The Write Podcast with Sarah Williams

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.

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 spark

• The value of speaking at libraries and building community connections

• Why having writer friends is essential for motivation and support

• Her experience producing audiobooks with a traditional publisher versus going independent

Whether you’re dreaming about your first book or navigating the publishing landscape, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement to help you along your writing journey.

Tune in, take notes, and let Fiona’s story inspire your next step.

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 unlocking the most powerful, overlooked ingredient in fiction — and once you understand it, everything about writing your novel becomes clearer, easier, and far more exciting.

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 author–publisher partnership, how we align on strategy and timelines, and the ways we support each other creatively and professionally. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work with a boutique publishing house—or you’re dreaming of having that kind of support—this episode will give you a real, honest glimpse into how it can look when it works well.

✨ You’ll hear about

• Tanya’s experience publishing under Serenade Publishing

• How we maintain momentum and hit regular release goals

• The mutual respect and shared vision that fuel our success
  

Whether you're seeking a publishing partner or want to strengthen your existing author relationships, there’s something here for you.

👉 Explore more support and opportunities at serenadepublishing.com

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 the layered, lovable characters, this novel gave us all the feels—and plenty to discuss.

Whether you're a writer, reader, or just a sucker for smart girls and sunshiney love stories, you’ll love this episode. 💕✨

Hit play and join us for the laughs, the insights, and a few fangirl moments.

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 run smoother signings, boost sales, and give your readers a fantastic experience. Whether you’re an emerging author or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with tools to help you shine at your next event.

And if you are in Australia—don’t miss the chance to join us in person! The Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival is bringing together some of your favorite authors including Rachael Johns, A.K. Mulford, Steffanie Holmes, and many more.

👉 Head to sunshinecoastfictionfestival.com.au to grab your ticket and be part of this amazing celebration of stories, readers, and community.

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 unique path to becoming a hybrid author, balancing indie and traditional publishing, and writing across multiple genres.

You’ll hear how Ali went from filling notebooks as a child to living in jungles as a wildlife biologist… to self-publishing their breakout fantasy The High Mountain Court in 2021, which racked up over a million page reads in its first month. Since then, they’ve signed with Harper Voyager, launched multiple pen names, and built a loyal global readership through their authentic presence on TikTok and Instagram.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to write fast without sacrificing quality – Ali shares the mindset and systems that have allowed them to publish 26 books in four years, averaging 50,000 words per novel.

• The benefits of being a hybrid author – Why they started in self-publishing and then expanded into traditional publishing, plus the pros and cons of each.

• The 3-Day 30K Challenge – Ali’s game-changing, neurodivergent-friendly writing sprint that helps authors smash their word count goals in just three days.

• How to juggle multiple genres and pen names – From epic fantasy to steamy rom-coms to cozy paranormal mysteries, Ali explains how switching between tones keeps their creative energy high.

• TikTok for authors – Their unconventional approach to BookTok that focuses on building community, connection, and long-term readership instead of chasing viral trends.

• Creative balance – How they homeschool two kids, manage multiple series, and still protect their joy in the writing process.

  
  

About A.K. Mulford:A.K. Mulford is an international bestselling author of romantic fantasy, rom-com, and paranormal fiction. Their works include The High Mountain Court, She’s a Keeper, and the cozy paranormal hit Pumpkin Spice and Poltergeist. They’re passionate about helping writers find their own path, whether through their 3-Day 30K Challenge, their YouTube channel for authors, or their uplifting social media presence.

Where to Start in the Mulford Multiverse:

• Fantasy lovers: The High Mountain Court or A River of Golden Bones

• Rom-com fans: She’s a Keeper (Zookeeper Rom-Com Series)

• Cozy paranormal readers: Pumpkin Spice and Poltergeist

  
  

Connect with A.K. Mulford:🌐 Website: https://akmulford.com
📱 TikTok & Instagram: @akmulfordauthor
📺 YouTube: A.K. Mulford

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎯 Join the 3-Day 30K Challenge: Available through A.K.’s website or Discord group
🎟 Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival: https://sunshinecoastfictionfestival.com.au
📚 Browse Sarah’s courses & resources: https://serenadepublishing.com

About The Write Podcast:Hosted by bestselling romance author and book coach Sarah Williams, The Write Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, motivation, and practical tips for building your dream writing life. Whether you’re working on your debut novel or your tenth, Sarah and her guests share honest conversations about the craft, business, and mindset of being an author.

Subscribe & Review:If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more writers discover the show!

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 of emotion, reflection, and clarity.

Surrounded by hundreds of hopeful, curious students, Sarah was reminded that starting something new—whether it's writing your first book or picking up the pen after a long break—isn’t just for the young. It's for all of us.

If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late to begin again… if you’ve been holding back your writing dream because life got in the way… this episode is your invitation to come back to the page.

You’ll hear about:

• Why pausing your writing doesn’t mean your dream is over

• The myth of “perfect timing” and how to start messy

• How your lived experience is your superpower as a writer

• Why curiosity is more important than certainty

• And the quiet bravery of saying yes to your creative voice—no matter your age

This is an episode about second chances, soft reentries, and reigniting that flicker of hope you might’ve tucked away. Full of encouragement, honest storytelling, and practical insight, it’s the reminder every writer needs: your story still matters.

🎧 Whether you're just beginning or beginning again, tune in and let Sarah walk beside you on the path back to your words.

🖊️ Download the free Brainstorming Funsheet at serenadepublishing.com to help reignite your creative spark.

💻 Want step-by-step support? Check out the Fiction Writing Academy, a self-paced course for just $97, designed to guide you from idea to polished story.

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 about what readers really notice (and love), this episode is a fang-filled feast of fun, critique, and bookish banter.✨

In this episode, we chat about:

Our favorite (and most questionable) moments in Fangs for Nothing

The tropes that worked—and the ones that made us snort-laugh

Why the heroine had us cheering... and rolling our eyes

Worldbuilding that howls with potential (and a few plot holes to dodge)

What authors can learn from this book’s pacing, heat level, and voice

📖 About the book:

Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes, is a paranormal rom-com featuring a reluctant witch, a town full of secrets, and a very undead mystery to solve. If you love cozy magic, slow-burn romance, and a good gothic giggle, this one’s for you.💬

Join the conversation in the comments — did you love this book?

What’s your favorite paranormal romance trope?

And who should we invite to our next book club?

🕯️ Find Meg and more magical reads at The Candle and Quill Bookshop in Montville and at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival this November.

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with your bookish besties!