25-What it takes to go your own way (and built a creative life that works), interviewing Tor Roxburgh

Show notes
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
• Utilising 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.
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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/
Website: https://torroxburgh.com/