EPISODE · Mar 11, 2026 · 1H 8M
Following Breadcrumbs to Magical Worlds with Guest April Henley Episode 4
from The Breadcrumb Effect Podcast · host hellobew
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. New episodes out every Wednesday! Watch all videos on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok! Where's Waldough? Did you find the hidden loaf? Post and tag us on socials! Want to be a guest? Fill out our Guest Interest Form! If you loved what you heard, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a review. This really helps us out as we get started and helps us know what great content to continue generating for each of you. In the meantime, go follow your breadcrumbs!
What this episode covers
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. New episodes out every Wednesday! Watch all videos on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok! Where’s Waldough? Did you find the hidden loaf? Post and tag us on socials! Want to be a guest? Fill out our Guest Interest Form! If you loved what you heard, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a review. This really helps us out as we get started and helps us know what great content to continue generating for each of you. In the meantime, go follow your breadcrumbs!
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Following Breadcrumbs to Magical Worlds with Guest April Henley Episode 4
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