business37:12 Collaborative Work and Support System43:38 The Complexity of Language Translation51:29 The Rigor of Indie Publishing57:03 The Cycle of Writing and Editing Connect with P.L. MatthewsI’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/

    53 min
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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
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Amra Pajalic
  • Show Website
    Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes