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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43: Nisha Tuli: Crowning Your Own Success on Romantasy, and Owning Your Author Journey
Season 3 · Episode 43
Thursday, November 6, 2025 • Duration 53:54
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.
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.
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!
42: Melissa de la Cruz & Margaret Stohl on Writing, Reinvention, and Building Creative Worlds
Season 3 · Episode 42
Thursday, October 2, 2025 • Duration 55:15
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.
41: V.E. Schwab: The Long Game on Writing Across Genres and Staying Inspired
Season 3 · Episode 41
Thursday, September 4, 2025 • Duration 49:35
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.
40: Katherine Arden on Romance, Ghosts, Winter, and Storytelling in Atmospheric Settings
Season 3 · Episode 40
Thursday, January 23, 2025 • Duration 41:40
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.
39: Shelby Mahurin: Fantasy, Spice, and Staying True on Navigating Romantasy and Authenticity
Season 3 · Episode 39
Thursday, January 9, 2025 • Duration 51:26
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!
38: Olivie Blake: Indie to Trad Pub: The Journey of NYT bestseller Olivie Blake
Season 3 · Episode 38
Thursday, December 19, 2024 • Duration 51:57
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.
37: Ava Reid: Crafting Chaos, Grimdark Worlds, Retellings and the Art of Organic Readership
Season 3 · Episode 37
Thursday, December 5, 2024 • Duration 49:48
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
36: Adalyn Grace: Preserving Your Writing Vision, Navigating Agent Relationships, and Building a Lasting Readership
Season 2 · Episode 36
Thursday, September 5, 2024 • Duration 01:03:12
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
35: Rachel Strolle on Teen Librarianship and YallFest
Season 2 · Episode 35
Thursday, August 22, 2024 • Duration 42:12
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Rachel Strolle, a dynamic teen librarian, programmer, and the communications director for YALLFest and YALLWest, two of the biggest young adult literary festivals in the U.S. Rachel shares her journey into the world of librarianship, where she not only organises engaging events with authors, but also talks about book curation, her inspiration that resonate with young readers but also develops engaging programs that inspire a love for reading and learning.
Rachel delves into her work behind the scenes at YALLFest and YALLWest, offering a glimpse into what it takes to coordinate communications for these major events, from collaborating with authors to engaging with fans. She discusses the importance of creating inclusive spaces in libraries and festivals that amplify diverse voices in YA literature, and how her role as a librarian intersects with her passion for promoting underrepresented stories.
Whether you're an aspiring librarian, a lover of YA fiction, or just curious about the world of literary festivals, this episode provides a fascinating look at the intersection of books, community, and advocacy
34: Mychal Threets the Librarian: Turning Pages, Libraries, Social Media and Mental Health
Season 2 · Episode 34
Thursday, June 20, 2024 • Duration 56:52
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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