Amra Pajalic and I had so much more to chat about, so we continued our conversation!

Some of the larger topics we cover in this second part include:

Creating from passion rather than market pressure

A big throughline is choosing creative projects based on personal passion and integrity, not trends, algorithms, or sales expectations. We talk about following curiosity across genres, letting reading habits shape writing, and resisting the pressure to “write to market” in favour of work that feels meaningful and sustaining.

Midlife creativity: confidence, permission, and letting go

We also spend a significant time on how midlife brings less need for validation, more self-trust, and greater freedom to create without shame or apology. Amra shares about letting go of frantic energy, external approval, and the fear of judgment, and embracing creative work as self-expression rather than performance.

The long game of creative practice (process over outcome)

We repeatedly return to the idea that meaningful creative work requires time, repetition, patience, and release. We also highlight burnout, false starts, undercooked drafts, learning by doing, stepping away from projects, and trusting that clarity often comes through continuation rather than force.

Writing as learning, healing, and identity evolution

Another important concept we both speak to is writing as a vehicle for growth and transformation—from working through trauma, to shifting genres as life stages change, to reframing jealousy as a signal of unlived creativity. Writing is not just valued as output, but as a way of understanding oneself and one’s evolving voice.

Don't forget to follow the links below to connect with Amra and let her know what insights landed for you...

Discover more about Amra here:

Website - https://www.amrapajalic.com/

Instagram - ​https://www.instagram.com/amrapajalicauthor/

Substack - https://substack.com/@amrapajalic?

BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amra-pajalic

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/author/amrapajalic

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