Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes

Send us a text 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,...

Send us a text 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 •...

Send us a text 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 nove...

Send us a text 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 teache...

Send us a text 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 accounta...

Send us a text 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 pitchi...

Send us a text 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 pi...

Send us a text 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 j...