Navigating Stories and Survival: Fikret Pajalic’s Journey from Refugee to SHORT STORY Writer

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.