The Write Podcast with Sarah Williams
The Write Podcast helps aspiring and published fiction authors master creative writing, novel planning, book marketing, and self-publishing. Hosted by multi-bestselling author and CEO of Serenade Publishing, it delivers expert writing tips, publishing advice, interviews with authors and industry pros, and a monthly book club with special guests. The show aims to help writers build their author platform, grow their writing career, and write books readers love.
Episodes
You Don’t Need More Publishing Advice. You Need One Goal.
You’ve finished your manuscript, and now there’s a pile of decisions waiting for you. The editor. The cover. The price. Kindle Unlimited or wide. The launch. Ask about any of them in a Facebook group and you’ll get three confident answers, and none of them were built for your book.In this episode, I talk about why that keeps happening, the Kindle Unlimited decision I got wrong with my first books,
The difference between hobby thinking and business thinking
You finished the manuscript, so why does "am I ready" still feel impossible to answer?This episode breaks down hobby thinking versus business thinking, three things you can check about your own manuscript today, the unspoken fear of picking the wrong editor or cover designer, and why watching someone else publish a rougher book than yours isn't a talent problem.In this episode:● The
The Business Behind Book World Magazine
Ever posted about a book event everywhere you could think of, only to have someone tell you afterward they had no idea it was even happening? Lauren and Alana from Book World know that feeling well, which is why they are building a directory made just for book events so nobody misses one again.In this episode, I sit down with the two friends behind Book World, the magazine that started as a newsle
The Cost of Calling Yourself a CEO
You can publish a book for next to nothing. Uploading to Amazon is free. A premade cover can cost $40. Canva will get you a passable template in an afternoon. None of that means you have an author business.In this episode of The Write Podcast, Sarah Williams breaks down what it actually costs to build a real, sustainable author business, not just publish a book. She covers what overhead actually m
Fixing Your Shopify Ads with Melissa Storm
You built the store. Maybe it's beautiful. Maybe it cost more than you want to admit. Now it's just sitting there, waiting for someone to find it.I sat down with Melissa Storm, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who's spent over a decade running one of publishing's most trusted ads agencies. She's the person authors turn to when their Facebook ads stop working an
The PR Strategy Behind Jade May's Bestselling Romance Career
This week I'm talking with Australian bestselling author Jade May. Jade writes the Eden Series, high heat, angst filled romance that's sold over 10,000 copies worldwide. And she's landed press most authors only dream about. SMH. Mamamia. News.com.au. Herald Sun.We get into the real story behind that coverage. Jade worked with a PR agency, and she walks us through what that actually loo
Is your book actually done, or are you just tired of editing it?
You finished the manuscript. So why does it still feel unfinished? In this episode, Sarah unpacks the real reason "I'm still polishing it" keeps so many writers stuck after the last page, why so many manuscripts end up waiting on someone else's opinion instead of moving forward, and shares her own story of sending an early manuscript to an agent and what it actually taught her ab
How Willow Winters Built a Multi-Million Dollar Self-Publishing Empire
Romance author Willow Winters started as a stay-at-home mum writing at night for coffee money. Today she's a USA Today and Wall Street Journal number-one bestseller with more than sixty books and a team running the business behind her. In this episode of The Write Podcast, she shares how she built a real self-publishing career, not by luck, but by decision.We get into the business most authors
Why Author Conferences Still Matter: Building a Sustainable Writing Business
Fresh off presenting a workshop at the Romance Writers of New Zealand conference in Auckland, and still thinking about TL Swan's keynote on rebuilding her covers and blurbs nine times before Amazon finally took notice, this episode looks back at ten years of conferences, from Romance Writers of Australia to the biggest one yet in New York, and what showing up, year after year, has actually bui
Does Social Media Actually Sell Books? The Honest Answer with K.S. Elliott
Do you really have to be on social media to sell books? Indie fantasy author K.S. Elliott is proof of what happens when you do it on your own terms. With over 50,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, K.S. has turned short videos and character POV reels into direct sales through her own store, a thriving street team, pre-order campaigns, and brand collaborations — all while writing her upcomin
What Your Author Money Mindset Is Costing You
Money isn't just about pricing strategy or Amazon keywords. It's about the story you've carried since childhood, and most authors have no idea how much that story is running their business.In this solo episode, I get personal about the money wounds I grew up with, a feast or famine household where cash came in and went straight back out, and how that shaped years of my adult life. I un
The Freedom-Based Author Business
Most authors end up running a business built on obligation and momentum rather than intention. In this episode, Sarah draws on Natalie Ellis's The Freedom Based Business and the Pareto Principle to help writers get honest about where their time is really going — and what it actually looks like to build an author career that fits their life.In this episode:Why so many authors are busy but not makin
Creating a multiverse of stories with A.K Mulford
From fantasy kingdoms to zookeeper rom-coms, A.K. Mulford has built an extraordinary multiverse of stories. This episode first aired August 2025, and I'm bringing it back because it's one of the most practical conversations I've had about writing fast and building a real author business, and because Ali is joining me at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival this year.I sit down with A.K.
One Series, Five Income Streams — The Brigadier Station Story
How does one book series make money in more than a dozen ways? In this solo episode, I break down how I turned my four-book cowboy romance series, Brigadier Station, into five separate author income streams:Ebooks and paperbacks — all four books, available wideAudio — three audiobooks narrated by Myles Pollard, plus a set that sells for a single Audible creditThe ebook boxset — turning existing wo
The Advice I Give My Students That Actually Changes Things
In this episode, I'm sharing the four investments I come back to again and again in my work with authors. These aren't things I learned from a course. They're the things I see actually move the needle for the women who are serious about building real, sustainable author careers.We cover:The money mindset shift that changes how you invest in your careerWhy I recommend getting a coach so
What It Actually Means to Think Like an Author CEO
If you're serious about building an author career — not just finishing a book, but actually turning your writing into a sustainable business — this episode is going to change how you think about everything.I've written ten novels, built Serenade Publishing from the ground up, and spent years coaching women fiction authors through the publishing decisions that make or break a long-term care
Unlocking Your ADHD Superpowers with Strengths Coaching
Are you a writer or creative entrepreneur with ADHD—or suspect you might be? In this powerful episode of The Write Podcast, host Sarah Williams chats with certified Gallup Strengths Coach and author Samara Thorn about how understanding your unique strengths can transform your writing process, boost your productivity, and help you thrive as a neurodivergent creator.You’ll learn:How ADHD affects wri
Why I Chose to Publish Independently — And Why I'd Do It Again
In 2016, I was offered a traditional publishing contract. I said no — and that decision shaped everything that came after it.In this episode I share the real reasons why: the royalty maths that didn't add up, the value of freedom that I wasn't willing to compromise, my honest lack of patience for a four-year timeline, and the bigger picture of wanting to build a sustainable business for my
How One TikTok Video Changed Everything with Romance Author Lauren Jackson
She went viral overnight, landed a Penguin deal, and is somehow doing it all as a brand new mum.Lauren Jackson is a Gold Coast romance author and BookTok creator whose path to publishing is one of the most exciting stories in Australian romance right now. She started by self-publishing, built a devoted readership one book at a time, and when Tierney Page featured her work on TikTok — everything ch
Why I Wish I'd Joined TikTok Earlier
If you're an author who watched the BookTok wave from the sidelines — this episode is for you.I'm talking about what I missed, why I missed it, and whether it's too late to build a readership on TikTok in 2026. Spoiler: it's not. But the strategy has changed.We cover:The real BookTok numbers — 59 million books sold in the U.S. in 2024 aloneWhy TikTok's fastest-growing demograph
Why Readers Do Judge a Book by Its Cover
What if your book cover isn’t just a marketing tool—but one of the most powerful storytelling elements you have?In this episode of The Write Podcast, I’m joined by cover designer Holly Dunn for a behind-the-scenes look at what really goes into creating a cover that sells your story.And here’s what makes Holly different: she actually reads the entire manuscript before she designs. (Yes—really.) Whi
A Confession About My Latest Book Launch
Some launches go exactly to plan. This one didn't — and I'm telling you everything.Heartbeat Song released on the 12th of April 2026, and in the lead-up to launch day, Amazon cancelled all of my preorders. Before I could even speak to a real person at KDP, I had to fight through a wall of AI bots — frustrating, time-consuming, and genuinely stressful when your launch window is closing in r
Creative Ways to Make Money in the Book Industry (That Aren’t Writing a Book)
Have you ever thought about building a business in the book world… without actually writing a book?In this episode of The Write Podcast, I’m joined by Shara—the creative force behind Aura and Alchemy, a beautifully unique, book-inspired perfume brand that captures the magic of stories in scent form.What I love most about this conversation is how it expands what’s possible for you as a creative. Be
What 10 Novels and a Publishing Company Actually Taught Me About Building an Author Career
After 10 novels and building Serenade Publishing from the ground up, I'm getting honest about what actually shaped my author career -- the things I got right, the one thing I couldn't find, and why that gap is the reason the Author CEO Mentorship exists.What we cover:Why writing for yourself isn't the same as knowing your reader -- and how to make the shiftHow to make publishing decisi
From Stay-at-Home Mum to Bestselling Author: How I Built My Publishing Business
In 2017, I published my first novel with no traditional deal, no connections, and no backup plan—just a decision to stop waiting.In this episode, I’m sharing how I went from writing during daycare hours as a mum of four to becoming a bestselling author and building my own publishing company from the ground up.This is the real story—what it actually takes to create a sustainable author career, prot
Lee Savino on the Healing Power of Storytelling
What if writing your story could help heal you?In this inspiring conversation, romance author Lee Savino shares how creativity, courage, and community shape the writing journey. We talk about overcoming fear, claiming your identity as a writer, and why giving yourself permission to be wildly creative can change everything.Lee also explores the powerful role romance plays in storytelling and emotio
Writing Fantasy & Romance: A Hilarious Live Conversation with Steffanie Holmes & A.K. Mulford
What happens when two bestselling fantasy authors get on stage together with a microphone and a room full of writers?Chaos. Laughter. And some surprisingly brilliant writing advice.In this special episode of The Write Podcast, I’m sharing a live conversation recorded at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival between bestselling paranormal romance author Steffanie Holmes and bestselling fantasy and ro
Joanna Penn on Courage, Creativity and Long-Term Success as a Writer
What does it really take to build a sustainable, future-proof writing career in today’s rapidly changing publishing world?In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Joanna Penn—bestselling author, creative entrepreneur, and host of The Creative Penn Podcast—to talk about longevity, courage, creative freedom, and building a writing business on your own terms.Joanna has spent more than a decade
Distribute Your Book to Libraries and Bookstores Worldwide with IngramSpark
In this episode of The Write Podcast, Sarah interviews Chris from IngramSpark for an inside look at printing and distributing your books like a professional publisher.✨ In this conversation, they cover:📚 How to print professional paperbacks with IngramSpark (trim sizes, paper choices, pricing, and setup)🎨 What you need to know about forced edge special editions and how to create stunning sprayed-e
Shopify for Authors: How to Build a Profitable Book Website That Converts
If you’re an author wondering whether Shopify is the right platform for your website, this episode will give you clarity.In this conversation, Sarah takes listeners behind the scenes of Serenade Publishing’s website redesign and shares why she chose to move to Shopify. She’s joined by Ash, the creative strategist who built the new store, and together they explore what authors truly need when it co
BookTok to Bestseller: Tierney Page Spills the Unfiltered Truth
TikTok star turned debut author Tierney Page joins Sarah Williams live at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival for a hilariously unfiltered conversation about writing, social media, and turning internet fame into a publishing deal.In this outrageous and laugh-out-loud interview, Tierney shares how she built her platform on TikTok, found her unique voice, and navigated the jump from influencer to fi
The No-Fluff Truth About Succeeding as an Indie Author with Craig Martelle
🔥 How do you build a full-time author career in today’s publishing world—without burning out? In this episode, bestselling indie author Craig Martelle joins Sarah for a no-fluff conversation about what it really takes to succeed as an independent writer.From sharp strategy to grounded mindset advice, Craig breaks it all down with clarity, confidence, and a dose of tough love.💥 You’ll learn:Why mos
How to Turn Your Book Into an Audiobook — with Narrator Amy Soaks
Thinking about creating an audiobook but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Write Podcast, host Sarah Williams chats with professional narrator Amy Soaks, who has voiced over 100 audiobooks across multiple accents and genres. Whether you’re curious about the process or ready to dive in, this episode will walk you through everything you need to know.You’ll learn:🔹 How to find and hire
How to Stay Focused on Writing When Life Keeps Interrupting
Feeling stuck in self-doubt as a writer? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay there. In this empowering solo episode of The Write Podcast, bestselling romance author and book coach Sarah Williams shares practical strategies to help you keep writing, even when your inner critic is loud. With expert tips from Tim Coulson Councilor and Coach.You’ll learn:Why self-doubt is a normal part of the
Live from the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival: A Conversation with Candice Fox
In this special episode, Sarah Williams sits down with bestselling crime author Candice Fox for a lively, laugh-filled, and deeply insightful conversation recorded live at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival.Candice opens up about her writing process, her partnership with James Patterson, and what it really takes to build a successful career in crime fiction.🔍 In this episode, you’ll hear:How Cand
Why Steff Green uses Kickstarter and how you can too
Have you ever dreamed of creating stunning special editions of your books—foil covers, sprayed edges, custom merch, even plushie characters—but wondered how to fund it all? In this episode of The Write Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Steffanie Holmes (a.k.a. Steff Green), bestselling author of the Nevermore Bookshop series and a true expert in Kickstarter for authors.Steff has successfully crow
Inside the Publishing Industry with Sophie Green What Every Writer Needs to Know
What do publishers really look for in a manuscript? Is it still possible to break into traditional publishing in 2026? And how has BookTok changed the game for authors?In this special episode of The Write Podcast, I sit down with Sophie Hamley—publisher at Hachette Australia and bestselling author under the name Sophie Green—for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry.We talk a
How I Transformed My Writing Career (and My Life) in 2025
This has been my biggest year yet—as an author, a publisher, and a woman. In this deeply personal solo episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of 2025: how I wrote and published Songbird, a novel based on my real-life experience with emotional abuse; how I battled chronic fatigue while building my author business; and how launching The Write Podcast, hosting retreats, and organising the Sunshin
The Truth About Self Publishing and Marketing Books
In this inspiring episode of The Write Podcast, I chat with urban fantasy and paranormal romance author H.M. Hodgson, creator of the Witch Wars series. They dive into the real journey of becoming a self-published author—from the spark of an idea to building a loyal readership through special editions, character art, and social media.H.M. opens up about why she walked away from traditional publishi
Selling Books? This Trend Could Explode Your Profits
At every book event lately, I’ve been seeing it—gorgeous special editions flying off tables. Think sprayed edges, foil, bonus art... and readers love them. Even if they don’t plan to read the book right away (guilty!), they still want it on their shelf.In this episode, I’m joined by Fiona—who also writes as Amelia Shaw—an indie author who’s been ahead of the special edition trend for years. We’re
TL Swan on Grit, Growth, and Going All In on Your Writing Dreams
In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing USA Today bestselling author TL Swan. Recorded live at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival in November 2025, TL shares her incredible journey of turning life's challenges into storytelling success. We delve into her unique approach to writing, the obstacles she has overcome, and her invaluable advice for aspiring authors. Whether you're
Inside the Publishing Industry with Sophie Green What Every Writer Needs to Know
What do publishers really look for in a manuscript? Is it still possible to break into traditional publishing in 2026? And how has BookTok changed the game for authors?In this special episode of The Write Podcast, I sit down with Sophie Hamley—publisher at Hachette Australia and bestselling author under the name Sophie Green—for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry.We talk a
Why Most Writing Advice Fails You and How to Quit the Right Things
Are you stuck in the hustle of trying to do all the things as a writer—and wondering why some advice just doesn’t work for you?In this inspiring episode of The Write Podcast, I chat with author success coach Becca Syme about the different phases of building an author business, why quitting can actually be the smartest move, and how knowing your strengths can transform your writing career. We also
This Festival Started with One Brave Idea
In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by my partner Tim as we share the true story behind creating the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival—an event that grew 100 times bigger and better than I ever imagined.We talk about what it really took to bring a brave idea to life: the fears we faced, the strengths we leaned on, and the pride we feel in the community we built together. You’ll hear how courage an
When Writing Feels Like a Marathon
This week, I chat with romance author Emma Mugglestone about her traditionally published novel In the Long Run—a slow-burn, fake-dating romance set in a Melbourne run club. We dive into how her experience self-publishing gave her the confidence to keep going, and how a fellow writer putting her name forward led to her big break. If you're navigating a winding writing path, this episode is pack
Writing Crime With Conviction
In this episode of The Write Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Georgia Harper—author of What I Would Do to You, which just won Best Debut Book at the 2025 Davitt Awards. Georgia’s background blew me away: she’s worked as a psychologist with serious violent offenders and victim-survivors of crime, and also as Senior Inspector Prosecutions for RSPCA Queensland.We talked about how her real-life expe
Bookclub Vibes, Spicy Reads & Small Town Feels | How To Break My Heart by Kat T. Masen
In this special bookclub-style episode, Sarah is joined by her friend Franny—new to the world of spicy fiction and already running a bookclub that brings women together for laughter, connection, and a few blush-worthy reads.Together, they dive into Kat T. Masen’s How To Break My Heart—a cozy, small-town romance that’s equal parts heartfelt and steamy. Expect lots of laughs, honest reactions, and a
This Isn’t a Comeback. It’s a Continuation. (What Fiction Writers Can Learn from Taylor’s Showgirl Era)
🎙️ This Isn’t a Comeback. It’s a Continuation. (What Fiction Writers Can Learn from Taylor’s Showgirl Era)✨ What if your next big moment isn't a reinvention—but a continuation of everything you've already layered?In this solo episode, Sarah channels fangirl energy and creative fire to unpack what Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl era can teach us about storytelling, identity, and build
Spooky Season Romance with Amy Hutton – Author of Ghosted
It’s time to get your Halloween romance fix! In this special episode of The Write Podcast, I chat with author Amy Hutton, whose hilarious and heartwarming paranormal rom-com Ghosted is the perfect spooky season read.We dive into the inspiration behind the book (yes, there’s a ghost!), the delicate balance of humour and heart in paranormal romance, and how Amy crafted such lovable, laugh-out-loud c
From Journalist to Viking Romance Author with Tanya Nellestein
In this heartwarming episode of The Write Podcast, I’m joined by journalist-turned-author Tanya Nellestein, who shares her journey of learning to write fiction from scratch—and how writing her first novel became a deeply cathartic and healing experience.We dive into her shift from journalism to Viking romance, the ups and downs of writing as a beginner, and her fearless approach to trying new thin
Love, Magic, and Mayhem: A Forbidden Alchemy Deep Dive
n this special bookclub edition, I’m joined by fantasy superfan and all-around book lover Tim Coulson to dive into the spellbinding world of The Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan. We’re talking all things magic, mayhem, and emotional rollercoasters!Tim and I had so much fun unpacking the rich world-building, the intricate magical system, and of course—that juicy love triangle. We especially loved
Cracking the Crime Market with Fiona Tarr
In this inspiring episode of The Write Podcast, Sarah Williams chats with crime fiction author Fiona Tarr about the realities of building a writing career and connecting with readers.Fiona shares her insights on:Learning what the market wants without losing your creative sparkThe value of speaking at libraries and building community connectionsWhy having writer friends is essential for motivation
The Secret Only Successful Authors Know
What if the reason you haven’t finished (or even started) your novel isn’t because you’re not good enough — but because no one ever taught you the secret?In this on-demand video, I’m revealing the truth that only successful authors know — the one thing that sets bestselling books apart from ones that go unfinished or unread.This isn’t another class about grammar or outlining.This is about unlockin
Building a Publishing Partnership with Tanya Renee
In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work closely with one of my incredible authors, Tanya Renee. Tanya first submitted her novel Prairie Sky to Serenade Publishing over two years ago—and since then, we’ve built a strong, collaborative relationship that’s resulted in a new book every three months.We talk about the trust and communication that go into our autho
Book Club: Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
This week on The Write Podcast Book Club, I’m joined by debut author Elise Helliwell—whose novel Within the Space of a Second is coming soon! Together, we dive into Problematic Summer Romance, the latest romcom by Ali Hazelwood.We chat all things summer love, sizzling chemistry, and the joy of seeing STEM heroines finally take center stage in romance. From the richly painted Sicilian setting to th
Book Signings Made Simple with Beventi
This week’s episode is something a little different—I’m sharing a special live training I ran for the attending authors and vendors of the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival. In this session, we dive into how to use Beventi to manage book signings, streamline preorders, and make the most of your author events.Even if you’re not attending, this training is packed with practical tips that will help you
From Fantasy Worlds to Zookeeper Rom-Coms: Inside A.K. Mulford’s Multiverse
From fantasy kingdoms to zookeeper rom-coms, bestselling author A.K. Mulford has built an extraordinary multiverse of stories—and in just four years, they’ve published 26 books (with more on the way!).In this inspiring and wildly entertaining conversation, Sarah Williams sits down with A.K. Mulford—fantasy novelist, rom-com writer, cozy paranormal creator, and TikTok sensation—to explore their uni
Back to School Energy for Your Writing Dream
When was the last time you let yourself be a beginner?In this heartfelt solo episode, host Sarah Williams—bestselling romance author, book coach, and mum of four—shares the surprising inspiration she found at her son’s university open day. Joshua, her eldest, is preparing to become the first in their family to attend university, and the experience of walking that campus with him opened up a wave o
Book Club: 'Fangs For Nothing' By Steffanie Holmes
Calling all lovers of paranormal fantasy, sassy heroines, brooding (fang-tastic) love interests, and small-town gothic charm! In this special book club episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Meg from The Candle and Quill bookshop to sink our teeth into Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes — and trust me, we had thoughts. 😈📚Whether you’re a die-hard fan of supernatural romance or an author curious a
Start Before You’re Ready: Why Writers Must Take Imperfect Action
Are you waiting for the perfect moment to start your novel, launch your author brand, or finally share your writing? In this episode, I open up about my own struggles with perfectionism—including how I delayed starting this very podcast for over a year—and why I finally chose to hit record before I felt ready.We’ll talk about the power of imperfect action, how failure is actually your First Attemp
Unveiling the World of Translations with Catherine Bilson
In this episode of The Write Podcast, host Sarah sits down with bestselling author Catherine Bilson for an inspiring and insightful conversation.Catherine opens up about her unique path from writing fan fiction to becoming a prolific author with titles published in multiple languages. She discusses the power of storytelling, the evolution of her writing career, and how she’s successfully navigated
Are You Treating Your Writing Like a Hobby or a Career? What the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Taught Me About Creative Discipline
Are You Treating Your Writing Like a Hobby or a Career? What the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Taught Me About Creative Discipline$500 per game. That’s what the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were earning—yet they trained like Olympic athletes. Forty hours a week. Total emotional and physical dedication. Why? Because passion always shows up, even when the paycheck doesn’t.In this inspiring episode of T
You don't have to do it alone!
EPISODE 1: Welcome to the Show – Your New Favourite Podcast for Fiction WritersAre you a fiction writer craving inspiration, guidance, and a sense of community? Whether you're just starting your first novel, querying your manuscript, or already publishing books—this is the writing podcast you’ve been waiting for.In this very first episode of the show, host Sarah Williams—author, book coach, publis
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