Book Craft

Colleen Heidecker

Book Craft — Conversations from Every Side of the Story Book Craft is a podcast for readers, writers, and publishers who love the magic of books—from the first spark of an idea to the moment a story reaches a reader’s hands. Each episode brings together voices from every corner of the book world. Debut and bestselling authors talk craft, creativity, and the realities of publishing. Readers share what they love, how they read, and the questions they’ve always wanted to ask. Industry professionals offer insight into trends, book clubs, translations, and what really happens behind the scenes. However you love books, there’s a place for you here.

Выпуски

  1. -6 ДН.

    Building a Literary Community: Creating Space for Readers and Writers

    This week on Bookcraft, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of an interview, I’m sharing a solo episode about literary events, reader retreats, writing retreats, and why community has become such an important part of my creative life.I talk about my journey as a debut author and what it was like writing my first book largely on my own. I realized I needed a writing community, and this realization led me to start creating spaces for both writers and readers to come together. From focused writing retreats designed to help you actually get the work done, to reader weekends built around rest, connection, and the joy of reading without guilt, this episode is all about giving yourself permission to slow down.I also officially introduce The Reading Table, a slow, immersive, sensory literary experience I’ve been dreaming about for months. Centered around Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, this month-long experience blends reading with food, memory, culture, and identity — inviting readers to spend time with a book in a deeper, more intentional way.This episode is for readers, writers, food lovers, and anyone who’s craving meaningful creative connection. No matter how you enjoy books, there is a place for you here.Don't have my debut novel Undercurrents of Love yet? Order here:https://tinyurl.com/2974wutsAmazon comhttps://tinyurl.com/276bs4jfAmazon cahttps://www.colleenheidecker.com/My website

    20 мин.
  2. 29 ЯНВ.

    Unveiling the Life of a Paranormal Romance Author: Insights from Scarlett Morrow

    In this episode of Book Craft, host Colleen Heidecker sits down with Canadian paranormal romance author Scarlett Moro, and honestly? This conversation is a treat. Scarlett opens up about her ambitious publishing plans, her writing rituals (timers, cozy vibes, and dogs included ), and what it really looks like to balance creativity with the realities of marketing and self-publishing. We talk candidly about social media burnout, building a community of true super-fans, and why writing what you love matters more than chasing trends. We also dive into romance spice levels 🌶️, the importance of content warnings, Kindle Unlimited pros and cons, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of platforms like Ingram. Scarlett shares thoughtful insights on local bookstores, in-person events, and how meaningful reader connections can be just as powerful as big online reach. Whether you’re a romance reader, an indie author, or someone curious about the modern publishing landscape, this episode is packed with honesty, encouragement, and practical wisdom. 📚 About Scarlett MoroScarlett Moro is a Canadian author of paranormal romance known for emotionally rich stories, strong characters, and unapologetic passion for the genres she loves. When she’s not writing, she’s learning the ever-evolving world of self-publishing, connecting with readers, and building a career on her own terms. 👉 Learn more about Scarlett and her books: scarlettmoro.com https://www.instagram.com/authorscarlettmoro/ 🎧 Listen in for conversations about:• Writing routines & creative discipline• Marketing struggles authors don’t talk about enough• Romance spice levels & reader expectations• Community-building over chasing algorithms• Self-publishing realities (KU, Ingram & beyond) If you love honest author conversations and behind-the-scenes book talk, this episode is for you.

    49 мин.
  3. 15 ЯНВ.

    The Craft of Crowdfunding and Myth-making with Amanda Rautio

    What does it really take to run a successful Kickstarter as an indie author—and live to tell the tale? 😅In this episode of Book Craft, I’m joined by author Amanda Rautio, who just wrapped up her first-ever Kickstarter campaign (and exceeded her goal ). We dig into the realities of crowdfunding, from managing expectations and print runs to why Kickstarter has become such a powerful tool for indie authors.Amanda also shares how her academic background in classical history shaped her novel, The Tale of Kore, her approach to writing fantasy rooted in Greek mythology, and why deep research is just as important as inspiration when it comes to rich, immersive storytelling. We talk in-person events, book marketing, the many hats of self-publishing, and the pros and cons of platforms like IngramSpark and Amazon—no sugarcoating here.Plus, we peek ahead at what’s next for Amanda, including a delightfully dark new project set in a metaphysical circus.If you’re curious about Kickstarter, indie publishing, fantasy worldbuilding, or building a loyal readership one book (and one event) at a time, this episode is packed with insight—and a few honest laughs along the way.Where to find Amanda:https://www.themythosmith.ca/https://www.instagram.com/themythosmith/Takeaways*Amanda Rautio successfully completed her first Kickstarter campaign, exceeding her goals.*Crowdfunding is a vital tool for indie authors to manage print runs and pre-orders.*In-person events help build recognition and a loyal readership.*Research is crucial for Amanda's writing, especially in Greek mythology.*The Tale of Kore was inspired by Amanda's academic background in classical history.*Amanda emphasizes the importance of managing expectations during crowdfunding campaigns.*Self-publishing requires wearing many hats, including marketing and distribution.*Ingram Spark presents challenges for indie authors, similar to Amazon.*Amanda's writing process involves a mix of inspiration and extensive research.*Future projects include a dark fantasy set in a metaphysical circus.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Amanda Rautio and Her Journey02:57 Kickstarter Campaign Insights05:58 Managing Expectations in Crowdfunding09:08 In-Person Events and Community Engagement11:59 Research and Inspiration for Writing14:59 Exploring Greek Mythology in Writing17:59 The Rise of Haduwas: A New Adventure21:02 Writing Process and Research Methodology25:59 The Underworld Journey and Absurd Rituals28:52 Easter Eggs and Reader Engagement30:00 Series Structure and Future Works31:00 Exploring New Dark Fantasy Concepts32:35 The Challenges of Self-Publishing34:34 Finding the Right Editor36:37 Navigating the Publishing Landscape39:16 In-Person Sales and Market Strategies

    48 мин.
  4. 31.12.2025

    2026 Reading Intentions and Publishing Goals

    Episode OverviewIn today’s episode of Book Craft, I’m chatting all about reading goals, publishing dreams, and why your reading life should actually feel good — not like another thing on your to-do list. I’m sharing how I’m approaching reading this year (spoiler: flexibility is the name of the game), how audiobooks have quietly become my secret weapon, and how I’m balancing all of that with writing, publishing, and planning some very exciting things behind the scenes. I also talk about my upcoming publishing goals — including the next book in The Lagoon Chronicles, book signings, and an immersive literary event that brings together all the things I love most: stories, atmosphere, food, and experience. This episode is a gentle nudge to reflect on your reading and creative goals — and to release anything that feels heavy, rigid, or joy-stealing. Because however you love books… there’s room for that here. What We Talk AboutWhy reading goals can be inspiring… or wildly demoralizing (and how to tell which camp you’re in)Permission to change your reading goals mid-year — or mid-monthHow audiobooks have completely changed the way I readWhy I’m focusing on three books big books for deeper, more intentional readingThe underrated magic of DNF-ing books that aren’t working for youA peek at my immersive literary event (it’s going to be special)Publishing goals for my upcoming Lagoon Chronicles booksWhy book signings are incredibly meaningfulHow tools like StoryGraph can support — not pressure — your reading lifeCreating a reading rhythm that fits you, not the internet💭 TakeawayYour reading life doesn’t need to be optimized, gamified, or impressive — it just needs to be yours. Make it cozy. Make it flexible. Make it joyful. MY BOOK And, if you haven't picked up a copy of my book yet, Undercurrents of Love, here's the links to get your very own copy! https://tinyurl.com/2974wuts Amazon com https://tinyurl.com/276bs4jf Amazon ca https://www.colleenheidecker.com/ My website (hint, then you can get a signed copy!)

    22 мин.

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Book Craft — Conversations from Every Side of the Story Book Craft is a podcast for readers, writers, and publishers who love the magic of books—from the first spark of an idea to the moment a story reaches a reader’s hands. Each episode brings together voices from every corner of the book world. Debut and bestselling authors talk craft, creativity, and the realities of publishing. Readers share what they love, how they read, and the questions they’ve always wanted to ask. Industry professionals offer insight into trends, book clubs, translations, and what really happens behind the scenes. However you love books, there’s a place for you here.