In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by my partner Tim as we share the true story behind creating the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival—an event that grew 100 times bigger and better than I ever imagined.We talk about what it really took to bring a brave idea to life: the fears we faced, the strengths we leaned on, and the pride we feel in the community we built together. You’ll hear how courage and collaboration made this festival possible—and why we’re already planning the 2026 event!🎧 In this episode:How fear almost stopped us from startingThe magic of combining strengths in a partnershipWhy showing up bravely matters more than perfectionHow this one idea sparked powerful collaborations📸 Check out the festival photos and express your interest for 2026 at sunshinecoastfictionfestival.com.auTim Coulson is a certified councilor and the host of The Happiness Hack podcast. Learn more about him at www.tim-coulson.com
--------
33:52
--------
33:52
When Writing Feels Like a Marathon
This week, I chat with romance author Emma Mugglestone about her traditionally published novel In the Long Run—a slow-burn, fake-dating romance set in a Melbourne run club. We dive into how her experience self-publishing gave her the confidence to keep going, and how a fellow writer putting her name forward led to her big break. If you're navigating a winding writing path, this episode is packed with encouragement and insight.
--------
17:39
--------
17:39
Writing Crime With Conviction
In this episode of The Write Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Georgia Harper—author of What I Would Do to You, which just won Best Debut Book at the 2025 Davitt Awards. Georgia’s background blew me away: she’s worked as a psychologist with serious violent offenders and victim-survivors of crime, and also as Senior Inspector Prosecutions for RSPCA Queensland.We talked about how her real-life experiences influence her crime fiction, what it was like to write her debut novel, and how her very first submission landed her an agent and a book deal with Penguin Random House. If you’re curious about drawing from your own expertise or wondering what it really takes to get picked up from the slush pile, you’re going to love this chat.
--------
27:13
--------
27:13
Bookclub Vibes, Spicy Reads & Small Town Feels | How To Break My Heart by Kat T. Masen
In this special bookclub-style episode, Sarah is joined by her friend Franny—new to the world of spicy fiction and already running a bookclub that brings women together for laughter, connection, and a few blush-worthy reads.Together, they dive into Kat T. Masen’s How To Break My Heart—a cozy, small-town romance that’s equal parts heartfelt and steamy. Expect lots of laughs, honest reactions, and a peek into how stories like this one create real connection between women.Whether you’re a longtime romance reader or just curious about why these books are so addictive, you’ll love this warm, hilarious conversation about love, friendship, and the power of storytelling.✨ Grab your favorite drink and join the fun!👉 Visit serenadepublishing.com for free resources and writing support.
--------
25:20
--------
25:20
This Isn’t a Comeback. It’s a Continuation. (What Fiction Writers Can Learn from Taylor’s Showgirl Era)
🎙️ This Isn’t a Comeback. It’s a Continuation. (What Fiction Writers Can Learn from Taylor’s Showgirl Era)✨ What if your next big moment isn't a reinvention—but a continuation of everything you've already layered?In this solo episode, Sarah channels fangirl energy and creative fire to unpack what Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl era can teach us about storytelling, identity, and building a lasting author brand.You’ll learn:🪞 How to evolve your author voice without losing yourself 🎭 Why emotional resonance is the long game (and worth it) 🔁 The power of callbacks, consistency, and layered meaning 📖 What fiction writers can borrow from Taylor’s storytelling playbook 🩰 And how your “extra” creative sides can actually feed your writingWhether you're writing your first book or your fifteenth, this episode will reignite your belief in your work—and remind you that you’re not behind, you’re just still layering.💌 Want more support on your writing journey? Check out Fiction Writing Academy at serenadepublishing.com/academy🔗 Visit serenadepublishing.com for free resources and more episodes.
The Write Podcast helps aspiring and published fiction authors master creative writing, novel planning, book marketing, and self-publishing. Hosted by multi-bestselling author and CEO of Serenade Publishing, it delivers expert writing tips, publishing advice, interviews with authors and industry pros, and a monthly book club with special guests. Build your author platform, grow your writing career, and write books readers love. Subscribe to The Write Podcast today.
New Zealand