From a tech startup to bestselling fantasy author, James Islington joins hosts Sarah and Emily for an episode of On the Write Track for a deep dive into the discipline, worldbuilding, and creative instincts behind his craft and fantasy books.

We explore how James made the leap from a tech career to full-time writing, how his indie beginnings shaped his career, and what changed when he transitioned to traditional publishing. James shares the many rejections early in his career; how he treats writing like a 9-to-5 job, the routines that keep him grounded, and the lessons he’s learned while building massive fantasy worlds.

We get into the inspirations behind The Will of the Many—from Celtic lore to Egyptian mythology—and how he balances research, hard magic systems, mystery, and emotional stakes across a long series arc. James also answers questions on spoilers in his books; the length of the Hierarchy series, the ending, and offers invaluable advice for emerging fantasy writers on process, persistence, and trusting the story you’re meant to tell.

SPOILER NOTE! - 16:58 → 20:53
 

James Islington's Website

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

• The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington
• The Will of the Many by James Islington
• The Strength of a Few by James Islington
• The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
• The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfruss
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
• Brandon Sanderson
• Emily Varga's books
• Sarah Mughal Rana's books

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 of On the Write Track, Emily and Sarah sit down with Tina Mars, one of Bookstagram’s breakout stars turned debut fantasy author. Tina shares how a simple love for reading grew into a thriving online community, what inspired her to start posting in the first place, and the journey to full-time content creator.

She opens up about the ups and downs of growing her platform and business, the lessons she’s learned about consistency and authenticity, and how she leveraged her audience to find an agent and secure a book deal for her upcoming fantasy novel. Tina also offers practical, heartfelt advice for aspiring creators, from building your personal brand to managing burnout and staying true to your voice online.

Whether you’re a writer hoping to build your platform or a Bookstagrammer, or a writer aiming to have your own book deal, this episode is a motivating deep dive!

Tina Mars

• Website
• Instagram
• Youtube

Dabble Timer

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

• The Book of Azrael by Amber V Nicole
• The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
• Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha Tuli
• A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya
• Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya
• Emily Varga's books
• Sarah Mughal Rana's books

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! 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!

This week, Sarah and Emily welcome bestselling romantasy author Nisha Tuli for an inspiring dive into building an authentic, sustainable career from indie to traditional publishing. Nisha opens up about her experience as an Indie author who has a South Asian heritage but also the fears of being boxed in, and how she hustled to grow her audience. We explore how she’s navigated the explosion of romantasy, the pressures and perks of genre labels, and the business mindset that helps her stay focused amid the noise, including switching agents and taking on multiple projects to grow. From having a loyal readership to branching out in adult, and now YA, as well as multi-genre stories that blend romance, magic, and diverse FMC’s, Nisha shares really valuable wisdom for any writer ready to grow.

Nisha Tuli

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok

Becca Syme: Strengths For Writers 101

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

• Not Safe for Work by Nisha Tuli
• Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha Tuli
• Heart of Night and Fire by Nisha Tuli
• Wicked is the Reaper by Nisha Tuli
• Love is a War Song by Danica Nava
• Emily Varga's books
• Sarah Mughal Rana's books

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! 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!

Sarah and Emily sit down to discuss what does it take to not only survive but thrive across decades in publishing? In this episode of On the Write Track, we’re joined by literary powerhouses Melissa de la Cruz and Margaret Stohl: bestselling authors, and co-founders of YALLFest and YALLWest, two of the largest youth literature festivals in the country.

We dive deep into their journeys through the evolving landscape of publishing: from writing bestselling YA series, to crafting graphic novels, developing games, and even adapting their work for film and television. Melissa and Margaret share how working across mediums has challenged and expanded their creative lives, and what it takes to stay adaptable in an industry that’s constantly shifting especially in the era of romantasy.

But at the heart of this episode is a rich conversation about community; how festivals like YALLWest grew out of a desire to democratize the author-reader connection, how mentorship and collaboration have shaped their own careers, and why building supportive literary communities is crucial for both writers and readers to survive.

We also get candid about the behind-the-scenes of adaptations, juggling commercial pressures with creative vision, and why saying yes to new opportunities and formats—from prose to scripts—has kept their careers thriving.

If you're a writer wondering how to build lasting community, or explore new storytelling mediums, this episode is packed with wisdom, blunt hard-earned advice from two women who’ve truly done it all.

Yall Fest

Yall West

Melissa de la Cruz

Margaret Stohl

Episode 06: G Willow Wilson: Co-creating Ms. Marvel, Writing for Comics & Having to Write your Marginalization

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

• Margaret Stohl's books
• Melissa de la Cruz's books
• Jo and Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz
• Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl
• Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel Comics by Margaret Stohl
• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
• The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
• Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldtree
• The Doorman by Chris Pavone
• Emily Varga's books
• Sarah Mughal Rana's books

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!

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 of On the Write Track, Sarah and Emily sit down with #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab for a conversation on what it really takes to build a long, sustainable writing career. From the breakout success of Vicious and the Shades of Magic trilogy to the beauty of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and now Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, Schwab has written across genres, age categories, and era -- and she’s not slowing down.

We explore how she balances creativity with consistency, what her simple daily writing routine looks like, how she protects her imagination, and why she deliberately reads outside her genre. Schwab also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of publishing, staying true to your voice through trends, and what she’s learned after more than a decade in the industry. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking long-term, this episode is filled with blunt hard truths , and encouragement to keep writing—and keep evolving.

V.E. Schwab

• Website
• Instagram
• Newsletter
• No Write Way Podcast
   

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

• Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E.Schwab
• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E.Schwab
• Shades of Magic by V.E.Schwab
• Vicious by V.E.Schwab
• Gallant by V.E.Schwab
• Emily Varga's books
• Sarah Mughal Rana's books

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! 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, 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!