#62 B.K. Borison: Why She Started Writing Supernatural Romance
Evaluation and Summary
Off The Shelf host Morgann Book interviews bestselling romance author B.K. Borison about her transition into supernatural romance with her new book Grim Tidings. The conversation spans Borison's self-publishing journey with Lovelight Farms, her love of romance classics like Heated Rivalry, and the upcoming First Time Callers adaptation. The core of the interview focuses on what inspired Grim Tidings: Borison's husband's career in palliative care, her decision to write a female grim reaper protagonist named Darcy, and how she approaches writing about death and the afterlife. The episode also touches on book cover design, the romance books that shaped Borison as a reader, and worldbuilding for the Department of Hauntings and Spirits universe. Borison discusses her craft choices, including the importance of opening lines, and teases upcoming projects. The interview is structured chronologically through her career milestones before diving into the new book's genesis and themes.
Verdict: A solid author interview with genuine insight into creative inspiration and a compelling hook (palliative care shaping supernatural romance), held back by some unfocused tangents and moderate depth.
Arts rubric
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Insight into the work 3/5 20%
Discussion covers the inspiration (husband's palliative care work) and character choices (female grim reaper), but show notes don't indicate deep craft analysis or thematic exploration beyond surface-level motivations.
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Expertise and access 4/5 20%
Morgann Book is a published author interviewing a bestselling peer; the host has clear credibility and direct access to Borison's creative process and career trajectory.
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Sparks curiosity 4/5 15%
The premise of a female grim reaper in a cozy romance, the palliative care connection, and mentions of a broader Department of Hauntings universe suggest intriguing worldbuilding that would prompt interest in the book.
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Substance 3/5 15%
Chapters suggest solid topical coverage (self-publishing, adaptation, supernatural inspiration, character development), but the 34-minute length with multiple tangents (fantasy football, Sleepless in Seattle) indicates some padding alongsid
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Delivers on its title 4/5 15%
Title promises insight into why Borison started writing supernatural romance; the episode directly addresses this through the palliative care inspiration and character motivation, though show notes suggest some digressions into her broader
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Value for time 3/5 15%
34 minutes with 13 chapters suggests reasonable pacing, but tangential segments (fantasy football, Sleepless in Seattle discussion) may dilute focus on the promised supernatural romance topic.
Worth it if you're a romance reader curious about B.K. Borison's work, interested in how real-life experiences shape fiction, or want to hear two published authors discuss craft and career.
Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.