When was the last time you let yourself be a beginner?

In this heartfelt solo episode, host Sarah Williams—bestselling romance author, book coach, and mum of four—shares the surprising inspiration she found at her son’s university open day. Joshua, her eldest, is preparing to become the first in their family to attend university, and the experience of walking that campus with him opened up a wave of emotion, reflection, and clarity.

Surrounded by hundreds of hopeful, curious students, Sarah was reminded that starting something new—whether it's writing your first book or picking up the pen after a long break—isn’t just for the young. It's for all of us.

If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late to begin again… if you’ve been holding back your writing dream because life got in the way… this episode is your invitation to come back to the page.

You’ll hear about:

• Why pausing your writing doesn’t mean your dream is over

• The myth of “perfect timing” and how to start messy

• How your lived experience is your superpower as a writer

• Why curiosity is more important than certainty

• And the quiet bravery of saying yes to your creative voice—no matter your age

This is an episode about second chances, soft reentries, and reigniting that flicker of hope you might’ve tucked away. Full of encouragement, honest storytelling, and practical insight, it’s the reminder every writer needs: your story still matters.

🎧 Whether you're just beginning or beginning again, tune in and let Sarah walk beside you on the path back to your words.

🖊️ Download the free Brainstorming Funsheet at serenadepublishing.com to help reignite your creative spark.

💻 Want step-by-step support? Check out the Fiction Writing Academy, a self-paced course for just $97, designed to guide you from idea to polished story.

Calling all lovers of paranormal fantasy, sassy heroines, brooding (fang-tastic) love interests, and small-town gothic charm! In this special book club episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Meg from The Candle and Quill bookshop to sink our teeth into Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes — and trust me, we had thoughts.

😈📚Whether you’re a die-hard fan of supernatural romance or an author curious about what readers really notice (and love), this episode is a fang-filled feast of fun, critique, and bookish banter.✨

In this episode, we chat about:

Our favorite (and most questionable) moments in Fangs for Nothing

The tropes that worked—and the ones that made us snort-laugh

Why the heroine had us cheering... and rolling our eyes

Worldbuilding that howls with potential (and a few plot holes to dodge)

What authors can learn from this book’s pacing, heat level, and voice

📖 About the book:

Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes, is a paranormal rom-com featuring a reluctant witch, a town full of secrets, and a very undead mystery to solve. If you love cozy magic, slow-burn romance, and a good gothic giggle, this one’s for you.💬

Join the conversation in the comments — did you love this book?

What’s your favorite paranormal romance trope?

And who should we invite to our next book club?

🕯️ Find Meg and more magical reads at The Candle and Quill Bookshop in Montville and at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival this November.

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with your bookish besties!

Are you waiting for the perfect moment to start your novel, launch your author brand, or finally share your writing? In this episode, I open up about my own struggles with perfectionism—including how I delayed starting this very podcast for over a year—and why I finally chose to hit record before I felt ready.

We’ll talk about the power of imperfect action, how failure is actually your First Attempt In Learning, and why creative success begins with showing up—messy, uncertain, and real.

Whether you're a first-time writer or a published author stuck in self-doubt, this episode will help you shift your mindset, take that next step, and stop waiting for permission.

You’ll learn:

• Why starting before you’re ready is often the smartest move

• How to take small, imperfect actions that build momentum

• How I turned one book into multiple income streams with translations, audiobooks, and more

• Encouraging examples and practical tips for writers at any stage

Remember: you don’t need to be perfect—you just need to begin.