​Am so proud of my beautiful friend @demetdivaroren and the launch of her book Blood Moon Bride. Yesterday Dem hosted a gorgeous launch and it was so much fun and such a celebration of her talent, with @alicepung2023 launching her book, and me helping out with MCing. 

✨ Unlock your creative potential! ✨ Amra’s Authorly Advice series is packed with actionable insights, strategies, and inspiration to help authors like you navigate your writing journey. Whether you’re looking for support, guidance, or just a fresh perspective, these guides have you covered.
🎧 Plus, you can support my podcast by grabbing a guide and taking the next step toward your writing goals. Your journey is worth it, and I’m here to help.

Check out the guides now and let’s make your writing dreams a reality! 🌟
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Guide 3: The Art of the Pitch - Whether you’re pitching your novel to a publisher, securing media attention for your book, or landing freelance article gigs, knowing how to pitch effectively is a game-changer. Amra’s Authorly Guide on the Art of the Pitch is your step-by-step roadmap to mastering the art of persuasion in the publishing and media world.
 
Guide 2: Amra’s Authorly Advice: Empowered Publishing: Building Your Vision, Brand, and Business as an Indie Author offers practical, step-by-step advice to help you turn your passion into profit. Packed with insider tips, real-world examples, and actionable strategies this guide is your roadmap to writing, publishing, and thriving in the ever-evolving world of indie publishing.
 
 
Guide1: This essential guide walks you through the process of finding, applying for, and making the most of writing residencies, whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out. Packed with practical tips, insider advice, and real-life success stories, this guide will show you how to break through creative blocks, transform your writing routine, and rediscover your passion for storytelling. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat in the countryside or a bustling city residency that sparks new ideas, Amra's Authorly Advice guide: Unlocking Creativity is your roadmap to a more inspired and fulfilling writing life.
 
https://payhip.com/PishukinPress/collection/amra-s-authorly-advice-guides

I'm home sick this week so haven't been able to go to my studio and to my regular writing update. I've mostly been lying in bed binge-watching, but had a few lovely things happen to lift me up.

1. I received an email from a new teacher in Queensland who had read my article on ABC Education and gone to my website to access my teaching resources. It's just so great to hear from teachers and know that I'm helping.

2. I received my first Podcast email from an emerging writer who is getting ready to submit, and is doing a deep dive into research. She said she found my episode about querying and synopsis very helpful.

So this brings me to a realisation I had. While money and recognition are wonderful things, and I really appreciate both, I think being helpful is my core guiding principle. I want to put things out into the world that in some way touch and help people. This is my motto.

Even as I think about my writing and what I'm working on for publication, I'm wanting to change perceptions, and help people see and learn things.

In the image below are things that I've been putting out into the world:

• Amra's Armchair Anecdotes-my new fortnightly podcast that is about writing and life. So far episodes are more writing focussed, but the life part is coming.
• Amra's Authorly Advice-my how to guides that I'm publishing concurrently with podcast episodes.
• Pishukin Press-logo for my publishing press. Since I've been entering this new evolution as a publisher and small business owner, I have found my mindset to be more resilient when it comes to the writing world. I'm building a foundation of my business, and everything I do is a brick in this wall.
• Headshot-I keep making the joke that I got professional headshots for the first time in my life and my ego exploded as I imagined all the new ways I could create promotional opportunities. It's one of those jokes, but not!!!

Today, I'm home sick. Sitting on the couch, stuffing around online, and for a moment, I felt my little cat Mala next to me. She was snuggled up against my side, the way she used to whenever I was on the couch. As I got up from the couch, I could see her slinking around my feet.

She's been gone for nearly a year, but she's still with me. Always loved, always missed, always in my heart.

Writers, artists, and creators—we're always pitching! Whether it's a novel to a publisher, an article to the media, or our expertise for a workshop, knowing how to craft the perfect pitch is essential.

In this episode, I break down the art of pitching, sharing my own journey of pitching my memoir Things Nobody Knows But Me—from having an agent to taking matters into my own hands. I dive into query letters, media pitches, and the all-important elevator pitch—the 30-second version of your book that can make or break an opportunity.
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🎧 Tune in now to learn how to master the pitch and get your work noticed!
📍 Listen here: https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Episode 6 of Amra’s Writing Room is here, and it’s been an exciting ride! This week, I wrote 4,000 words of my new novel (💪), proving that slow and steady wins the book race.
🎉 Freelance Wins: I landed a commission for an article about teaching from an editor I’ve worked with before—always a great feeling to have your work recognized! Then, half an hour later, I got an email from an author writing a book about teaching who wants to use quotes from an article I wrote—so exciting!
📚 Academic Hustle: I submitted some conference proposals to reignite my enthusiasm for my thesis, and I got accepted for a UK conference (online). Excited and nervous, but ready to dive in!
💌 Reader Love: I received a beautiful letter from a reader of my memoir—years after it was published. These moments remind me why I write.
🎙️ Podcast Update: Episode 3 of Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes drops Monday! The first 5 episodes are scheduled, and episodes 6-10 are scripted and ready to go.
📦 Kickstarter Progress: Merchandise is rolling in, and I’m deep in proofreading and writing for the series.
It’s been a whirlwind of words, wins, and wonderful surprises. What’s been your highlight of the week? Drop a comment! ⬇️

It's been a great week.

• I got a commission for an article about teaching from an editor I've worked with before. It's always so great to get repeat commissions and get recognised for your work. 
• Then half an hour later an email came through from someone writing a book about teaching and asking to use quotes from another article I wrote. So exciting!
• And I submitted a few conference proposals in an effort to get some enthusiasm back about my thesis. And I've been accepted at one UK conference online, so I'm both excited and nervous about that.
• I also received a lovely letter from a reader of my memoir, which is always a joy, but especially years after my book was published.
• In other news, episode 3 of my podcast is dropping on Monday. The first five episodes are scheduled for publication, and I have episodes 6-10 scripted.
• Merchandise for my kickstarter is arriving, and I'm in the midst of proofreading and writing books for the series.

Having a blast.

In this episode of Amra's Writing Room, I’m hitting pause on writing—at least for now! With my novels in the layout phase, I’m diving into the technical side of indie publishing, learning how to embed images into my books and waiting for the printing process to unfold. I also share updates on my latest conference submissions, the early stages of organising a book launch tied to my Kickstarter, and the behind-the-scenes realities of running a writing career like a business. Sometimes, stepping away from drafting is just as important as putting words on the page.
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🎧 Tune in to hear about the next steps in my publishing journey!

Watch the full episode via the link in my bio or on my YouTube Channel @AmraPajalicAuthor

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