Mentoring / talks / workshops / judge / panel assessor
Amra Pajalić is a traditionally published award-winning author who has written young adult fiction, memoir and romance novels. She is now an indie author and managing her own publishing. She has also been successful in obtaining funding applications and has been a panel assessor, and is an award-winning short story writer whose writing has been published in anthologies, journals and in online publications.
Combining her skills as an English high school teacher and author, she is an official mentor with Writers Victoria (a writing member organisation in Victoria, Australia). Amra has delivered talks, workshops and mentorship at schools, universities, and writing festivals.
Amra offers mentoring and talks/workshops in the following genres / areas:
Combining her skills as an English high school teacher and author, she is an official mentor with Writers Victoria (a writing member organisation in Victoria, Australia). Amra has delivered talks, workshops and mentorship at schools, universities, and writing festivals.
Amra offers mentoring and talks/workshops in the following genres / areas:
- Young adult fiction
- Adult fiction
- Memoir
- Romance
- Funding applications
- Short story
- Self publishing
Public Speaking Flyer
Download file or view Amra's public speaking flyer
| amras_public_speaking_flyer.pdf |
Public appearances / workshops
Refer to the Australian Society of Authors for rates of pay. If you wish to discuss a booking send an email.
Mentoring services
Victorian residents make a booking through through Writers Victoria. Writers Victoria members receive discounted price.
Outside of Victoria/International book Amra directly. View information about mentoring in the file below and use booking form. Email Amra if you have questions.
Outside of Victoria/International book Amra directly. View information about mentoring in the file below and use booking form. Email Amra if you have questions.
| amra_pajalic_mentoring_services.docx |
| ap_writing_mentorships_booking_form.docx |
Judge
Amra is available as a judge of writing competitions. She has been:
- 2017 Victorian Premier's Award for Unpublished Manuscript judge and convenor
- 2014 Glen Eira City Council 'My Brother Jack' Awards judge for the teen category
- 2013 City of Melton Literary Awards judge for the teen category and was MC for the award night.
Panel Assessor
Amra delivers grant writing workshops and mentors based on her experience as a Writers Victoria Literature Funding Panel Member and has successful grant applications from Creative Victoria, Artists in Schools funding to run short story workshops at various high schools, Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre Events grant on behalf of Women’s Leadership Group for launch of community project, Women’s Leadership Grants-Department of Community Planning and Development on behalf of Women’s Leadership group for community project.
Public appearances
Overview of Public Speaking experience
2024 Growing up Muslim in Australia event at Emerald Hill Library
2024 Delivered Self Publishing Workshop as part of Brimbank Writers Festival, 23.03.24
2024 Jesse's Triumph launched at 2024 Brimbank Writers Festival with an in conversation with Demet Divaroren. 17.03.24
2024 Appeared at Readings Bookshop to talk about Growing up Muslim in Australia
2023 Online Writing NSW Introduction to Writing from Life
2023 Using Fictional Techniques in writing non-fiction at VATE Ideas Lab: Teaching English in the Middle Years Conference
2023 Writing for Competition at Wyndham City Council
2023 Memoir writing workshop at Caroline Springs Library
2022 Memoir writing workshop at Brimbank's Sunshine Library funded by Creative Brimbank
2022 Australian Culture Panel for #LabLuminosity by Lab Insight and Strategy
2022 Memoir Writing Workshop with Geelong Writers
2021 Memoir Writing Workshops for Vision Australia, through Writers Victoria
2021 Grant Writing Workshop at Self Publishing Network Conference,
2021 Heroine's Writers' Festival
2021 Things Nobody Knows But Me. Author Talk at Box Hill Library
2020 Writers Victoria Workshops: All About Memoir
2020 Brimbank Literary Festival, Stories of Strength and Resilience
2020 Bayside Readers & Writers Festival, Weaving Fact with Fiction panel
2019 Kingston Arts Centre panel Journey to Publication
2019 Brunswick Bound First Chapters Event
2019 How to Write a Successful Funding Application workshop at Writers Victoria
2016 How to Write a Successful Funding Application workshop at Writers Victoria
2015 Workshop – IDENTITY: YOURS, MINE, OURS at Immigration Museum for MWF
2015 Growing up Muslim panel at Melbourne Writers Festival
2015 Short story writing workshop as part of the Brimbank Literary Festival.
2014 Growing up Muslim panel at Melbourne Writers Festival
2014 Memoir writing workshop to primary and secondary students at the Immigration Museum
2014 Wheeler Centre event to launch Coming of Age: Growing up Muslim in Australia
2014 Memoir writing workshop at City of Hume
2013 Workshop at Laneway Learning
2009-2013 Brimbank Literary Festival
2011 Melton Literary Festival
2009-2011 Talks at Victoria University
2011 Hume Youth Services writing workshop
2011 Carnegie Library Reading Circle
2011 VicTESOL Conference panel
2010 Melbourne Writers Festival
2010 Wheeler Centre Debut Mondays Panel
2009 Reading Matters Conference Panel
2009 State Library of Victoria panel
2009 Williamstown Literary Festival
2024 Delivered Self Publishing Workshop as part of Brimbank Writers Festival, 23.03.24
2024 Jesse's Triumph launched at 2024 Brimbank Writers Festival with an in conversation with Demet Divaroren. 17.03.24
2024 Appeared at Readings Bookshop to talk about Growing up Muslim in Australia
2023 Online Writing NSW Introduction to Writing from Life
2023 Using Fictional Techniques in writing non-fiction at VATE Ideas Lab: Teaching English in the Middle Years Conference
2023 Writing for Competition at Wyndham City Council
2023 Memoir writing workshop at Caroline Springs Library
2022 Memoir writing workshop at Brimbank's Sunshine Library funded by Creative Brimbank
2022 Australian Culture Panel for #LabLuminosity by Lab Insight and Strategy
2022 Memoir Writing Workshop with Geelong Writers
2021 Memoir Writing Workshops for Vision Australia, through Writers Victoria
2021 Grant Writing Workshop at Self Publishing Network Conference,
2021 Heroine's Writers' Festival
2021 Things Nobody Knows But Me. Author Talk at Box Hill Library
2020 Writers Victoria Workshops: All About Memoir
2020 Brimbank Literary Festival, Stories of Strength and Resilience
2020 Bayside Readers & Writers Festival, Weaving Fact with Fiction panel
2019 Kingston Arts Centre panel Journey to Publication
2019 Brunswick Bound First Chapters Event
2019 How to Write a Successful Funding Application workshop at Writers Victoria
2016 How to Write a Successful Funding Application workshop at Writers Victoria
2015 Workshop – IDENTITY: YOURS, MINE, OURS at Immigration Museum for MWF
2015 Growing up Muslim panel at Melbourne Writers Festival
2015 Short story writing workshop as part of the Brimbank Literary Festival.
2014 Growing up Muslim panel at Melbourne Writers Festival
2014 Memoir writing workshop to primary and secondary students at the Immigration Museum
2014 Wheeler Centre event to launch Coming of Age: Growing up Muslim in Australia
2014 Memoir writing workshop at City of Hume
2013 Workshop at Laneway Learning
2009-2013 Brimbank Literary Festival
2011 Melton Literary Festival
2009-2011 Talks at Victoria University
2011 Hume Youth Services writing workshop
2011 Carnegie Library Reading Circle
2011 VicTESOL Conference panel
2010 Melbourne Writers Festival
2010 Wheeler Centre Debut Mondays Panel
2009 Reading Matters Conference Panel
2009 State Library of Victoria panel
2009 Williamstown Literary Festival
Artist in Residence Testimonials
2012 – Gisborne Secondary College – Writing workshops– Year 9 and 10
2011 – Keilor Downs College – Writing workshops with short stories published in an anthology – Year 9
2010 – St Albans Secondary College - Writing workshops with short stories published in an anthology – Year 9 accelerated.
2011 – Keilor Downs College – Writing workshops with short stories published in an anthology – Year 9
2010 – St Albans Secondary College - Writing workshops with short stories published in an anthology – Year 9 accelerated.
Testimonials
'I would like to thank Amra for a wonderful session - she educated, entertained and enthralled us all – even staying back to answer questions (so many questions!)!' Sarah, Library Customer Service Officer, Sydenham, Library, Self Publishing Workshop at 2024 Brimbank Writers Festival
'Great workshop - so much information packed into that two hours. Thank you!!' Miffy, particpant at Self Publishing Workshop, 2024 Brimbank Writers Festival
'This was a fantastic workshop to attend. Amra's excellent at hosting a hell of a time!' Riley, participant at Self Self Publishing Workshop, 2024 Brimbank Writers Festival
'Working with Amra has been transformative. She simultaneously built my confidence and vastly improved my writing and manuscript, while also helping me navigate the publishing industry. I am especially grateful for the way she responded to my work on its own terms by building an understanding of my style and then supporting me to improve it.'
Farrin Foster, memoir mentee
'The memoir writing workshop with Amra was an incredible experience. Amra's enthusiasm and passion were contagious, and her constant encouragement allowed me to explore not only a new genre of writing, but also to reflect on my life and how my experiences have shaped who I am today. Amra's expertise as a teacher and memoir writer were obvious, and I really enjoyed learning from her. Being able to share personal life events with other women in such a safe space was also valuable, and I now have the confidence to share my writing with others. Thank you Amra, and I look forward to being part of another one of your workshops in the near future.' (JH) Sunshine Library Memoir Writing Workshop Participant
'It was a pleasure having Amra Pajalic facilitate these Memoir Writing Workshops. Amra was always prepared in advance of the sessions and shared her extensive experience, skills and passion for this writing genre. Amra made a concerted effort to get to know the participants and provide ongoing support and advice. Amra also raised the possibility of furthering this partnership with the idea of developing a writing group for Brimbank Libraries, which we are keen to pursue.' Josephine Mifsud, Senior Library Services & Programs Officer, Sunshine Library
‘Amra Pajalic, author of The Good Daughter, coached us over four double periods, when we learned how to plan and produce a short story. We were divided into small groups in order to create small, personal learning environments. Each session Amra guided us through different techniques for the creation of characters and plots. Our stories were partially based on relatives, the key themes being emigration to Australia and acceptance into the community. Mine was loosely based on my grandfather and his emigration from England to Australia. Through group discussions we developed our stories to a high standard. I have taken away a whole new manner of writing and planning stories from these workshops. I will be able to apply the skills in every piece of writing I do from now on. It was a thoroughly rewarding experience.’
Phila Hayes, Student, Gisborne Secondary College, 2012
'Amra is a talented writer. She is also a down to earth, personable and inspiring speaker. Talking to the writing group at Kensington Neighbourhood House she combined passion for her craft with helpful insights and wisdom about the publishing industry. I'd highly recommend Amra for any speaking engagement.' Emilie Collyer, Hired in 2012
'Amra has been a guest speaker for our Industry Overview subject in the Diploma of Professional Writing & Editing at VU. She was knowledgeable and gave the students a very good explanation of the writer's life, how she writes her books and her path to publication.' Sherryl Clark, Hired in 2010 and 2011
'With her connection to students from the ‘west’, Amra proved to be an inspiring model to the year 9 students she led through the planning, drafting, editing and publication stages of their short stories. She maintained their commitment throughout the process through personal consultations and regular feedback via email. The students and their teachers are excited about the seeing their work go to print!' Colleen van der Horst, Library Co-ordinator & Alicia Sergiejew, English Co-ordinator, Keilor Downs College
'She has had a significant influence in encouraging students to become more accomplished writers. The production of polished, finished work is a powerful stimulus and will surely inspire these young authors to greater efforts in the future.' Jo Harris, Library Manager, St Albans Secondary College
'Great workshop - so much information packed into that two hours. Thank you!!' Miffy, particpant at Self Publishing Workshop, 2024 Brimbank Writers Festival
'This was a fantastic workshop to attend. Amra's excellent at hosting a hell of a time!' Riley, participant at Self Self Publishing Workshop, 2024 Brimbank Writers Festival
'Working with Amra has been transformative. She simultaneously built my confidence and vastly improved my writing and manuscript, while also helping me navigate the publishing industry. I am especially grateful for the way she responded to my work on its own terms by building an understanding of my style and then supporting me to improve it.'
Farrin Foster, memoir mentee
'The memoir writing workshop with Amra was an incredible experience. Amra's enthusiasm and passion were contagious, and her constant encouragement allowed me to explore not only a new genre of writing, but also to reflect on my life and how my experiences have shaped who I am today. Amra's expertise as a teacher and memoir writer were obvious, and I really enjoyed learning from her. Being able to share personal life events with other women in such a safe space was also valuable, and I now have the confidence to share my writing with others. Thank you Amra, and I look forward to being part of another one of your workshops in the near future.' (JH) Sunshine Library Memoir Writing Workshop Participant
'It was a pleasure having Amra Pajalic facilitate these Memoir Writing Workshops. Amra was always prepared in advance of the sessions and shared her extensive experience, skills and passion for this writing genre. Amra made a concerted effort to get to know the participants and provide ongoing support and advice. Amra also raised the possibility of furthering this partnership with the idea of developing a writing group for Brimbank Libraries, which we are keen to pursue.' Josephine Mifsud, Senior Library Services & Programs Officer, Sunshine Library
‘Amra Pajalic, author of The Good Daughter, coached us over four double periods, when we learned how to plan and produce a short story. We were divided into small groups in order to create small, personal learning environments. Each session Amra guided us through different techniques for the creation of characters and plots. Our stories were partially based on relatives, the key themes being emigration to Australia and acceptance into the community. Mine was loosely based on my grandfather and his emigration from England to Australia. Through group discussions we developed our stories to a high standard. I have taken away a whole new manner of writing and planning stories from these workshops. I will be able to apply the skills in every piece of writing I do from now on. It was a thoroughly rewarding experience.’
Phila Hayes, Student, Gisborne Secondary College, 2012
'Amra is a talented writer. She is also a down to earth, personable and inspiring speaker. Talking to the writing group at Kensington Neighbourhood House she combined passion for her craft with helpful insights and wisdom about the publishing industry. I'd highly recommend Amra for any speaking engagement.' Emilie Collyer, Hired in 2012
'Amra has been a guest speaker for our Industry Overview subject in the Diploma of Professional Writing & Editing at VU. She was knowledgeable and gave the students a very good explanation of the writer's life, how she writes her books and her path to publication.' Sherryl Clark, Hired in 2010 and 2011
'With her connection to students from the ‘west’, Amra proved to be an inspiring model to the year 9 students she led through the planning, drafting, editing and publication stages of their short stories. She maintained their commitment throughout the process through personal consultations and regular feedback via email. The students and their teachers are excited about the seeing their work go to print!' Colleen van der Horst, Library Co-ordinator & Alicia Sergiejew, English Co-ordinator, Keilor Downs College
'She has had a significant influence in encouraging students to become more accomplished writers. The production of polished, finished work is a powerful stimulus and will surely inspire these young authors to greater efforts in the future.' Jo Harris, Library Manager, St Albans Secondary College