Explore every episode of the podcast Into the FOLD: A Books and Lit Fest Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 1: Get Into the Podcast | 18 Nov 2024 | 00:57:05 | |
In this inaugural episode of the podcast, Jael and Lin talk about a decade of change--in the publishing industry and in the FOLD. Special guest: Ardo Omer, FOLD's Kids Program Coordinator Top Shelf Books:
This episode is sponsored by Sheridan College’s Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing and Publishing, a four-year degree that prepares students for a career in both writing and publishing. Visit SheridanCollege.ca for more information. If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donating at TheFoldCanada.org/Donate. Podcast Page: TheFoldCanada.org/IntoTheFold
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| Ep 2: Get Into Programming | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:54:52 | |
In this episode, Jael and Lin talk about how author are invited to participate in the festival. Special Guest: Amanda Leduc, Author and Disability Rights Advocate. Former Communications Coordinator at the FOLD. Top Shelf Books:
This episode is sponsored by Sheridan College’s Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing and Publishing, a four-year degree that prepares students for a career in both writing and publishing. Visit SheridanCollege.ca for more information. If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donating at TheFoldCanada.org/Donate. Podcast Page: TheFoldCanada.org/IntoTheFold
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| Ep 6: Get Into Mental Health | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:37:20 | |
As we get closer to the 10th annual Festival of Literary Diversity, the FOLD team talks about what we're excited about, what we're nervous about, and how we're managing our mental health.The 2025 Festival of Literary Diversity runs from April 27 - May 4, 2025. Virtual events take place from April 27-30. In-person events take place from May 1-4 in downtown Brampton, ON. For virtual festival passes, visit fold2025.vfairs.comFor in-person festival passes and tickets, visit fold2025.eventbrite.caShop FOLD Apparel: fold-apparel.myshopify.com/Podcast Page: TheFoldCanada.org/IntoTheFoldWebsite: TheFoldCanada.orgInstagram: @the_foldFacebook: @FestivalOfLiteraryDiversityX: @TheFOLD_ | |||
| Ep 5: Get Into Event Planning | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:47:40 | |
Episode 5 of Into the FOLD is all about virtual versus in-person events. One silver lining of the global pandemic is the shift into virtual programming, and the FOLD is committed to continuing offering virtual events. Watch this episode to learn why virtual programming is so important to the mission of the FOLD.Ardo Omer, the FOLD's Kids Program Coordinator, joins Jael and Lin to talk about the unique opportunities virtual events can present to students and kidlit authors.Ardo's Top Shelf Books:- River Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta- Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline- Babel by R.F. Kuang Shop FOLD Apparel: https://fold-apparel.myshopify.com/Podcast Page: TheFoldCanada.org/IntoTheFoldWebsite: TheFoldCanada.orgInstagram: @the_foldFacebook: @FestivalOfLiteraryDiversityX: @TheFOLD_ | |||
| Ep 4: Get Into Finances | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:47:36 | |
In episode 4 of Into the FOLD, Jael and Lin dive into finances! Learn about the nitty gritty of financing a literary festival in Canada, including some uncomfortable truths about money. Sam Clarke, the FOLD's Volunteer and Audience Engagement Coordinator, joins Jael and Lin with helpful tips for other arts organizations looking for funding. Sam's Top Shelf Books:
Podcast Page: TheFoldCanada.org/IntoTheFold Website: TheFoldCanada.org Instagram: @the_fold Facebook: @FestivalOfLiteraryDiversity X: @TheFOLD_ | |||
| Ep 3: Get Into Tough Topics | 10 Jan 2025 | 00:33:44 | |
Back in November, the FOLD team read 21 Thing You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph. This bonus episode of Into the FOLD is our discussion of the book, the thoughts and questions it raised, and how it has added to our understanding of Indigenous relations. As a note, we acknowledge that none of us on the team are Indigenous, and so we've to come to this book and this topic with a spirit of learning. We may get things wrong or say things out of ignorance, though that is not our intention. We welcome comments and feedback from our Indigenous listeners and hope that we can engage in conversation with grace. Thank you. Podcast Page: TheFoldCanada.org/IntoTheFold | |||
| S2E1: Get Into Publishing | 05 Aug 2025 | 01:00:45 | |
Welcome to Season 2 of Into the FOLD! This season Jael Richardson and Hudson Lin are back with honest conversations about the book and publishing industry. In episode 1, Jael & Lin tackle the truth behind author marketing--authors have to do it themselves. They both share their "welcome to publishing" moments and explore some of the differences between trad and indie publishing. Into the FOLD's new Ask Me Anything segment answers questions submitted by listeners about marketing.
Jael & Lin's Top 3 Tips for Marketing:
If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity | |||
| Ep 7: Get Into the Festival | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:44:24 | |
One month after the 10th annual Festival of Literary Diversity, Jael and Lin reconvene to debrief about how it went. Our favourite moments, some behind the scenes drama, and what we're looking forward to in the future. Shop FOLD Apparel: https://fold-apparel.myshopify.com/Podcast Page: thefoldcanada.org/intothefoldWebsite: thefoldcanada.orgInstagram: @the_foldFacebook: @FestivalOfLiteraryDiversityX: @TheFOLD_ | |||
| S2E9: Get Into Romance Novels | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:46:15 | |
February is the month of romance at FOLD! In this episode, romance author Farah Heron joins Jael and Lin to talk about romance novels and spice levels. FOLD's February Reading Challenge is romance by a queer male author. Read our book recommendations at thefoldcanada.org/readingchallenge2026. Track your reading on Beanstack! Visit thefoldcanada.org/foldreads to learn how to join our online reading community. About Farah Heron Farah Heron is a critically acclaimed author of romantic comedies for adults and teens. Her books have been named best book of the year by CBC books, USA Today, and NPR. She writes romantic comedies and young adult romances full of huge South Asian families, delectable food, and most importantly, brown people falling stupidly in love. Her books include Accidentally Engaged, Jana Goes Wild, and A Little Holiday Fling. She lives in Toronto with her family and her cats. (https://farahheron.com/) Jael, Lin & Farah's Tips for Writing Spicy Scenes: 1. Understand the purpose of your spicy scenes. Do you want to further the plot or character development? Is it only meant to be titillating? Make sure you write to that purpose. 2. Make sure the characters have an emotional bond on the page that correspond to their physical actions. Don't only describe the physical activity, also show what the characters are feeling in the moment. 3. Make sure the writing is good and appropriate for what the purpose of the scene is. If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity | |||
| S2E8: Get Into New Year's Resolutions | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:45:18 | |
New Year, New Reading Challenges! Jael and Lin talk about how difficult it can be to make and keep new year resolutions, including reading challenges. But here at FOLD, we want to make reading as easy and enjoyable as possible! Join us on Beanstack where there are multiple reading challenges to meet the needs of every reader. Visit thefoldcanada.org/foldreads to learn more! Jael & Lin's Tips for Keeping New Year's Resolutions: 1. Instead of making a resolution intended to last the whole year, set a goal for one month. The shorter time period makes it easier to stick to the resolution and you can re-evaluate after. 2. Don't give up if you don't meet your goal. If you miss a day, just start again the next day. Just keep trying. 3. Make your resolution a mindset or attitude that you want to guide your year. Put it on a sticky note where you'll see it every day. 4. Understand your why. Why is this a goal you want to pursue? Understand the reason behind the goal will help keep you motivated. If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity | |||
| S2E7: Get Into Book Influencing | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:53:50 | |
Book marketing and the way readers choose new books has changed significantly in the last decade. Social media has created more personalized streams to find new authors, with many book influencers taking a hobby and a love of reading and turning it into a full-fledged business. On today’s episode of Into the FOLD, Jael, Lin and Jessica Rampersad talk about how to break into the exciting but sometimes intimidating world of social media book influencing, both as a prospective influencer and as an author. Jess’s Tips for Breaking Into the Book Influencing World:
If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity | |||
| S2 Bonus: Get Into Gift Giving | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:43:43 | |
How many shopping days are left until Christmas? At this time of year, it feels like everyone from big box book stores to indie authors selling books from their living room is promoting a sale. But how do you know which book to choose for your loved ones? And are books even a good gift to give? On today’s episode of Into the FOLD, Jael, Lin, and FOLD’s Kids Program Coordinator Ardo Omer talk about why holiday gift giving can be a joy and a struggle. While they love books, they agree books may not always be the right gift for everyone on your shopping list. Jael, Lin & Ardo's Gift Giving Suggestions for 2025:Books
Other Gifts
If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donation at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefoldWebsite: https://www.thefoldcanada.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_foldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity | |||
| S2E6: Get Into the Future of Festivals | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:51:59 | |
Literary festivals are in a crisis moment right now. Funding is drying up, readers are tightening their budgets, and with new festivals and book cons popping up, the money that is still available is being spread thinner than ever. On today’s episode of Into the FOLD, Jael and Lin look at what goes on behind the scenes in planning a literary festival, how to organize and program with longevity in mind, and what you need to remember when interacting with other literary festivals in your niche or geographic area. Jael & Lin's Top 3 Tips for Lit Fest Organizers: 1. Make sure you’re programming with purpose, not just “because that’s how we’ve always done it.” 2. If you’re starting a new festival, understand what your mission is and be open and honest about it. 3. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other festivals and events about possible collaboration and joint learning opportunities. If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity | |||
| S2E5: Get into Book Conventions | 28 Oct 2025 | 01:00:04 | |
Jael and Lin pit literary festivals against book conventions, with this episode's guest, Melissa Saavedra, founder of Steamy Lit Con. We talk about the difference between literary festivals and book conventions, some of the challenges we face as organizers, and what lessons we can learn from each other. About Melissa Saavedra Melissa Saavedra (she/her) is the founder of Steamy Lit, a romance literary collective dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and celebrating self-love through storytelling. Melissa launched Steamy Lit in 2021 with the debut of The Steam Box, a romance book subscription box that has since gained a loyal following for its commitment to inclusivity and sexual empowerment. When she’s not curating must-read romances or running her bookstore, Melissa can be found enjoying tequila on the beach or spending time with her beloved dogs. (https://www.steamylit.com/about) Jael, Lin, and Melissa's Top 3 Tips for Organizing Book Events:
If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity | |||
| S2E4: Get into Mood Reading | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:51:22 | |
When the world is on fire, reading sometimes feels like a luxury we can't afford. Jael and Lin can commiserate. They talk about mood reading, giving yourself permission to read what you want, and how authors can use reading to inform their writing. Jael & Lin's Top 3 Tips for Mood Reading:
If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold | |||
| S2E3: Get Into Writing to Market | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:57:06 | |
Jael and Lin are joined by literary agent CeCe Lyra to talk about writing to market. What is writing to market? Should you do it? How should you do it? About CeCe Lyra Cecilia “CeCe” Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates representing a range of fiction and nonfiction authors writing for the adult market. Born and raised bilingual and bicultural in Rio de Janeiro, CeCe is passionate about representing under and misrepresented voices. She is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) and a co-host of the podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, which has over four million downloads. A mixed-race Latina, CeCe is a proud member of Latinx in Publishing. She is also a recovering lawyer but asks that you do not hold that against her. (https://cecilialyra.com/) Jael, Lin & CeCe's Top 3 Tips for Writing to Market: 1. Write what you love. Remember your goals and priorities. 2. Study what's selling in the market. 3. Read books like a writer. If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity | |||
| S2E2: Get Into Fandoms | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:53:50 | |
Jael and Lin are joined by queer romance author Alli Temple to talk about two popular fandoms: Taylor Swift and the K-pop group Stray Kids. We chat about creating a community of fans, presenting an authentic version of ourselves, and the power of merch. Alli Temple is an indie author with 18 queer fantasy and romance titles published since 2018. She thrives on chaos, feelings, writing on instinct, and talking to anyone who will listen about kpop, kdramas, and her adorable pack of rescue pets. She lives with her very patient husband in Etobicoke. (allisontemplebooks.com) Jael, Lin & Alli's Top 3 Tips for Marketing (lessons from fandoms):
If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold | |||
| S2E12: Get Into FOLD 2026 | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:46:10 | |
The 2026 Festival of Literary Diversity is only two weeks away! Jael and Lin talk about what's stressing them out and what events they're most excited for this year. Top Tips for Attending the Festival: 1. Register at festivalofliterarydiversity.org. 2. Log into the online platform to create your own customized schedule. 3. Download the vFairs festival app to experience the festival on the go. 4. Join the Festival Reading and Activity Challenge on Beanstack (fold.beanstack.com) If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity | |||
| S2E11: Get Into Royalty Statements | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:56:03 | |
The topic authors dread: royalty statements. They can be scary, daunting, and confusing... but they don't have to be. In this episode of Into the FOLD, Jael and Lin are joined by literary agent Carly Watters who breaks down a royalty statement. Learn how to read one, important things to look out for, and when you should raise concerns with your agent or publisher. Plus, Lin throws in some insights into royalty statements for indie authors. About Carly Watters About Carly Watters:Carly Watters is Senior Literary Agent at P.S. Literary and former VP of PACLA, the Professional Association of Canadian Literary Agents. She began her publishing career in London as an assistant at the Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency. Carly joined Toronto-based P.S. Literary Agency in 2010 and has sold over 100 books during her career. She represents award-winning and bestselling authors in the adult fiction and non-fiction categories, and select children’s books. The popular writing podcast The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing, for which Carly is the co-host, has over 4 million downloads. She sits on the board of the Ottawa Writers Festival. Carly, Jael, and Lin's Tips for Reading Royalty Statements: 1. Save and document every contract, statement, etc. that is sent to you. Create a filing system to keep everything organized. 2. Don't assume the royalty statement is correct. Go through the statement with a fine-toothed comb and advocate for yourself if you find something unexpected.3. Take the time and make an effort to learn how to read statements, especially if you're an indie author without an agent to help you interpret what you receive. If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity | |||
| S2E10: Get Into Canada Reads | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:48:23 | |
We are coming up on this year's Canada Reads, Canada's annual battle of the books. Five Canadian celebrities each choose one book by a Canadian author, then duke it out to determine which book all of Canada should read. Jael is a Canada Reads superfan, and in this episode of Into the FOLD, she and Lin dive into what makes Canada Reads so special and why you should be a fan too. Be a part of the Canada Reads fun by joining our Canada Reads reading challenge on Beanstack! Join the challenge, read one of the listed books, and be entered for a chance to win a Kobo Libra eReader! Visit thefoldcanada.org/foldreads to learn more. Jael's Tips for Enjoying Canada Reads: 1. Join FOLD's Canada Reads challenge on Beanstack. Read at least one book (preferably all of them!) so you're familiar with it when watching the show. 2. Block off time in your schedule to watch live. (Airs April 13-16, 10am ET.) 3. Tune into Jael's Instagram Lives after each episode to hear her hot takes. (instagram.com/jaelrichardson) If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity | |||