Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes
Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—
writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into
stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom
from my armchair to yours.
Episodes
20 episodes
Early Menopause, Real Talk: A conversation with Antoinette about POI
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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58:56
From Shy Teen To Stage: A conversation with Veronica Ho
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 g...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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38:23
Three Minutes To Matter: A conversation with Dr Katherine Firth
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–Pacif...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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51:42
Building an indie literary life: A conversation with Koraly Dimitriadis
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, har...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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54:48
From Booth to Business: A conversation with Nina Nikolic
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 syst...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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1:01:25
Resilience Runs in Our Ink: A Conversation with Demet Divaroren
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, pe...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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38:56
From Street Art to Gallery Walls: An interview with Lukas Kasper
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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37:26
Embracing Neurodiversity in a Square-Peg World: A conversation with Lee Agius
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 scul...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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29:52
Dancing Through Life's Transitions: A conversation with Tania Segura
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 C...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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45:51
The Refugee Writer's Journey: A Conversation with Fikret Pajalic
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 experience...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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28:53
Marketing Magic: How to Sell Your Book Without Selling Your Soul
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 pub...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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32:07
The Business Side of Being an Author
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 an...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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32:50
Own the Stage: Mastering Author Events
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 panel...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:05:49
From Wounds to Words: Transforming Trauma into Powerful Storytelling
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 reader...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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46:54
The Evolution of an Author: From Young Reader to Award-Winning Writer
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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53:15
The Power of Short Stories in Building Your Publication Portfolio
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, str...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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58:13
Balancing the Pen and Paycheck
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 practic...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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57:00
Mastering the Art of Book and Memoir Pitches
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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1:03:13
The Journey from Traditional to Indie Publishing
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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44:11
The Impact of Writing Residencies
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, networki...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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26:02