On the Write Track Podcast

Hosted by Sarah Mughal Rana, Emily Varga

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May 2026

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About the show

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!

Listen to episodes

50 recent

May 7, 202649 min

49: Tigest Girma on Perseverance, Black Vampires, and Using TikTok to Break Through

In this episode of On the Write Track, Emily and Sarah sit down with Tigest Girma to talk about what it really takes to keep going as a writer. Tigest opens up about perseverance, writing through rejection, self-doubt, and long stretches of uncertainty, and why continuing to write and show up on the page mattered.We dig into her relationship with prose: how she developed and edited, and how she learned to trust her instincts even when they didn’t fit trends. Tigest also shares how she used TikTok and social media intentionally, not just for visibility, but for connection—building an audience while still protecting her creative process.From staying consistent with writing, to navigating online spaces as an author, to believing in your work before the industry does, this conversation is a candid, motivating look at resilience, and making space for your voice. Tigest GirmaWebsiteInstagramTikTokFilm Courage YouTube Channel Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreImmortal Dark by Tigest GirmaEternal Ruin by Tigest GirmaChildren of Blood and Bone by Tomi AdeyemiThe Anatomy of Story by John TrubyThe Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald MaassBig Magic by Elizabeth GilbertEmily Varga's booksSarah Mughal Rana's books 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! 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! 

April 2, 202645 min

48: Jill Tew: Dystopian Worlds & Bringing Business on Hustle, Romantasy, and Reinventing Dystopian Fiction

In this episode, Sarah and Emily sit down with author Jill Tew for an unfiltered conversation about the dystopian genre and the hustle of writing. Jill shares how she’s making space in dystopian fiction by challenging white washed narratives, tropes and championing BIPOC voices, while weaving in romantasy. We dive into the misconceptions about the dystopian genre, what’s still missing on the shelves, and how Jill’s business-school background and approach—including printing her own physical ARCs for readers—has set her apart. We talk about writing both middle grade and YA and adult SFF. If you’ve ever wondered how to blend business and writing with a growth mindset, this is the episode for you. Jill TewWebsiteInstagramSubstackBooks Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreThe Dividing Sky by Jill TewKaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement by Jill TewAn Ocean Apart by Jill TewClimate of Chaos by Cassandra NewbouldChain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-BrenyahLore of the Wilds seriesLegendborn by Tracy DeonnBlood over Brighthaven by M.L. WangSword of Kaigen by M.L. WangEmily Varga's booksSarah Mughal Rana's books 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! 

March 5, 202653 min

47: Rebecca Ross: on Writing Her Book of the Heart, Perseverance, Health, and Longevity

In this episode of On the Write Track, Sarah and Emily sit down with Rebecca Ross, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals, to talk about the journey behind her long career and “book of the heart.” Rebecca shares candidly about the perseverance it took to keep going through the ups and downs of publishing, changing teams, and even the health struggles of constantly being on deadline.We also explore Rebecca’s works—from her YA fantasies The Queen’s Rising to her adult, A River Enchanted and its sequel A Fire Endless, and her latest viral phenomenon Divine Rivals and now Wild Reverence, and the inspiration behind the spin off.We go into the reaction when Divine Rivals went viral, and what it’s been like to see her work picked up for a television adaptation; Rebecca’s craft, exploring how she balances lyrical prose with storytelling, and the lessons she’s learned about building a career with both resilience and perseverance. This episode is a celebration of longevity, staying true to your vision, and creating stories that endure, while avoiding burn out. Rebecca RossWebsiteInstagram Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreDivine Rivals by Rebecca RossRuthless Vows by Rebecca RossWild Reverence by Rebecca RossA River Enchanted by Rebecca RossA Fire Endless by Rebecca RossDreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca RossThe Queen's Rising by Rebecca RossThe Queen's Resistance by Rebecca RossSisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca RossAn Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret RogersonJane Eyre by Charlotte BrontePersuasion by Jane AustenBreak Wide the Sea by Sarah HollandEmily Varga's booksSarah Mughal Rana's books 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! 

February 5, 202658 min

46: Ken Liu: Imagination, Invention, and the Future of Fantasy

Join Emily and Sarah for a conversation with award-winning author Ken Liu — the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award–winning writer behind The Paper Menagerie and The Grace of Kings, whose work include both riveting short stories and novels. In this episode we dive into his journey, from making the leap to full-time writing, to navigating film and book industry opportunities, and explore how he builds stories that operate not just as narratives but as metaphors for identity, culture, and technology.Ken discusses his newest novel, All That We See or Seem, a near-future thriller where art, AI, and human yearning intersect, and the conversations talks about the evolving fantasy and sci-fi market. We cover, the moment he decided to write full time, and how that opened doors beyond publishing. His method of embedding metaphor in every short story from a craft angle to ground it in deeper themes. His take on fantasy and science fiction today: how the genre is changing in a bigger romantasy market, what readers are looking for, and where he sees it headed. And a thoughtful discussion on AI and art: what it means for creators, for originality, for the future of storytelling.Whether you’re a writer, a sci-fi fan, or simply curious about how an author thinks about art in tech-driven times, this episode offers a thoughtful, dive into the craft and the future from one of the best and celebrated writers of our generation. Ken LiuWebsiteBooks Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreAll That We See or Seem by Ken LiuThe Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken LiuThe Grace of Kings by Ken LiuParadise Lost by John MiltonPercy Jackson seriesEmily Varga's booksSarah Mughal Rana's books 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! 

January 1, 202646 min

45: James Islington on Craft, Career, and Creating The Will of the Many

From a tech startup to bestselling fantasy author, James Islington joins hosts Sarah and Emily for an episode of On the Write Track for a deep dive into the discipline, worldbuilding, and creative instincts behind his craft and fantasy books.We explore how James made the leap from a tech career to full-time writing, how his indie beginnings shaped his career, and what changed when he transitioned to traditional publishing. James shares the many rejections early in his career; how he treats writing like a 9-to-5 job, the routines that keep him grounded, and the lessons he’s learned while building massive fantasy worlds.We get into the inspirations behind The Will of the Many—from Celtic lore to Egyptian mythology—and how he balances research, hard magic systems, mystery, and emotional stakes across a long series arc. James also answers questions on spoilers in his books; the length of the Hierarchy series, the ending, and offers invaluable advice for emerging fantasy writers on process, persistence, and trusting the story you’re meant to tell. SPOILER NOTE! - 16:58 → 20:53 James Islington's WebsiteBooks Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreThe Licanius Trilogy by James IslingtonThe Will of the Many by James IslingtonThe Strength of a Few by James IslingtonThe Wheel of Time by Robert JordanThe Name of the Wind by Patrick RothfrussDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverBrandon SandersonEmily Varga's booksSarah Mughal Rana's books 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! 

December 4, 202545 min

44: Tina Mars: Following the Energy

In this episode of On the Write Track, Emily and Sarah sit down with Tina Mars, one of Bookstagram’s breakout stars turned debut fantasy author. Tina shares how a simple love for reading grew into a thriving online community, what inspired her to start posting in the first place, and the journey to full-time content creator.She opens up about the ups and downs of growing her platform and business, the lessons she’s learned about consistency and authenticity, and how she leveraged her audience to find an agent and secure a book deal for her upcoming fantasy novel. Tina also offers practical, heartfelt advice for aspiring creators, from building your personal brand to managing burnout and staying true to your voice online.Whether you’re a writer hoping to build your platform or a Bookstagrammer, or a writer aiming to have your own book deal, this episode is a motivating deep dive! Tina MarsWebsiteInstagramYoutube Dabble Timer Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreThe Book of Azrael by Amber V NicoleThe Hurricane Wars by Thea GuanzonTrial of the Sun Queen by Nisha TuliA Cruel Thirst by Angela MontoyaCarnival Fantástico by Angela MontoyaEmily Varga's booksSarah Mughal Rana's books 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! 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! 

November 6, 202553 min

43: Nisha Tuli: Crowning Your Own Success on Romantasy, and Owning Your Author Journey

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. Nisha TuliWebsiteInstagramTikTokBecca Syme: Strengths For Writers 101 Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreNot Safe for Work by Nisha TuliTrial of the Sun Queen by Nisha TuliHeart of Night and Fire by Nisha TuliWicked is the Reaper by Nisha TuliLove is a War Song by Danica NavaEmily Varga's booksSarah Mughal Rana's books 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! 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! 

October 2, 202555 min

42: Melissa de la Cruz & Margaret Stohl on Writing, Reinvention, and Building Creative Worlds

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. Yall FestYall WestMelissa de la CruzMargaret StohlEpisode 06: G Willow Wilson: Co-creating Ms. Marvel, Writing for Comics & Having to Write your Marginalization Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreMargaret Stohl's booksMelissa de la Cruz's booksJo and Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la CruzBeautiful Creatures by Margaret StohlSuper Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel Comics by Margaret StohlWar and Peace by Leo TolstoyThe Dark is Rising by Susan CooperLegends and Lattes by Travis BaldtreeThe Doorman by Chris PavoneEmily Varga's booksSarah Mughal Rana's books 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! 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! 

September 4, 202549 min

41: V.E. Schwab: The Long Game on Writing Across Genres and Staying Inspired

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. V.E. SchwabWebsiteInstagramNewsletterNo Write Way Podcast Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E.SchwabThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E.SchwabShades of Magic by V.E.SchwabVicious by V.E.SchwabGallant by V.E.SchwabEmily Varga's booksSarah Mughal Rana's books 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! 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! 

January 23, 202541 min

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! 