Off The Shelf with Morgann Book

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 - Introduction1:19 - The Real Story Behind Rebel Witch2:43 - Writing Fantasy as a Kid9:13 - Life Before Publishing12:12 - The Writing Shed15:00 - Kristen's Writing Process18:18 - The Inspiration for Heartless Hunter23:33 - Creating Rune & Gideon29:06 - Writing the Book She Wanted to Write31:19 - The BookTok Success of Heartless Hunter34:10 - Heartless Hunter vs The Crimson Moth36:02 - Writing on an AlphaSmart Neo42:02 - The Meaning Behind the Dedication43:18 - What's Next for the Crimson Moth World44:13 - Vampires, Werewolves & Future Books45:59 - Final Thoughts & 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 Kristen CiccarelliInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenciccarelli/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenciccarelliFind her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/kristen-ciccarelli?id=875238864Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/authors/kristen-ciccarelliOff 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

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 - Introduction1:08 - What is Brooke obsessed with right now?2:35 - Brooke’s Teaching & Creator Career5:25 - Brooke and Connor Make A Podcast6:55 - Entering BookTok14:10 - Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It31:10 - FIRSTS Rapid Fire36:30 - Book Cover Design39:55 - Brooke’s Favourite Books46:00 - What’s Next?FOLLOW 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 Brooke AverickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookeaverick/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyefronFind her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/products/phoebe-bermans-gonna-lose-itFind her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Brooke%20Averick%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchallOff 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

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 - Introduction2:45 - Haley-Grace Growing Up6:30 - What People Misunderstand About Dyslexia10:58 - Content Creator Life19:30 - The Enemy of Time36:50 - The Book Cover Design41:30 - The Vampire Diaries 47:27 - What’s Next?FOLLOW 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 Haley-Grace McCormickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleygracemccormick/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haleygracemccormickFind her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/haley-grace-mccormick?id=855748417Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-enemy-of-time-haley-grace-mccormick/1147688428Off 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

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 - Introduction2:05 - Louisa’s Early Career8:00 - Signing on to Off Campus11:40 - Non-negotiables In The Adaptation 19:15 - What Louisa Changed From The Books23:35 - Elle Kennedy’s Role24:50 - SPOILERS!30:05 - Importance of the First Scene33:50 - Casting38:53 - Louisa’s Role in Creating The Show47:50 - The Future of Off Campus48:10 - SPOILERS!FOLLOW 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 Off CampusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/offcampusonprime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offcampusonprimeFind Off Campus books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/search?q=off-campus&lgcykwrd=off-campusFind Off Campus books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/series/off-campus-series/_/N-2xy6Off 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

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Jessica Cunsolo to talk about her journey from writing anonymously on Wattpad to becoming a published author. From gaining millions of reads in real time to balancing law school and a book deal, Jessica shares how it all started. Plus, we dive into her latest novel The Blind Date Agreement, her evolving writing process, and more!CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction1:41 - How Jessica Started Writing on Wattpad6:08 - Writing Anonymously7:30 - Writing as a Job vs a Hobby9:10 - She’s With Me10:58 - Blind Date Segment15:20 - The Blind Date Agreement21:25 - Jessica is an Artist23:00 - What Jessica is Writing 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 Jessica Cunsolo:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesscunsolo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jess.cunsoloFind her books at Indigo:https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/search?q=jessica%20cunsolo%20books&z=1Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Jessica%20Cunsolo%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchallOff 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

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Indigo romance buyer Kaitlynd Carmichael to break down what actually makes a romance book blow up. From BookTok’s influence to spotting trends before they hit, Kaitlynd shares how books go from shelf to sold out. They also dive into the rise of dark romance, slow burns, and why emotional love stories might be the next big trend, plus favourite reads and what to pick up if you’re new to romance.CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction1:00 - What Does a Romance Buyer at Indigo Do?4:55 - Behind The Scenes at Indigo When A Book Gets Popular9:40 - How Has Heated Rivalry Impacted Romance as a Whole?12:30 - How Much Does BookTok Influence What Sells?16:10 - How Has Romance Changed Over The Last 10 Years?18:42 - Romance Trends30:35 - Kaitlynd’s Top Books of 202536:00 - Indigo’s Book Boyfriend List38:30 - Kaitlynd’s Writing Journey40:25 - Most Exciting Upcoming ReleaseFOLLOW 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 Off 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

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Joey Kidney to talk about turning 30, becoming a dad, and what it means to grow up in public. They get into Joey’s early days on YouTube, how creating content became an outlet during some of his hardest years, and why connection still matters more to him than numbers. Plus, Joey opens up about writing Just Remember, his evolving relationship with reading, and why people don’t want to be fixed - they just want to feel seen. Then, they answer listener questions on breakups, adult friendships, feeling behind in life, and figuring things out as you go.CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction1:20 - Turning 302:30 - The Start of Joey’s Content Career13:25 - Joey Has Questions For Morgann15:30 - Joey’s Journey with Reading20:30 - Joey’s Writing a New Book24:30 - Writing Vows28:55 - What Is Joey a Fan Of Right Now?33:00 - Just Remember41:11 - Joey Gives Advice56:25 - What’s Next?FOLLOW 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 Joey Kidney:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeykidney/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joeykidneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JoeykidneyFind his books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/joey-kidney/Find his books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-remember-joey-kidney/1146888859Off 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

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Leanne Toshiko Simpson to talk about her novel Never Been Better and the deeply personal journey behind it. From living with bipolar disorder to navigating creativity, teaching, and storytelling, Leanne shares what it really looks like to build a life and career while managing mental health.CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction2:15 - Teaching Creative Writing at U of T6:00 - What Leanne Does Day to Day10:25 - Being Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder11:55 - What Do Books Get Wrong About Mental Health?17:22 - Favourite Mental Health Romances21:25 - Never Been Better32:10 - Writing The Ending of Never Been Better34:55 - CBC Canada Reads36:55 - 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 Leanne Toshiko Simpson:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leannetoshiko/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leannetoshikowritesFind her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/leanne-toshiko-simpson/Find her book at Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/never-been-better-leanne-toshiko-simpson/1143604639Pebbles and Company: https://www.pebblescompany.com/Off 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