In this episode, co-hosts Sarah and Emily sit down with Katherine Arden, the critically acclaimed and NYT bestselling author of The Bear and the Nightingale, The Warm Hands of Ghosts. and Small Spaces, to explore her world of folklore, ghosts, and history . Katherine shares the inspirations behind her beloved Winternight Trilogy, how she wrote while traveling; the art of weaving magic and realism, her methodology, and how she captures the mystical blend of history and magic and love in her stories. They also discuss the allure of winter as a setting, the balance of prose that feels natural and true to the book’s historical setting and wonder, and what it means to write in multiple genres. Perfect for emerging writers, fans of spellbinding tales in winter and history, this conversation will leave you feeling both chilled and inspired to write more.

Katherine Arden

• Website

Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore

• The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
• The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden
• The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden
• The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
• Small Spaces Series by Katherine Arden
• Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey
• Sunshine by Robin McKinley
• The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
• Deerskin by Robin McKinley
• The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
• Naomi Novik
• Patrick O'Brien
• Dorothy Dunnett
• Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell by Susanna Clarke
• For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
• Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana

Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! 

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

In this episode, Sarah and Emily sit down with Shelby Mahurin, New York Times bestselling author of Serpent & Dove and the Scarlet Veil, to dive into the world of romantasy. Shelby opens up about swoon-worthy romance, balancing the "spice" in her books amidst backlash; what romance means to people of different age groups, and her journey as a leading OG voice in the romantasy YA genre.

She also discusses the pressures of social media, the benefits of a digital detox, resetting her Instagram, and how to stay authentic as an author in an industry driven by trends. If you're a fan of love, romantasy , and keeping it real, this conversation is a must-listen!

Shelby Mahurin

• Website
• Instagram

Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore

• Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
• Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin
• Gods & Monsters by Shelby Mahurin
• The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin
• The Shadow Bride by Shelby Mahurin
• Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
• Lisa Kleypas
• Sarah MacLean
• For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
• Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana

Come back every second Thursday for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! It really helps the podcast, especially since we're just getting started.

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! 

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

In this episode, Sarah and Emily sit down with bestselling author Olivie Blake to explore the intricacies of her routine and craft, the beauty in chaotic routines, and the power of authenticity. Olivie opens up about how she manages to write multiple books across different genres every year, offering insight into the importance of writing being her job. The conversation goes into her journey from indie publishing where she wrote nine books, to signing major traditional deals, due to going viral on TikTok. She shares advice on navigating the key differences between indie versus trad pub for upcoming authors. They also discuss her approach to TikTok and social media, balancing the benefits of exposure with the need for personal boundaries. Whether you are a reader and fan, or an upcoming author, this is a great episode to learn about Olivia’s inspiration and how to navigate a stellar career across genres.

Olivie Blake

• Website
• Instagram

Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore

• Masters of Death by Olivie Blake
• Alone with You in the Ether by Olivie Blake
• Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake
• The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
• The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake
• The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake
• The Answer You Are Looking For Is Yes: A Witch Way Anthology by Olivie Blake
• Fairytales of the Macabre by Olivie Blake
• Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne
• Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante
• For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
• Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana

Come back every second Thursday for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! It really helps the podcast, especially since we're just getting started.

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! 

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

In this episode, Sarah and Emily sit down with New York Times bestselling author Ava Reid of A Study in Drowning and Lady Macbeth, to dive into the art of multi-genre storytelling in speculative fiction. From exploring the grimdark corners of worlds to her chaotic writing routines, Ava opens up about the challenges and joys of writing retellings, and balancing multiple projects. She also discusses her gradual journey building an organic readership from her debut to her breakout dark academia; moreover she discusses creating a distinct aesthetic on Instagram, and the freedom found in writing what’s true to her vision. Whether you're an aspiring author or a fan of her atmospheric stories, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration from one of the most creative authors

Ava Reid

• Instagram

The Life and Letters of Mary Shelley
 

Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore

• The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid
• Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid
• A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
• Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
• The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden
• The Gormenghast Trilogy by Mervyn Peake
• We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
• Gifted and Talented by Olivie Blake
• For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
• Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana

Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! 

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

In this episode, Sarah and Emily sit down with Adalyn Grace, the New York Times bestselling author of the Belladonna series, to explore the journey of building a successful and sustainable writing career. Adalyn opens up about the challenges of preserving your creative vision through the editing process, sharing invaluable insights on how to stay true to your story while embracing feedback; her early mistakes and her take on compromises. We also dive into the complexities of managing agent relationships, including how to handle difficult dynamics and advocating for your career. Adalyn shares her strategies for cultivating a long-term readership, including the power of street teams and community engagement. Whether you're a fan, an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, this episode offers amazing insights

Adalyn Grace

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
   

Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore

• All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace
• All the Tides of Fate by Adalyn Grace
• Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
• Foxglove by Adalyn Grace
• Wisteria by Adalyn Grace
• Brandon Sanderson
• For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
• Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana
   

Come back every second Thursday for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! It really helps the podcast, especially since we're just getting started.

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! 

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Rachel Strolle, a dynamic teen librarian, programmer, and the communications director for YALLFest and YALLWest, two of the biggest young adult literary festivals in the U.S. Rachel shares her journey into the world of librarianship, where she not only organises engaging events with authors, but also talks about book curation, her inspiration that resonate with young readers but also develops engaging programs that inspire a love for reading and learning.

Rachel delves into her work behind the scenes at YALLFest and YALLWest, offering a glimpse into what it takes to coordinate communications for these major events, from collaborating with authors to engaging with fans. She discusses the importance of creating inclusive spaces in libraries and festivals that amplify diverse voices in YA literature, and how her role as a librarian intersects with her passion for promoting underrepresented stories.

Whether you're an aspiring librarian, a lover of YA fiction, or just curious about the world of literary festivals, this episode provides a fascinating look at the intersection of books, community, and advocacy

Rachel Strolle

Yall Fest

Yall West

Episode 21: Blue Bicycle Books and YallFest: Behind the Shelves of the Indie Bookstore Journey with Jonathan Sanchez

Anderson's Bookstore

The Novel Neighbor

The Ripped Bodice

Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore

• Thirsty by Jas Hammonds
• For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
• Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana

Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! 

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

In this inspiring episode, hosts Sarah and Emily sit down with Mychal Threets, a dedicated librarian whose passion for books and community has made a profound impact with millions of viewers on social media. Mychal shares his journey into librarianship, exploring how his love for literature started and evolved into a career with his library; and PBS. He opens up about his advocacy for mental health through the power of social media and reels and tiktok, and revealing his own struggles in an effort to support mental wellness. Mychal also discusses his writing, for a sneak peek. Join us for an enlightening conversation that celebrates the transformative power of books and the vital role libraries play in promoting mental health and well-being across ALL ages.
 

Mychal Threets

• Instagram
• Bookclub
   

Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore

• Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
• Holes by Louis Sachar
• Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (audiobook)
• For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
• Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana

Come back every second Thursday for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!
 

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review!

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! 

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

In this episode, Sarah and Emily sit down with Breanne Randall, the New York Times bestselling author renowned for her magical realism novels and going viral. Breanne shares her remarkable journey from aspiring writer to going on sub, signing with a press, to viral sensation, revealing the pivotal role social media played in her success.

Breanne discusses her innovative strategies for leveraging TikTok and Instagram to build a loyal reader base and drive her books up the bestseller lists. She offers invaluable insights into the nuances of each platform, detailing how she has technical strategies for content that resonates with her audience and her reach. Additionally, Breanne goes into the importance of newsletters in maintaining a personal connection with her readers, offering tips on how to create engaging and effective email campaigns.

Tune in to learn the secrets behind Breanne Randall's social media viral sensation and discover how you too can harness these platforms. Whether you're an aspiring author, a seasoned writer, or a social media enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration. Don't miss it!

Breanne Randall

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok

FloDesk

Canva

Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore

• The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall
• For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
• Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana

Come back every second Thursday for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! It really helps the podcast, especially since we're just getting started.

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! 

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

In this episode, Emily and Sarah sit down with the prolific author Gigi Griffis, renowned for her YA novel "The Wicked Unseen" and her groundbreaking IP novel and hit Netflix "The Empress." Gigi shares her insights into how to balance writing IP projects with the books of her heart. She delves into the world of marketing, the art of seamlessly blending multiple genres, and her lightning-fast drafting process that lets her make a book in under 30 days. With an emphasis on effective plotting, Gigi reveals her top tips and techniques for crafting captivating stories fast.

We also dive into her unorthodox experience landing book deals and her agent! Don't miss this conversation with Gigi Griffis

Gigi Griffis

• Website
• Instagram

Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore

• The Empress by Gigi Griffis
• The Wicked Unseen by Gigi Griffis
• We are the Beasts by Gigi Griffis
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
• For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
• Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana

Come back every second Thursday for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! It really helps the podcast, especially since we're just getting started.

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! 

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

Join us on this episode as Sarah and Emily delve into the world of subscription boxes and publishing with Daphne Tonge, the founder of Illumicrate and Daphne Press. Learn about the making of Illumicrate, the challenges and triumphs of running a subscription box service in the UK, the selection process, networking with publishing, it’s rapid growth, and the unique insights Daphne gained about the book market along the way.

Discover the journey of founding Daphne Press, a revolutionary independent publishing press, and the vision behind bringing diverse voices to the forefront of literature. Whether you're a book lover, aspiring entrepreneur, or curious about the behind-the-scenes of the publishing industry, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from the fantastic Daphne!

Illumicrate

Daphne Press

Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore

• Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
• Starling House by Alix. E Harrow
• Percy Jackson series
• For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
• Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana

Come back every second Thursday for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! It really helps the podcast, especially since we're just getting started.

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!

Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!

Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! 

Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!