On the Write Track Podcast

In this episode of On the Write Track, Emily sits down with Penn Cole, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Kindred's Curse Saga, to talk about the wild, unlikely road from self-publishing to a traditional deal with a Big 5 publisher. Penn opens up about leaving a career as an attorney to chase writing full time, and the leap of faith it took to bet on herself before anyone else would. We dig into the highs and lows of going indie first: what it actually took to self-publish Spark of the Everflame and Glow of the Everflame, build an audience from nothing, and turn a passion project into a series that would eventually sell in sixteen languages. Penn is candid about the grind behind the "overnight success" story, and what nobody tells you about the pressure that comes once readers start paying attention. We also get into her transition to traditional publishing, why she chose to bring her books to a Big 5 creating a hybrid career, after already building a loyal readership on her own, and how she's navigated keeping creative control while working within a traditional structure. Penn shares what surprised her most about the differences between indie and traditional, from marketing to timelines to expectations, and offers grounded advice for writers trying to decide which path, or which hybrid of both, is right for them. From a career change to global fantasy romance sensation, this episode is a candid, look at building a career on your own terms, and what it really takes to get there.     Penn Cole Website Instagram TikTok Threads   Dabble   Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole Burn of the Everflame by Penn Cole Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe A Court of Thorns and Rose by Sarah Maas Ruby Dixon Emily Varga's books Sarah 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!

On this episode of On the Write Track, Sarah and Emily sit down with bestselling author Jennifer Iacopelli to talk about the incredible journey of seeing her books find a whole new life through a Netflix adaptation. Jennifer shares what it’s like watching her work make the leap from page to screen, from her role in the adaptation and working alongside the cast to the experience of seeing readers rediscover her books years after they were first published. We also dive into the unique appeal of sports romance and why stories that combine competition, ambition, romance and high-stakes drama continue to resonate so strongly with romance readers. Jennifer opens up about building a long-lasting writing career, the importance of longevity in publishing, and why she made the decision not to quit her day job while pursuing writing. She shares lessons on balancing a career, creativity and the unpredictable nature of publishing; what aspiring authors can learn from her journey. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a longtime romance reader or simply curious about what happens when a beloved book gets to go to the big screen, this is an episode about resilience and staying in the game.   Jennifer Iacopelli Website Instagram   Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore Game, Set, Match by Jennifer Iacopelli Break the Fall by Jennifer Iacopelli Finding Her Edge by Jennifer Iacopelli Wildcard by Jennifer Iacopelli Emily Varga's books Sarah 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!

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!

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!

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!