Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes

The conversation between Amra Pajalic and Sue Woolfe explores the intricacies of writing, creativity, and the impact of personal history on storytelling. Woolfe shares her journey as a writer, the challenges of uncovering family secrets, and the transformative power of fiction. The conversation explores the creative process of writing, the importance of embodying characters, and the impact of pers...

Vincent van den Broeck shares his journey of resilience and the importance of building a meaningful life. He emphasizes the value of small daily habits and the impact of authenticity and kindness in building strong support networks. Vincent's story challenges the narrative of transformation through tragedy and highlights the significance of resilience as a pre-existing strength. The conversation d...

John Infortunio, a lifelong Brooklynite and author, shares his experiences as a teacher and writer, drawing on his upbringing and career in education. The conversation delves into the impact of teaching on writing, the depth of relationships, and the lessons learned from childhood. The conversation covers the craft of writing, the impact of memory and Alzheimer's, and the therapeutic nature of wri...

Amani Roberts, author of 'The Quiet Storm', discusses the untold stories of R&B groups and the impact of media on their disappearance. He shares insights on the decline of black-owned media, the digital divide, and the challenges faced by artists in the music industry. Amani's book is a cultural manifesto that aims to correct the record on R&B groups and their forgotten stories. The conver...

Elisabeth Storrs, a former lawyer and acclaimed historical fiction writer, discusses her transition from law to writing, the challenges of balancing writing with family responsibilities, and the persistence and passion that kept her project alive for a decade. She also explores the challenges of publishing World War II fiction and the impact of Nazi research ideology. The conversation delves into...

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...

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 ba...

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...

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 t...

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 explorat...

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 t...

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. Th...

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...

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' pre...

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, set...

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...

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...

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 del...

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 environme...

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 cha...

The conversation with Vicki explores the themes of unexpected life changes, the dance with the universe, the intersection of art therapy and social events, the therapeutic value of mandalas, the role of teaching in fostering creativity, and the journey of writing a children's book. Vicky's experiences highlight the importance of embracing creativity, passion, and courage in pursuing one's artistic...

Ruth Clare's conversation with Amra Pajalic delves into the impact of trauma on the nervous system, the intersection of lived experience and research, and the advocacy for families affected by war and domestic violence. Ruth shares her creative journey, career path, and the inspiration behind her book 'Enemy,' shedding light on the impact of war on families and the advocacy for defense forces. The...

Amra's Armchair Anecdotes Episodes 11–20 were where the conversations deepened—and got a lot more honest. 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...

Send us a text 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 referral...

Send us a text 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...