Are You Treating Your Writing Like a Hobby or a Career? What the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Taught Me About Creative Discipline

$500 per game. That’s what the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were earning—yet they trained like Olympic athletes. Forty hours a week. Total emotional and physical dedication. Why? Because passion always shows up, even when the paycheck doesn’t.

In this inspiring episode of The Write Podcast, multi-bestselling author and CEO of Serenade Publishing, Sarah Williams, explores what fiction writers can learn from elite performers—and why treating your writing like a serious career, not a hobby, can change everything.

Whether you're an aspiring author, a self-published novelist, or a traditionally published writer looking to grow your author business, this episode is a powerful reminder that creative discipline matters. You’ll discover how to adopt a professional writing mindset, even before you’ve landed a book deal or hit the bestseller list.

We’ll explore:
✅ Why writers should train like professionals—before they’re paid like one
✅ The mindset shift that turns a hobbyist into a career author
✅ How one book can become multiple income-generating assets
✅ Real ways to monetize your writing through translations, audiobooks, and special editions
✅ Why most writers quit—and how to make sure you’re not one of them
✅ Actionable tips to build momentum and stay motivated
✅ The truth about treating writing like a job—and why that’s your secret weapon

Sarah also shares behind-the-scenes stories from her own author journey, including how she’s earned long-term royalties from books published years ago, reached international audiences through foreign language rights, and boosted visibility with audiobooks narrated by Australian actor Myles Pollard (McLeod’s Daughters).

This episode is perfect for writers who want:

• Fiction writing tips from a pro

• Book publishing advice with a long-term lens

• Self-publishing strategies to build a sustainable author career

• Author marketing insights to increase book sales

• A real pep talk to stay the course and keep writing

If you’re serious about becoming a career author, this episode is your wake-up call—and your roadmap.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to build discipline, believe in your story, and turn one book into multiple income streams.

👉 Subscribe to The Write Podcast for more episodes packed with expert advice, interviews with authors and industry professionals, and monthly book club discussions. Visit serenadepublishing.com for free writing resources, books, and support for your writing journey.

EPISODE 1: Welcome to the Show – Your New Favourite Podcast for Fiction Writers

Are you a fiction writer craving inspiration, guidance, and a sense of community? Whether you're just starting your first novel, querying your manuscript, or already publishing books—this is the writing podcast you’ve been waiting for.

In this very first episode of the show, host Sarah Williams—author, book coach, publisher, and all-around fiction-writing-obsessed human—introduces the podcast, shares her journey in the publishing world, and explains what listeners can expect from future episodes.

You'll hear:

• Why writing can feel like such a lonely pursuit (and how this podcast is here to change that)

• The mission behind the show: to help you write better, publish smarter, and feel less alone while doing it

• How episodes are structured: a blend of solo coaching-style episodes, interviews with bestselling authors and publishing professionals, and a monthly book club chat

• Sarah’s personal story: over a decade in the publishing industry, multiple books under her belt, and a deep passion for helping other writers succeed

This podcast isn’t just about writing tips—it’s about building a life as a writer. It’s about craft, mindset, creativity, publishing, and the many emotional highs and lows that come with being a storyteller in today’s world.

You’ll learn how to:
✔️ Stay motivated through the messy middle
✔️ Plan and structure your novel like a pro
✔️ Build characters readers fall in love with
✔️ Understand self-publishing vs traditional publishing
✔️ Create a sustainable writing habit
✔️ Market and sell your fiction without selling your soul

Expect practical strategies, real talk, and encouragement every step of the way. And yes, there will be book recommendations, creative challenges, behind-the-scenes author stories, and the occasional tough love pep talk.

Whether you write romance, thrillers, fantasy, historical fiction, women’s fiction, or something in between, you are welcome here.

🌟 If you're dreaming of becoming a published author—or looking to grow your fiction writing career—this podcast is your new creative home.

📝 Subscribe now and follow along as we dive deep into the craft, mindset, and business of writing fiction.