Off The Shelf with Morgann Book

Bookish Media
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Welcome to Off The Shelf – your backstage pass to the book world. Each week, Morgann Book (yes, that’s her actual last name) sits down with a guest to hear the story behind the stories they write– how an author crafts a romance that feels real, the unexpected quirks that shape their writing process, and the little details of their lives that spark inspiration. New episodes drop every Thursday—grab your tbr list and listen wherever you get your podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 9h ago ·  Video

    #58 Joss Richard: Why Romance Needs A Third Act Breakup

    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 & Welcome 00:39 Joss Weighs In On The Jeremiah vs. Conrad Debate 03:24 Why Authors Need A Life Outside Of Books 05:27 What Book Tour Is REALLY Like 07:14 Did Joss Expect It’s Different This Time To Blow Up? 08:49 Adam Harper POV  10:45 Romance Books On Canada Reads 12:16 The Story Behind Let’s Kiss And Tell 13:34 The How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days Inspiration 14:11 Is The Second Book Harder Than The First? 16:42 Joss’s Writing Process 18:28 Why Joss Wanted To Write Let’s Kiss And Tell 20:51 What Joss Learned From OnlyFans Creators 23:35 Therapy, Dirty Talk & Writing Spicy Scenes 25:06 Defending The Third Act Breakup 27:16 Is Miscommunication Actually A Bad Trope? 29:42 The Story Behind The Let’s Kiss And Tell Cover 31:07 The Kind Of Love Joss Wanted To Write About 32:07 Joss Teases Her Next Romance 32:58 We Surprise Joss With Her Favourite Thing 34:05 The Diet Coke vs. Coke Zero Debate FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannbook/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorgannBook  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook  Joss Richard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joss.richard/  Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/products/lets-kiss-and-tell-a-novel Find her books at Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/its-different-this-time-joss-richard/1146830426  Off The Shelf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast YouTube: 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  Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Sep 1 ·  Video

    #57 Lily Chu: How Audiobooks Have Changed Her Writing Process

    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 & Welcome 02:04 Finding Her Agent Through Twitter 04:11 The Challenges Of Being A Writer 05:50 The Journey From Auction To Audible 07:45 Editing Novels for Audio and Print 08:50 Swearing in Audiobooks 10:04 How Audiobooks Have Changed The Writing Process 12:00 Exploring The Audible New York Headquarters 13:03 Lily’s Writing Process 16:23 The Inspiration Behind  Just Kiss Already  17:46 Lily’s Archaeology Background Influence  20:00 Everyone Lily Interviewed  23:16 Collaborating With Phillipa Soo 24:30 Changing The Perspective Of Narration 28:13 Lily’s Involvement In Her Audiobooks 30:20 What Is Lily Writing Next?  31:48 Rapid Fire Audio Questions FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgannbook Instagram: 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/B09BG1FBVX Off The Shelf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheshelf.podcast/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast? YouTube: 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  Production Coordinator: Maggie Indovina Associate Post Producer and Editor: Ricki Biramontes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jul 30 ·  Video

    #56: Victoria S. Walsh Reveals What Everyone Gets Wrong About Writing Plus Size Heroines

    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 & Welcome 03:49 Dreaming of Becoming an Author 05:08 Childhood Stories & Supportive Parents 07:01 Why Competitiveness Led to YouTube 09:54 Quitting Her Corporate Job 14:21 The Story Behind The Iron Hex 16:40 Landing Her Dream Literary Agent 17:33 What The Iron Hex Is About 18:41 Planning an Entire Trilogy 20:11 Writing a Plus-Size Fantasy Heroine 23:51 The Decade-Long Yearning Romance 26:26 Memory Loss, Romance & Fantasy Tropes 27:38 The High School That Changed Everything 30:37 A Childhood Photo That Says It All 35:11 Why Pre-Ordering Books Matters So Much 41:42 Book Two, The Iron Oath & What's Next FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: 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. Walsh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriashaz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriashaz Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/victoria-s-walsh?id=804750921 Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?attributes.contributorId=32332325&contributorName=Victoria%20S.%20Walsh Off The Shelf Instagram: 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 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 for more information.

  4. Jul 23 ·  Video

    #55: How Taylor Swift Inspired Molly Fader's 'Lady X'

    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 & Welcome 02:38 Publishing Her First Book at 25 04:05 Toronto, Harlequin & Learning the Craft 04:37 The Cowgirl Phase 06:20 From Harlequin to Single-Title Books 08:52 The Pen Name Universe 12:34 How Many Books, Really? 17:00 The Suicide Squad Mystery 22:38 Introducing Lady X 24:29 The Spark Behind the Story 27:38 Writing Female Rage & Friendship 28:27 Plotter vs. Pantser 29:52 Researching 1977 New York City 31:18 Her Writing Space, Then and Now 32:24 A New Agent, After 25 Years 34:22 Selling Lady X & Canadian Rights 34:48 What She Wants Readers to Take Away 37:01 What's Next: 1980s Nashville 37:35 The Lightning Strike Feeling FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: 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 Fader Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyfaderauthor/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daydrinkingwithmolly Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/products/lady-x Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?attributes.contributorId=20010981&contributorName=Molly%20Fader Off The Shelf Instagram: 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 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 for more information.

  5. Jul 16 ·  Video

    #54: How the Lucky Adaptation Came to Life with Marissa Stapley

    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 & Welcome 00:35 - Why Marissa always knew she'd be a writer 03:25 - Her first novel that never made it to shelves 04:40 - How journalism shaped her writing career 06:02 - Ranking her wildest jobs (including cemetery gardener) 09:06 - Why she writes under multiple pen names 11:06 - How co-writing a novel actually works 12:44 - TV writing vs. novel writing 14:30 - The inspiration behind Lucky 17:06 - Creating Lucky Armstrong 20:22 - Writing Lucky while caring for her mom 22:30 - Becoming Reese's first Canadian Book Club pick 25:23 - Keeping the Reese's Book Club secret 27:56 - How the Apple TV+ adaptation came together 30:40 - Manifesting Anya Taylor-Joy as Lucky 35:04 - Visiting the set of Lucky 40:11 - The biggest changes from book to TV series 42:09 - Which episode Marissa can't stop thinking about 44:04 - What to expect from the Lucky sequel FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: 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 Stapley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissastapley/ Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/Marissa-Stapley Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?attributes.contributorId=16235074&contributorName=Marissa%20Stapley Off The Shelf Instagram: 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 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 for more information.

  6. Jul 9 ·  Video

    #53: How Pride and Prejudice Inspired 'Behind Five Willows' With June Hur

    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 & Welcome 01:14 Pride & Prejudice Started Everything 05:30 Growing Up Between Korea, Canada & the U.S. 08:23 Working at the Library & Favorite Books 10:07 15 Manuscripts, 100+ Rejections & Finding Her Voice 16:28 Why She Writes Korean Historical Fiction 18:11 Motherhood Changed Her Writing Career 21:36 Her Writing Process & Writing Korean on the Page 24:27 How Her Books Have Evolved 27:42 Where to Start Reading June Hur 28:18 Behind Five Willows Explained 31:15 Turning Pride & Prejudice Into a Romance 33:36 Book Bans, History & Why Stories Matter 35:23 Writing the Romance & Darcy Inspiration 37:03 A Love Letter to Librarians & Bookstores 39:09 What's Next for June Hur FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: 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 Hur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junehwrites TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@junehwrites Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/june-hur?id=883069940 Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?attributes.contributorId=20658423&contributorName=June%20Hur Off The Shelf Instagram: 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 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 for more information.

  7. Jun 25 ·  Video

    #52: Elle Kennedy Reveals Which Off Campus Character She Almost Killed Off

    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 & Welcome 02:35 Wanting to be an author at six years old 05:19 Selling her first book & publishing journey 08:41 How her writing process has evolved 12:41 Why The Deal was originally self-published 15:13 Creating Garrett, Hannah & the Briar universe 17:16 The original Off-Campus series plans 18:26 Tucker almost had a very different fate 21:07 Why Dean wasn't meant for Sabrina 24:34 Favourite scenes from the series 26:44 Which Off-Campus characters were easiest to write? 27:57 Expanding the Briar universe 30:45 Off-Campus character superlatives 32:14 Bringing Off-Campus to TV 34:43 Visiting the set & meeting the cast 39:22 Hidden Easter eggs & favourite filming moments 43:50 Season 2 teases 46:03 New YA thriller & returning to suspense 50:07 Outro FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: 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 Kennedy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellekennedyauthor/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellekennedyauthor Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/elle-kennedy?id=825593661 Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/authors/elle-kennedy Off The Shelf Instagram: 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 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 for more information.

    #52: Elle Kennedy Reveals Which Off Campus Character She Almost Killed Off

  8. Jun 18 ·  Video

    #51: Why Matt Haig Reads 1-Star Reviews of The Midnight Library

    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 Introduction 01:16 Why Matt Reads His Own 1-Star Reviews 04:06 Why Children Are Better Readers Than Adults 06:24 Trouble at School, Neurodiversity & Finding Writing 08:28 The Breakdown That Changed Everything 11:56 How Books Helped Him Survive Depression 14:05 Recovery, Rejection & Becoming an Author 17:40 The Purpose Behind Reasons to Stay Alive 20:17 Mental Health Advocacy & Writing Fiction 27:26 Conquering His Fear of Public Speaking 33:07 The Origin of The Midnight Library 35:12 Writing Nora's Many Alternate Lives 37:50 How Nora Seed Got Her Name 38:52 The Midnight Library Movie Adaptation 40:27 Florence Pugh as Nora & Behind the Scenes 44:30 Inside The Midnight Train 46:14 What Matt Wants Readers to Take Away 49:20 The Dream of Opening a Bookstore 51:24 What's Next FOLLOW US: Morgann Book TikTok: 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 Haig Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattzhaig/ Find his books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/matt-haig?id=811768428 Find his books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/authors/matt-haig Off The Shelf Instagram: 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 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 for more information.

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Welcome to Off The Shelf – your backstage pass to the book world. Each week, Morgann Book (yes, that’s her actual last name) sits down with a guest to hear the story behind the stories they write– how an author crafts a romance that feels real, the unexpected quirks that shape their writing process, and the little details of their lives that spark inspiration. New episodes drop every Thursday—grab your tbr list and listen wherever you get your podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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