40: Katherine Arden on Romance, Ghosts, Winter, and Storytelling in Atmospheric Settings
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. Katherine ArdenWebsite Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreThe Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine ArdenThe Girl in the Tower by Katherine ArdenThe Winter of the Witch by Katherine ArdenThe Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine ArdenSmall Spaces Series by Katherine ArdenBlack Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn IveySunshine by Robin McKinleyThe Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinleyDeerskin by Robin McKinleyThe Blue Sword by Robin McKinleyNaomi NovikPatrick O'BrienDorothy DunnettJonathan Strange and Mr. Norell by Susanna ClarkeFor She is Wrath by Emily VargaHope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana
Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee! Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!
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39: Shelby Mahurin: Fantasy, Spice, and Staying True on Navigating Romantasy and Authenticity
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! Shelby MahurinWebsiteInstagram Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreSerpent & Dove by Shelby MahurinBlood & Honey by Shelby MahurinGods & Monsters by Shelby MahurinThe Scarlet Veil by Shelby MahurinThe Shadow Bride by Shelby MahurinBitten by Kelley ArmstrongLisa KleypasSarah MacLeanFor She is Wrath by Emily VargaHope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana Come back every second Thursday for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! It really helps the podcast, especially since we're just getting started.Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!
Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee! Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!
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38: Olivie Blake: Indie to Trad Pub: The Journey of NYT bestseller Olivie Blake
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. Olivie BlakeWebsiteInstagram Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreMasters of Death by Olivie BlakeAlone with You in the Ether by Olivie BlakeGifted & Talented by Olivie BlakeThe Atlas Six by Olivie BlakeThe Atlas Paradox by Olivie BlakeThe Atlas Complex by Olivie BlakeThe Answer You Are Looking For Is Yes: A Witch Way Anthology by Olivie BlakeFairytales of the Macabre by Olivie BlakeSex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki PayneNeapolitan Novels by Elena FerranteFor She is Wrath by Emily VargaHope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana Come back every second Thursday for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! It really helps the podcast, especially since we're just getting started.Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!
Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee! Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!
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37: Ava Reid: Crafting Chaos, Grimdark Worlds, Retellings and the Art of Organic Readership
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 Ava ReidInstagram The Life and Letters of Mary Shelley Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreThe Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava ReidJuniper and Thorn by Ava ReidA Study in Drowning by Ava ReidLady Macbeth by Ava ReidThe Winternight Trilogy by Katherine ArdenThe Gormenghast Trilogy by Mervyn PeakeWe Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley JacksonGifted and Talented by Olivie BlakeFor She is Wrath by Emily VargaHope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana
Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee! Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!
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36: Adalyn Grace: Preserving Your Writing Vision, Navigating Agent Relationships, and Building a Lasting Readership
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 insightsAdalyn GraceWebsiteInstagramTikTok Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreAll the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn GraceAll the Tides of Fate by Adalyn GraceBelladonna by Adalyn GraceFoxglove by Adalyn GraceWisteria by Adalyn GraceBrandon SandersonFor She is Wrath by Emily VargaHope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana Come back every second Thursday for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! It really helps the podcast, especially since we're just getting started.Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!
Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee! Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!
On the Write Track is a podcast from debut authors Sarah Mughal Rana and Emily Varga that address the little known secrets of traditional publishing and behind the scenes, from guests in different stages in the industry, to provide our listeners an insider's look. Guests include New York Times, International bestselling, and critically acclaimed authors, agents, Big 4 publishing editors, successful Tik Tok book influencers, marketers, and everything in between. Follow our socials and subscribe for the latest updates. Consider signing up to our Patreon page, even a small help goes a long way, to support the podcast, receive unique perks, and get exclusive Q&A access and writing advice from us!
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