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 comes to website design, SEO, and selling books online.

They discuss:

• Why Shopify can be a powerful platform for authors

• The importance of having one streamlined website for stronger SEO

• How to simplify tech and maintain control over book sales

• What makes a website convert visitors into buyers

• The organized, efficient process behind a professional website build

• Why authors should feel empowered — not intimidated — by their online presence

Ash also shares her journey from retail and visual merchandising into web design, along with details about her signature packages, Empire Creator and Magic Makeover, and her course Booked and Banked, designed to help creatives confidently manage their own websites after launch.

If the business side of being an author has ever felt overwhelming, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement to move forward with confidence.

To explore writing resources, courses, and tools designed to help authors write better, publish smarter, and grow sustainable careers, visit serenadepublishing.com.

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 fiction writer. Expect bold advice, a few f-bombs, and plenty of inspiration for writers looking to grow their audience and own their story—no matter how wild.

⚠️ Mild language warning: this episode contains some crude and cheeky language. You’ve been warned!

🎧 Perfect for:

• Aspiring authors building a brand online

• Writers curious about BookTok and social media

• Fans of bold, funny, real-life publishing journeys

• Anyone needing a creative confidence boost
  

🌟 Want to boost your writing ideas? Grab Sarah’s free Brainstorming Funsheet at serenadepublishing.com

🔥 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 most indie authors stall out—and how to avoid it

• The habits that separate full-time writers from the rest

• How to make smart decisions about marketing, releases, and your writing time

• What Craig wishes he knew when he was starting out

• A grounded take on AI, burnout, and what’s coming next in publishing
  

If you’re serious about turning your writing into a career—or just want to cut through the noise—this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Hit play and get ready to take notes.

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 the right narrator for your book

🔹 What to expect in terms of cost, timeline, and production

🔹 The pros and cons of royalty share vs. paying per finished hour

🔹 What narrators look for in an author project

🔹 How to know if audiobooks are financially viable for your genre

🔹 The business and marketing side of audiobooks for indie authors

Plus, Sarah shares her own experience auditioning narrators and offers a peek into her upcoming audiobook projects.

🎁 Resources mentioned:

👉 narratorlist.com – Find professional audiobook narrators

👉 Free Brainstorming Funsheet – Available at serenadepublishing.com

👉 Fiction Writing Academy – Learn to write page-turning fiction at serenadepublishing.com/academy

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 creative process

• How to reframe negative thoughts and reconnect with your “why”

• Simple habits that build confidence and momentum

• How to create tiny wins that reignite your writing flow
  

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, this episode will help you push past perfectionism, quiet the fear, and return to the joy of storytelling.

🎧 Download your FREE Brainstorming Funsheet to spark new ideas and beat writer’s block at: serenadepublishing.com

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 Candice landed her co-writing gig with James Patterson
  

• The unexpected realities of working with a global publishing icon
  

• Why research can sometimes lead to the weirdest places
  

• Her thoughts on impostor syndrome, confidence, and creative risk
  

• Hilarious behind-the-scenes moments from her crime-writing career
  

Whether you’re a fiction writer, a fan of Candice’s work, or just love a great story—you’ll find so much to enjoy and learn from in this chat.

✨ For more writing inspiration and resources, visit: serenadepublishing.com

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 crowdfunded multiple six-figure campaigns to produce beautiful collector’s editions and build a fiercely loyal reader base. We dive deep into how she uses Kickstarter to create immersive book experiences that fans can’t resist—and the exact steps she takes to plan, promote, and deliver them.

We also talk about:

• How to know if you’re ready to launch a Kickstarter as an author
• What kinds of special edition book ideas attract superfans
• Common pitfalls to avoid when it comes to fulfillment and shipping
• How to grow a fandom through merch, exclusivity, and reader connection
• Behind-the-scenes stories from her record-breaking campaigns

Whether you’re Kickstarter-curious or just looking for ways to deepen reader engagement and monetize your backlist, this episode is packed with gold.📦

Want to see Steff’s latest campaign? Visit nevermorebookshop.co.nz

Want to go deeper? Join me at my next Queenstown Writing Retreat in 2026, where Steff will teach an exclusive virtual masterclass just for our attendees. Details at serenadepublishing.com/retreat-2026

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 about:

- How to pitch your novel to agents and publishers - Whether you really need an agent in today’s market-

Mistakes writers make when submitting

- The rise of self-publishing and where it fits now

- The truth about BookTok, platforms, and building an audience

- What publishers are acquiring in 2026 (romance, kids, fantasy and more)

Whether you're a self-published author hoping to go traditional, or you're just starting to submit, this is one of the most insightful and practical interviews I’ve ever recorded. Sophie’s seen it all, and she doesn’t hold back.

🎓 Want to learn directly from Sophie? She’s teaching a masterclass at my Queenstown Writing Retreat this March! Book your spot now at serenadepublishing.com

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 Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival helped me grow in more ways than one.

I’ll take you inside the wins, the struggles, and the lessons—including why special editions, translations, and in-person events became game changers, and how hiring a business manager transformed my life. Plus, I’m revealing my word for 2026 and what’s next as I step into my empire-building era—with global signings, a Shopify store, audiobooks, and more.

If you’re an author who’s ready to grow creatively and professionally, I hope this inspires you to take bold steps in the new year. Let’s do this together.

💻 Learn more: serenadepublishing.com

📚 Join Fiction Writing Academy: serenadepublishing.com/academy

📝 Download the free Brainstorming Funsheet: serenadepublishing.com

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 publishing, the lessons she’s learned marketing her books, and how she stays focused as an indie author. If you’ve ever struggled with consistency, confidence, or connecting with readers, this episode is packed with honest advice and encouragement.

✨ Topics include:

• How Witch Wars reimagines witches in the modern world

• The power of visual storytelling through character art

• Creative marketing that goes beyond paid ads

• Making special editions your readers will treasure

• Real talk on the hustle of self-publishing

Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the indie trenches, this episode will leave you motivated to write and publish your way—with purpose and heart.

🎧 Don’t forget to visit serenadepublishing.com for more writer resources!