Amra 's Armchair Anecdotes

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 challenges * Balancing writing with a full-time job Historical fiction challenges * Impact of historical accuracy * Readers' preference for escapism Chapters * 00:00 The Reality of a Writing Career * 05:54 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing * 11:08 Advances and Royalties * 20:00 Balancing Writing and Work * 28:47 Historical Fiction and Costumes * 34:11 Impact of Education on Historical Interest * 40:00 Impact of Feminism on Historical Romance * 45:46 Historical Realism vs. Fantasy * 53:31 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/ [https://www.alisonstuart.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alison_stuart14/ [https://www.instagram.com/alison_stuart14/]

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 storytelling * Navigating traditional and independent publishing * The impact of personal trauma on writing * The 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 Writer * 09:53 Traditional vs. Independent Publishing * 20:11 The Impact of Personal Trauma on Writing * 30:06 The Role of Therapy in the Creative Process * 42:27 Navigating Perimenopause * 48:11 The Impact of Trauma and Writing About Trauma * 53:51 Upcoming Projects and Career Development

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

The conversation with Les Zigg 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 Publishing * 37:02 Challenges in the Publishing Industry * 46:25 The Rise of Self-Publishing * 59:09 Understanding the Industry and Global Reach * 01:09:06 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/ [http://www.instagram.com/leszig/] Website:  https://www.leszig.com/www.leszig.com/ [https://www.leszig.com/www.leszig.com/]

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 business * Challenges of marketing and pricing as a small business owner The challenges and misconceptions faced by indie authors * The importance of embracing the human element in content creation Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Background * 06:22 Challenges of Marketing and Pricing * 24:36 Challenges of Being a Small Business Owner * 34:57 Challenges of Indie Authors * 40:28 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing * 48:04 The Publishing Industry and Human Element * 59:48 Lifelong Learning and Authenticity CONNECT WITH KELLIE NIELSEN Kellie 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/ [http://www.instagram.com/justrightwords/] Website:  https://justrightwords.com.au/ [https://justrightwords.com.au/]

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 industry * Utilizing AI as a creative partner Radical acceptance * Longevity over money Chapters * 00:00 The Tech Side of Podcasting * 40:44 Journey into Art and Writing * 48:25 Navigating Creative Challenges * 59:50 Embracing Authenticity and Fun * 01:06:28 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/ [http://www.instagram.com/torroxburghwrites/] https://www.instagram.com/peppercorn_mill/Website: https://torroxburgh.com/ [https://torroxburgh.com/]