Discovering Dance at 30: Choosing Joy and Reclaiming Self
When life feels like it’s rushing by in a blur of obligations, a single moment of courage can spark profound transformation. For Tania Segura, passionate educator and co-founder of Rakata Melbourne’s Cuban dance troupe, that moment came at age 30, as a mother of three seeking a rare hour to herself.

​What began as an escape—one salsa class a week—quickly blossomed into a vocation. “From that one dance class, I became a performer. I met other dancers, became a teacher, and even met my now-husband,” Tania shares. Salsa offered not only movement, but a reconnection to joy, self-expression, and a vibrant new community. Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself or follow a creative spark, regardless of age or stage of life.

Teaching, Transferring Skills, and Building Confidence
Tania’s journey from classroom to dance studio shows how talents in one arena can be reimagined in another. “The skills of teaching can be transferred to anything…making complex things less abstract, one step at a time,” she explains. Transitioning from primary to high school teaching, then weaving her dance passion into curriculum—without classical dance training—Tania focused on skills like rhythm, balance, and expression, allowing students to showcase their strengths across genres, whether in ballet or breakdance.

Both Amra and Tania reflect on the role of passion in teaching, whether the subject is writing or salsa: “It’s the way you break things down and build confidence, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.” This approach cultivates inclusivity and supports students to find their voice, on the page or the dance floor.

Honouring Culture and Embracing Change in the Arts
Cuban salsa is more than movement—it’s living cultural heritage, continuously evolving over decades and oceans. “Salsa originated in Cuba, but as it spread, it became standardised…sometimes that means bastardization,” Tania notes. Rather than sticking strictly to tradition or chasing perfection, she honours salsa’s roots while celebrating its adaptability, encouraging dancers to see movement as storytelling and an expression of history, music, and identity.

This philosophy also echoes in the arts more broadly. Both speakers stress the role of the arts in wellbeing and resilience—during “the dark lockdown years,” people turned to dance, music, film, and making art to survive and connect. They agree: art should not be taken for granted, and everyone deserves the space to create and play.

Setting Boundaries: Knowing Your Worth in Creative Work
Running a dance business with her partner Gene taught Tania valuable lessons about valuing her time and expertise. Early offers to work “for exposure” or at token rates were tempting, but she learned to hold the line: “We don’t want to bring our price down because someone can’t recognize what we do.”

Creatives often face pressure to offer talents for free, but as Tania and Amra agree, knowing your worth is crucial—especially in industries where passion can be exploited. Transparent conversations about pricing, and setting limits on when to “say yes,” are as much about self-respect as about money. “We know what we can bring…If someone wants to do it cheaper or for free, that’s on them.”

Midlife, Menopause, and the Power of Saying Yes
A recurring theme in this conversation is letting go of perfectionism and fear of failure in midlife—and embracing possibility. Tania recounts leaping into modeling via an Instagram competition (applied on a whim after a blah day), getting signed to an agency, and encouraging her husband to join, too.

Serendipitous opportunities—from TV appearances to campaign features—arise from being open to new experiences and not overthinking the outcome.
Menopause, often shrouded in taboo, also gets candid attention. For Tania, it marks a powerful transition: “There’s something about leaving the maiden and embracing the crone…You get to own yourself a little more.” Both women discuss listening to their needs, seeking treatment if needed, and rejecting longstanding medical misogyny.

The Joy of Play and Lifelong Learning
Ultimately, the power of the arts, dance, and creativity lies not in accolades or even professionalization, but in personal fulfillment, play, and ongoing learning. Whether it’s choreographing new moves, learning self-tape audition skills, or picking up a paintbrush, Amra and Tania highlight that joy and self-expression are vital at any age.

“Art shouldn’t have to be monetised—creating and play is something we do because we’re human,” Tania insists. As we move through life’s transitions, refusing to be boxed in by expectations or age, we find that every chapter can be filled with new stories, new connections, and—just maybe—the dance of a lifetime.
​
Watch or listen to the full episode
​
https://www.amrapajalic.com/tania-segura.html

Got my second review on Netgalley for Time Kneels Between Mountains and it's five stars and so great. I feel seen.

"Amra Pajalić’s *Time Kneels Between Mountains* is pitched as a mystery, but what unfolds is something far more sobering and powerful: a visceral account of life during the siege of Srebrenica. Though fictionalised, this novel reads more like historical non-fiction—so grounded is it in the brutal realities of the Bosnian War. As someone who lives in the region and knows its complex history and culture, I found this book difficult, necessary, and ultimately worthwhile.

Seka Torlak is a strong and determined protagonist whose story echoes the trauma endured by thousands. Her town collapses into violence and scarcity overnight, and Pajalić captures the horrors of starvation, shelling, and moral collapse with haunting precision. The “mystery” centres on Seka’s quest to expose the black marketeers stealing vital supplies—but in truth, we already know how this story ends. It is not the resolution that matters, but the human journey through impossible circumstances.

The plot is taut and well-paced, and the relationships—especially between Seka and Ramo—add warmth and emotional depth. However, I felt more could have been explored in the hinted relationship between Torlak and the doctor’s daughter, which might have added another layer of complexity.

It’s hard to say I “enjoyed” this novel—it hits too close to real tragedy—but I’m grateful to have read it. Fiction like this ensures we do not forget what happened in Srebrenica, and that matters deeply. Pajalić doesn’t offer comfort or easy answers, but she offers something more important: truth through storytelling.

For those interested in the recent history of the Balkans, and especially for those who *think* they understand it, *Time Kneels Between Mountains* is a must-read. It's not a mystery in the conventional sense—but it is unforgettable."

🏆 I’m thrilled to share that I won First Prize in the La Trobe University HuSS Heat of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and took home the $500 prize!
This means I now get to represent the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HuSS) at the University-wide 3MT competition, where I'll compete for the chance to represent La Trobe at the Asia-Pacific finals. 😱
This is part of my PhD journey, and let me tell you—it’s no small feat to distill a 20,000-word thesis chapter down to a three-minute speech that’s clear, compelling, and powerful. But it forced me to cut to the heart of my research and say exactly why it matters.
My thesis explores how fiction can challenge erasure, correct misinformation, and reclaim history—in particular, how authors write about the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica. Condensing years of research and heartbreak into 180 seconds was... intense.
Now onto the next round! 💪

 In a town where survival is a daily battle, there are those who seek justice...

Srebrenica, 1992, in a town besieged by the enemy, and torn apart by corruption, Seka fights for survival and seeks justice for those who are at the mercy of unscrupulous profiteers.
 
This is my PhD book inspired by real life events and based on my research into the siege of Srebrenica which ended in the biggest massacre on European soil since World War II.
 
This is your chance to read the book before it launches on 1 November, and all I ask in return is your honest review.
 
📖 How to request a free review copy:
1. Go to NetGalley
2. Create a free account (if you don’t already have one)
3. Search for Time Kneels Between Mountains by Amra Pajalić
4. Click “Request” – and I’ll be thrilled to see your name pop up!
 
Your review—whether on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, or your blog—helps amplify this story and spread the word about a novel that took seven years to bring to life.
 
Thank you for your support. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
 
Link in bio or below.
 
Or use this link: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/660020

In the latest episode of Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes, host Amra Pajalic sits down with Fikret Pajalic to explore the transformative power of storytelling, the complexities of publishing, and the ways art can heal and challenge us.

From War to Words: How Fikret Pajalic Began Writing

Fikret Pajalic’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Landing in Melbourne in 1994 as a refugee, Fikret faced not only the challenge of a new country but also the aftermath of trauma caused by war and displacement. It would take years before he realised he was dealing with PTSD—a diagnosis that, particularly for men at the time, was rarely discussed openly. When working at the Department of Justice, a traumatic incident led him to counseling, where writing was suggested as a therapeutic tool.

Writing, however, proved to be a double-edged sword for Fikret. As he recounted to Amra, “Every time I wrote something, I got hurt again.” The act of revisiting painful memories was triggering but necessary. Over time, what began as raw, cathartic journaling evolved into polished short stories, transformed further by supportive writing groups and Amra’s own editorial guidance. These early experiments laid the foundation for his career as an award-winning author with over 50 publishing credits in international magazines and anthologies.


The Path to Publication: Rejection, Resilience, and Recognition

Success in publishing didn’t come easily or quickly for Fikret. His first short story, titled “Leaving,” underwent a brutal but vital critique from Amra—an experience familiar to many emerging writers who find their first feedback hard to swallow. “I was still precious,” he admits, but the real growth came from taking critique on board, reworking the story, and embracing the guidance of writing groups and editors.

Fikret developed a pragmatic approach to submissions he called the “revolving door strategy.” For every story sent to a magazine, he assumed it would be rejected, and already had a plan for the next submission. “Never expecting to be published” became his secret weapon, and, when acceptance did come from revered literary journals like *Meanjin* and *Overland*, the sense of achievement was even sweeter. Persistence paid off, sometimes after a dozen or more rejections from the same publication, and the relationships he built with editors became key to honing his craft.

Collaboration and the Creative Process: From Manuscript to Book

One of the unique aspects of Fikret’s publishing journey was the collaboration with Amra herself, not only as a spouse and mentor, but as the founder of Pishukin Press, the small press that brought his collection “Complication” to life. Traditional publishers often shy away from short story collections, focusing on more commercially viable novels. Yet, through Amra’s micro-press, Fikret was able to realise his vision for a book that weaves together stories of refugees, the western suburbs of Melbourne, and universal complications—both literal, like the mechanisms within a watch, and metaphorical, echoing the intricate messiness of life.

The collection, which features endorsements from notable authors and earned critical acclaim, showcases Fikret’s ability to craft poignant tales drawn from personal experiences, community anecdotes, and the collective trauma of displacement. Themes of racism, cultural dislocation, and hope run through his work, anchored by powerful symbols—like animals and watches—that resonate across stories.

The Healing (and Hardship) of Writing

While writing became a way for Fikret to confront and process past trauma, he’s candid about the difficulties it posed. “Was it ultimately cathartic? Did it help?” Amra asks. His answer is nuanced: revisiting the pain sometimes re-opened wounds, even while offering moments of clarity and healing over time. The emotional landscape is complex for those carrying the “residue of being a refugee,” with bad days and good, uncertainty and resilience existing side by side.

 Wisdom for Writers and Artists: Staying Open, Staying Humble

Having worked both as a writer and an arts officer supporting exhibitions, Fikret urges emerging creators not to be “too precious” about their work. Whether dealing with editors or arts councils, flexibility and openness are crucial. Recognizing opportunities—even when they push you outside your comfort zone—can be transformative, and humility in the face of feedback is a lesson both Fikret and Amra return to throughout their careers.

The Power of Stories: Connection, Compassion, and Community

Fikret Pajalic’s journey from war-torn Bosnia to acclaimed author in Australia is a testament to the enduring power of art—not just as personal catharsis, but as a force for building bridges, nurturing empathy, and finding hope in even the darkest situations. As Amra’s podcast transitions into an interview format, this honest, moving conversation sets a high bar—reminding us that every story, whether whispered in trauma or shouted in joy, has the power to transform.

For handouts, resources, or to learn more about Fikret’s work and Amra’s how-to guides, visit www.amrapajalic.com/podcast. To hear the full episode and future conversations, don’t forget to subscribe to *Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes*.  

Every story begins with a single word.

​Time Kneels Between Mountains is now available for early review on NetGalley!
 
In a town where survival is a daily battle, there are those who seek justice...

Srebrenica, 1992, in a town besieged by the enemy, and torn apart by corruption, Seka fights for survival and seeks justice for those who are at the mercy of unscrupulous profiteers.
 
This is my PhD book inspired by real life events and based on my research into the siege of Srebrenica which ended in the biggest massacre on European soil since World War II.
 
This is your chance to read the book before it launches on 1 November, and all I ask in return is your honest review.
 
📖 How to request a free review copy:
1. Go to NetGalley
2. Create a free account (if you don’t already have one)
3. Search for Time Kneels Between Mountains by Amra Pajalić
4. Click “Request” – and I’ll be thrilled to see your name pop up!
 
Your review—whether on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, or your blog—helps amplify this story and spread the word about a novel that took seven years to bring to life.
 
Thank you for your support. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
 
Link in bio or below.
 
Or use this link: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/660020

​So proud of my friend Demet and this beautiful book. Such great world-building in this fantasy novel, loved the plot twists, but most of all love the feminist thread about women finding their power and tearing down patriarchy. So deep and well crafted.

​🎉 My seventh article in The Age is out! And I'm celebrating one of the few unexpected upsides of menopause no one warned me about: not giving a damn anymore.

From ditching bras to flaunting cellulite, the global “We Do Not Care” movement is giving menopausal women permission to stop apologising.

Inspired by Melani Sanders and joined by voices like Ashley Judd and Shelly Horton, it’s about time we claimed this unapologetic freedom.

🧵 Read my full piece in The Age:

👉 The unexpected upside to menopause that no one warned me about

📲 ​lwww.theage.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/the-unexpected-upside-to-menopause-that-nobody-warned-me-about-20250703-p5mcbl.html

​My first review of Time Kneels Between Mountains, book 1 in the Seka Torlak Mystery series. It's so amazing that after seven years of fighting to bring this series into the world, it is out there and connecting with readers. 

Thank you to Kayla on Goodreads for this 4.75 star review:

"War fiction is never easy to read but worth reading as it’s not only when humans display the worst qualities, but also are at their best as they defy evil and cruelty to survive. Seka Torlak is a teenager as the Bosnian War takes place, which ravages Srebrenica and destroys the world she loves. Her account of survival is not easy, as this was the worst genocide in Europe since the Holocaust. Seka and her family and friends face sniper fire, bombing, and starvation, and the ethnic cleansing, which was so sad to read about. Despite the war, she tries to be a normal teenager, even falling in love and loving to read books. I enjoyed her bravery as she worked as a translator for a journalist.

I grew up in this time period and remember the news about it and cannot imagine what these people went through, as once again, religious and racial prejudice destroyed lives.
It’s a page turner and not for those who may not feel safe due to the triggers which include: death and intense scenes of violence, death of children and women, assault, suicide, ethnic cleansing, racism, abortion, rape. Thank you to @netgalley, Pishukin Press, and Amra Pajalic for this arc."