Épisodes

  • BookTok to Bestseller: Tierney Page Spills the Unfiltered Truth
    Feb 16 2026

    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

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    30 min
  • The No-Fluff Truth About Succeeding as an Indie Author with Craig Martelle
    Feb 9 2026

    🔥 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.

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    36 min
  • How to Turn Your Book Into an Audiobook — with Narrator Amy Soaks
    Feb 2 2026

    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



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    41 min
  • How to Stay Focused on Writing When Life Keeps Interrupting
    Jan 26 2026

    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

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    11 min
  • Live from the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival: A Conversation with Candice Fox
    Jan 19 2026

    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


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    53 min
  • Why Steff Green uses Kickstarter and how you can too
    Jan 12 2026

    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

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    57 min
  • Inside the Publishing Industry with Sophie Green What Every Writer Needs to Know
    Jan 5 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

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    33 min
  • How I Transformed My Writing Career (and My Life) in 2025
    Dec 29 2025

    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


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    12 min