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 a fan of romance novels or simply love a good success story, this conversation is filled with insights and inspiration. Join us for an engaging and inspiring episode you won't want to miss!

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 dive into the brand-new edition of her bestselling book Writer, You Need to Quit, which is currently available through Kickstarter—with late pledges still open!

✨ Becca shares powerful mindset shifts, real talk on burnout, and a fresh perspective on what it really means to succeed as an author—your way.

🎧 Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode will help you filter out the noise and start making aligned decisions that actually move you forward.🔗

Learn more about Becca and grab your late pledge here: https://betterfasteracademy.com/links 📥 Get your free Brainstorming Funsheet: https://serenadepublishing.com

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 and collaboration made this festival possible—and why we’re already planning the 2026 event!

🎧 In this episode:

• How fear almost stopped us from starting

• The magic of combining strengths in a partnership

• Why showing up bravely matters more than perfection

• How this one idea sparked powerful collaborations
  

📸 Check out the festival photos and express your interest for 2026 at sunshinecoastfictionfestival.com.au

Tim Coulson is a certified councilor and the host of The Happiness Hack podcast. Learn more about him at www.tim-coulson.com

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 packed with encouragement and insight.

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 experiences influence her crime fiction, what it was like to write her debut novel, and how her very first submission landed her an agent and a book deal with Penguin Random House. If you’re curious about drawing from your own expertise or wondering what it really takes to get picked up from the slush pile, you’re going to love this chat.

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 peek into how stories like this one create real connection between women.

Whether you’re a longtime romance reader or just curious about why these books are so addictive, you’ll love this warm, hilarious conversation about love, friendship, and the power of storytelling.

✨ Grab your favorite drink and join the fun!

👉 Visit serenadepublishing.com for free resources and writing support.

🎙️ 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 building a lasting author brand.

You’ll learn:

🪞 How to evolve your author voice without losing yourself 🎭 Why emotional resonance is the long game (and worth it) 🔁 The power of callbacks, consistency, and layered meaning 📖 What fiction writers can borrow from Taylor’s storytelling playbook 🩰 And how your “extra” creative sides can actually feed your writing

Whether you're writing your first book or your fifteenth, this episode will reignite your belief in your work—and remind you that you’re not behind, you’re just still layering.

💌 Want more support on your writing journey? Check out Fiction Writing Academy at serenadepublishing.com/academy

🔗 Visit serenadepublishing.com for free resources and more episodes.

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 characters. Whether you're a writer looking to add a little supernatural flair to your stories or just love a good ghostly love tale, this episode is for you.

Grab your pumpkin spice latte and tune in for behind-the-scenes insights, writing tips, and lots of laughs as we celebrate Ghosted and all things Halloween romance.

👻✨ Don’t forget to visit serenadepublishing.com for more writing inspiration and free resources!

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 things and embracing the creative process. Tanya also opens up about the joy of attending book signings, connecting with readers, and meeting other authors in the wild—it’s all part of building a writing life that feels rich and real.

If you’ve ever doubted your ability to write, or needed a reminder that it’s okay to learn as you go, this conversation will truly inspire you.

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 watching the main character’s arc unfold, with all the heartache, growth, and grit that makes a fantasy heroine unforgettable.

Whether you’ve already devoured the book or you’re just curious what all the buzz is about, this episode is your backstage pass to all the twists, turns, and swoon-worthy moments.