Podcast
Book Craft
Hosted by Colleen Heidecker · EN
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.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Don't croak! Navigating author life when life is lemons
Feb 1400:14:35Tap to summarizeThis week on Bookcraft, I’m showing up a little under the weather—but still showing up. Croaky voice and all, I wanted to share a short, honest reflection on what it really looks like to learn a new craft in the bookish world.Whether it’s writing, podcasting, or building something new, the learning curve can feel steep and uncomfortable. In this episode, I’m talking about embracing that messy middle, finding joy in the challenges, and why the author community makes all the difference when you’re figuring things out. (Insert, I'm so grateful to my author friends with great suggestions!)I’m also sharing a few practical tips for navigating your own creative learning journey—setting realistic goals, celebrating small wins, and giving yourself permission to be a beginner. I feel like writing book 2 in my series has set me back a bit but that might just be me being sick.If you’ve been trying something new (and feeling a little wobbly about it), this episode is for you.P.S. While I strive to have episodes published every Thursday, my voice was terrible all week but I still wanted to show up and record. I'll be back to regularly scheduled podcast day next week.
Transcribe →Building a Literary Community: Creating Space for Readers and Writers
Feb 600:20:27Tap to summarizeThis 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
Transcribe →Unveiling the Life of a Paranormal Romance Author: Insights from Scarlett Morrow
Jan 2900:49:15Tap to summarizeIn 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.comhttps://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.
Transcribe →From Ashes to Art: Kim Germsheid's Poetry Journey
Jan 2200:31:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Book Craft, I’m joined by Canadian poet Kim Germsheid, author of A Collection of Ashes, for a heartfelt conversation about poetry, loss, and finding the courage to finally share your work.Kim has been writing poetry since childhood but always kept it private. Everything changed after a devastating house fire in 2022 destroyed her home—and all of her writing. That loss became the catalyst for publishing her first collection, transforming grief into something deeply resonant and powerful.We talk about the surprising ways poetry connects with readers, Kim’s unique approach to sharing her work at markets, the realities of self-publishing, and her upcoming second poetry collection.This episode is a beautiful reminder that writing the book is only a small part of the journey—and that sometimes, the work finds its readers exactly when it’s meant to.Find Kim on these platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mrs.eddie.vedder/Indigo Books https://tinyurl.com/vr524fd5Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BYRGZY8WChapters00:00 Introduction to Kim Germsheid01:00 The Journey to Writing Poetry03:10 Connecting with Readers Through Poetry07:51 The Role of Libraries in Accessibility11:51 Navigating Author Events16:27 The Challenges of Self-Publishing21:55 Upcoming Projects and Future Collections27:37 Book Trends and Personal Preferences
Transcribe →The Craft of Crowdfunding and Myth-making with Amanda Rautio
Jan 1500:47:32Tap to summarizeWhat 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
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Book Unhaul it
Jan 900:24:16Tap to summarizeIt's that time of year for many readers out there where they've got all the holiday books and no where to put them!Today I am talking about a book unhaul I just did but in a bit of a different way. What books I am unhauling are ones I never really wanted on my shelves.Take a listen to find out more and how some of the book unhauling I'm seeing online is problematic IMO.And, haven't bought a copy of my book yet? Well this is definitely a book you'll want to keep forever. Buy it online at any of these locations:https://tinyurl.com/2974wutsAmazon comhttps://tinyurl.com/276bs4jfAmazon cahttps://www.colleenheidecker.com/My website (hint, then you can get a signed copy!)
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