48: Jill Tew: Dystopian Worlds & Bringing Business on Hustle, Romantasy, and Reinventing Dystopian Fiction

49: Tigest Girma on Perseverance, Black Vampires, and Using TikTok to Break Through

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 Girma * Website [https://tigestgirma.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tigestgirma/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@tigestgirma?lang=en] Film Courage YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/user/filmcourage]   Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore [https://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder] * Immortal Dark [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204593711-immortal-dark] by Tigest Girma * Eternal Ruin [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228646232-eternal-ruin] by Tigest Girma * Children of Blood and Bone [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34728667-children-of-blood-and-bone?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_26] by Tomi Adeyemi * The Anatomy of Story [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1383168.The_Anatomy_of_Story] by John Truby * The Emotional Craft of Fiction [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28915986-the-emotional-craft-of-fiction] by Donald Maass * Big Magic [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24453082-big-magic] by Elizabeth Gilbert * Emily Varga's books [https://linktr.ee/emilyvargabooks?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLksFNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpwI9a393zZ7_tUBSxMZFfMDS-owwHG8cu5zDEme4iQZ_Ex8H91c-7U_FTcuj_aem_J7p6heTwXUQwzVaPrzoQQg] * Sarah Mughal Rana's books [https://linktr.ee/sarahmughalrana?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLksDlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpx81VWqZ1GZ7q9z8Nlo-pLTQOowYMPiK3S2osSJu7aicDE2NRQya7MNbqVPx_aem_0vdyUg4ehvcPkWH9epc1hw]   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 [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=82304964]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 [https://www.instagram.com/onthewritetrackpodcast/] on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah [https://www.instagram.com/sarahmughal769/]and Emily [https://www.instagram.com/emilyvargabooks/] on Instagram or TikTok! [https://www.tiktok.com/@emilyvargabooks] 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 [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=82304964]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 [https://www.instagram.com/onthewritetrackpodcast/] on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah [https://www.instagram.com/sarahmughal769/]and Emily [https://www.instagram.com/emilyvargabooks/] on Instagram or TikTok! [https://www.tiktok.com/@emilyvargabooks]

48: Jill Tew: Dystopian Worlds & Bringing Business on Hustle, Romantasy, and Reinventing Dystopian Fiction

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 Tew * Website [https://www.jilltew.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jtewwrites/] * Substack [https://jilltew.substack.com/] Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore [https://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder] * The Dividing Sky [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205181188-the-dividing-sky] by Jill Tew * Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215808143-kaya-morgan-s-crowning-achievement]by Jill Tew * An Ocean Apart [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213897783-an-ocean-apart] by Jill Tew * Climate of Chaos [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220460373-climate-of-chaos] by Cassandra Newbould * Chain-Gang All-Stars [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61190770-chain-gang-all-stars]by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah * Lore of the Wilds series [https://www.goodreads.com/series/385753-lore-of-the-wilds] * Legendborn [https://www.goodreads.com/series/232479-the-legendborn-cycle] by Tracy Deonn * Blood over Brighthaven [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208430658-blood-over-bright-haven] by M.L. Wang * Sword of Kaigen [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41886271-the-sword-of-kaigen]by M.L. Wang * Emily Varga's books [https://linktr.ee/emilyvargabooks?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLksFNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpwI9a393zZ7_tUBSxMZFfMDS-owwHG8cu5zDEme4iQZ_Ex8H91c-7U_FTcuj_aem_J7p6heTwXUQwzVaPrzoQQg] * Sarah Mughal Rana's books [https://linktr.ee/sarahmughalrana?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLksDlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpx81VWqZ1GZ7q9z8Nlo-pLTQOowYMPiK3S2osSJu7aicDE2NRQya7MNbqVPx_aem_0vdyUg4ehvcPkWH9epc1hw]   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 [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=82304964]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 [https://www.instagram.com/onthewritetrackpodcast/] on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah [https://www.instagram.com/sarahmughal769/]and Emily [https://www.instagram.com/emilyvargabooks/] on Instagram or TikTok! [https://www.tiktok.com/@emilyvargabooks]

47: Rebecca Ross: on Writing Her Book of the Heart, Perseverance, Health, and Longevity

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 Ross * Website [https://www.rebeccarossauthor.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/beccajross/#]   Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore [https://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder] * Divine Rivals [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60784546-divine-rivals] by Rebecca Ross * Ruthless Vows [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127280062-ruthless-vows] by Rebecca Ross * Wild Reverence [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222376906-wild-reverence?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FuVWlUx4Qp&rank=6] by Rebecca Ross * A River Enchanted [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58132544-a-river-enchanted?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FuVWlUx4Qp&rank=3] by Rebecca Ross * A Fire Endless [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54326657-a-fire-endless?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FuVWlUx4Qp&rank=5]by Rebecca Ross * Dreams Lie Beneath [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54557816-dreams-lie-beneath?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FuVWlUx4Qp&rank=7] by Rebecca Ross * The Queen's Rising [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35098412-the-queen-s-rising?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FuVWlUx4Qp&rank=4] by Rebecca Ross * The Queen's Resistance [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38739550-the-queen-s-resistance?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FuVWlUx4Qp&rank=9]by Rebecca Ross * Sisters of Sword and Song [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52038346-sisters-of-sword-and-song?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FuVWlUx4Qp&rank=8] by Rebecca Ross * An Enchantment of Ravens [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30969741-an-enchantment-of-ravens?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=YiniS6Tzqm&rank=5] by Margaret Rogerson * Jane Eyre [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10210.Jane_Eyre?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_9] by Charlotte Bronte * Persuasion [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2156.Persuasion?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_10] by Jane Austen * Break Wide the Sea [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222376655-break-wide-the-sea?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=oUTuI46rqG&rank=1] by Sarah Holland * Emily Varga's books [https://linktr.ee/emilyvargabooks?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLksFNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpwI9a393zZ7_tUBSxMZFfMDS-owwHG8cu5zDEme4iQZ_Ex8H91c-7U_FTcuj_aem_J7p6heTwXUQwzVaPrzoQQg] * Sarah Mughal Rana's books [https://linktr.ee/sarahmughalrana?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLksDlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpx81VWqZ1GZ7q9z8Nlo-pLTQOowYMPiK3S2osSJu7aicDE2NRQya7MNbqVPx_aem_0vdyUg4ehvcPkWH9epc1hw]   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 [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=82304964]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 [https://www.instagram.com/onthewritetrackpodcast/] on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah [https://www.instagram.com/sarahmughal769/]and Emily [https://www.instagram.com/emilyvargabooks/] on Instagram or TikTok! [https://www.tiktok.com/@emilyvargabooks]

46: Ken Liu: Imagination, Invention, and the Future of Fantasy

Join Emily and Sarah for a conversation with award-winning author Ken Liu — the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award–winning writer behind The Paper Menagerie and The Grace of Kings, whose work include both riveting short stories and novels. In this episode we dive into his journey, from making the leap to full-time writing, to navigating film and book industry opportunities, and explore how he builds stories that operate not just as narratives but as metaphors for identity, culture, and technology. Ken discusses his newest novel, All That We See or Seem, a near-future thriller where art, AI, and human yearning intersect, and the conversations talks about the evolving fantasy and sci-fi market. We cover, the moment he decided to write full time, and how that opened doors beyond publishing. His method of embedding metaphor in every short story from a craft angle to ground it in deeper themes. His take on fantasy and science fiction today: how the genre is changing in a bigger romantasy market, what readers are looking for, and where he sees it headed. And a thoughtful discussion on AI and art: what it means for creators, for originality, for the future of storytelling. Whether you’re a writer, a sci-fi fan, or simply curious about how an author thinks about art in tech-driven times, this episode offers a thoughtful, dive into the craft and the future from one of the best and celebrated writers of our generation.   Ken Liu * Website [https://kenliu.name/] Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore [https://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder] * All That We See or Seem [https://kenliu.name/blog/book/all-that-we-see-or-seem/]by Ken Liu * The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24885533-the-paper-menagerie-and-other-stories] by Ken Liu * The Grace of Kings [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18952341-the-grace-of-kings] by Ken Liu * Paradise Lost [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15997.Paradise_Lost?] by John Milton * Percy Jackson series [https://www.goodreads.com/series/40736-percy-jackson-and-the-olympians] * Emily Varga's books [https://linktr.ee/emilyvargabooks?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLksFNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpwI9a393zZ7_tUBSxMZFfMDS-owwHG8cu5zDEme4iQZ_Ex8H91c-7U_FTcuj_aem_J7p6heTwXUQwzVaPrzoQQg] * Sarah Mughal Rana's books [https://linktr.ee/sarahmughalrana?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLksDlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpx81VWqZ1GZ7q9z8Nlo-pLTQOowYMPiK3S2osSJu7aicDE2NRQya7MNbqVPx_aem_0vdyUg4ehvcPkWH9epc1hw] 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 [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=82304964]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 [https://www.instagram.com/onthewritetrackpodcast/] on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah [https://www.instagram.com/sarahmughal769/]and Emily [https://www.instagram.com/emilyvargabooks/] on Instagram or TikTok! [https://www.tiktok.com/@emilyvargabooks]

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 [https://jamesislington.com/] Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstore [https://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder] * The Licanius Trilogy [https://www.goodreads.com/series/136308-the-licanius-trilogy] by James Islington * The Will of the Many [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58416952-the-will-of-the-many] by James Islington * The Strength of a Few [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/169485073-the-strength-of-the-few] by James Islington * The Wheel of Time [https://www.goodreads.com/series/41526-the-wheel-of-time] by Robert Jordan * The Name of the Wind [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/186074.The_Name_of_the_Wind] by Patrick Rothfruss * Demon Copperhead [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60194162-demon-copperhead?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_16] by Barbara Kingsolver * Brandon Sanderson [https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38550.Brandon_Sanderson] * Emily Varga's books [https://linktr.ee/emilyvargabooks?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLksFNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpwI9a393zZ7_tUBSxMZFfMDS-owwHG8cu5zDEme4iQZ_Ex8H91c-7U_FTcuj_aem_J7p6heTwXUQwzVaPrzoQQg] * Sarah Mughal Rana's books [https://linktr.ee/sarahmughalrana?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLksDlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpx81VWqZ1GZ7q9z8Nlo-pLTQOowYMPiK3S2osSJu7aicDE2NRQya7MNbqVPx_aem_0vdyUg4ehvcPkWH9epc1hw]   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 [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=82304964]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 [https://www.instagram.com/onthewritetrackpodcast/] on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah [https://www.instagram.com/sarahmughal769/]and Emily [https://www.instagram.com/emilyvargabooks/] on Instagram or TikTok! [https://www.tiktok.com/@emilyvargabooks]