Shows
Author ExpressHow Risk and Spontaneity Shape Geeta Schrayter’s Heartfelt Holiday RomancesJoin Author Express for a heartwarming chat with Geeta Schrayter, author of uplifting New England stories and queen of Christmas spirit! This episode is packed with fun tidbits for holiday romance readers: from Connecticut’s Christmas movie fame to Geeta’s deep affection for list-making and festive traditions. Wonder how a busy homeschooling mom finds time to write? Geeta shares her routines, support systems, and the creative ways she manages family and fiction. Get a sneak peek at her Four Seasons book project and her clever character quirks, as well as how she lets go of perfection to embrace the...
2025-11-1918 min
Author ExpressThe Last Page; A Farewell & Celebrating Three Years of Author ExpressIn this special episode of Author Express, hosts Shawna Rodrigues, Kristi Leonard, and Kathleen Basi come together for a heartfelt reflection as the podcast wraps up its recording season. They share the most surprising lessons learned from interviewing authors across genres—revealing how the creative journey connects us all in unexpected ways. Enjoy behind-the-scenes stories, favorite book moments, and timeless insights from the incredible authors featured on the show. It’s a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the enduring power of community.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to connect with writers from around the worl...
2025-11-0518 min
Author ExpressStrong Women, Faithful Hounds, and Finding Courage: Catherine MatthewsReady for a heartfelt author interview with a twist of sisterhood and adventure? In this episode of Author Express, Catherine Matthews—award-winning indie author—talks about her new novel that brings together estranged sisters for an unforgettable road trip across four states. Catherine opens up about the Pacific Northwest’s unique inspiration, the wisdom of embracing your voice, and the magic of writing communities. Plus, if you love stories where dogs have just as much personality as their human companions, don’t miss this chat! Want to know what sparked a story filled with secrets, forgiveness, and fresh st...
2025-10-0115 min
Author ExpressJennifer Jabaley Reveals Her Secrets and Inspiration in Writing Domestic Suspense NovelsLooking for your next read or some creative inspiration? This episode of Author Express features Jennifer Jabaley, whose new domestic suspense book is already causing a stir. Kristi Leonard invites Jennifer to talk about her unforgettable characters, managing multiple perspectives, and the “explosive town scandal” at the heart of her story. Jennifer shares personal anecdotes about parenting, her transformation as a writer, and the moment a real-life sports rivalry sparked her imagination. You’ll also hear about the joy of small-town book launches, finding optimism in tough situations, and which books gave Jennifer “permission” to explore the darker side of family...
2025-09-0317 min
Author ExpressExplore One Writer’s Fascinating Journey From Legal Eagle to Literary FictionIn this episode of Author Express, host Kristi Leonard sits down with Croatian novelist and certified book coach Lidija Hilje for a rich conversation filled with unique insights. Discover what makes Croatia’s laid-back “pomalo” lifestyle so memorable, and get a glimpse of how Lidija’s coastal upbringing shaped her creative voice. Lidija shares the intriguing premise of her literary novel, inviting listeners to explore themes of longing, complicated relationships, and the nuanced lines between personal preference and craft in fiction. Plus, get a sneak peek into her innovative craft-focused book club that’s become a haven for nearly a hundred...
2025-08-0616 min
Author ExpressFrom Family Secrets to Historical Fiction: Real-Life InspirationJourney with us on this episode of Author Express as Kristi Leonard interviews Lindsay Marie Morris, an LA-based journalist-turned-novelist whose Sicilian roots and love of historical fiction have shaped her latest release, Beneath the Sicilian Stars. Discover how Lindsay weaves emotional depth, family secrets, and little-known history—like the World War II internment of Italian immigrants in California—into her gripping storytelling. From a childhood fascination with science to personal family traditions and secret-keeping, Lindsay reveals the inspiration behind her novels and how her journalism background informs her creative process. If you’re a fan of contemporary histor...
2025-07-0914 min
Author ExpressAstonishing Stories: Rosa Kwon Easton on the Power of Generational MemoryCurious about how family history transforms into page-turning fiction? Listen in as Rosa Kwon Easton reveals what it was like to turn stories hidden in her ancestry into her moving novel, "White Mulberry." Author Express host Kristi Leonard chats with Rosa about her grandmother’s secret past, cultural symbolism, and the complex feelings of balancing multiple identities. Find out how a Korean tradition involving a baby’s future shaped Rosa’s life and writing, and hear the challenges and surprises of bringing long-forgotten voices to light. If you love historical fiction, untold women’s stories, or books about personal discover...
2025-06-1116 min
Author ExpressDefining Success, Embracing the Messy Middle, and Writing What Moves YouMeet bestselling author Rochelle Weinstein in this episode of Author Express as she shares her heart-stirring journey from the world of music in Los Angeles to becoming a full-time novelist in Miami. Discover the real-life inspiration behind her latest novel, We Are Made of Stars, likened to "Virgin River meets White Lotus," and hear what makes her settings and characters so unforgettable. As host Kristi Leonard explores topics like writing process evolution, balancing emotion with entertainment, and the meaning of literary success, listeners get insider tips and encouragement for their own creative paths. Real connections, a behind-the-scenes peek at...
2025-05-1416 min
Author ExpressGirl Meets Boy Again Plus Floral Fun: A Look at Orly Konig’s Love StoryEver wondered how an author weaves real-life inspirations into their fictional worlds? In this episode of Author Express, join Kristi Leonard as she welcomes Orly Konig, who reveals how writing became her unexpected therapeutic escape. Orly recounts her fascination with the language of flowers and how it blossomed into the delightful sabotage elements in her novel, The Arrangements. Explore the emotional intricacies of transitioning friendships into romance and how Orly’s personal life experiences influence her storytelling. Orly’s journey is a testament to embracing life’s unexpected twists. Tune in for a mix of laughter, poignant moments, and the cr...
2025-04-1614 min
Author ExpressMirror Me: Belonging & Connection in Lisa Rosenberg's Exploration of Self-IdentityJoin us this week on Author Express as Kristi Leonard sits down with the multifaceted Lisa Rosenberg. An author, psychotherapist, and former ballet dancer, Lisa shares insights into her unique journey from the bustling streets of 1970s New York City to the serene complexity of psychotherapy and writing. Discover how her diverse experiences shape her storytelling, weaving threads of her biracial identity and childhood memories into her works. If you're interested in stories that capture the richness of human experience and identity, you won't want to miss this episode.Lisa Williamson Rosenberg is an author and psychotherapist...
2025-03-1916 min
Author ExpressExplore Powerful Social Issues Through Fiction with Author Paulette StoutStep into the vibrant world of Paulette Stout, the award-winning author renowned for her brave, spicy tales. This episode of Author Express offers a fascinating peek into her latest novel, What We Give Away. Stout's book is described as a "mesmerizing tapestry of realism" that tackles diet culture in a way that's both enlightening and engaging. You’ll also hear about Paulette's personal journey, including the impact of living in Manhattan on her writing and life philosophy. If you're curious about the blend of research and fiction in contemporary women's literature or how characters can reflect real-life truths about so...
2025-02-1915 min
Author ExpressDebut Thriller with a Love Story Wrapped inside Redefines Historical FictionAuthor Express brings you an intriguing conversation with Kay Smith-Blum, an Austin-born, Seattle-based writer who transitioned from high-end retail to become an acclaimed author. Join Kristi Leonard as they explore the compelling backstory of Kay’s novel Tangles, which sheds light on the Hanford nuclear site controversy. Be enthralled by Kay’s unique journey from a successful career in fashion to crafting a story rooted in deeply researched history and personal accounts. Find out what it was like for her to weave intricate narratives and how she channels her twin sons' gardens and lap pool sessions into overcoming writer's bloc...
2025-01-2215 min
True Crime SquadLeonard Peltier, Discrimination In Jury Selection, Conviction and Sentencing DisparityLeonard Peltier
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/biden-commutes-sentence-for-indigenous-activist-leonard-peltier-who-was-convicted-in-the-1975-killings-of-2-fbi-agents
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/indigenous-activist-leonard-peltier-has-his-first-parole-hearing-in-more-than-a-decade-here-are-3-things-to-know
https://freeleonard.org/case/
Racial Discrimination In Jury Selection
https://eji.org/report/race-and-the-jury/
Wrongful convictions disproportionately affect Black Americans, report shows
https://www.npr.org/2022/09/27/1125442683/wrongful-convictions-disproportionately-affect-black-americans-report-shows
Differences in Federal Sentencing
https://www.ussc.gov/research/research-reports/2023-demographic-differences-federal-sentencing
2025-01-211h 05
Author ExpressBEST OF AUTHOR EXRESS - The Southern Roots this Author Admits Provoke Her Soulful Writing CareerJoin host Kristi Leonard as we revisit her interview from earlier this year with the talented Sheila Athens. Sheila, the author of Neena Lee Is Seeing Things captivates us with the unique premise of her latest novel where John F. Kennedy Jr. asks for help—25 years after his death. Sheila unravels the fascinating inspirations behind her characters and settings, takes us to Jacksonville, Florida, and gives insight into her writing journey. Whether you're an aspiring writer or an avid reader, this episode promises a thought-provoking conversation about the process of creating multi-layered, soulful stories. Tune in to discover what ma...
2025-01-0115 min
Author ExpressThe Dual Timelines & Unique Perspectives of Lisa Montanaro’s Debut NovelAuthor Express presents Lisa Montanaro, an Italian American writer with a compelling journey. This episode uncovers the layers of Lisa’s debut novel, "Everything We Thought Was True," involving family secrets and multidimensional characters. Lisa articulates how her personal history, including her role as an employment discrimination lawyer, intertwines with her storytelling. Additionally, she offers a sneak peek into the process behind her authentic character creation, layered with her firsthand experience in diverse communities. Don’t miss out on Lisa’s invaluable advice on overcoming obstacles and utilizing a growth mindset, making this episode a treasure trove for writers and re...
2024-12-1116 min
Say Yes and Become with Leonard Lee131: Say Yes w/ Kristi Huseby 3Kristi Huseby returns to the podcast this week to catch up with us and let us know what she's been up to and her passion for God's work.
Kristi's website
Kristi's book
2024-12-091h 08
Author ExpressCelebrating Two Years: Hosts Reflect on Best Episodes and BooksMeet the voices behind the Author Express Podcast as they mark a milestone—two years of sharing riveting stories and interviews! Hosts Shawna Rodrigues, Kristi Leonard, and Kathleen Basi share their most impactful reads of the year, from a gripping secret life narrative to tales of foster parenting and family bonds. Kristi reminisces about the author that ushered her into podcasting, while Shawna recounts a conversation that made her want to hop on a plane! Curious about what makes each host tick? Find out where Kathleen first learned to drive, the creature Kristi doesn't fret over, and Shawna’s touc...
2024-12-0417 min
Author ExpressJen Sinclair Unveils Her Debut Novel on Author ExpressIn this uplifting episode of "Author Express," Kristi Leonard interviews Jen Sinclair, the author of the enthralling novel There's Always a Price. Jen shares the unique aspects of her storytelling, including complex relationships and morally gray characters. Hear about her upbringing in Toms River, New Jersey, a town with its own quirky claims to fame. Jen delves into the emotional depths of her writing process and offers a touching story from her childhood that still influences her work today. Learn how she finds inspiration and keeps writer's block at bay, making this episode perfect for readers and writers alike...
2024-11-2715 min
Author ExpressTiffany Yates Martin on How to Create a Delightful Writing CareerTiffany Yates Martin started in the publishing industry in her twenties as a copy editor for many of the Big Six (back then), when the business still used red pencils and to fact-check she had to spend a day at the New York Public Library in the stacks. For the last fifteen-plus years as a developmental editor she’s worked directly with authors as well as through major publishing houses, on titles by New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning authors as well as manuscripts for indie-published and newer writers.In...
2024-11-0617 min
Author ExpressTalking History and Research with Madeline MartinGet ready to be inspired on this episode of Author Express as we introduce you to the acclaimed historical fiction and romance author, Madeline Martin. Host Kristi Leonard pulls back the curtain on Madeline’s fascinating journey from being an Army brat in Germany to becoming a New York Times and USA Today bestseller. Discover how Madeline transitioned from writing over thirty romance novels to the world of historical fiction, with a special focus on her latest heartwarming book, The Book Lovers Library. Listen in as Madeline shares the challenges and joys of researching historical events, including WWII evacuations an...
2024-10-1616 min
Author ExpressA Visit to The Top of The Eiffel Tower with Aimie K. RunyanAimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate the spirit of strong women. She has been honored as a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice selection, as a five-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards, and as a nominee for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer of the Year. Aimie is active as an educator and speaker in the writing community and beyond. Her next books Mademoiselle Eiffel, which was released September 10th, 2024, and The Wandering Season, which in coming April 1st, 2025 and will be released by Harper Collins. She lives in Colorado with her amazing husband, two (usually) adorable children, two (always) ad...
2024-09-2516 min
Author ExpressExploration vs. Exploitation: Diving into Dark Literature with Author Deirdre SwindenOn today’s episode we get to chat with Deirdre Swinden, a dark fiction author with a penchant for ghost stories. After twenty+ years as a leader in corporate communications, Dee took a leap of faith and set out to build her creative writing skills. She dove into the realms of sci-fi, horror and speculative fiction during her MFA. Her thesis novel, Somnium, offers readers a blend of psychological horror and high-tech science fiction via a fast-paced nightmare journey where dreams can kill. It’s a novel that explores the shadowy boundaries of fear and technology and is sure to t...
2024-08-2814 min
AskLFCEpisode 172: Catching the Wave w/Kristi LeonardRecently, Pastor Mike was speaking to some of our leaders about catching the wave of momentum as it comes into our church and into our lives. And the first step in catching a wave is being prepared ahead of time, having a plan in place, and waiting for God to do the stuff only he can do. This week on the podcast, we hear from one of our elders, Kristi Leonard, about some ways that we get ourselves spiritually prepared to be ready for what God has for us.
The post Episode 172: Catching the Wave w/Kristi...
2024-08-2230 min
Author ExpressAmy Dressler Brings Shakespeare's Women to the 21st CenturyAmy Dressler writes contemporary fiction featuring heroines who wrestle their emotional baggage while maintaining a sense of humor. How to Align the Stars, Amy's debut novel, is a feminist, body-positive spin on Much Ado About Nothing. It is the first book in the Shakespeare Project, a series in which Amy will reimagine Shakespeare's classic comedies with a focus on the inner journeys of the heroines. Retellings allow us to explore classic stories more deeply by hanging modern stories on a known framework. Shakespeare’s women are rich ground for this. In the plays, we only ge...
2024-07-1716 min
Author ExpressFrom Memoir To Historical Fiction with author LL KirchnerAfter running marketing and communications campaigns for organizations like The Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Mellon University, and the The TriBeCa Film Festival, L.L. Kirchner ditched the corporate world and moved to India. She moved to New York City to write and teach yoga, and how she’s an award-winning screenwriter and Pushcart-nominated author whose life and work as an expat in Asia became the basis of two memoirs, including BLISSFUL THINKING: A Memoir of Overcoming the Wellness Revolution, and AMERICAN LADY CREATURE: My Change in the Middle East. A Qatar Memoir (named one of Bustle’s “11 Books to Battle...
2024-06-0514 min
Author ExpressThe Art of Storytelling: Author J. Marie Rundquist Shares the Joy of Literary TwistsJ. Marie Rundquist believes a day isn't complete without time spent reading. Stories she loves best—to read and to write—feature characters from all walks of life who learn from one another. When she isn't writing, you'll find J. Marie exploring all the K‐12 public education world has to offer through teaching, learning, and supporting others in their educational roles.In spite of trying to live in other parts of the US, J. Marie accepted her fate and now embraces six‐month winters in Minnesota, showing off photos of hiking in sub‐zero temperatures. She lives in the Twi...
2024-05-1515 min
Author ExpressExamining the Balancing Act in Life with Marie W. WattsOn today’s episode, we get to chat with Marie W. Watts, a Women’s Fiction author with one crazy back story from which she draws heavily to create her quirky, well-developed characters facing and overcoming obstacles in life. Her own journey began with what appears to be a perfectly normal middle-class childhood for the 1950s and 60s in Baytown, Texas. Two caring parents, a brother 18 months younger to fight with, a stay-at-home mom, vacations to interesting places, and a good education.But it wasn’t normal…. During her preschool years, she knew the name of the s...
2024-04-2415 min
Author ExpressWhen Real Life Inspires FictionJill Hannah Anderson first began writing in eighth grade when a friend gave her a large notebook with Donny Osmund on the cover. She started using it as a diary, and added several more diary notebooks over the years. She also started writing notes for stories in notebooks. Cruddy, haphazard plot ideas… but the writing bug had burrowed in.Then “life” happened. Marriage, kids, owning a business, and a day job. She took a few writing classes, and in 2006, when she was at the busiest point in her life, she stumbled upon a women’s magazine that she wanted...
2024-04-0313 min
Author ExpressMining Life's Small Moments for Big Meaning with Erin BartelsOn today's episode we got to chat with Erin Bartels, an award-winning author who is endlessly fascinated with why people do and say the things they do and say. Her preoccupation with human nature has led her to write character-driven novels that book clubs adore for their layered storytelling and loads of discussion starters. Whether she's delving into history or tackling contemporary issues, whether set in her beloved state of Michigan or venturing abroad, her novels reflect the questions and issues all of us struggle with in life.Her latest, The Lady with the Dark Hair, can...
2024-03-1316 min
Author ExpressWriting What You Most Want to Write with Author Sara ReadBefore she started writing fiction, Sara got a degree in Women’s Studies from U.C. Santa Cruz. She tried the nine-to-five life for about a nanosecond before moving to rural Virginia to become a flute-maker’s apprentice and traditional fiddle player. Some years and two babies later, she returned to school for a Masters in Nursing. A cancer survivor herself, she now has the privilege of caring for cancer patients as a nurse.Sara writes stories about women with purpose and passion who contend with the foes within (self-doubt, mental illness, family struggle) and without (patriarchy) to b...
2024-02-2114 min
Author ExpressA Cleaning Lady Coming Clean by Beth Uznis JohnsonBeth Johnson always had dreams of writing a novel, but it wasn’t until her baby son Alex was home sick one day that Beth decided: this day job is too much. "I should write a novel so I can stay home to write and take care of Alex." It was a wildly unrealistic plan that took going back to school, keeping the day job, two decades, and hundreds of rejection letters. But hey, what writer has it easy? And who cares if Alex is 23 years old now and lives in his apartment? Getting Coming Clean published was worth th...
2024-01-3116 min
Author ExpressSarahlyn Bruck Shares the Depths of Writing from Soccer to Friendship & Literary InspirationJoin Kathleen Basi as she sits down with award-winning author Sarahlyn Bruck in this captivating episode of Author Express. Discover the fascinating details about Sarahlyn's background growing up in Northern California, her experience as an actor doing improv, and her journey as a writer. Gain insights into her upcoming book "Light of the Fire," set in a small town in New Jersey, and learn about the deep connections and themes woven into its storyline. Listen in as Sarahlyn shares her perspective on the writing journey and offers a valuable piece of advice for aspiring writers. If you're curious about...
2024-01-2412 min
Writing ConnectionsWriters in the Wild Retreats with Kristi LeonardIn this episode, Kristi Leonard shares how the idea for Writers in the Wild Retreats came to her. In addition to being an author and writing retreat host, Kristi is an audio narrator for nonfiction books, future podcast host, and president of the Women's Fiction Writers Association, so we had a great conversation about all of the writer adjacent projects she's involved in.As a new writing retreat host, Kristi had some great lessons learned. I also really enjoyed hearing about the different aspects of her retreats like why she doesn't include coaching in them, and what...
2024-01-2340 min
Author ExpressThe Shift to Writing New Adult Urban Fantasy; Celebrating Amanda Sinatra's Exciting Re-ReleaseInternational Best Selling Author of Hollow and Shattered, Amanda’s love for writing started at the age of 13. Her favorite genres are fantasy, romance, and thriller. Amanda has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction. She currently resides in the suburbs of Massachusetts with her black lab named Jack. You can catch her in person at Tatnuck Bookseller in Westborough, Massachusetts on Feb. 17, 2024 from 1-4 pm and get signed copies of the special edition of Hollow!The pre-order is available now at-https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hollow-amanda-sinatra/1135537203?ean=97...
2024-01-1711 min
Author ExpressThe Southern Roots Sheila Athens Admits Provoke Her Soulful Writing CareerOn today’s show, we chat with Sheila Athens, who writes women’s fiction set where the South meets the Sunshine state. Her stories are about women seeking to find the peace we all deserve. Readers are drawn to her work because they believe that everyday heroes can make a difference in our world. Her debut novel, The Truth About Love, was a finalist for the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart Award. With that background, she can’t help but weave a strong love story thread throughout each of her books, even though she now writ...
2024-01-1015 min
Author ExpressDiane Barnes Writes Stories about Overcoming Obstacles in LifeToday we welcome Diane Barnes to the podcast. Diane lives in Massachusetts and spends a large part of the summer in the White Mountains in Maine in a camp without an internet connection or a stable cell signal. It’s where she gets her best writing done because there are no distractions.Diane writes Women’s Fiction, and her books often focus on friendships between women and how female friendships have the power to help women overcome obstacles in their lives.Diane fell in love with writing in second grade when she returned from recess one...
2024-01-0311 min
Author ExpressEstranged Sisters -How a Literary Thriller offers relatable characters & bitterly high stakesGet ready for an exhilarating ride as we dive into a riveting discussion with the multi-genre author, Mary Carroll Moore. From her culinary adventures as a food journalist to her transition into literary thrillers, Mary's journey promises excitement and inspiration. Delve into her latest book, "A Woman's Guide to Search and Rescue," where estranged sisters, both aviators, twist and turn through gripping situations, all while exploring the enduring power of female bonds. But that's not all – discover an exclusive peek into her upcoming book, "Last Bets," set on a Caribbean island amidst high-stakes gambling and a looming tropical storm. Jo...
2023-12-2712 min
Author ExpressAvoid Cliché. How to Make Writing Relatable - Integrating Children with Special NeedsWith a background in romance, Gina Andrew has published a series of Halloween romantic comedy novellas, two romantic suspense novels, and the novelette Girl Meets Grammarian, which was included in World Weaver Press’s collection Covalent Bonds and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She has also had short romances published in Woman’s World magazine and is a freelance writer for the reader sites BookBub and Scribd.In 2018, Gina pivoted to writing more women’s fiction, and that fall became represented by Laura Crockett at Triada US. Last year, she had the idea of getting together with a grou...
2023-12-2014 min
Author ExpressHumor and Heartbreak: Leanne Treese weaves both. Today we focus on her Holiday Romantic Comedy!On today's episode, we'll chat with Leanne Treese, an author of both Women's Fiction and Romantic Comedy. After working as a matrimonial lawyer for eighteen years, Leanne turned her focus to writing. Her debut work of fiction, Their Last Chance, sought to demonstrate the pitfalls of the legal process as it pertains to divorce. Leanne wrote a second legal-themed book, Mother of the Accused, which tells the story of a single mother whose eighteen-year-old son is accused of sexual assault during his senior year in high school. While Leanne loves writing of all kinds, she found writing the few...
2023-12-1316 min
Author ExpressHow to Manifest an Author Life with Jennifer LauerOn today’s episode, we get to chat with Jennifer Lauer, a sci-fi author and lover of jalapeño bagels. Jennifer writes books as well as tv/film, and enjoys being a mom to humans, cats and a dog. She lives in LA, by way of Massachusetts, where she has performed her written works at The Moth, Improv Olympic, and The Comedy Store. Her current projects are her novel, THE GIRL IN THE ZOO, a dystopia about a human held captive in by AI, and fiction podcast, THE STRANGE CHRONICLES, which follows a female noir detective who investigates supernatural mys...
2023-12-0613 min
Author ExpressBecoming a USA Today Bestseller at Seventy with Barbara ConreyBarbara Conrey is the USA Today Bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye, her debut, published on August 4, 2020, by Red Adept Publishing. Liza Fleissig represents her at the Liza Royce Agency.Her sophomore novel, My Secret to Keep, was released on August 23, 2022.Barbara is an active member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Women’s National Book Association, and Author Talk Network. She also moderates the online book club for the Facebook Group Bookish Road Trip.Travel is her passion, along with reading, writing, hiking, and exploring antique shops. Her greatest love is Miss...
2023-11-2916 min
Author ExpressAdvice to Take Your Main Character in Book's Lead- Grant Her Bravery & PiracyOn today’s show, we get to revisit our previous conversation with Sarah Branson to celebrate the one year anniversary of Author Express! Sarah is a former nurse-midwife who now writes cross-genre action/adventure, speculative, and women’s fiction for both adults and teens/tweens that involves air-borne pirates three hundred years in the future. Her stories are set against the backdrop of an Earth changed by fires, floods, and pandemics, but are firmly rooted in the strength and resiliency and hope of the human spirit.A little about today's author -Sarah first started conj...
2023-11-2214 min
Author ExpressAfter Penning 14 Romance & Women's Fiction Stories - Laura Drake Still Has More to WriteLaura Drake is a hybrid author of Women's Fiction and Romance. Her debut, The Sweet Spot, won the 2014 Romance Writers of America® RITA® award. She’s since published 14 more books. She is a founding member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and Writers in the Storm blog. Laura is a city girl who never grew out of her tomboy ways. She gave up the corporate CFO gig to write full-time. She realized a lifelong dream of becoming a Texan and is currently working on her accent. She's a wife, grandmother, and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking...
2023-11-1513 min
Author ExpressBuilding a Foundation for an Author Career with Z.S. DiamantiZ.S. Diamanti is an author, illustrator, and creator. The Stone & Sky series is an epic fantasy adventure and the result of his great passion for fun and fantastical stories. He went to college forever and has too many pieces of paper on his wall. He is a USAF veteran of OEF and worked in ministry for over 10 years. He and his wife reside in Colorado with their four children where they enjoy hikes and tabletop games.You can get a FREE series of his stories at https://FreeFantasyFiction.comConnect with him on social...
2023-11-0822 min
Author ExpressFinding Fiction in Fractured Families for Author Judith Turner-YamamotoJudith Turner-Yamamoto grew up in rural North Carolina in a small mill town where people either worked the land or left the land to work the mills. As an art historian, she first came to writing through learning to appraise what she saw and to describe what moved her. Her work has appeared in StorySOUTH, Mississippi Review, Snake Nation Review, and American Literary Review, among others, and in many anthologies, including Walking the Edge: A Southern Gothic Anthology, Show Us Your Papers, and Gravity Dancers.Her debut novel and Petrichor Prize finalist, Loving the Dead and Gone...
2023-11-0113 min
Author ExpressGive Power to Author Voice by Confidently Drawing from Life with Lynne GolodnerThis week on Author Express we bring you an engaging conversation that touches on how an author's body of work can reach beyond genre to connect with readers in multiple ways. We are excited for you to get to know the writer we have with us today - Lynne Golodner writes emotional novels with compelling Jewish characters who are determined to fill their lives with passion, purpose, and love. Her first novel, Woman of Valor, joins a body of work that includes two poetry collections and six nonfiction books, including Hide and Seek: Jewish Women and Hair Covering and...
2023-10-2514 min
Flip Your ScriptLeonard Kim: From Nearly Homeless to Personal Branding ExpertLeonard Kim went from being on the verge of homelessness to a nationally recognized public figure and personal branding expert featured in publications like Inc. Magazine and Fortune. After opening up about his hardships, Leonard let his failures fuel his success. In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Leonard openly shares the importance of being your true, authentic self and how to accept and prepare for life's unknowns.
2023-10-2441 min
Author ExpressPerseverance is really all author Amy Hagstrom knows (lol)On today’s episode, we get to chat with Amy Hagstrom, a Contemporary Fiction author with her debut coming out this fall. Amy began her writing career as a travel writer and editor whose work appeared in US News, OutdoorsNW Magazine, Travel Oregon, and Huffington Post, among others, and for over a decade, she was lucky to travel all over the world, often with her children in tow. A lifelong outdoors enthusiast, she also served as a volunteer EMT with her local county search and rescue unit before launching her fiction writing career. After raising her three children in th...
2023-10-1813 min
Author ExpressAuthor Heather B. Moore sets the truth free after interviewing a WWII prison camp survivor“I never thought it was important, best to forget and left alone. The past is the past and who wants to read, hear, and know about war and its atrocities? I certainly did not and neither did anyone else who went through it. Then in my golden years, I realized the world needs to know and hear from real people who survived wars, not history books. First, that war is terrible, secondly that those who are free need to be more grateful and realize freedom comes with a price tag, and at great cost.” –Marie Vischer ElliottMarie...
2023-10-1118 min
Author ExpressNancy Christie Shares her Thoughts on Living the Writing LifeNancy Christie has been living the writing life for more years than she can remember. Her writing background, like so many other writers, has been a hodgepodge of freelance work (newspaper, magazine, and corporate clients), short stories, and fiction and nonfiction books. And again, like so many other writers, she finds it challenging to balance income-producing work with what she really wants to write, which right now are the books in her Midlife Moxie Novel Series and more short stories for her fourth collection, The Language of Love, due out in 2025.In her early years, she juggled...
2023-10-0414 min
Author ExpressNarcissistic Abuse Memoir from the Victim's Perspective with Author Dana S. DiazDana S. Diaz made her debut as an author in June 2023, when she released her gripping memoir, GASPING FOR AIR: THE STRANGLEHOLD OF NARCISSISTIC ABUSE. The Best-Selling book invites readers along her odyssey of healing and empowerment as she breaks free from the grasp of her 25-year-long abusive relationship. She fearlessly delves into old wounds to reveal the truth behind a lifetime of lies and stitches them closed as a new and resilient woman.An inspiring true story filled with strife and revelation, Gasping for Air exposes the raw truth of emotional, psychological and physical trauma. Although...
2023-09-2730 min
Author ExpressMeg Calvin Writes Like Her Parents Are Dead (will give credit for this quote to Jason Aaron who originally said it)Meg Calvin is an Amazon Bestselling Author and writing and marketing coach who helps writers do the deep spiritual work to create their Amazon bestselling books (paperback, Kindle, and Audible). After 15+ years as a minister, Meg began serving nonfiction and memoir writers who are fellow (as she refers to them) Spiritually-Attuned Go-Getters back in 2020. Regardless of their book's topic, a Spiritually-Attuned Go-Getters is a writer who doesn't only have a high frequency of service to others, but also believes that ambition is holy and that birthing a book is *truly* a divine process.Through her intuitive gifts...
2023-09-2012 min
Author ExpressAssassins, Dragons, and Royal Intrigue with Author E.A. WintersOn today's episode, we sit down with YA fantasy author E.A. Winters, a mom, Licensed Professional Counselor, military spouse, and—dragon rider?? Well, dragon writer, anyway!E.A. Winters has loved reading since childhood and wanted to be an author around the same time she wanted to be a dolphin trainer. Neither panned out at first, but then in 2017 she started writing her debut novel, The Forgotten Stone, a Lord of the Rings meets Narnia vibe quest adventure standalone.The Forgotten Stone took a year to write and another year to edit, but Winters wa...
2023-09-1318 min
Author ExpressWhat Historical Fiction Characters Teach You About Contemporary Living with Author Elaine Stocklways the curious and independent (“I can do it myself”) child, Historical Fiction/Women’s Fiction author Elaine Stock was stumped when she asked family members questions about her heritage and discovered no one wanted to talk about the past. She also was bemused when especially her beloved grandmother would reply “Why? Are you going to write a book about it?” Years later, after penning a few inspirational titles, Elaine, determined to write what she loved to read—historical fiction—researched her paternal heritage from Brzeziny, Poland. Learning that the likely reason behind why her family did not share about the ‘Old...
2023-09-0612 min
Author ExpressFeminism, Imagination, and Beyond: A Conversation with Anna QuinnIn this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Anna Quinn, an author, and founder of the Writers’ Workshoppe in Port Townsend, Washington. Her debut novel, THE NIGHT CHILD, published in 2018, was a Washington State Book Award finalist, listed as #1 Best Real Psychological Fiction on Goodreads, and has been praised for its powerful portrayal of trauma and its impact on identity and relationships, as well as its lyrical writing and gripping storyline. Anna's latest book, ANGELINE, nominated for the National Book Award, is a powerful exploration of feminism, grief, and the imagination. Drawing on her own li...
2023-08-3015 min
Author ExpressWriting as Personal Transformation with Author Rachel StoneToday we catch up with Rachel Stone, author of The Blue Iris who writes stories of hope and redemption, often set against vibrant Canadian backdrops. A former labour relations specialist, Rachel left the corporate world behind when a health issue from years earlier came back to haunt her. Desperate for distraction, she enrolled in creative writing courses in the hopes of finally giving her writing dream a dedicated shot. When a short writing assignment formed the seedling of The Blue Iris, Rachel found herself transfixed by the process of developing the novel's vibrant cast of...
2023-08-1613 min
Author ExpressGenealogy Research Prompts A Next ChapterJanis Robinson Daly grew up in Massachusetts and remained there, graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from Wheaton College, at the time, an all-women’s college. At Wheaton, she developed an appreciation of the supportive relationships established between women and a heightened awareness of female-centric issues. Both directed her writing of THE UNLOCKED PATH.With a love of history and plot and themes sketched, Janis enrolled in a creative writing course to hone hery skills. Combining years of extensive research, feedback from writers’ conferences, beta readers, and editors, and with a contract in hand from indie pres...
2023-08-0911 min
Author ExpressThe Age Gap Summer Beach Read with Author Zachary DowningOn today’s episode we speak with author Zachary Downing, a coming-of-age novelist who enjoys writing funny and relatable characters trudging through the everyday, frantic and transformative trials of life.His first novel, Flounder, was published in 2022, and concerns a college Freshman who stops going to class, but keeps going to parties. Downing wrote it to be the crazy college version of “The Little Engine That Could.”In 2023, Downing has published his second novel, Manhattan to Montauk, which involves a whirlwind summer romance between a 22-year-old man and a 17-year-old woman. Set in 1995, in New York C...
2023-08-0212 min
Author ExpressCarla Damron Explores How Fiction can Make a DifferenceIn today’s episode, writer and social worker Carla Damron explores how her two careers are intertwined. Damron worked as a clinical social worker and mental health agency administrator for thirty+ years. She worked with numerous clients experiencing serious mental illness and found she learned more from them than she’d ever learned in a textbook. After retiring from the mental health organization, Damron directed an advocacy organization where she learned more than she ever wanted to know about the prevalence and impact of human trafficking. Both legs of her career (mental health and advocacy) have informed her writing. In h...
2023-07-2612 min
Author ExpressFoodie Fiction at a Cookie Company with Author Delise TorresDelise Torres grew up in Puerto Rico, watching telenovelas and re-enacting scenes with her Barbies. Once she outgrew her dolls, she turned to daydreaming, and it wasn’t until her late thirties when she finally put her own stories to paper, and her passion for writing was born.She has a PhD in Food Science and former work experience as a quality assurance manager in the food industry. When not writing, you can find her trying to time-manage her life, singing, reading, and streaming shows and movies. She lives in Germany with her daughter and German husband. He...
2023-07-1914 min
Author ExpressRachel Corsini's Hot Mess Millennials and How They Clean it UpAfter declaring herself a pretty pink princess during her first ballet class, Rachel dreamt of sugarplums and began pirouetting her way through life. While studying to become a ballerina, she compulsively read books under her covers by flashlight and scribbled in spiral-bound notebooks. The urge to tell stories culminated in her graduation from Columbia College Chicago with a B.F.A. in fiction writing. Never one to keep her feet on the ground, she traveled the world from Prague to Cape Town. Once settled back in Queens, she dabbled in journalism before working as an Editorial Assistant...
2023-07-1212 min
Author ExpressChange is the Spice of LifeAnna E. Collins is a Seattle area author of contemporary romantic comedies and women’s fiction who was a dual debut in 2022 with romcom LOVE AT FIRST SPITE, and women’s fiction novel THESE NUMBERED DAYS. Anna grew up in Sweden where she was always a voracious reader with a vivid imagination, but other than occasional poems and songs, she didn’t start putting her own stories into writing until after she had kids. By that point, she had worked as a high school teacher for several years, married an American, undertaken two international moves, and needed a new outlet...
2023-07-0512 min
Author ExpressPublishing and Persistence with Author Gabi CoatsworthToday's guest Gabi Coatsworth was born in Britain but has spent most of her life trying to figure out how America works by living here. She arrived forty years ago to work for six months, but couldn't resist a particular American, so she stayed. Her award-winning memoir about that relationship, Love’s Journey Home, was published last year by Atmosphere Press, who also recently published her debut novel, A Beginner's Guide to Starting Over. It's not her first novel - she has two more languishing in a desk drawer. Writing historical fiction turned out to be harder than she ex...
2023-06-2814 min
Author ExpressThe Legacy of Fractured Living: An Exploration of Mothers, Daughters, and Sensuality with Ella ShawnOn today's episode, we're chatting with Ella Shawn, a southern erotic women's fiction author who at one point, housed 13 guinea pigs, and that's just the beginning of this southerner's charm.After thirteen years of teaching high school English and creative writing, a diagnosis of systemic lupus and narcolepsy with cataplexy freed Ella from accepting a good-enough-for-now-life and demanded she creates an I-deserve-it-all-life.Ella Shawn tells the forbidden stories of Black, Southern women who find healing and freedom through the practice of sacred eroticism. She is the author of the Broken Souls Series (Broken Souls, Mirrored...
2023-06-2114 min
Author ExpressKelly I. Hitchcock Makes You Laugh While She Steals Your HeartOn today's episode we chat with Kelly I. Hitchcock, a humorous fiction author who brings her wry character voice to her newest novel, Community Klepto. Kelly I. Hitchcock is a literary fiction author, humorist, and poet in Austin, Texas. She has published several poems, short stories, and creative non-fiction works in literary journals, and is the author of the coming-of-age novel The Redheaded Stepchild and the short story collection Portrait of Woman in Ink: A Tattoo Storybook. Her newest novel, Community Klepto, released June 2022, courtesy of She Writes Press and was a finalist for the Montaigne Medal from the...
2023-06-1414 min
Author ExpressAdding Emotional Suspense to Women's Fiction with Jen CravenIn today’s episode, we chat with women’s fiction author Jen Craven. After two historical fiction novels, Jen made the jump forward to contemporary times, now focusing on stories in the present day, featuring flawed protagonists making split-second decisions. Her books target readers who are drawn to complex families, morally gray characters, and fast-paced plotlines that serve for excellent chit-chat well after the last page. In fact, one of Jen’s favorite things it to join in on book club meetings—she’s Zoomed into everywhere from Florida to New England.As an indie author, Jen learned th...
2023-06-0713 min
Author ExpressNetworking is an Author's Super Power says Maggie SmithToday's guest, Maggie Smith, makes her home in Wisconsin, land of the three seasons—summer, fall, winter. (For some reason, spring usually passes us by). When her husband starts to lobby for them to move to a warmer climate, she points to fires, tornadoes, and rising sea levels as the reason to stay put in the middle of the heartland. She doesn't mention how she likes the crunch of freshly fallen snow beneath her boots as she trudges to the mailbox. But the main reason she stays put are the great women friends she's made here. With age comes wi...
2023-05-3112 min
Author ExpressThe Intersection of Epilepsy and Mental Health: A Debut Author Brings Important Topics to LightToday our guest is Sara Staggs, former civil rights attorney-turned-author. She writes upmarket fiction and YA, and her debut novel, Uncontrollable, launches on May 25th from Black Rose Writing. Sara practiced civil rights litigation for several years before she had to stop because of her epilepsy. After two brain surgeries in six years, she wrote a novel based on her experiences with epilepsy, which mixes fiction with autobiographical fiction ("auto-fiction"). Uncontrollable is a 5-star Reader's Favorite, and has received amazing advance reviews from Independent Book Review, Midwest Book Review, Pacific Book Review, Indie Reader, and featured in...
2023-05-2413 min
Author ExpressIt's - Almost - All About New England for Author Geeta SchrayterOn today’s episode, we chat with Geeta Schrayter, a women’s fiction author who gathers most of her inspiration from her everyday life in New England.As soon as Geeta discovered the magic of books, the desire to write rooted itself within her. As a child, she crafted pretend newspapers and penned short stories (when she wasn't devouring library books borrowed by the armload). She won her first writing competition in fifth grade, and it was then she decided to be a writer when she grew up – and never faltered in that decision.She receiv...
2023-05-1711 min
Author ExpressIt's Never too Late to Live the Life You Want With Author Sharon WrayToday we’re chatting with Sharon Wray, a USA Today Bestselling romance and women’s fiction author who spent most of her life trying not to write. She started her career as a chemical and patent librarian for major pharmaceutical companies and then moved into archival work for the Newspaper Association of America. She also studied dress design in the couture houses of Paris and worked as a Red Cross Caseworker in South Korea. Finally, after years of traveling, working, having kids, and ignoring the characters speaking in her head, she decided to become a novelist. Because it took her...
2023-05-1016 min
Author ExpressIs Fiction The Best Way To Tell Hard Truths?Gloria Mattioni is an award-winning feature writer and the award-winning author of 'California Sister'. She writes fiction and narrative non-fiction. In fact, she previously published 'Reckless - The Outrageous Lives of Nine Kick-Ass Women' and 'Dakota Warrior - The Story of James R. Weddell.' Earlier on, she published in Italy a novel, 'Con Altri Occhi', and three non-fiction books, 'Guerriero Dakota', 'Wild Women,' and 'La Tribù dei Mangiatori di Sogni'. As soon as her debut women's fiction, 'California Sister', was completed, she started writing her second novel, a mystery along the lines of the books written by C...
2023-05-0314 min
Author ExpressMelissa Gowdy Baldwin Creates a New Marriage System in Her Dystopian BookOn today’s episode we get to chat with Melissa Gowdy Baldwin, a Dystopian Fiction author with a penchant for pairing music and astrology signs with all her characters. A veteran teacher, mother, cat and dog lover, Melissa has taken her educational experience in American Studies and English and Creative Writing and channeled it into her first novel. A book that engages in dialogue about social issues and expectations of both men and women, The Marriage Wars: Book One is part of a larger project which includes a trilogy, two prequels, and a novella if the audience asks. ...
2023-04-2612 min
Author ExpressWriting Characters Who are Nonverbal or Intellectually DisabledWith a background in romance, Gina Andrew has published a series of Halloween romantic comedy novellas, two romantic suspense novels, and the novelette Girl Meets Grammarian, which was included in World Weaver Press’s collection Covalent Bonds and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She has also had short romances published in Woman’s World magazine and is a freelance writer for the reader sites BookBub and Scribd.In 2018, Gina pivoted to writing more women’s fiction, and that fall became represented by Laura Crockett at Triada US. Last year, she had the idea of getting together with a grou...
2023-04-1913 min
Author ExpressE.D. Hackett: Turning a Chronic Illness Journey into a Fictionalized NovelE.D. Hackett is a Speech-language pathologist by day and a writer by night. She has been writing since the first grade and still has her first book, "How I Lost My Tooth." She writes self-published novels that investigate layers of self-expectations, family dynamics, following dreams, and learning how to love and accept yourself while opening your heart to accept love from others. E.D. Hackett has four women’s fiction novel out on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Her fifth novel (and first sweet romance) was published on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited in February 2023. Her women’s fict...
2023-04-1212 min
Author ExpressWriting from the Heart and Vulnerability with Author Christie Leigh BabiradToday on Author Express we have Author, Christie Leigh Babirad, a Women’s Fiction author and Poetess who will say without hesitation that the connection she has created with her readers has come through writing directly from the heart and a place of fearless vulnerability. Christie Leigh celebrated the fourth anniversary of her debut Women’s Fiction story, As the Winds Change, this past February, and speaks on how grateful she is to have had this story has her first of now a total of four fiction books, including the follow-up to As the Winds Change, “Where You Ar...
2023-04-0514 min
Author ExpressSettings Come Alive in the Horror Tales of Robert HarrisonToday we're chatting with Robert Harrison, who writes horror and supernatural thrillers under the pen name R.W. Harrison. He's a marketing professional currently living in Florida, but preparing for a move to the Cleveland, Ohio area, where he's from originally. He published his first book, The Onyx Seed, in 2014 and it was inspired by a series of poltergeist experiences he had around 1990. Shortly after his son was born, strange things started happening in the house, such as rocking chairs rocking by themselves, electronic devices turning on and off by themselves, light switches flipping up and down, hearing voices...
2023-03-2913 min
Author ExpressWomen's History, Please. And Bring the Action.Today we get to chat with Kerry Chaput, award-winning historical fiction author with a passion for adventure stories. She attempted her first story at age twelve but didn’t find the courage to pursue writing until she turned forty. With a twenty-year career in physical therapy and raised by a US History teacher, it’s no surprise she gravitated toward historical action-adventure as a genre.After joining the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, her commitment to learning the craft of writing took on obsessive proportions, and she’s never looked back. Her debut historical Daughter of the King won...
2023-03-2214 min
Author ExpressWriting to Recover and Reimagine with Kayla Degala-ParaisoOn today's episode, we're chatting with Kayla Degala-Paraiso, an experimental, cross-genre, short-form writer. She has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Pitzer College. The title-story of her undergraduate capstone collection, “Morena,” was awarded the 2018 Bea Matas Hollfelder Award. Her debut publication, “This Is How You Haunt Me,” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in Creative Nonfiction. Her writing often explores emotional and political entanglements; challenges craft conventions; and sucker-punches you in the gut. Kayla’s family migrated from the Philippines. Movement is in Kayla’s bones: she has lived in NYC, Connecticut, Southern California, Italy, Nepal, Boston, Nort...
2023-03-1511 minSay Yes and Become with Leonard Lee44: Say Yes w/ Kristi Huseby 2Kristi Huseby is a courageous friend. She truly does dare. Today on Say Yes & Become Kristi tells us about her new book - She Who Dares: An Eight-Week Study on Learning to Live Dangerously for God. I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed hearing her story and being encouraged by her faith. Take some time to listen, to follow and like us. Oh and get her book!
Kristi's Book
https://kristihuseby.com
2023-03-131h 06
Author ExpressA Psychological Thriller Perfect For Our TimesToday we meet author Leslie Kain, who was cursed with a subtle droll wit that even her husband often doesn't "get" as a joke. Leslie has always been writing something, even as a kindergartener. Stories, riddles, plays, poems, inventions, secret plans. Culminating in running away across country at the age of fifteen, never looking back, which launched other adventures she won't divulge. Then with degrees from Wellesley College and Boston University, she had careers in psychology, government intelligence and nonprofits for mental health, during which her writing was limited to nonfiction. Eventually though, some complicated characters found...
2023-03-0812 min
Author ExpressBringing More Inclusivity to Story Time with Children's Author Lindsey LarsenAs a mother herself, Lindsey understands the hectic nature of parenting as well as the time demands placed on children. Yet, as parents we also have the responsibility to educate our children in a variety of topics such as areas of personal growth and development. Lindsey hopes to provide engaging stories that spark nurturing conversations about these very topics during story time with your children!You can learn more about Lindsey and find links to her book on her website Lindsey-larsen.com. You can also follow her on Instagram @ot_homeschool_momor...
2023-03-0114 min
Author ExpressBest Selling Author Nancy Yeager Enjoys Story Telling In All FormsToday we’re chatting with Nancy Yeager, a bestselling author of historical and contemporary romance who is adding women’s fiction to her repertoire. Her first women’s fiction novel, WHEN WE WERE FRIENDS, released on October 25, 2022. Nancy spent her early years longing to be an English countryside vet thanks to James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small series, and dreaming of being an adventurist-archaeologist thanks to George Lucas’s Indiana Jones character. After studying veterinary pre-med and earning an anthropology degree, she realized her true passion is story in all its forms.When she’s not...
2023-02-2215 min
Author ExpressBlue SkiesConnection is something we seek from the time we are children.Building friendships and finding connection is something that can seem harder as we get older, rather than easier. Yet, connection, community, and collaboration are things we all need. Trish and Diane found commonality in their roles as leaders in the fire service. With less than 1% of women occupying the roles they are in, it was valuable to find someone else with this shared experience The two have built a solid connection over time, and in this episode reflect some on how they have cultivated...
2023-02-1539 min
Author ExpressThe Indie Author's Local AuthorToday's episode features Z or Zachary Jeffries, two pen names from one author writing Science Fiction and Fantasy for readers nine years old and up. Always a late bloomer, Jeffries didn't get into novel-writing until his late-thirties, and by then he'd amassed experience storytelling through short stories, poetry, and theatre. Thanks to the support and community he found in local writer's groups as well as NaNoWriMo, Jeffries realized his long-held dream of completing a novel, releasing Chase: The Boy Who Hid (Book One of the Hide & Seek Chronicles) in 2020.After releasing four books in his upper Middle...
2023-02-1517 min
Author ExpressThe Power of a Sad Story - Why Books can be Therapeutic with Julee BalkoJulee Balko has been a Creative Director, brand builder, and content creator for years – while mothering and lassoing her three crazy daughters in her spare time. But she’s always wanted to be a “real” writer – the kind who has a book with her name on it.The Things We Keep is her first novel and a dream come true. Julee started writing The Things We Keep after her mother passed away because she was thrust into a world of grief that no one talks about. Julee has always been drawn to writing about interesting characters and complex re...
2023-02-0914 min
Author ExpressAmey Zeigler: Finding Your Author PurposeOur special guest today is award-winning and best-selling author, Amey Zeigler. She is best known for her heartwarming and laugh-out-loud romances, reminiscent of the chick-lit genre of the early 2000’s mixed with a healthy dose of women’s fiction. Her most successful book, The Casserole Dish, is a tribute to a neighborhood that taught her how to offer the olive branch of forgiveness, using her own experiences with depression and loss to guide the characters through their journey. It also explores the theme that everyone has a reason for acting the way they do and to not judge people too...
2023-02-0114 min
Author ExpressShifting Voices and Multiple Points of View with Carolyn KorsmeyerAfter some years pursuing an academic career, Carolyn Korsmeyer now spends most of her time at the keyboard writing fiction. In addition to wanting to see what happens as her plots unfold (for she is an incurable pantser), Carolyn sees fictional narrative as an opportunity to reflect on memory, impression, and the different angles that characters (and the sorts of people they represent) have on the same subject. This inspired the focus of today’s talk: “Shifting Voices and Multiple Points of View.” Many of the scenes in her new novel, Little Follies: A Mystery at the Millen...
2023-01-2511 min
Author ExpressCoastal Reads with Jenn BouchardOn today's episode, we will chat with Jenn Bouchard, speaking with us from the Boston suburbs. Jenn has been teaching high school social studies for 23 years and is the parent of two teenagers. After completing a major volunteer position as the president of her college's alumni association in 2014, she had the out-of-the-blue idea to write a novel. Not having written anything fictitious since middle school, she had no idea what she was doing. Three years later, she had completed a draft of FIRST COURSE. After many edits and a few bumps and detours, it was ultimately published in 2021 by...
2023-01-1815 min
Author ExpressWriting That Connects is Key for Author Shawna RodriguesOn today’s episode we get to chat with Shawna Rodrigues, a Women’s Fiction author with a laugh you will not easily forget. You may also recognize her as one of our hosts! After twenty+ years as a leader in the public and non-profit sector, Shawna transitioned to work as a consultant, all so she could finally finish the novel she always dreamed of writing. It was a joyous and arduous journey, but less than a year after leaving her career, she penned the final words of her debut novel, Beyond the Pear Blossoms. The jubilation was quickly eclip...
2023-01-1112 min
Author ExpressFeminist Fiction and Why So Little Women's Fiction is Set in the Work World w/ Lainey CameronLainey Cameron is an author of women's fiction and a recovering tech industry executive. Her award-winning novel, The Exit Strategy, an Amazon #1 bestseller, was inspired by a decade of being the only woman in the corporate boardroom. It's been called a "rallying call for women to believe in themselves and join together" and tells the story of a Silicon Valley investor who first meets her husband's mistress across the negotiating table.She’s the founder and host of the popular Best of Women’s Fiction podcast, a proud member of Women’s Fiction Writers Association, believes community makes...
2023-01-0415 min
Author ExpressAmerica's Misinformed Nostalgia for the 1950's with Author D.W. HoganOn today's episode we will talk with DAWN HOGAN about what is known as "The Baby Scoop Era." She was inspired to write her debut novel UNBROKEN BONDS when she was asked by a dear friend to search for the birth mother who gave her up for adoption, Dawn's research uncovered the rarely talked about homes for unwed mothers who shamefully coerced millions of young women to relinquish their babies to sealed adoptions. She was fascinated and appalled by the degrading tactics perpetrated by the institutions that profited unscrupulously under the guise of benevolence. During this time...
2022-12-2813 minSay Yes and Become with Leonard LeeHoliday Rerelease: Say Yes w/ Kristi HusebyWe're taking the last few weeks off for the holidays, so here's a special holiday rerelease of our conversation with Kristi Huseby
2022-12-2659 min
Author ExpressWriting with Aphantasia & the Benefits of Beta Readers w/ Maggie GilesMaggie Giles is a positive, outgoing person who enjoys creating new connections and experiencing new opportunities. She is a Canadian author whose debut novel - The Things We Lost - published in April 2022. The Things We Lost began as a story about what if. It started when Maggie had her own what if questions about the turns her life had taken. What started as a therapeutic project, turned into a relatable story that has a woman wondering if the grass is truly greener.Maggie is an active member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association where she ha...
2022-12-2113 min
Author ExpressDriving Societal Change Through Novels with Paulette StoutToday we’re talking to Paulette Stout, author of fast-paced contemporary women’s fiction novels, which each focus on a different social issue. Some topics may be new to readers; others may be familiar—but with a fresh twist. Regardless of theme, Paulette delivers lively, readable prose that keeps readers eagerly turning pages.Raised by a single dad in Manhattan, Paulette is the gold-star wordsmith and owner of her content marketing agency, Media Goddess Inc., where she crafts content for her list of global clients. Prior to MGI, she led content and design teams at several tech compan...
2022-12-1414 min
Author ExpressAn Unconventional Road Trip with Author Kathleen BasiToday we visit with author and composer Kathleen M. Basi. Kathleen is mother to three active boys (read that: always breaking something) and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. A proud native of flyover country and an honest-to-goodness farm girl (as in cattle, hogs, chickens, grain bins and a combine), she spent her childhood climbing trees, jumping off hay bales and chasing cattle back into their pasture when they broke through fences. (But she never once tipped a cow.)Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Road trips are familiar territory...
2022-12-0712 min
Author ExpressFollow Your Main Character's Lead - Especially When She's a Pirate with Author Sarah BransonOn today’s show we get to know Sarah Branson, a former nurse-midwife who now writes cross-genre speculative and women’s fiction that involves air-borne pirates three hundred years in the future. Her stories are set against the backdrop of an Earth changed by fires, floods, and pandemics, but are firmly rooted in the strength and resiliency of the human spirit.Sarah first started conjuring stories of pirates when her family hopped a freighter to Australia when she was seven. She has since grown up, traveling extensively across the US and the globe. She raised her family in M...
2022-11-3013 minAuthor ExpressAuthor Express- Teaser Episode- Just an IntroductionAuthor Express is your chance to discover the voice behind the pages. An opportunity to get to know the human side of writing as we visit with authors form a variety of genres. This teaser is meant to tell you more about our format and what we offer. We ask you to follow us and join our double entendre each Wednesday as we keep episodes close to fifteen minutes and glean an impressive amount from our writers.
2022-11-2602 minTrue Crime SquadDamien and Myles Sanderson, Fat Leonard, John Paul OstamasWeldon and the James Smith Cree Nation are collectively home to a few thousand people. The two Saskatchewan communities where ten people were fatally stabbed on Sunday, September 4th. Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson have been on the run in Canada after being accused of murdering ten people in a violent stabbing spree. At least 18 more people are seriously injured. Victims’ family members that the men were knocking on or breaking down doors to randomly enter homes and stab people. On Monday, Damien Sanderson was found deceased. As of this taping, Myles Sanderson is still on the run.
...
2022-09-0734 min