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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

In this inspiring episode, hosts Sarah and Emily sit down with Mychal Threets, a dedicated librarian whose passion for books and community has made a profound impact with millions of viewers on social media. Mychal shares his journey into librarianship, exploring how his love for literature started and evolved into a career with his library; and PBS. He opens up about his advocacy for mental health through the power of social media and reels and tiktok, and revealing his own struggles in an effort to support mental wellness . Mychal also discusses his writing, for a sneak peek. Join us for an enlightening conversation that celebrates the transformative power of books and the vital role libraries play in promoting mental health and well-being across ALL ages.

In this episode, Sarah and Emily sit down with Breanne Randall, the New York Times bestselling author renowned for her magical realism novels and going viral. Breanne shares her remarkable journey from aspiring writer to going on sub, signing with a press, to viral sensation, revealing the pivotal role social media played in her success.

In this episode, Emily and Sarah sit down with the prolific author Gigi Griffis, renowned for her YA novel "The Wicked Unseen" and her groundbreaking IP novel and hit Netflix "The Empress." Gigi shares her insights into how to balance writing IP projects with the books of her heart. She delves into the world of marketing, the art of seamlessly blending multiple genres, and her lightning-fast drafting process that lets her make a book in under 30 days. With an emphasis on effective plotting, Gigi reveals her top tips and techniques for crafting captivating stories fast.

Join us on this episode as Sarah and Emily delve into the world of subscription boxes and publishing with Daphne Tonge, the founder of Illumicrate and Daphne Press. Learn about the making of Illumicrate, the challenges and triumphs of running a subscription box service in the UK, the selection process, networking with publishing, it’s rapid growth, and the unique insights Daphne gained about the book market along the way. Discover the journey of founding Daphne Press, a revolutionary independent publishing press, and the vision behind bringing diverse voices to the forefront of literature. Whether you're a book lover, aspiring entrepreneur, or curious about the behind-the-scenes of the publishing industry, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from the fantastic Daphne!

Join hosts Sarah and Emily as they sit down with Ehigbor Okosun, the #1 Sunday times bestseller of Forged by Blood known, captivating adult fantasy . In this episode, Ehi shares insights into their creative process, discussing the inspirations behind their books and their atypical way of receiving their publishing deal. For those of you querying, Ehi talks about agenting, her journey, and difficult lessons learned. Whether you're an aspiring writer seeking advice or a fantasy fan, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the intersection of imagination and publishing in the realm of adult fantasy.

Join hosts Sarah and Emily as they dive into the fascinating world of foreign sales and publishing with special guest Agent Taryn Fagerness, a seasoned foreign and international rights agent. In this episode of they explore the intricacies of selling and acquiring book rights across borders, international trends country-to-country, what is hot and what is hard to sell, and the challenges and opportunities that come with bridging cultures through literature.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Gretchen Schreiber a prominent voice in the world of YA contemporary and romance and celebrity book club curation. Known not only for their writing but also for their advocacy for disability awareness through fiction, Gretchen delves into the intricacies of portraying disabilities in books, advocacy, and what the publishing industry is missing when it comes to disability rep. From crafting authentic characters to navigating the challenges and opportunities she’s faced writing numerous drafts, persevering in the face of rejection, we explore the importance of diversity and inclusion in writing. Moreover, Gretchen shares insights into their role as a celebrity book club curator for Reese Witherspoon’s book club, using their platform to elevate marginalized voices in one of the most well known book clubs in America. Tune in to hear about how she selects books, how she reads books and scripts for a living, how film writing inspired her craft and more!

In this episode, Sarah and Emily have the pleasure of interviewing Rani Shah, a South Asian author and the curator of Lilly Singh's library. Join us as Rani takes us through her writing career, which ignited her advocacy for diverse storytelling and led her to become an advocate for brown voices. Rani delves into her personal gripes of navigating identity as a South Asian woman in the publishing world and the need for representation from different ethnicities in the subcontinent — not stereotypes and how these experiences have shaped her writing. We also delve into her role as the curator of Lilly Singh's library, exploring her mission to select South Asian books and amplify marginalized voices within the publishing world.

In this episode, hosts Sarah and Emily dive deep into the world of library management, book curation, events, and creating inclusive spaces. Joining them are two librarian guests, Sean and Kathleen, from the Texas Public Library system, who share their invaluable insights and experiences.

Join hosts Sarah and Emily as they delve into the extraordinary world of bestselling author Victoria Aveyard. In this intimate interview, Sarah and Emily explore the details behind Victoria's remarkable book career, her social media, writing inspirations, and the keys to her longevity in the industry.

In this exciting episode, Sarah and Emily host the first and largest US based book box with the brilliant co-founders Alix and Kelly! LitJoy Crate is a quarterly book box subscription that offers exclusively curated items for Young Adult and Magical enthusiasts!