#33: Folklore, Fairytales & Fantasy with Imani Erriu

Feb 5, 2026

48:35

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This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with fantasy author Imani Erriu to talk folklore, fairytales, and the creation of her celestial universe. Imani shares how growing up in the English countryside shaped her imagination, the moment Heavenly Bodies first formed, and how TikTok helped launch her story to a wider audience.

We chat about her shift from indie to traditional publishing, the evolution of her writing process, the collaborative work behind her maps and covers, and what readers can expect from Holy Monsters and the expanding five-book saga.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Introduction

2:07 - Early life & Growing Up

6:04 - How Imani Started Writing Heavenly Bodies

10:40 - How Imani Came Up With The Names of the Characters

12:32 - How Mythology Influenced Her Writing

14:50 - Creating The Map

16:05 - Indie Publishing to Traditional Publishing

18:23 - Imani’s TikTok Account

25:32 - Writing Career Timeline

20:20 - Olivia Rose Darling

32:25 - Book Covers