Off The Shelf with Morgann Book

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

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

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

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

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with author Molly Fader, who's written more than 50 books under various pen names - including one that made its way into Suicide Squad. They talk about her latest release, Lady X, a vigilante girl gang story set in 1977 New York City that was partly sparked by Taylor Swift's "Vigilante Shit." Molly opens up about switching literary agents after 25 years, the research that shaped the book, and what keeps her chasing that "lightning strike" feeling after six decades' worth of stories.CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Welcome02:38 Publishing Her First Book at 2504:05 Toronto, Harlequin & Learning the Craft04:37 The Cowgirl Phase06:20 From Harlequin to Single-Title Books08:52 The Pen Name Universe12:34 How Many Books, Really?17:00 The Suicide Squad Mystery22:38 Introducing Lady X24:29 The Spark Behind the Story27:38 Writing Female Rage & Friendship28:27 Plotter vs. Pantser29:52 Researching 1977 New York City31:18 Her Writing Space, Then and Now32:24 A New Agent, After 25 Years34:22 Selling Lady X & Canadian Rights34:48 What She Wants Readers to Take Away37:01 What's Next: 1980s Nashville37:35 The Lightning Strike FeelingFOLLOW 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 Molly FaderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyfaderauthor/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daydrinkingwithmollyFind her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/products/lady-xFind her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?attributes.contributorId=20010981&contributorName=Molly%20FaderOff 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 Canadian author Marissa Stapley, whose novel Lucky became Reese's Book Club's first-ever Canadian pick and is now being adapted into an Apple TV+ series starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Drew Starkey, and Annette Bening. Marissa shares the heartbreaking story behind writing Lucky while caring for her mom, how Reese Witherspoon discovered the book, what it was really like keeping the Reese's Book Club secret, and why she always pictured Anya Taylor-Joy as Lucky. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Welcome00:35 - Why Marissa always knew she'd be a writer03:25 - Her first novel that never made it to shelves04:40 - How journalism shaped her writing career06:02 - Ranking her wildest jobs (including cemetery gardener)09:06 - Why she writes under multiple pen names11:06 - How co-writing a novel actually works12:44 - TV writing vs. novel writing14:30 - The inspiration behind Lucky17:06 - Creating Lucky Armstrong20:22 - Writing Lucky while caring for her mom22:30 - Becoming Reese's first Canadian Book Club pick25:23 - Keeping the Reese's Book Club secret27:56 - How the Apple TV+ adaptation came together30:40 - Manifesting Anya Taylor-Joy as Lucky35:04 - Visiting the set of Lucky40:11 - The biggest changes from book to TV series42:09 - Which episode Marissa can't stop thinking about44:04 - What to expect from the Lucky sequelFOLLOW 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 Marissa StapleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissastapley/Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/Marissa-StapleyFind her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?attributes.contributorId=16235074&contributorName=Marissa%20StapleyOff 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 June Hur to discuss her journey from writing Pride & Prejudice fanfiction to publishing Behind Five Willows. They chat about countless rejections, finding her voice as a writer, the inspiration behind her latest novel, Korean history, libraries, and why she chose to slow down her publishing schedule.CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Welcome01:14 Pride & Prejudice Started Everything05:30 Growing Up Between Korea, Canada & the U.S.08:23 Working at the Library & Favorite Books10:07 15 Manuscripts, 100+ Rejections & Finding Her Voice16:28 Why She Writes Korean Historical Fiction18:11 Motherhood Changed Her Writing Career21:36 Her Writing Process & Writing Korean on the Page24:27 How Her Books Have Evolved27:42 Where to Start Reading June Hur28:18 Behind Five Willows Explained31:15 Turning Pride & Prejudice Into a Romance33:36 Book Bans, History & Why Stories Matter35:23 Writing the Romance & Darcy Inspiration37:03 A Love Letter to Librarians & Bookstores39:09 What's Next for June HurFOLLOW 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 June HurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/junehwritesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@junehwritesFind her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/june-hur?id=883069940Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?attributes.contributorId=20658423&contributorName=June%20HurOff 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 Elle Kennedy, the writer behind the beloved Off Campus books. Elle shares how she knew she wanted to be an author at just six years old, what it felt like selling her first novel, and why she almost never self-published The Deal. They also dive into the biggest behind-the-scenes secrets from the Off-Campus series, including the original plans for Tucker, why Dean almost ended up with someone else, what it was like visiting the set of the TV adaptation, and more!CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Welcome02:35 Wanting to be an author at six years old05:19 Selling her first book & publishing journey08:41 How her writing process has evolved12:41 Why The Deal was originally self-published15:13 Creating Garrett, Hannah & the Briar universe17:16 The original Off-Campus series plans18:26 Tucker almost had a very different fate21:07 Why Dean wasn't meant for Sabrina24:34 Favourite scenes from the series26:44 Which Off-Campus characters were easiest to write?27:57 Expanding the Briar universe30:45 Off-Campus character superlatives32:14 Bringing Off-Campus to TV34:43 Visiting the set & meeting the cast39:22 Hidden Easter eggs & favourite filming moments43:50 Season 2 teases46:03 New YA thriller & returning to suspense50:07 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 Elle KennedyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellekennedyauthor/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellekennedyauthorFind her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/elle-kennedy?id=825593661Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/authors/elle-kennedyOff 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