Following Breadcrumbs to Magical Worlds with Guest April Henley Episode 4

April Henley on Discovery Writing, a Merlin Cozy Fantasy Coloring Novel, and Following Breadcrumbs

Dani & Bri interview Texas fantasy author April Henley about meeting them at the Texas Booksta Network event in Waco and her path to publishing. Henley describes wanting to be an author since 16, earning Baylor’s professional writing degree, and finishing her debut cozy medieval fantasy Treasures in a Bottle (published December 2023) using “discovery writing” influenced by Stephen King’s IT and On Writing. The novel follows Merlin 100 years after King Arthur as he tries to prevent magical creatures from fading as humans forget them; it uniquely includes 50 illustrations designed as a “novel coloring book” with illustrator Brian Brinlee. She discusses self-publishing responsibilities, events and travel including Northern Ireland and Tintagel, ren faires and cosplay, and support from Texas Renaissance Festival contacts who helped her publish and led to a Tavern Masters game tie-in. Henley also shares her father’s death in 2021, plans for a memoir about losing her horse Tommy, and plugs a Feel Good Workbook sponsor.

00:00 Guilt and Loss

01:07 Full Circle Podcast Intro

02:06 Why Waco and Baylor

03:05 Becoming a Writer

05:38 Finishing the First Novel

07:26 Discovery Writing Method

13:03 Saying Goodbye to Characters

15:38 AI and the Human Soul

17:03 Merlin Fantasy Plot

18:35 Coloring Novel Origins

21:47 Book Tours and Festivals

25:26 Self Publishing Hustle

28:54 Parents and Creativity

32:34 Dad’s Passing and Dedication

35:32 Feel Good Workbook Ad

37:06 Ren Fest and Cosplay

38:25 Cosplay Favorites

39:25 Ren Fair Creativity

40:56 Hobgoblins Nightlight

42:53 Finding Story Sparks

44:04 Ren Fair Connections

46:25 Merlin Card Game

48:47 Memoir of Tommy

51:14 Pet Loss Stories

56:52 Flour Hour Hot Takes

59:54 Where to Find April

01:02:54 Bloopers and Outtakes

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Dr. Kel who offers an amazing course, Are You in Alignment with Your Dreams? And a great workbook, The Feel Good Workbook. Our listeners get 10% off! Use code breadcrumbs10 at checkout here. https://linktr.ee/Dr.kelley

This is an affiliate endorsement: we receive a commission if you purchase using our link & code.

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