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#62 B.K. Borison: Why She Started Writing Supernatural Romance
34:16|What makes a romance author want to write about death? This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with bestselling romance author B.K. Borison to chat about her newest release, Grim Tidings, and why she decided to take her cozy romances into the supernatural world. B.K. shares how her husband's career in palliative care helped shape the story, why she wanted to write a female grim reaper, and what's coming next for the Department of Hauntings and Spirits. Plus, we look back at her self-publishing journey with Lovelight Farms, First Time Callers' upcoming adaptation, and her love for Heated Rivalry! CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Welcome01:12 Self-Publishing Lovelight Farms03:00 The Lore Behind B.K. Borison’s Book Covers04:16 Her Husband, Fantasy Football & Romance06:08 The Books That Made Her Fall in Love With Romance07:05 Is a Brick Really Worth It?08:35 Transitioning to First Time Caller09:56 Bringing Sleepless in Seattle to Life14:36 The First Time Caller Adaptation16:41 The Heated Rivalry Obsession18:13 Getting The Supernatural Spark21:26 Inside Grim Tidings22:08 How BK’s Husband Helped Shape the Story25:08 Writing About Death & the Afterlife26:28 Why Darcy Is the Grim Reaper28:01 Building the Department of Hauntings & Spirits30:06 Crafting the Perfect Opening Line31:04 What is B.K. Borison Writing Next?32:31 A Surprise Gift!FOLLOW US:Morgann BookTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbookInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook B.K. BorisonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbkborison/ Find her book at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/products/grim-tidings-indigo-exclusive-edition-a-novel?variant=46806649143506 Find her book at Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?attributes.contributorId=24737530&contributorName=B%20K%20Borison&orderBy=attributes.mfield_bnb__salesRank Off The ShelfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast Hosted by: Morgann BookCreated by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes
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#61 J.K. MacLaren: From Drive to Survive to Writing an F1 Romance
35:17|What happens after you watch F1: Drive to Survive and decide to write an entire F1 romance book series?! This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Watty Award–winning author JK Maclaren to chat about her adult romance debut, Full Throttle. JK shares what she learned from writing eight full-length novels on Wattpad, and the night she found out her book had sold. Plus, the two discuss the best frozen yogurt combination and the race car bed JK had growing up! CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Welcome00:30 The Perfect Frozen Yogurt Bowl04:45 How Drive to Survive Started It All08:35 The Inspiration Behind Full Throttle11:45 What Writing on Wattpad Taught Her15:46 The Story Behind the Race Car Bed16:52 The Night She Sold Full Throttle18:48 Inside Full Throttle19:57 Finding Juliette & Dominic21:05 The Reality of Writing an F1 Romance25:02 Writing About Women in Sports28:00 The Meaning Behind Juliet’s Cowboy Boots31:16 The Romeo & Juliet References33:19 What’s Next: Shifting Gears34:08 A Surprise Gift for JKFOLLOW US:Morgann BookTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbookInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook JK MacLarenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkmaclaren/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jkmaclaren Find her book at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/products/full-throttle-28 Find her book at Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/full-throttle-jk-maclaren/1148031259?ean=9798217095476 Off The ShelfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast Hosted by: Morgann BookCreated by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes#60 Claire Scanlon: Bringing The Love Hypothesis From Book to Screen
35:56|What happens when you turn one of BookTok’s biggest romances into a movie? This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with director Claire Scanlon to chat about directing The Love Hypothesis. Claire shares what she learned from editing The Office, how she captured Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch’s chemistry in Set It Up, and what eventually led her down the rabbit hole of Star Wars Fan Fiction. She takes us behind the scenes of adapting the book, from bringing fan-favourite moments to life and balancing Adam’s character to filming the movie’s intimate scenes. Plus, Claire reveals the scene that made her realize they officially “had a movie.”CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Welcome02:09 What The Office Taught Claire About Directing04:22 The Secret Behind Jim & Pam’s Slow Burn07:42 How Set It Up Came Together10:10 Creating Glen Powell & Zoey Deutch’s Chemistry15:13 Taking On The Love Hypothesis18:21 Bringing The Book’s Biggest Moments To Screen21:25 Changes From Book To Movie23:56 Finding The Right Adam Carlsen26:03 The Pressure Of Adapting A Book Fans Love27:30 The Reality of Filming The Intimate Scenes30:18 What Is A Nudity Rider?32:50 The Scene That Made Claire Know They “Had A Movie”33:33 What She Hopes Fans Take From The MovieFOLLOW US:Morgann BookTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbookInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook Claire ScanlonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairescanlon/ Off The ShelfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast Hosted by: Morgann BookCreated by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes#59 Jodi Picoult: The Secret That Inspired Her 30th Novel
42:09|What is the wildest thing an author has done for research? This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Jodi Picoult to chat about her 30th novel, Hollow Bones, and the 29 novels before it. Jodi reveals how she collects research for her books and what it was like to interview a woman from jail or visit the Alaskan tundra. The two discuss what makes a good adaptation and what happened with My Sister's Keeper. They finish the episode with what Jodi is writing next for her 2028 book! CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Welcome01:42 Are Writers Born or Made?03:53 How Publishing Has Changed Since 199206:05 Why Jodi Still Answers Every Reader Email09:14 Being a Lifelong Student10:21 How Jodi Knows an Idea Is Worth a Novel13:44 The Wildest Things She’s Done for Research16:10 How She Knows When the Research Is Done17:24 What My Sister’s Keeper Taught Her About Adaptations19:12 The Problem With “Women’s Fiction”20:59 The Story Behind Jodi’s First Tattoo24:08 Inside Hollow Bones24:26 Bringing Jesse From My Sister’s Keeper Back27:15 The Real-Life Secret That Inspired Hollow Bones30:44 Exploring 9/11 Through a New Generation31:27 Researching Postpartum Psychosis34:07 The Letter That Changed Hollow Bones36:59 Why Women Are Falling Through the Healthcare Cracks38:57 What Jodi Hopes Readers Take From Hollow Bones39:33 Jodi Reveals Her Next Novel41:11 Gifting Jodi With…FOLLOW US:Morgann BookTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbookInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook Jodi PicoultInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jodipicoult/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jodipicoult Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/search?q=jodi%20picoult Find her books at Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hollow-bones-jodi-picoult/1149014562 Off The ShelfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast Hosted by: Morgann BookCreated by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes#58 Joss Richard: Why Romance Needs A Third Act Breakup
35:25|Have you wondered why the second book is always harder to write than a debut? This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits (back) down with Joss Richard to chat about her latest release, Let’s Kiss and Tell. Inspired by one of her favourite romantic comedies, Joss shares her writing and research process for a book rooted in sex positivity. She also shares what it was like to write after the success of her debut novel, It’s Different This Time, and what is coming next… CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Welcome00:39 Joss Weighs In On The Jeremiah vs. Conrad Debate03:24 Why Authors Need A Life Outside Of Books05:27 What Book Tour Is REALLY Like07:14 Did Joss Expect It’s Different This Time To Blow Up?08:49 Adam Harper POV 10:45 Romance Books On Canada Reads12:16 The Story Behind Let’s Kiss And Tell13:34 The How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days Inspiration14:11 Is The Second Book Harder Than The First?16:42 Joss’s Writing Process18:28 Why Joss Wanted To Write Let’s Kiss And Tell20:51 What Joss Learned From OnlyFans Creators23:35 Therapy, Dirty Talk & Writing Spicy Scenes25:06 Defending The Third Act Breakup27:16 Is Miscommunication Actually A Bad Trope?29:42 The Story Behind The Let’s Kiss And Tell Cover31:07 The Kind Of Love Joss Wanted To Write About32:07 Joss Teases Her Next Romance32:58 We Surprise Joss With Her Favourite Thing34:05 The Diet Coke vs. Coke Zero DebateFOLLOW US:Morgann BookTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbookInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook Joss RichardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joss.richard/ Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/products/lets-kiss-and-tell-a-novelFind her books at Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/its-different-this-time-joss-richard/1146830426 Off The ShelfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast Hosted by: Morgann BookCreated by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes#57 Lily Chu: How Audiobooks Have Changed Her Writing Process
36:32|Did you know Lily Chu found her agent through a Twitter contest? This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Audible author Lily Chu to discuss her latest release, Just Kiss Already. Inspired by the hit television series Bones and her own archaeology background, Lily shares her research process, from interviewing a forensic anthropologist to filmmakers to craft the perfect story. She also shares what it’s like collaborating with actress and narrator Phillipa Soo and teases her next three books.CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Welcome02:04 Finding Her Agent Through Twitter04:11 The Challenges Of Being A Writer05:50 The Journey From Auction To Audible07:45 Editing Novels for Audio and Print08:50 Swearing in Audiobooks10:04 How Audiobooks Have Changed The Writing Process12:00 Exploring The Audible New York Headquarters13:03 Lily’s Writing Process16:23 The Inspiration Behind Just Kiss Already 17:46 Lily’s Archaeology Background Influence 20:00 Everyone Lily Interviewed 23:16 Collaborating With Phillipa Soo24:30 Changing The Perspective Of Narration28:13 Lily’s Involvement In Her Audiobooks30:20 What Is Lily Writing Next? 31:48 Rapid Fire Audio QuestionsFOLLOW US:Morgann BookTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbookInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook Lily Chu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilychuauthor/Find their books on Audible: https://www.audible.ca/author/Lily-Chu/B09BG1FBVXOff The ShelfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast Hosted by: Morgann BookCreated by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston Production Coordinator: Maggie IndovinaAssociate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes#56: Victoria S. Walsh Reveals What Everyone Gets Wrong About Writing Plus Size Heroines
43:55|This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Victoria S. Walsh to talk about turning a lifelong dream into reality with her debut fantasy novel, The Iron Hex. From manifesting and leaving her corporate job to building a fantasy trilogy, writing meaningful representation, and why book pre-orders matter more than you think, Victoria shares the story behind her journey to becoming a published author. Plus, she teases what's next for The Iron Hex series and beyond.CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Welcome03:49 Dreaming of Becoming an Author05:08 Childhood Stories & Supportive Parents07:01 Why Competitiveness Led to YouTube09:54 Quitting Her Corporate Job14:21 The Story Behind The Iron Hex16:40 Landing Her Dream Literary Agent17:33 What The Iron Hex Is About18:41 Planning an Entire Trilogy20:11 Writing a Plus-Size Fantasy Heroine23:51 The Decade-Long Yearning Romance26:26 Memory Loss, Romance & Fantasy Tropes27:38 The High School That Changed Everything30:37 A Childhood Photo That Says It All35:11 Why Pre-Ordering Books Matters So Much41:42 Book Two, The Iron Oath & What's NextFOLLOW US:Morgann BookTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook Victoria S. WalshInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriashazTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriashazFind her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/victoria-s-walsh?id=804750921Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?attributes.contributorId=32332325&contributorName=Victoria%20S.%20WalshOff The ShelfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Off.TheShelfPodcast Hosted by: Morgann BookCreated by: Bookish Media, Morgann Book, and Thomas Johnston Executive Producers: Morgann Book & Thomas Johnston Produced by: Stefanie MacchiusiAssociate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes