On the Write Track Podcast

Sarah Mughal Rana, Emily Varga
  • 5.0 (4)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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!

  1. 3D AGO

    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 Website Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore The 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!

    47 min

  2. 2025-12-04

    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 Mars WebsiteInstagramYoutube  Dabble Timer   Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore The 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!

    46 min

  3. 2025-11-06

    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 Tuli WebsiteInstagramTikTokBecca Syme: Strengths For Writers 101   Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore Not 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!

    54 min

  4. 2025-10-02

    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 Fest Yall West Melissa de la Cruz Margaret Stohl Episode 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 bookstore Margaret 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!

    55 min

  5. 2025-09-04

    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. Schwab WebsiteInstagramNewsletterNo Write Way Podcast  Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore Bury 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!

    50 min

  6. 2025-01-23

    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 Arden Website   Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore The 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!

    42 min

  7. 2025-01-09

    39: Shelby Mahurin: Fantasy, Spice, and Staying True on Navigating Romantasy and Authenticity

    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!   Shelby Mahurin WebsiteInstagram  Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore Serpent & Dove by Shelby MahurinBlood & Honey by Shelby MahurinGods & Monsters by Shelby MahurinThe Scarlet Veil by Shelby MahurinThe Shadow Bride by Shelby MahurinBitten by Kelley ArmstrongLisa KleypasSarah MacLeanFor She is Wrath by Emily VargaHope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana  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. 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!

    51 min

  8. 2024-12-19

    38: Olivie Blake: Indie to Trad Pub: The Journey of NYT bestseller Olivie Blake

    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.   Olivie Blake WebsiteInstagram   Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore Masters of Death by Olivie BlakeAlone with You in the Ether by Olivie BlakeGifted & Talented by Olivie BlakeThe Atlas Six by Olivie BlakeThe Atlas Paradox by Olivie BlakeThe Atlas Complex by Olivie BlakeThe Answer You Are Looking For Is Yes: A Witch Way Anthology by Olivie BlakeFairytales of the Macabre by Olivie BlakeSex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki PayneNeapolitan Novels by Elena FerranteFor She is Wrath by Emily VargaHope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana   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. 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!

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Mughal Rana, Emily Varga
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022 On the Write Track Podcast
  • Show Website
    On the Write Track Podcast

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