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 personal history on storytelling. Sue Woolfe shares her experiences with creativity, the challenges of writing about her mother's past, and the neuroscience behind the creative process.

Takeaways

• Writing is a journey of discovery
• Family stories often conceal deeper truths Embodying characters enhances storytelling
• Creativity requires patience and exploration

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey of a Writer
• 14:16 Uncovering Family Secrets
• 26:31 The Power of Fiction
• 28:29 Embodying Creativity: The Writer's Journey
• 30:24 Uncovering Family Secrets: A Personal Narrative
• 35:32 The Impact of History on Women
• 39:13 The Art of Patience in Writing
• 45:22 Neuroscience and the Creative Process
• 48:00 Trusting the Process: Stream of Consciousness Writing

About Sue Woolfe

Sue Woolfe, one of Australia's most acclaimed novelists. Her novel Leaning Towards Infinity won the Christina Stead Award and the Commonwealth Writers' Prize. Her new novel, The Girl Who Climbed on Rooves, was inspired by a discovery she made after her mother died — that her mother's entire childhood story, the one she'd told for a lifetime, was untrue. It took Sue eight years to turn that discovery into fiction. She's also spent decades teaching creative writing and the neuroscience of creativity at the University of Sydney, NIDA, and the ANU. Please welcome Sue Woolfe.

Website: suewoolfe.com.au Instagram: @suewoolfe

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 delves into themes of fear, motivation, joy, tragedy, perspective, rebuilding, positive self-talk, kindness, shifting priorities, adulthood, ambition, recovery, celebration, lessons, wisdom, global impact, self-reflection, and courage.

Takeaways

• Resilience is built through ordinary days, not just in moments of crisis.
• Authenticity and kindness are key in building strong support networks. Motivation is driven by the fear of regret.
• Finding joy in everyday moments is essential for a fulfilling life.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Life You Build
• 03:02 Resilience as a Muscle
• 06:49 Life Before the Accident
• 11:06 Testing Values and Resilience
• 15:06 Discovering Core Values
• 19:10 Building Support Networks
• 22:53 Small Daily Habits
• 25:20 The Fear of Regret
• 25:40 Motivation and Joy
• 26:16 Living Like a Kid
• 27:13 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
• 28:11 Tragedy and Perspective
• 30:18 Rebuilding and Redefining Achievement
• 31:25 Positive Self-Talk and Inner Strength
• 33:04 Kindness to Oneself and Others
• 35:06 Shifting Priorities and Life's Beauty
• 36:03 The Perspective of Adulthood
• 37:47 Ambition and Happiness
• 41:25 The Journey of Recovery and Celebration
• 43:25 Lessons and Wisdom
• 45:36 Spreading Positivity and Global Impact
• 47:34 Honest Self-Reflection
• 48:50 Courage to Pursue What You Want

Connect with Vincent Van den Broeck

Vincent Van den Broeck spent his twenties and thirties building — opening multiple hospitality businesses, working before-dawn-to-after-dark days, and measuring his weeks by output. On 11 October 2024, an e-scooter accident changed everything: he was struck at 55km/h in a 30 zone, suffered severe brain trauma and multiple fractures, and spent three weeks in a coma. Doctors gave his family less than a 1% chance he'd survive.

He came back — relearning to walk, speak clearly, and hold a knife and fork over three months of rehabilitation. But the story he tells isn't one of transformation. Long before the accident, he'd already survived bankruptcy, rebuilt his life more than once, and lost his mother young. He'd learned that resilience isn't discovered in a crisis — it's built in the ordinary days before you need it. The accident didn't make him a different person. It tested, at the highest possible stakes, whether what he already believed was true.
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His book, Everything Feels Impossible Until It's Done: How the Life You Build Becomes the Life That Saves You, publishes 11 October 2026 — exactly two years after the accident that nearly ended his life.

Order here: https://www.theuidclub.com/the-book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincentinthekitchen

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 writing. It also delves into the experience of sharing personal stories and the importance of finding inspiration. The conversation concludes with advice for first-time novelists and details on where to find the author's books.

Takeaways

• Teaching as a career provides a deep sense of fulfillment and connection with young people.
• The act of writing can tap into personal experiences and relationships, shaping the narrative and character development. Craft of Writing
• Impact of Memory and Alzheimer's
• Therapeutic Nature of Writing
• Sharing Personal Stories
• Finding Inspiration
• Advice for First-Time Novelists

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey of an Educator
• 03:23 Teaching and Writing: A Symbiotic Relationship
• 16:16 The Impact of Relationships and Childhood Experiences
• 23:26 The Art of Writing and Teaching
• 26:35 The Craft of Writing
• 30:24 The Impact of Memory and Alzheimer's
• 34:11 Therapeutic Nature of Writing and Sharing Personal Stories
• 42:50 Finding Inspiration and Advice for First-Time Novelists

Connect with John Infrotunio

John Infortunio is a lifelong Brooklynite and the author of two emotionally charged thrillers, Destroyed by the Events of the Day and Today Was Tomorrow. Raised in Windsor Terrace before later settling in Bay Ridge, John draws on the neighborhoods, and the Italian and Irish culture, that shaped his upbringing. A graduate of Bishop Ford High School and St. Francis College, he spent sixteen years teaching English, History, and Philosophy at his alma mater, also serving as Athletic Director and coaching a championship basketball team — a career in education that now spans more than three decades.

His debut novel, Destroyed by the Events of the Day, was a fifteen-year passion project centered on a prep-school teacher whose name was inspired by John's real-life twin brother. His second novel, Today Was Tomorrow, released this year, draws on his own experience with his father's Alzheimer's and follows a son piecing together his family's hidden truths. John is currently writing his third novel while continuing his career in education. He lives with his son, Kevin, and outside of writing enjoys music, theater, and travel.

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Website: 
Instagram: @johninfortunio

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 conversation covers Amani Roberts' book, which includes personal stories, opinions, and historical facts about R&B groups. It also delves into the challenges of traditional publishing, the impact of R&B music, and the future of R&B groups.

Takeaways

• Untold stories of R&B groups
• Impact of media on the disappearance of R&B groups Self-publishing and hybrid publishing offer opportunities for authors to own their intellectual property and reach success without traditional gatekeepers.
• R&B music has a significant impact on all music genres and raising awareness about its history can lead to more credit, sampling, and proper songwriting credits for R&B artists.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Untold Stories of R&B Groups
• 04:54 The Decline of Black-Owned Media
• 12:28 The Digital Divide in Music
• 20:34 Challenges Faced by Artists in the Music Industry
• 22:07 A Cultural Manifesto: 'The Quiet Storm'
• 23:39 A Personal Journey Through R&B
• 25:01 Challenges of Traditional Publishing
• 27:29 The Impact of R&B Music
• 32:15 The Future of R&B Groups
• 38:25 The Power of Self-Publishing

About Amani Roberts

Amani Roberts, M.A. spent years behind the turntables before he spent years in the archives — and both taught him the same lesson: someone always decides which stories get remembered. His book, The Quiet Storm, is his attempt to correct the record on R&B groups — The Isley Brothers, The Temptations, TLC, Destiny’s Child, Boyz II Men — acts that dominated the charts for six decades and then vanished almost overnight once the industry, the media, and the algorithms moved on. Amani holds a master’s in Music Business from Berklee College of Music and a degree from Howard University, and his writing on music, culture, and creativity has appeared in Forbes, People, and The LA Times.

His other books, DJs Mean Business and Resilient & Brilliant, circle a version of the same idea: that creativity and history live in places the mainstream doesn’t always think to look. He co-hosts the podcast Adventures in Business and has spoken to audiences at Marriott, Meeting Professionals International, and beyond about music, memory, and reinvention.

Website: https://www.amaniexperience.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaniexperience

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 the psychology of eugenics and genocide, highlighting the modern-day relevance of understanding historical atrocities. It also explores the challenges in publishing historical fiction and the power of digital books. Additionally, it discusses the Historical Novel Society, the judging criteria for historical fiction prizes, and the importance of community in writing.

Takeaways

• Balancing family responsibilities with writing requires dedication and regular practice.
• Historical accuracy in fiction requires a balance between research and storytelling. Understanding the psychology of eugenics and genocide
• The power of digital books in publishing

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Elisabeth Storrs and Her Novels
• 02:01 Transition from Law to Writing
• 03:20 Balancing Writing and Family Responsibilities
• 04:41 Efficiency and Growth in Writing
• 06:18 Inspiration and Creation of a Project
• 10:43 Exploring Women's Stories in Historical Fiction
• 12:58 Balancing Historical Accuracy and Storytelling
• 15:37 Practical Tips for Organizing Research
• 18:07 Persistence and Passion in Writing
• 20:12 Challenges in Publishing World War II Fiction
• 25:03 The Ideology and Impact of Nazi Research
• 27:34 The Psychology of Eugenics and Genocide
• 29:13 Understanding Modern-Day Genocide
• 30:22 Challenges in Publishing Historical Fiction
• 35:12 The Power of Digital Books
• 38:43 The Historical Novel Society and Literary Prizes
• 46:28 Judging Criteria for Historical Fiction Prizes
• 47:55 The Importance of Community in Writing

About Elisabeth Storrs

Elisabeth Storrs former lawyer who spent over fifteen years researching and writing her acclaimed A Tale of Ancient Rome trilogy. Her latest novel, Fables & Lies: A World War II Novelis set in 1940s Berlin, follows Freyja Bremer, a museum assistant who marries an SS scholar to protect her family, only to fall for an archaeologist who exposes the lies underpinning the Nazi regime. Inspired by the true, little-known story of the curators who risked their lives to save Priam's Treasure and the Aryan myth manufactured by Himmler's Ahnenerbe institute.

Beyond her own novels, Elisabeth is a driving force in Australian historical fiction: she co-founded the Historical Novel Society Australasia and established the ARA Historical Novel Prize, the richest literary prize of its kind in Australia and New Zealand, and is a longtime contributor to the History Girls blog. She lives in Sydney with her husband.

Website: https://elisabethstorrs.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethstorrsauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.storrs/

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 decision for him, and what changed when he swapped studio notes and gatekeepers for total creative control. They dig into the discipline behind the craft—Jim's answer to "what's your greatest talent" isn't story or voice, it's showing up—along with the pull of romance versus thrillers, where AI actually earns its keep for an indie author (and where it doesn't), and how grief and upheaval reshaped both their writing lives. A candid look at what it costs, and what it's worth, to keep chipping away at the work.

Takeaways

• Creative Freedom
• Collaboration in Creative Projects Discipline
• Continuous learning

Chapters

• 00:00 Meet Jim Shomos
• 01:28 The Birth of Forget the Rules
• 04:31 Total Creative Control vs. Studio Notes
• 08:53 From Copywriter to Screenwriter: Craft, Mentors, and Emotional Truth
• 15:54 Gatekeepers and a Subjective Industry
• 18:27 Streaming Economics and Vanishing Residuals
• 20:36 When Editors Pull You in Different Directions
• 23:41 Can AI Write an Original Story?
• 27:37 Canva, AI Narration, and Indie Marketing Tools
• 29:45 Grief, Sabbatical, and Stepping Back
• 31:02 Becoming a Romance Writer, and a Lifelong Thriller Reader
• 33:11 The Idea Behind Up Here
• 34:32 25 Years of Pitching One Script
• 36:18 Craft, Discipline, and the Myth of Inspiration
• 39:13 "Real Writing Is Rewriting"
• 41:45 Parenthood, Upheaval, and Getting the Work Done
• 44:06 Why Reading Makes You a Better Writer
• 45:21 Deciding on the Next Project: Kidnap
• 47:33 COVID and the Decision to Go Indie
• 48:13 Finding a Publishing Community: BusyBird and Romance Writers of Australia
• 51:23 Hybrid vs. Traditional Publishing, and Spotting the Scams
• 55:04 Staying Current on Marketing
• 56:10 Choosing to Write the Next Book
• 57:02 Protecting Your IP as an Indie Author
• 58:15 Walking Away from Producing
• 59:11 Legacy, Mortality, and What Matters Now
• 1:00:13 Where to Find Jim

Jim Shomos

Jim Shomos spent over twenty years as a screenwriter and producer before reinventing himself as an indie novelist. Jim Shomos created ‘forget the rules’—the world's first comedy-drama series to broadcast every episode on TV, web and mobile at once—picked up wins and nominations at Cannes and the Australian Writers' Guild, and was once ranked in Australia's Film & TV Power-50. A few years ago, he turned that screenwriting instinct toward the page. Today he's the indie-published author of three contemporary romance novels, and  Up Here, Three Women in November, and More Text Than Sex.

Website: https://jimshomos.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jim_shomos/

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 balance between writing and business, the use of Kickstarter and special editions, engagement with library events and public lending rights, challenges with Kindle Unlimited and wide distribution, navigating industry challenges, advice for emerging indie authors, and series completion and reader engagement.

Takeaways

• Genre Transition
• Building a Community
• Exploiting Intellectual Property Adapting to the evolving industry
• Understanding the market and reader preferences

Chapters

• 00:00 Transition from Fantasy to Crime
• 03:52 Building a Community of Readers
• 07:21 Exploiting Intellectual Property
• 41:47 Series Completion and Reader Engagement

About Fiona Tarr

Fiona Tarr is a number-one bestselling Amazon author who has built a devoted, worldwide readership from her home in Noosa, Queensland.

In 2023 she launched the Opal Fields series, following Constable Jenny Williams through a remote opal-mining town inspired by Coober Pedy, and it changed everything. She has written full-time ever since.

Since then, Fiona has built two ongoing crime series — Opal Fields and Dawn Grave — alongside the Foxy Mysteries spin-off, racking up tens of thousands of reader ratings.

•      Website: fionatarr.com

•      Instagram: @fionatarr

•      Facebook: Fiona Tarr – Author (facebook.com/fionatarr.atime2write)

•      YouTube: Fiona Tarr on YouTube

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 development and the need for greater representation in literature and history. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including the challenges of applying for grants and funding, the manipulation in the publishing industry, the impact of self-publishing, the importance of intention and passion in creative projects, and the issue of burnout and sustaining creativity. The discussion also delves into the value of genuine connection, the joy of connecting with like-minded individuals, and the significance of trusting oneself.

Takeaways

• Amplifying diverse voices
• Challenges in traditional publishing Challenges of applying for grants and funding
• Impact of self-publishing
• Importance of intention and passion in creative projects
• Issue of burnout and sustaining creativity
• Value of genuine connection and trust in oneself

Chapters

• 00:00 Limitations of Traditional Publishing
• 42:00 Value of Genuine Connection and Trust in Oneself

Connect with Mirela Cufurovic

Mirela Cufurovic is a historian, writer, interviewer, and founder of Tea Time with Mirela, an Instagram interview series with female authors in Australia. Through long-form discussions with writers, academics, artists, and community voices, she has built a platform that values nuance, intellectual curiosity, and genuine dialogue in an online space often driven by speed and simplification.
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She is also the founder of The Australian Muslim Review on Substack, an independent publication dedicated to amplifying Muslim voices, ideas, literature, history, and cultural commentary beyond the narrow frameworks often presented in mainstream media. Her work explores the importance of storytelling, historical memory, representation, and community-led media spaces.

Personal - https://mirelacufurovic.substack.com
TAMR - https://theaustralianmuslimreview.substack.com
Tea Time with Mirela - https://mirelacufurovic.substack.com/podcast

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 triumphs of her creative life. It delves into the themes of bravery, self-compassion, the value of poetry, and the importance of creating accessible spaces for disabled writers.

Takeaways

• Authenticity and representation are crucial in the literary world.
• Accessibility and inclusion are essential for writers with disabilities. Bravery in creativity
• Kindness to oneself
• The value of poetry
• Creating accessible spaces for disabled writers

Chapters

• 00:00 Challenges of Accessibility and Inclusion in Literary Spaces
• 15:52 Impact of Recognition and Personal Journey
• 25:15 The Value of Poetry
• 30:25 Kindness to Oneself

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 exploration of creativity, healing, and storytelling.

Takeaways

• Exploring the impact of generational trauma
• The intersection of art therapy and dietary rebellion

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Generational Trauma
• 03:01 Art Therapy and Dietary Rebellion
• 04:11 The Reality of Indie Publishing
• 05:27 Living Sustainably and Electric Homes
• 07:13 The Messy Business of Making Art
• 09:32 The Challenges of Writing and Publishing
• 12:24 The Emotional Cost of Writing Trauma
• 14:13 Demystifying Print on Demand Publishing