From fantasy kingdoms to zookeeper rom-coms, bestselling author A.K. Mulford has built an extraordinary multiverse of stories—and in just four years, they’ve published 26 books (with more on the way!).

In this inspiring and wildly entertaining conversation, Sarah Williams sits down with A.K. Mulford—fantasy novelist, rom-com writer, cozy paranormal creator, and TikTok sensation—to explore their unique path to becoming a hybrid author, balancing indie and traditional publishing, and writing across multiple genres.

You’ll hear how Ali went from filling notebooks as a child to living in jungles as a wildlife biologist… to self-publishing their breakout fantasy The High Mountain Court in 2021, which racked up over a million page reads in its first month. Since then, they’ve signed with Harper Voyager, launched multiple pen names, and built a loyal global readership through their authentic presence on TikTok and Instagram.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to write fast without sacrificing quality – Ali shares the mindset and systems that have allowed them to publish 26 books in four years, averaging 50,000 words per novel.

• The benefits of being a hybrid author – Why they started in self-publishing and then expanded into traditional publishing, plus the pros and cons of each.

• The 3-Day 30K Challenge – Ali’s game-changing, neurodivergent-friendly writing sprint that helps authors smash their word count goals in just three days.

• How to juggle multiple genres and pen names – From epic fantasy to steamy rom-coms to cozy paranormal mysteries, Ali explains how switching between tones keeps their creative energy high.

• TikTok for authors – Their unconventional approach to BookTok that focuses on building community, connection, and long-term readership instead of chasing viral trends.

• Creative balance – How they homeschool two kids, manage multiple series, and still protect their joy in the writing process.

  
  

About A.K. Mulford:A.K. Mulford is an international bestselling author of romantic fantasy, rom-com, and paranormal fiction. Their works include The High Mountain Court, She’s a Keeper, and the cozy paranormal hit Pumpkin Spice and Poltergeist. They’re passionate about helping writers find their own path, whether through their 3-Day 30K Challenge, their YouTube channel for authors, or their uplifting social media presence.

Where to Start in the Mulford Multiverse:

• Fantasy lovers: The High Mountain Court or A River of Golden Bones

• Rom-com fans: She’s a Keeper (Zookeeper Rom-Com Series)

• Cozy paranormal readers: Pumpkin Spice and Poltergeist

  
  

Connect with A.K. Mulford:🌐 Website: https://akmulford.com
📱 TikTok & Instagram: @akmulfordauthor
📺 YouTube: A.K. Mulford

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎯 Join the 3-Day 30K Challenge: Available through A.K.’s website or Discord group
🎟 Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival: https://sunshinecoastfictionfestival.com.au
📚 Browse Sarah’s courses & resources: https://serenadepublishing.com

About The Write Podcast:Hosted by bestselling romance author and book coach Sarah Williams, The Write Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, motivation, and practical tips for building your dream writing life. Whether you’re working on your debut novel or your tenth, Sarah and her guests share honest conversations about the craft, business, and mindset of being an author.

Subscribe & Review:If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more writers discover the show!

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.

In this episode of The Write Podcast, host Sarah sits down with bestselling author Catherine Bilson for an inspiring and insightful conversation.

Catherine opens up about her unique path from writing fan fiction to becoming a prolific author with titles published in multiple languages. She discusses the power of storytelling, the evolution of her writing career, and how she’s successfully navigated genres and pen names.

You’ll hear how Catherine uses both traditional and AI-powered translation tools to expand her global reach, along with her strategies for marketing books in diverse international markets—like Brazil.

She also shares the behind-the-scenes realities of self-publishing, co-writing a series, and managing multiple income streams from her writing. Plus, Catherine offers her perspective on the growing role of AI in audiobook narration and translation.

Whether you’re just starting out or already published, this episode is full of practical tips and motivation to help you build a sustainable, wide-reaching author career.

Tune in, get inspired, and keep writing—because your stories matter.

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.