After 10 novels and building Serenade Publishing from the ground up, I'm getting honest about what actually shaped my author career -- the things I got right, the one thing I couldn't find, and why that gap is the reason the Author CEO Mentorship exists.

What we cover:

• Why writing for yourself isn't the same as knowing your reader -- and how to make the shift

• How to make publishing decisions deliberately instead of by default

• Why your newsletter is the most powerful thing you own as an author

• The real limit of learning from podcasts alone -- and what only a thinking partner can give you

• What I'd do exactly the same, and why belief in the work is what holds everything together

If something's been missing in how you're building your author career, this episode will help you name it.

Apply for the Author CEO Private Mentorship: serenadepublishing.com/the-author-ceo

In 2017, I published my first novel with no traditional deal, no connections, and no backup plan—just a decision to stop waiting.

In this episode, I’m sharing how I went from writing during daycare hours as a mum of four to becoming a bestselling author and building my own publishing company from the ground up.

This is the real story—what it actually takes to create a sustainable author career, protect your work, and step into the role of Author CEO.

I also share a powerful moment from my recent Queenstown writing retreat that might just shift the way you see your own path forward.

In this episode, I cover:

⭐ Why I chose indie publishing—and what it gave me in terms of control, profit, and ownership

⭐ The mindset shift that changed everything in my career

⭐ Why your book not taking off isn’t about talent—it’s about strategy

⭐ How one book can become multiple income streams over time

If you’re a fiction writer who’s ready to stop waiting and start building something real, this episode is for you.

Nobody is coming to save you.

But you don’t need saving—you need a strategy.

🎓 Ready to build your author career with intention and support? Learn more about The Author CEO Private Mentorship at:

www.serenadepublishing.com/the-author-ceo

What if writing your story could help heal you?

In this inspiring conversation, romance author Lee Savino shares how creativity, courage, and community shape the writing journey. We talk about overcoming fear, claiming your identity as a writer, and why giving yourself permission to be wildly creative can change everything.

Lee also explores the powerful role romance plays in storytelling and emotional healing—for both writers and readers. As she says, “The romance is doing the work.” Through love, connection, and vulnerability, stories can become a space for transformation.

If you’ve ever struggled with doubt, creativity, or believing in your voice, this episode will remind you why your stories matter.

In this episode:

• Overcoming fear and embracing your creative voice

• The healing power of storytelling

• Claiming your identity as a writer

• Why community is essential for authors
  

“Choose love over fear every time.”

— — — — — — — — — —

✍️ Writers: Want help building a real writing career?Join my free weekly email for tips on writing, publishing, and growing your readership.→ https://www.serenadepublishing.com— — — — — — — — — —👋 About This ChannelHi, I’m Sarah Williams. I help writers turn their books into sustainable careers.Here we talk about:• writing and finishing books• publishing and the book industry• author marketing• building a long-term writing careerWhether you're writing your first book or already publishing, you're welcome here.— — — — — — — — — —🚀 Ready to go deeper?✦ The Author CEO – for writers ready to treat their books like a real business ✦ Author Retreats – immersive strategy and writing retreatsLearn more:https://www.serenadepublishing.com— — — — — — — — — —📌 Connect With MeInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/serenadepublishingTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@serenadepublishing

What happens when two bestselling fantasy authors get on stage together with a microphone and a room full of writers?

Chaos. Laughter. And some surprisingly brilliant writing advice.

In this special episode of The Write Podcast, I’m sharing a live conversation recorded at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival between bestselling paranormal romance author Steffanie Holmes and bestselling fantasy and rom-com author A.K. Mulford.

Their conversation is funny, candid, and wonderfully unfiltered. Expect plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes insights into the writing life, and the kind of honest author conversation you usually only hear after hours at a writing conference.

And if you find yourself wishing you were in the room with us…

The Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival is happening again this October, bringing together readers, writers, and bestselling authors for a weekend of inspiration, craft, and community.

🎟 Get tickets and learn more: www.sunshinecoastfictionfestival.com.au

— — — — — — — — — —✍️ Writers: Want help building a real writing career?Join my free weekly email for tips on writing, publishing, and growing your readership.→ www.serenadepublishing.com— — — — — — — — — —👋 About This ChannelHi, I’m Sarah Williams. I help writers turn their books into sustainable careers.Here we talk about:• writing and finishing books• publishing and the book industry• author marketing• building a long-term writing careerWhether you're writing your first book or already publishing, you're welcome here.— — — — — — — — — —🚀 Ready to go deeper?✦ The Author CEO – for writers ready to treat their books like a real business ✦ Author Retreats – immersive strategy and writing retreatsLearn more:www.serenadepublishing.com— — — — — — — — — —📌 Connect With MeInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/serenadepublishingTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@serenadepublishing

What does it really take to build a sustainable, future-proof writing career in today’s rapidly changing publishing world?

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Joanna Penn—bestselling author, creative entrepreneur, and host of The Creative Penn Podcast—to talk about longevity, courage, creative freedom, and building a writing business on your own terms.

Joanna has spent more than a decade at the forefront of indie publishing, and she brings incredible clarity to the big questions many writers are quietly asking:

• How do you transition from hobbyist to professional author?
  

• What does it mean to think long-term about your creative career?
  

• How can writers embrace new technology (including AI) without losing their voice?
  

• What does it look like to build multiple streams of income as an author?
  

• And how do you cultivate courage when confidence feels shaky?
  

This episode is both strategic and deeply encouraging. If you’ve been craving a bigger vision for your writing life—one rooted in sustainability, ownership, and creative independence—this conversation will spark something in you.

Make sure to check out Joanna’s books, podcast, and Patreon community (all linked in the show notes).

• • Joanna’s website: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/
  • The Creative Penn Podcast

And if you’re ready for your next step—whether that’s finding clarity, getting organized, or finally hitting publish—head over to serenadepublishing.com.

Share this episode with a writing friend and subscribe so you never miss a moment of encouragement and inspiration on The Write Podcast.

In this episode of The Write Podcast, Sarah interviews Chris from IngramSpark for an inside look at printing and distributing your books like a professional publisher.

✨ In this conversation, they cover:

• 📚 How to print professional paperbacks with IngramSpark (trim sizes, paper choices, pricing, and setup)

• 🎨 What you need to know about forced edge special editions and how to create stunning sprayed-edge books

• 🌍 How to set up your IngramSpark account for global distribution

• 🏪 Getting your books into libraries and bookshops around the world

• 💼 The key decisions (discounts, returns, metadata) that make your book bookstore-ready

This episode is packed with practical insight to help authors confidently step into the publishing side of their business and elevate their books to the next level.

If you’re an author wondering whether Shopify is the right platform for your website, this episode will give you clarity.

In this conversation, Sarah takes listeners behind the scenes of Serenade Publishing’s website redesign and shares why she chose to move to Shopify. She’s joined by Ash, the creative strategist who built the new store, and together they explore what authors truly need when it comes to website design, SEO, and selling books online.

They discuss:

• Why Shopify can be a powerful platform for authors

• The importance of having one streamlined website for stronger SEO

• How to simplify tech and maintain control over book sales

• What makes a website convert visitors into buyers

• The organized, efficient process behind a professional website build

• Why authors should feel empowered — not intimidated — by their online presence

Ash also shares her journey from retail and visual merchandising into web design, along with details about her signature packages, Empire Creator and Magic Makeover, and her course Booked and Banked, designed to help creatives confidently manage their own websites after launch.

If the business side of being an author has ever felt overwhelming, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement to move forward with confidence.

To explore writing resources, courses, and tools designed to help authors write better, publish smarter, and grow sustainable careers, visit serenadepublishing.com.

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