Off The Shelf with Morgann Book

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Matt Haig, bestselling author of The Midnight Library, The Midnight Train, and Reasons to Stay Alive. Matt opens up about the mental health crisis that changed the course of his life, how writing became part of his recovery, and why The Midnight Library was the most freeing book he's ever written. We also discuss the upcoming film adaptation starring Florence Pugh, the inspiration behind Nora Seed, social media, AI, creativity, and what he hopes readers take away from The Midnight Train.CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction01:16 Why Matt Reads His Own 1-Star Reviews04:06 Why Children Are Better Readers Than Adults06:24 Trouble at School, Neurodiversity & Finding Writing08:28 The Breakdown That Changed Everything11:56 How Books Helped Him Survive Depression14:05 Recovery, Rejection & Becoming an Author17:40 The Purpose Behind Reasons to Stay Alive20:17 Mental Health Advocacy & Writing Fiction27:26 Conquering His Fear of Public Speaking33:07 The Origin of The Midnight Library35:12 Writing Nora's Many Alternate Lives37:50 How Nora Seed Got Her Name38:52 The Midnight Library Movie Adaptation40:27 Florence Pugh as Nora & Behind the Scenes44:30 Inside The Midnight Train46:14 What Matt Wants Readers to Take Away49:20 The Dream of Opening a Bookstore51:24 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 Matt HaigInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattzhaig/Find his books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/matt-haig?id=811768428Find his books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/authors/matt-haigOff 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 bestselling author Lauren Kate to talk about the teacher who inspired her to keep writing, the 76 rejection letters she still has, and how Fallen became a global phenomenon. Plus, Lauren shares the latest on the Fallen TV series and why she returned to the world of angels with her newest novel, White Lights.CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction01:04 International Emmy & The Fallen Legacy02:04 Ballet, Books & Growing Up Creative04:12 The Teacher Who Changed Everything10:12 Discovering Writing in College13:08 76 Rejection Letters Before Success16:11 The Call That Changed Her Life17:52 Working at HarperCollins19:54 The Origins of Fallen23:14 Building Luce, Daniel & Cam30:44 The Fallen Movie Adaptation36:54 Bringing Fallen to Television40:04 Inside Lauren Kate's New Fantasy, White Lights42:53 Why She Returned to Angels After Rom-Coms46:06 Easter Eggs, Book Two & What's Next49:15 The Lasting Impact of Fallen Readers50:16 OutroFOLLOW 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 Lauren KateInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenkatebooksTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenkatebooksFind her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/lauren-kate?id=889940567Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/series/lauren-kates-fallen-seriesOff 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 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 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 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 - Introduction1:00 - Pole Fitness3:00 - Kandi’s First Writing Job6:00 - Writing Her First Book & The Start of Her Career11:05 - A Day in the Life of Kandi12:35 - A Love Letter to Whiskey23:00 - Love Overboard38:30 - Actors Acting Out Scenes from the Book41:22 - 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 Kandi SteinerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteinerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorkandisteinerFind her books at Indigo: 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+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 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