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 Introduction

01:04 International Emmy & The Fallen Legacy

02:04 Ballet, Books & Growing Up Creative

04:12 The Teacher Who Changed Everything

10:12 Discovering Writing in College

13:08 76 Rejection Letters Before Success

16:11 The Call That Changed Her Life

17:52 Working at HarperCollins

19:54 The Origins of Fallen

23:14 Building Luce, Daniel & Cam

30:44 The Fallen Movie Adaptation

36:54 Bringing Fallen to Television

40:04 Inside Lauren Kate's New Fantasy, White Lights

42:53 Why She Returned to Angels After Rom-Coms

46:06 Easter Eggs, Book Two & What's Next

49:15 The Lasting Impact of Fallen Readers

50:16 Outro

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Lauren Kate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenkatebooks

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Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/lauren-kate?id=889940567

Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/series/lauren-kates-fallen-series

Off The Shelf

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offtheshelf.podcast?lang=en 

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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.

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 - Introduction

1:19 - The Real Story Behind Rebel Witch

2:43 - Writing Fantasy as a Kid

9:13 - Life Before Publishing

12:12 - The Writing Shed

15:00 - Kristen's Writing Process

18:18 - The Inspiration for Heartless Hunter

23:33 - Creating Rune & Gideon

29:06 - Writing the Book She Wanted to Write

31:19 - The BookTok Success of Heartless Hunter

34:10 - Heartless Hunter vs The Crimson Moth

36:02 - Writing on an AlphaSmart Neo

42:02 - The Meaning Behind the Dedication

43:18 - What's Next for the Crimson Moth World

44:13 - Vampires, Werewolves & Future Books

45:59 - Final Thoughts & What's Next

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Kristen Ciccarelli

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenciccarelli/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenciccarelli

Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/kristen-ciccarelli?id=875238864

Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/authors/kristen-ciccarelli

Off The Shelf

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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.

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 - Introduction

1:08 - What is Brooke obsessed with right now?

2:35 - Brooke’s Teaching & Creator Career

5:25 - Brooke and Connor Make A Podcast

6:55 - Entering BookTok

14:10 - Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It

31:10 - FIRSTS Rapid Fire

36:30 - Book Cover Design

39:55 - Brooke’s Favourite Books

46:00 - What’s Next?

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Brooke Averick

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookeaverick/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyefron

Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/products/phoebe-bermans-gonna-lose-it

Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Brooke%20Averick%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall

Off The Shelf

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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.

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 - Introduction

2:45 - Haley-Grace Growing Up

6:30 - What People Misunderstand About Dyslexia

10:58 - Content Creator Life

19:30 - The Enemy of Time

36:50 - The Book Cover Design

41:30 - The Vampire Diaries 

47:27 - What’s Next?

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Haley-Grace McCormick

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleygracemccormick/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haleygracemccormick

Find her books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/pages/contributor/haley-grace-mccormick?id=855748417

Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-enemy-of-time-haley-grace-mccormick/1147688428

Off The Shelf

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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.

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 - Introduction

2:05 - Louisa’s Early Career

8:00 - Signing on to Off Campus

11:40 - Non-negotiables In The Adaptation 

19:15 - What Louisa Changed From The Books

23:35 - Elle Kennedy’s Role

24:50 - SPOILERS!

30:05 - Importance of the First Scene

33:50 - Casting

38:53 - Louisa’s Role in Creating The Show

47:50 - The Future of Off Campus

48:10 - SPOILERS!

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Off Campus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offcampusonprime/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offcampusonprime

Find Off Campus books at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/search?q=off-campus&lgcykwrd=off-campus

Find Off Campus books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/series/off-campus-series/_/N-2xy6

Off The Shelf

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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.

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 - Introduction

1:00 - Pole Fitness

3:00 - Kandi’s First Writing Job

6:00 - Writing Her First Book & The Start of Her Career

11:05 - A Day in the Life of Kandi

12:35 - A Love Letter to Whiskey

23:00 - Love Overboard

38:30 - Actors Acting Out Scenes from the Book

41:22 - What’s Next?

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Kandi Steiner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner

Find 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+matchall

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.

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 - Introduction

1:41 - How Jessica Started Writing on Wattpad

6:08 - Writing Anonymously

7:30 - Writing as a Job vs a Hobby

9:10 - She’s With Me

10:58 - Blind Date Segment

15:20 - The Blind Date Agreement

21:25 - Jessica is an Artist

23:00 - What Jessica is Writing Next

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Jessica Cunsolo:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesscunsolo/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jess.cunsolo

Find her books at Indigo:https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/search?q=jessica%20cunsolo%20books&z=1

Find her books at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Jessica%20Cunsolo%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall

Off The Shelf

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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.

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 - Introduction

1:00 - What Does a Romance Buyer at Indigo Do?

4:55 - Behind The Scenes at Indigo When A Book Gets Popular

9:40 - 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 Trends

30:35 - Kaitlynd’s Top Books of 2025

36:00 - Indigo’s Book Boyfriend List

38:30 - Kaitlynd’s Writing Journey

40:25 - Most Exciting Upcoming Release

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook 

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.

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 - Introduction

1:20 - Turning 30

2:30 - The Start of Joey’s Content Career

13:25 - Joey Has Questions For Morgann

15:30 - Joey’s Journey with Reading

20:30 - Joey’s Writing a New Book

24:30 - Writing Vows

28:55 - What Is Joey a Fan Of Right Now?

33:00 - Just Remember

41:11 - Joey Gives Advice

56:25 - What’s Next?

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Joey Kidney:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeykidney/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joeykidney

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Joeykidney

Find 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/1146888859

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.

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 - Introduction

2:15 - Teaching Creative Writing at U of T

6:00 - What Leanne Does Day to Day

10:25 - Being Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

11:55 - What Do Books Get Wrong About Mental Health?

17:22 - Favourite Mental Health Romances

21:25 - Never Been Better

32:10 - Writing The Ending of Never Been Better

34:55 - CBC Canada Reads

36:55 - What’s Next

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/morgannbook 

Leanne Toshiko Simpson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leannetoshiko/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leannetoshikowrites

Find 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/1143604639

Pebbles and Company: https://www.pebblescompany.com/

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.