#45: Kandi Steiner on Why Readers Are STILL Not Over A Love Letter to Whiskey

#49: Why Heartless Hunter Was Kristen Ciccarelli's Last Chance

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with bestselling fantasy author Kristen Ciccarelli to talk about the journey from writing stories on her dad's old laptop with no internet to creating the global romantasy phenomenon Heartless Hunter. Kristen shares the inspiration behind Rebel Witch, the surprising moment she realized Heartless Hunter was taking off around the world, why the book has two different titles, and more! CHAPTERS:  0:00 - Introduction 1:19 - The Real Story Behind Rebel Witch 2:43 - Writing Fantasy as a Kid 9:13 - Life Before Publishing 12:12 - The Writing Shed 15:00 - Kristen's Writing Process 18:18 - The Inspiration for Heartless Hunter 23:33 - Creating Rune & Gideon 29:06 - Writing the Book She Wanted to Write 31:19 - The BookTok Success of Heartless Hunter 34:10 - Heartless Hunter vs The Crimson Moth 36:02 - Writing on an AlphaSmart Neo 42:02 - The Meaning Behind the Dedication 43:18 - What's Next for the Crimson Moth World 44:13 - Vampires, Werewolves & Future Books 45:59 - Final Thoughts & What's Next FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook?lang=en]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/?hl=en]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook [https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook]  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook [https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook]  Kristen Ciccarelli Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenciccarelli/ [https://www.instagram.com/kristenciccarelli/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenciccarelli [https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenciccarelli] Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/kristen-ciccarelli?id=875238864 [https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/kristen-ciccarelli?id=875238864] Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/authors/kristen-ciccarelli [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/authors/kristen-ciccarelli] Off The Shelf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast]  Hosted by: Morgann Book Created by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston  Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston  Produced by: Stefanie Macchiusi Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

#48: Why Brooke Averick Used Her Own Anxiety in Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Brooke Averick to talk about her debut novel Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It, going from teaching preschool to building a career online, and why writing a book felt more intimidating than going viral. Brooke opens up about imposter syndrome, pulling from her own experiences with anxiety, BookTok favourites, and the story behind bringing Phoebe to life.  CHAPTERS:  0:30 - Introduction 1:08 - What is Brooke obsessed with right now? 2:35 - Brooke’s Teaching & Creator Career 5:25 - Brooke and Connor Make A Podcast 6:55 - Entering BookTok 14:10 - Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It 31:10 - FIRSTS Rapid Fire 36:30 - Book Cover Design 39:55 - Brooke’s Favourite Books 46:00 - What’s Next? FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook?lang=en]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/?hl=en]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook [https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook]  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook [https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook]  Brooke Averick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookeaverick/ [https://www.instagram.com/brookeaverick/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyefron [https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyefron] Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/products/phoebe-bermans-gonna-lose-it [https://www.indigo.ca/products/phoebe-bermans-gonna-lose-it] Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Brooke%20Averick%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Brooke%20Averick%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall] Off The Shelf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast]  Hosted by: Morgann Book Created by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston  Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston  Produced by: Stefanie Macchiusi Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

#47: What Everyone Gets Wrong About Writing With Dyslexia with Haley-Grace McCormick

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Haley-Grace McCormick to talk about the journey behind her debut novel The Enemy of Time. Haley-Grace opens up about living with dyslexia and ADHD, going viral on TikTok after one unexpected video, and how heartbreak shaped some of the book’s most emotional moments. Plus, we get into fantasy romance, hidden easter eggs, designing her own cover, The Vampire Diaries hot takes, and what she’s writing next. CHAPTERS:  0:30 - Introduction 2:45 - Haley-Grace Growing Up 6:30 - What People Misunderstand About Dyslexia 10:58 - Content Creator Life 19:30 - The Enemy of Time 36:50 - The Book Cover Design 41:30 - The Vampire Diaries  47:27 - What’s Next? FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook?lang=en]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/?hl=en]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook [https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook]  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook [https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook]  Haley-Grace McCormick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleygracemccormick/ [https://www.instagram.com/haleygracemccormick/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haleygracemccormick [https://www.tiktok.com/@haleygracemccormick] Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/haley-grace-mccormick?id=855748417 [https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/haley-grace-mccormick?id=855748417] Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-enemy-of-time-haley-grace-mccormick/1147688428 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-enemy-of-time-haley-grace-mccormick/1147688428] Off The Shelf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast]  Hosted by: Morgann Book Created by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston  Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston  Produced by: Stefanie Macchiusi Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

#46: The Off Campus Storyline Louisa Levy Refused to Cut

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Louisa Levy, the creator and showrunner behind Off Campus. From adapting one of BookTok’s biggest romance series to casting Hannah and Garrett, Louisa breaks down the real process of bringing Off Campus to the screen. We talk chemistry reads, the pressure of adapting such a beloved fandom, why the “spice” was so important to keep in the show, and how the writers built a series designed to keep you clicking “next episode.” Plus, Louisa teases what fans can expect from Season 2. CHAPTERS:  0:30 - Introduction 2:05 - Louisa’s Early Career 8:00 - Signing on to Off Campus 11:40 - Non-negotiables In The Adaptation  19:15 - What Louisa Changed From The Books 23:35 - Elle Kennedy’s Role 24:50 - SPOILERS! 30:05 - Importance of the First Scene 33:50 - Casting 38:53 - Louisa’s Role in Creating The Show 47:50 - The Future of Off Campus 48:10 - SPOILERS! FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook?lang=en]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/?hl=en]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook [https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook]  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook [https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook]  Off Campus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offcampusonprime/ [https://www.instagram.com/offcampusonprime/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offcampusonprime [https://www.tiktok.com/@offcampusonprime] Find Off Campus books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/search?q=off-campus&lgcykwrd=off-campus [https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/search?q=off-campus&lgcykwrd=off-campus] Find Off Campus books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/series/off-campus-series/_/N-2xy6 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/series/off-campus-series/_/N-2xy6] Off The Shelf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast]  Hosted by: Morgann Book Created by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston  Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston  Produced by: Stefanie Macchiusi Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

#45: Kandi Steiner on Why Readers Are STILL Not Over A Love Letter to Whiskey

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with romance author Kandi Steiner. She opens up about writing A Love Letter to Whiskey in just 9 weeks during one of the hardest times in her life, and how that book went on to change everything. Plus, we dive into her newest release Love Overboard, how a second date conversation turned into a full-blown novel, and why this story feels like you’re watching reality TV unfold in real time. CHAPTERS:  0:30 - Introduction 1:00 - Pole Fitness 3:00 - Kandi’s First Writing Job 6:00 - Writing Her First Book & The Start of Her Career 11:05 - A Day in the Life of Kandi 12:35 - A Love Letter to Whiskey 23:00 - Love Overboard 38:30 - Actors Acting Out Scenes from the Book 41:22 - What’s Next? FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook?lang=en]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/?hl=en]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook [https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook]  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook [https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook]  Kandi Steiner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner [https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner [https://www.tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner] Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/kandi-steiner/ [https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/kandi-steiner/] Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Kandi%20Steiner%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Kandi%20Steiner%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall] Off The Shelf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast]  Hosted by: Morgann Book Created by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston  Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston  Produced by: Stefanie Macchiusi Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.