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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
• Fiction provides "plausible deniability" while still allowing emotional truth to emerge
• Writing through trauma should ultimately help healing, not make things worse
• Take breaks, find trusted readers, and develop grounding rituals when writing difficult material
• Your personal story may connect with readers in unexpected and meaningful ways

Find episode handouts and how-to guides at amrahpayalich.com/podcast. I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode - connect with me on social media and let me know how your writing journey is going.

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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 novel
• Detour into romance writing that ended in disappointment
• Life-changing advice: "Write something no one else can write"
• Writing a memoir about her mother's mental illness and migrant experience
• Discovering her strength in using personal stories to find universal truths
• Current focus on crime fiction that incorporates human rights advocacy
• Learning that authentic writing is more fulfilling than chasing commercial success
• Embracing evolution as a natural part of the writing journey

I'd love to hear about crossroads you're facing in your writing journey and what you're struggling with. Let me know if there are specific topics you'd like me to address in future episodes. You can find show notes and a special handout at amrapayalich.com/podcast. Keep writing and remember that your story matters.

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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 teaches concision and precision with language
• The submission process develops resilience and understanding of publishing timelines
• Each rejection is an opportunity to revise and improve your work
• Professional relationships with editors are crucial for long-term writing success
• Flash fiction and experimental forms can stretch your creative abilities
• Short stories can later serve as reader magnets for indie authors
• Maintaining a submission tracking system increases chances of publication
• Reading and deconstructing published short stories helps improve your own craft

Check out the show notes on my website at amrapajalic.com/podcast for handouts referencing opportunities mentioned in this episode, plus author guides based on these discussions.

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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 accountability through writing groups, online communities, and mentorships
• Recognizing your energy patterns and assigning creative tasks accordingly
• Finding inspiration within your day job rather than seeing it as an obstacle
• Using morning routines, music, and environmental shifts to trigger creative states
• Avoiding creative burnout through strategic rest and rejuvenation practices
• Experimenting with different writing approaches until finding what works for you
• Honoring your creative impulses to invite more inspiration

Visit amrapajalic.com/podcast for the full transcript, show notes, and how-to guides to support your writing practice. These cost-effective $5 guides provide actionable steps to help integrate creativity into your busy life while supporting this podcast.

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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 pitching
• Tips for crafting an effective elevator pitch
• The role of a one-page synopsis in storytelling
• Building confidence for freelance writing through pitched articles
• Importance of media attention and strategizing outreach
• Pitching writing workshops to build credibility and presence

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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 pivotal moments and decisions in my journey as a writer
• Insights into building a small press and advocating for diversity
• The challenges faced when transitioning to indie authorship
• Essential tips and strategies for aspiring indie authors
• Encouragement to embrace and celebrate every writer's unique pathway

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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 journey as a creative
• Importance of a creative CV for applications
• Networking with fellow creatives in shared spaces
• Practical tips on finding and applying for residencies
• Seeking inspiration through connections and diverse interactions
• Embracing unexpected moments for new ideas and projects
• Call to Action: amrapajalic.com/podcast for handouts and resources