Curious about the life experiences that fuel a writer's imagination? In today's episode of Author Express, host Kathleen Basi chats with prolific author Cherie Dawn Haas. Cherie wrote her first book in 2016, titled Girl on Fire. It was inspired by her days as a fire eater and tribal belly dancer, and came at a time when she wanted to spend more time at home. While still a fire dancer at heart, Cherie Dawn now expresses herself through the written word. By day, she is an online editor for the art division of Streamline Publishing, and by night (and weekends) writes fiction and poetry in addition to teaching yoga.Cherie is a member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association, and she leads the county library’s Rough Draft Collab writers group, as well as writing retreats and online coaching in writing, publishing, meditation, and yoga.Living on a small farm helps inspire her work as well; you’ll often see this in her poetry and short stories that feature dogs, such as her Plott hound, Dangit Rusty, and her chickens. For example, Ashes for William, Cherie Dawn’s second novel, features a rooster who plays quite a role in this rural story of a tested friendship.You can learn more on her website, CherieDawn.com, find links to her podcast and books, and click the Newsletter link to receive her monthly LifeSoup email with inspiration and motivation on how to live better with yourself and others.A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.  Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On today’s episode, we will be chatting with Catherine Matthews, a Women’s Fiction author whose recently launched her debut novel, Releasing the Reins. This dual timeline novel follows Bunny O’Kelly’s as she storms off to Alaska to prove her worth, not just as a ranch hand, but as a woman in a world that doesn’t want her. As the title implies, Bunny has something to learn about trust—not just in others but in herself. Catherine took that journey along with Bunny as she let go of a thirty-four-year career in education to write full-time. Adventurous and headstrong like Bunny, Catherine is driven to achieve her goals. Earning a Bachelor of Science, and a Master’s and Doctorate in Educational Leadership, her career followed a carefully charted path from high school science teacher and coach to high school principal to Director of Assessment and Research. When her father became ill though, she deviated from the plan. Her childhood memories bubbled up, forcing a groundswell of emotion to the surface and she began to write. These stories became a blog as she took her first truly vulnerable step of trusting her own voice and sending it out into the world. Her debut novel took root as she explored her own experiences from being a young woman working traditionally male jobs in Alaska in the 1980s to being a professional in the present. Releasing the reins in her own life, she embraced her passion for writing stories about strong women who face the storms of life with courage and live their dreams. She is driven to explore how people find that place they truly belong in the world so that they can live as their authentic selves. Family secrets and their effect on relationships are a source of endless fascination for her as you will read in her next book Roadside Sisters.Catherine is the Vice President of Technology for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. As with all of her main characters, she is usually in the company of her faithful dogs, Buttercup and Boxer. Delta regularly attends the WFWA Writing Dates to make sure everyone is on task.You can learn more about her on her website www.CatherineMatthewsAuthor.com and follow her on Instagram @catherinematthewsauthor.Get your copy of Releasing the Reins in paperback, eBook, or audiobook at your favorite bookseller: https://books2read.com/CatherineMatthews or at Bookshop.org.A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs & Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone...

Get 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 and the hidden gems of Nottingham. This episode is a treasure trove for book lovers and aspiring authors alike, full of insights and behind-the-scenes stories that will leave you eager for more.Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages. She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he’s been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she’s not writing, researching or ‘moming’, you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves to travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.You can learn more about Madeline Martin and request for her to join you via zoom for your next book club at her website: MadelineMartin.comSupport your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of  The Book Lovers Library at Bookshop.org.A little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at: https://linktr.ee/kristileonard. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On today’s episode, we’re chatting with Amy Watson, a Women’s Fiction and romance author. One day, at the prompting of her therapist, she went home and told her husband she was going to write a novel. Mind you, she wasn’t a writer at the time. Hadn’t done more than dabble in poetry in college. She took a couple of creative writing courses online, and that November wrote the first 50,000 words to her novel Closer to Okay. Three years and approximately twenty versions later, her book was published. Closer to Okay focuses on the life of the main character, Kyle, and her life on the other side of a suicide attempt. Kyle finds herself in a mental health facility with three other patients, all with different illnesses. Across the street, there’s a coffee shop called The Coffee Shop that she watches from her window at the halfway house. When she finally gets permission to leave, she heads straight across the street in need of a decent caffeine fix. There she finds Jackson. Her connection with Jackson is immediate as well as unwelcome – the last thing she needs right then is a relationship. The book follows Kyle during her time in Hope House, her release, and her attempts at dating Jackson. You can learn more about her on her website www.amywatsonwrites.com and follow her on Instagram @amywatsonwrites -which will be the best place to be kept up to date on her next release!Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Closer to Okay at Bookshop.org.A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.  Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

Join Shawna Rodrigues as she chats with Yvonne Battle-Felton on this episode of Author Express, where an exciting narrative journey awaits. Yvonne, a seasoned writer and creative force, reveals snippets of her rich life experiences and their impact on her writing. Discover the inspirations behind her debut, Remembered, and get a preview of her upcoming release, Curdle Creek, an American Gothic novel. They explore themes like identity, family, and the peculiar charm of small towns that perfectly set the stage for thrilling tales. Perfect for book lovers and aspiring writers, this episode is brimming with insights and heart.Yvonne Battle-Felton is an author, academic, host, creative producer, and writer. Her debut, Remembered, was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction (2019) and shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize (2020). Winner of a Northern Writers Award in fiction (2017), Yvonne has six titles in Penguin Random House’s The Ladybird Tales of Superheroes and The Ladybird Tales of Crowns and Thrones. She has received a British Library Eccles Centre Fellowship (2019) and a Kimbilio Fiction Fellowship (2023). Yvonne is Senior Commissioning Editor at John Murray Press (UK) and the academic director of creative writing at Cambridge University Institute of Continuing Education. Host of Write Your Novel with Yvonne Battle-Felton and Bookable Space, her second book, Curdle Creek, an American Gothic about a sinister town with a strict population policy, will be published in October 2024 with Dialogue Books (UK) and Henry Holt (US). Learn more about Yvonne on her website https://www.yvonnebattlefelton.com/.You can catch up with Yvonne on socials on X, Instagram, and tiktok @whyiwritebattlefeltonSupport your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by pre-ordering your copy of Curdle Creek or getting your copy of&nbsp;Remembered at Bookshop.org, or pre-order it on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQHJG76H A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-<a...

Aimie 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) adorable kitties, and a dragon. To learn more about Aimie, please visit www.aimiekrunyan.com. She is also active on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and occasionally TikTok and enjoys engaging with readersSupport your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of Mademoiselle Eiffel&nbsp;at Bookshop.org.A little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband&nbsp;juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at:&nbsp;https://linktr.ee/kristileonard. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On today's episode we get to chat with Hadley Leggett, award-winning author of the debut novel, All They Ask Is Everything. A love letter to the messiness of motherhood, the book tells the story of three very different women who each want custody of the same two little girls — and discover they have more in common than the children they’re fighting for.Hadley fell in love with storytelling as a child, but as a people-pleaser born into a family of scientists, it never occurred to her she could become a novelist. Instead she went to medical school, became a science journalist, and then spent nearly a decade as a stay-at-home mom of three. During those years, she was too busy trying not to drown in breast milk and toddler tantrums and postpartum anxiety to write, but when her youngest daughter finally started preschool, she returned to her childhood dream of becoming an author.For her first book, Hadley wanted to explore modern society’s brutal expectations for mothers—how moms are expected to give everything to their children, all the time, without any real assistance in terms of childcare, paid time off, or mental health support. She drew on her experiences both in medical school and as a mother, and also did extensive research on the foster care system in her home state of Washington. Bestselling author Ann Garvin describes the book as “a relevant and absorbing exploration into parenting, foster care, and love,” and NYT-bestselling author Tara Conklin says, “This book spoke to me on so many levels. I didn't want it to end.”You can learn more about Hadley at www.hadley.ink. Follow her on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook as @hadleyleggett.Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;All They Ask Is Everything&nbsp;at Bookshop.org.&nbsp;A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

Dr. Bella Ellwood-Clayton is an award-winning author and editor. She has a BA from Concordia University in Montréal and a Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne in sexual anthropology—and, yes, that makes for interesting dinner party conversations. Bella’s novel, Weekend Friends, was published in 2023 by Post Hill Press. Her nonfiction book, Sex Drive: In Pursuit of Female Desire, was published by Allen &amp; Unwin in 2012. Bella has published short stories, poetry, and written for publications such as Huffington Post and Daily Life. She frequently appears on TV and gives talks, including a TEDx talk. Her work has been featured in a National Geographic documentary. Married to a real-life superhero, she lives in Melbourne and has two spirited—eek—teens and a mini Maltese who truly believes he’s a pit bull. When she’s not on her laptop, you can find her downward dogging, pleading with her offspring to go outside, randomly blurting out, “Oh, that’s a good story idea,” and consuming too many vegetarian dumplings.You can learn more about her on her website www.drbella.com.au and follow her on Instagram @bellaellwoodclayton - which will be the best place to be kept up to date on her next release!Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of Weekend Friends at Bookshop.org or from Amazon.A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

In this riveting episode of Author Express, Kathleen Basi chats with Edgar award-winning novelist Mindy McGinnis. If you’re fascinated by the balance between a cheerful personality and dark, compelling writing, Mindy’s story will captivate you. Get a glimpse into her life in a small Ohio town, marked by historical tragedies and quirky facts. Mindy’s new book, Under This Red Rock, a dark-themed murder mystery involving LGBTQ and mental health topics, offers a raw and honest perspective borne from her personal experiences. Don’t miss this episode if you’re interested in mental health awareness, author journeys, or simply love a good literary discussion.You can learn more about Mindy on her website www.mindymcginnis.com and follow her on Facebook at Mindy McGinnis and Instagram @mindymcginnisauthorSupport your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;Under This Red Rock&nbsp;at Bookshop.org A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On 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 thrill fans of cutting-edge psychological thrillers and high-stakes survival horror. But it is also a journey through the darkest corridors of the human psyche and the lingering effects of emotional and psychological abuse. After extracting herself from an emotionally abusive marriage, Deirdre is now looking to give a voice to those who suffer verbal and emotional abuse in silence. She has chosen dark fiction as a means to explore that horror and the myriad beliefs and situations that can lead a woman to surrender her voice. She hopes that by exploring her own trauma via fiction, her readers will unearth the courage to rise and rediscover their own voices—as she has rediscovered hers.You can learn more about her on her website www.deirdreswinden.com and follow her on Instagram @dswinden531Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;Somnium&nbsp;from Crystal Lake Publishing at Bookshop.org.A little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband&nbsp;juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at:&nbsp;https://linktr.ee/kristileonard. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On today’s episode, we get to chat with southern novelist Mindy Friddle, whose third book (and first domestic thriller) Her Best Self is out now from Regal House Publishing. Her Best Self includes the perspectives of a constellation of characters, including first-person point-of-view from the protagonist, a small-town matriarch, as well as third-person from a range of characters including her husband, adult children, a neurodiverse grandson with an affinity for animals, and the antagonist, a magnetic grifter. Joining us for a conversation about the value in bringing not only multiple POVs to a thriller, but branching those perspectives out in all directions, Mindy casts the spotlight on puzzling through perspective, and building suspense. Mindy Friddle is author of the novel, Secret Keepers, (winner of the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction). The Garden Angel, her first novel and SIBA bestseller, was selected for Barnes &amp; Noble’s Discover Great New Writers. The South Carolina Arts Commission awarded Mindy a prose fellowship, and she has twice won the state’s Fiction Prize. Her stories and essays have appeared in numerous journals. She holds an MFA from Warren Wilson and lives on Edisto Island, South Carolina.You can find Mindy online at mindyfriddle.com, and on Instagram @mindyfriddleHer Best Self is available from Regal House Publishing or support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;Her Best Self&nbsp;at Bookshop.orgA little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

Once every few years, a great love story sweeps readers off their feet and becomes a runaway sensation. Amy Neff’s stunning debut The Days I Loved You Most is perfectly poised to become that next great love story for the ages. The book asks the question: Could you live without the love of your life? And centers on a couple in a coastal Connecticut town who decide to redefine the ending to their love story, on their own terms. It just received a glowing starred review from Booklist which praises: “As the story weaves between the past and the present, the reader witnesses the heartaches and triumphs of their long, intertwined lives. This bittersweet tale, both heartbreaking and heartfelt, will leave even the most stoic reader with tears in their eyes.”And Jodi Picoult lauds: “I’ve never read a story quite like this deeply moving, complex novel — the truths we owe ourselves and others; the difference between self and selfishness; the parts of love that make us want to leave...and the parts that make us desperate to stay.”The Days I Loved You Most is an unforgettable and deeply romantic debut, a moving tribute to the enduring power of love, a celebration of a lifetime spent together, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and beauty to be found.Amy Neff's debut novel, The Days I Loved You Most, is a love letter to the seaside town where her family has spent summers since the early 1900s. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two sons, and their rescue dog. Connect with her on social media or find her online at www.amyneff.com. Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;The Days I Loved You Most&nbsp;at Bookshop.org A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

In today's episode, we chat with Christine Gunderson about her ten year journey to a traditional publishing deal, tenacity, and how to deal with rejection. She wrote her debut novel, Friends with Secrets, in her mini van in the school pick up line, at piano lessons, during drama rehearsals, at swim team practice, basketball practice, crew practice, and in lots of other unglamourous and uncomfortable places where only a mother who writes would write. Like most writers, Christine started life as a reader. Born and raised on a fourth-generation family farm in rural North Dakota, she devoured Laura Ingalls Wilder books in her very own little house on the prairie. She also burned holes in her chenille bedspread while attempting to read Trixie Belden books under the covers when she was supposed to be asleep. During these formative years growing up on the farm, Christine learned to haul grain, drive a combine, and pick rocks, skills that have yet to be useful later in life. Growing up on the prairie fifty miles from the nearest McDonalds also gave Christine a lifelong aversion to trees, and a craving for wide open spaces. She eventually left the farm, attended college, then headed into the wide world to seek her fortune. She pursued the kind of jobs where you get paid to talk and write and no one cares that you almost failed algebra. She worked as television anchor and reporter and a Capitol Hill press secretary, then left it all behind to stay home with her children, where algebra still continues to baffle her all these years later. Christine currently live in the Washington D.C. suburbs with her three children, Star the Wonder Dog, and a very patient husband. When not writing, she's sailing the Chesapeake Bay with her family, playing Star Wars monopoly, re-reading Jane Austen novels or unloading the dishwasher.After years of rejection and heartache on the road to publication, the fact that someone is actually reading a book she's written continues to astonish her, and she absolutely loves to hear thoughts and ideas from readers. You can contact her at www.christinegunderson.com and sign up for her newsletter, Notes on Love and Laundry.Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;the #1 Best Seller Friends with Secrets&nbsp;at Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781662522710&nbsp;or support this podcast by getting your copy of Friends with Secrets through our Amazon Affiliate link - https://amzn.to/3WRCt8c Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On today's episode, we have Casey Dembowski, the author of three award-winning romance novels, When We're Thirty, The Corey Effect, and Get A Room. Her fourth novel The First Love Myth is coming soon from Red Adept Publishing. Kirkus called her debut "absorbing and satisfying" while Midwest Book Reviews labeled Get A Room "A study in humor, irony, romantic encounters, and the evolution of a friendship…"Casey's novels are connected standalones, all exisitng in the same extended universe. Today, she'll discuss how she created this universe, ways to layer in easter eggs for each book, and how to give enough backstory for new readers without boring existing readers. Casey lives in New Jersey with her family. She has an MFA in Fiction from Adelphi University, and currently works in corporate marketing communications. In her (limited) spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, and watching her favorite television shows on repeat.You can learn more about Casey and her novels on her website CaseyDembowski.com and follow her on Instagram at @casey_dembowski for the most up-to-date news. Pick up your copy of her books today: Amazon.com: Casey Dembowski orSupport your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;When We're Thirty&nbsp;at Bookshop.orgA little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On today's episode we will be chatting with Jenny Erlingsson, a Nigerian-American born author and speaker. After serving on the pastoral staff of a church in Huntsville, Alabama for twelve years, her family lives in a small village on the southern coast of Iceland, the land of Fire and Ice. She is married to a joyful viking and mother to four adorably, feisty kids. They keep her laughing, challenged and in prayer, all day every day! She never imagined that she'd have the opportunity to continue her publishing journey in such a special way from Iceland. After years of fighting off discouragement and seeing her call to write reignited, she loves getting to encourage women through her Milk and Honey Women content and support writers through her Milk and Honey Books author services. As she encourages the writing dream of others, she has seen her own childhood aspirations unfold with the recent release of her debut novel, Her Part to Play. This "modern romance with old-fashioned courage and depth", according to author Patricia Raybon, is a reflection of Jenny's desire to continue to write faith-filled novels that reflect the beautiful and vibrant communities of modern followers of Christ. Along with working on fiction manuscripts, she's authored several books and creative resources including her most recent, Milk &amp; Honey in the Land of Fire &amp; Ice. This book, along with her book Becoming His, feature Biblical fiction and devotional content used in Bible Studies and small groups. She also writes for various blogs, helps writers publish their books, and speaks at gatherings from Alabama to Austria. She's excited about continuing to share with readers through diverse novels that are deeply rooted—with a touch of romance. Words upon words that she hopes reflect the glory and goodness of God. Jenny is a member of ACFW, Called Creatives, and also writes for and serves on the board of Velvet Ashes, a ministry dedicated to encouraging women serving cross-culturally. You can learn more about her on her website www.jennyerlingsson.com and follow her on Instagram at @jennyerlingsson.Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;Her Part to Play at Bookshop.org&nbsp;&nbsp;A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the...

Amy 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 get their dialogue and how the other characters regard and interact with them. We see very little of their inner thoughts because they were written for the stage, and to be played by young, inexperienced male actors. This leaves so much room to create complex emotional arcs. Amy is an active member of the Author's Guild, Women's Fiction Writers Association, and the Pacific Northwest Author's Association, where her books have twice been recognized as contest finalists. She holds a certificate in Popular Fiction from the University of Washington, as well as a BA in English from Whitman College and a Master's in Library and Information Science, also from the University of Washington. She spends her days shepherding government documents but has also worked as an academic librarian and freelance pop culture writer.Amy’s hobbies include barely running (she’s completed ten half marathons, slowly), cooking and baking, hiking, tending her neighborhood Little Free Library, relaxed traveling, and attending live theater. When she’s not writing, Amy can often be found cozied up reading, eating fancy cheese, shopping for fancy cheese, or cooking with fancy cheese. She lives in the Seattle suburbs with her husband, two senior cats, and next door to her sister. Amy’s love language is jokes. Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;How to Align the Stars&nbsp;&nbsp;at Bookshop.orgA little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband&nbsp;juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at:&nbsp;https://linktr.ee/kristileonard. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

Award-winning author Pamela Stockwell was born in Texas and raised in South Carolina. In between, she lived in the Philippines and, along with her big sister, became fluent in Tagalog name-calling. She abandoned her foreign language studies at age five and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of South Carolina. Pamela lives with her husband in Central New Jersey. She has three children in various stages of young adulthood, one dog, and too many cats. Her first novel, A Boundless Place, debuted in 2021. Her second novel, The Tender Silver Stars, was published in April of this year. Her poetry and creative nonfiction have appeared in several online literary journals and anthologies.In her newest book, The Tender Silver Stars, her main characters are two women who meet by chance after each impetuously derails her life. Together, they forge new paths forward and form strong bonds. This theme of found families has played out in her life—her three children were adopted, and she got so close to the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, she donated a kidney to fellow member Kelly Hartog.Although Pamela has always wanted to be a writer, she didn’t publish her first novel until she was 58. She worked in corporate writing for fifteen years, then she adopted her children and accidently became a stay-at-home mom. Being alone all day with three young kids forced her to be creative with motherhood—such as conceiving her own home camp she named Camp Stockwell, which was really just her and her kids. Now she pours that creativity into writing—novels, poetry, short stories, and essays. Her two novels are set in a trailer park—very much modeled after the neighborhood where she grew up in South Carolina. And while not a series, some of the characters from her first novel are featured in her second. She has had people tell her that after reading her first book, A Boundless Place, they had a sudden urge to move to a trailer park because they loved the characters so much.You can learn more about Pamela on her website www.pamelastockwell.com — and this is also the best place to buy her book, The Tender Silver Stars. You can also support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;The Tender Silver Stars at Bookshop.org at this link bookshop.org.You can also follow her on Substack at https://pamelastockwellauthor.substack.com/publish/posts where she writes quick easy to read posts about life and life’s lessons.A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram<a href="https://instagram.com/AuthorExpressPodcast" rel="noopener...

An avid reader and writer since she was a child, Heather Osoy found her voice through literature. She wrote a number of plays, poems, short stories and even a screenplay during her formative years. The passing of a beloved family member right before the pandemic encouraged her to use that voice to publish her first novel, To Hold Oneself. She chose the indie route, so no one could interfere with what she wanted to say.Her stories are full of imperfect people trying to find their own voices. The subject matter tends to be heavy, but that makes the characters' journeys far more imperative. Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;To Hold Oneself at Bookshop.org at this link&nbsp;bookshop.orgHer next installment to her series Discomfort of the Blended entitled Suspension of the Writ will be released August 24, 2024. You can find Heather Osoy on Instagram @heather_writes and Facebook www.facebook.com/heatherosoywrites.Her body of work:2022, To Hold Oneself2023, Comfort for Community2024, Suspension of the WritLearn more about her at https://linktr.ee/heatherosoyA little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On today’s episode we’re traveling south to Virginia to speak with Sharon Wishnow, a women’s fiction author who is more than a little obsessed with pelicans and writing about what is outside her back yard. Sharon’s writing career spans thirty years, starting as a freelance writer in the Netherlands where she established a beat in the supermarket and food industries. When she returned to the US, she garnered her experience along with a few professional degrees into a communications career before turning to fiction. She’s currently the executive editor for WriteON! the magazine of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA). She’s the former Vice President of Communications for WFWA and the founder of Women’s Fiction Day celebrated yearly on June 8th.Sharon’s novel, The Pelican Tide is about a Cajun chef, Josie Babineaux and her family living in Grand Isle, Louisiana during the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill that devastated the entire Gulf Coast of the United States. While the book is fiction, it closely follows the actual 87-day timeline of events from the oil well explosion to when it was capped. The story features Gumbo, a quirky brown pelican who has adopted the family as his people. Gumbo is modeled after a real pelican, Big Bird, a great white pelican that was rescued in Tanzania. His humans taught him how to fish and survive. Sharon’s story is one of a family on the brink of financial and social collapse while their home is facing an environmental collapse. Her stories often highlight how changes in the environment change people. She’s quick to say she doesn’t write about dystopian stories but rather stories of strong women who fight for what is most important to them. Along with the lighthearted antics of Gumbo the pelican is a hot sauce competition. The book also includes recipes from Chef Josie that Sharon hopes will be shared along with her story.As a seasoned nonfiction writer, her writing is always informed by actual events. In 2021, eleven years after the Deepwater Horizon spill, Grand Isle was destroyed by Hurricane Ida. The barrier island took a direct hit and 100% property damage. Sharon is now working with the nonprofit Restore Grand Isle to help raise funds and talk about the important work that still needs to be done to rebuild the island and preserve its unique ecosystem. The island is an important rest stop for migrating birds around the world. The people are extraordinary too.You can learn more about Sharon, her book, Grand Isle, and subscribe to her newsletter Research for Writers and Other Curious People on her website www.sharonwishnow.com. You can also connect with her on Instagram @sjwishnow. Sharon also encourages readers to visit Restore Grand Isle to learn how they can help https://restoregrandisle.com

On today’s episode we chat with Nancy Taber, an author whose stories are inspired by women’s forgotten histories, her military service, and her love of the fantastical. Nancy grew up in a military family, joined the military herself, graduated from military college, and served as a Sea King helicopter Tactical Coordinator. When she completed her service, she earned her Master’s and PhD degrees, and became a university professor researching the intersection of gender, militarism, and learning. Nancy is a facilitator for Writers Collective of Canada, was named a Top Woman in Defence 2022 by Esprit de Corps magazine, and is a member of the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame.The idea for her debut novel, A Sea of Spectres, began when her mother sent her an article about their ancestors' experiences in the 1758 Acadian expulsion from Prince Edward Island. The focus of the article was on a man, with only brief mention of his wife, Madeleine. And she thought, I can't have that - Madeleine deserves to be the heroine of her own story. So she intertwined Madeleine’s narrative with Acadian folklore and two point-of-view descendants, inspired by Acadian history, an 1864 almanac, and her research about women's service in contemporary (para)military contexts. Nancy believes in the importance of highlighting women’s stories, demonstrating how past connects to present, families lose and find each other, and the fantastical dwells beneath the surface of everyday life. In A Sea of Spectres, she deftly braids three timelines together, each as engaging and fully drawn as the other. With whip-smart contemporary dialogue and moving, evocative historical writing, she brings to life three different generations of Acadian women in a riveting, crackling, chilling mystery. Please visit https://www.nancytaber.ca to connect with Nancy and for links to order her novel. Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of&nbsp;A Sea of Spectres&nbsp;&nbsp;at Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781773661575&nbsp;A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

Join host Shawna Rodrigues on this exciting episode of Author Express as she welcomes bestselling and award-winning authors Kimberley Woodhouse and Tracie Peterson. You'll learn about this dynamic duo's long-standing friendship and collaboration that has produced nearly 200 books. Discover intriguing facts about their hometowns and learn how a fan letter sparked a 30-year bond and successful partnership. Listen in as they share their love for settings like Kalispell, Montana, and their passion for weaving deep, layered stories. Get inspired by their expert insights on writing, research, and maintaining creativity. Tune in for an engaging conversation that promises to offer both laughter and valuable takeaways for aspiring writers and avid readers alike.Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of With Each Tomorrow at Bookshop.org -https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9780764238994A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

After 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 the Blues").Her forthcoming trilogy, the Queenpin Chronicles, debuted with her novel, FLORIDA GIRLS which released May 28, 2024. You can support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy now through Bookshop.org at this link- https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9798985815245Author Express listeners, get a free audio bonus of LL Kirchner reading the intro to Florida Girls at http://tinyurl.com/FloridaBookIntroGet her latest writing as well as craft and publishing tips at https://illbehavedwomen.com.To find your ideal meditation style, check out https://llkirchner.com/short-moments and click around!Find her on Instagram at @LLKirchner_ and TikTok @LLKirchnerA little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband&nbsp;juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at:&nbsp;https://linktr.ee/kristileonard. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On today’s show we get to meet Margaret Johnson, who’s published by Lake Union Publishing under the pen-name Kitty Johnson. Margaret doesn’t mind whether people call her Margaret or Kitty – she answers to both names!Margaret first started writing in her twenties after finishing a Fine Art degree. Faced with an uncertain future – making money from art is a notoriously precarious prospect – Margaret had the bright idea of writing a best-selling novel to finance her painting career. This first novel was never published – she says she basically swapped one precarious way of living for another - but by the time it was completed, Margaret had firmly caught the writing bug. Since then, her writing career has included romance novels published by small publishing houses, a raft of graded readers for academic publishers which have sold around the world, as well as women's fiction which she self-published before she snagged an agent – the wonderful Carly Watters of PS Literary – via a pitch event organized by the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. That was her gateway to publication by Lake Union Publishing – Five Winters was published on the 1st of January 2023, and Prickly Company is to be published on 28th May 2024. A third novel – Closest Kept – will be published sometime in 2025.Margaret frequently draws on her life and experience for her writing – with Five Winters, she used her memories of hopeless crushes in her teens and twenties, as well as her strong yearning to have a child. Prickly Company was partly inspired by the small community where she lives, as well as by her experience as a volunteer for the charity Hodmedods Hedgehog Support. She also drew on her observations of students at the beginning of a new course – the way different characters come to the fore, and others stay back, and how some people can dominate proceedings if the teacher isn’t careful.You can learn more about Margaret on her website at https://www.kittyjohnsonbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @kittyjohnsonbooks-which will be the best place to be kept up to date on her next release!Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of Five Winters or pre-ordering your copy of Prickly Company from Bookshop.org.A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -<a...

Elizabeth Goddard was an avid reader from a very young age and always longed to write, but it wasn’t until she had her first child at age 29 that she resigned from corporate America and finally answered the call of her heart. She started the long and arduous road to publication. Elizabeth chose the traditional route and attended writing conferences for years until she was finally published. With her latest Missing in Alaska series, Elizabeth has found her stride with action and adventure romantic suspense novels set in stunning locations.Now, she’s the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than sixty novels, including Christy Award winner Cold Light of Day and Shadows at Dusk, as well as the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Carol Award and Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. You can learn more about her books at www.ElizabethGoddard.com where you can subscribe to her newsletter, and you can follow her on her Amazon page.Get your copy of HIDDEN IN THE NIGHT, the last installment of Missing in Alaska, today! A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

J. 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 Twin Cities with her family, two cats, and a never‐ending supply of Dr. Pepper.The best way to keep up with J. Marie Rundquist's latest stories and upcoming releases, is through her newsletter. You can subscribe on her website, www.jmarierundquist.com.Order As Though You Were Mine in your favorite format:https://books2read.com/u/mVeQ72Order All I'm Asking in your favorite format:https://books2read.com/u/m0lvnyA little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband&nbsp;juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at:&nbsp;https://linktr.ee/kristileonard. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On today’s episode we get to chat with Janet Roberts, a Women’s Fiction author and poet in Pittsburgh, PA, who has a background in cybersecurity. After fifteen+ years as a global leader in cybersecurity awareness and education, Janet transitioned to full time writer and part-time consultant in 2023, to be able to chase her dream of focusing nearly all of her time on her writing. While employed full time, she self-published two novels - The Narrow Gate (2015) and The Leaf Queen (2016) - both of which won First Place in Fiction from Pittsburgh’s The Author Zone, and a small memoir - Seven Thin Dimes. Her third novel, What Lies We Keep, to be released in May 2024 by TEN 16 Press, was written over a five year period while leading a cybersecurity awareness program for a multinational corporation. Her poetry has been published in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and San Fedele Press’ Art in A Time of Covid. All of her novels are set wholly or partially in Western PA, but What Lies We Keep is her first novel to include cybersecurity in the plot. In her work, Janet’s female characters are women struggling with low self-esteem or lack of confidence who find their super power as they grow through adversity in her novels. But, having grown up with brothers and male cousins - and working in a primarily male dominated environment most of her adult life - her books often have both a female and male point of view. She was raised in Erie, PA, by a father from Cleveland, Ohio, and a mother from a small town outside of Pittsburgh, PA, spending a good amount of her childhood in the Pittsburgh area visiting relatives. As an adult, she moved a lot during her career, but in 2019 her deep Western PA roots called her to head back home. She’s a graduate of Temple University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, and of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (Now PennWest Edinboro) where she earned a Master of Arts in Communications.You can learn more about Janet and her work on her website www.booksbyjanetroberts.com. Follow her on social media at @janetroberts77 (Instagram or Threads) or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetroberts/ to keep up to date on her next release!A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

Suzanne Woods Fisher is known for her heartwarming Amish fiction and contemporary romance novels. where faith, community, and love take center stage. Through her enchanting storytelling, she whisks readers away to charming settings and introduces them to unforgettable characters.When she's not weaving captivating tales, Suzanne enjoys life with her husband, Steve, along with their four children and numerous grandchildren. Fun fact: Steve is a professional ice cream maker, a skill he honed at Penn State's ice cream school. His expertise inspired Suzanne's "Cape Cod Creamery" series, set in Chatham, Massachusetts, featuring an ice cream shop run by a mother-daughter duo. You can get a sneak peek by pre-ordering "Love on a Whim," the series' third installment, here: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/553561With a string of bestselling novels and a natural gift for storytelling, Suzanne continues to enthrall readers globally. Her books provide a cozy escape, reminding us of life's simple yet beautiful moments.Connect with Suzanne on her website, www.suzannewoodsfisher.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter for updates on new releases, giveaways, and more. Suzanne adores interacting with her readers and cherishes staying connected!A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On 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 stockbroker—Merril, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner, and Smith—and watched her mother sit by the phone, smoke cigarettes, and talk to her broker. It wasn’t until 7th grade that Marie realized college was not mandatory!The other strange thing that happened was that her parents, particularly her dad, had the same aspirations for both her and her brother. Apparently, her dad had lived a very sheltered existence until he was shipped to Europe in WWII and didn’t want that for his children. She remembers, as a small child, standing with him in a phone booth, rain hammering down, and, with his coaching, calling the operator and placing a call to her uncle to tell him the family’s arrival time.Along with her brother, Marie learned to play ball, mowed the lawn, and was expected to excel at school. The rude awakening didn’t come until fourth grade when she stood on the sidelines, watching her brother try out for little league. One of the other boys attempted to catch a slow grounder but it rolled between his legs. Incensed, Marie realized she could play baseball better than half the boys but wasn’t allowed to try out because of her sex!Time passed. Marie graduated from college, got married, had children (two fantastic girls who gave her three wonderful grandsons), and then came the divorce during Houston’s oil bust of the 1980s. Jobs were scarce, but she managed to land at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, investigating employment discrimination; eventually remarrying and moving to the private sector as a human resource manager and director. Later she opened her own business, focusing on encouraging diversity and preventing discrimination.Her adolescent dream, however, was never far from her mind. She would envision life, dressed in her Girl Scout Camp uniform (white shirt, dark green shorts, and green knee socks), patrolling the borders of the island she owned. Occupation—writer.Dreams never die; they just get postponed. She currently owns a 50-acre ranch in central Texas (her island), named Las Tortugas. And, although she can’t fit into her Girl Scout uniform anymore, she writes.You can learn more about Marie and her blog, “Stories About Life” on her website www.mariewatts.com Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of Tough Trail Home at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781685133917 A little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband&nbsp;juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures

Growing up as the son of author and composer BB Johnson AKA Joseph Greene (Together Brothers, Across the Alley from the Alamo) DaVon and Greene (the pen name of Jonathan Greene) knew writing was in his blood. Drawn towards cartels, crime, and drugs DaVon and Greene completed his first serious undertaking in his early teens and gave it to his father's friend, Saul David (Director: Logan's Run and Fantastic Voyage) to get an honest critique. Saul was intrigued, but wasn't overwhelmed. His critique sent DaVon and Greene’s life into a whole other direction, putting down the pen and entering the world that he wrote about in an endless cycle that there was no escape from, ultimately leading to incarceration. After jail, employment was hard to find, so when DaVon and Greene’s now wife offered him a job interview at a beer company he seized the opportunity. Working hard he rose through the ranks with promotion after promotion. Within six months DaVon and Greene was on a six figure salary.Several years later, DaVon and Greene’s beer career came to a halt when the company was sold. So DaVon and Greene started flipping Real Estate which provided him with a life filled with fast cars, boats and houses, until the crash of 2007.Not to be defeated, DaVon and Greene turned to insurance, then consulting before starting a successful trucking business. Resting in his truck at night gave DaVon and Greene time to write and finally fulfil his dream to become an author. Thriller, Laredo Nuevo, was published in 2021 and his fast-paced new book, Paladin launched in February 2024.DaVon and Greene is father to eight children and five grandchildren. When he’s not writing or trucking across the country Jonathan can be found in California where he lives with his wife.You can learn more about DaVon and Greene at www.davonandgreene.com/home and also follow him on Instagram @davon_and_greene.A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books...

Michele Kwasniewski translated her career behind the scenes in entertainment into an award-winning young adult trilogy that shines a spotlight on the darker side of fame. Starting out as a set production assistant on movies such as INDEPENDENCE DAY and EVITA, Michele moved to the small screen and worked her way up the ladder to production manager, on television shows such as BIG BROTHER. A life-long southern California resident, Michele always dreamed of writing books despite almost failing seventh grade English grammar. THE RISE AND FALL OF DANI TRUEHART trilogy consists of books RISING STAR BURNING BRIGHT and FALLING STARAbout RISING STAR, Publisher’s Weekly said “…Kwasniewski deftly conveys nuanced family dynamics and interpersonal relationships from a teen perspective.”Kirkus called BURNING BRIGHT, …”A realistic and absorbing look at a teen celebrity’s struggle with the pressures of success.”Kirkus called the final installment of the trilogy, “eminently readable.”You can learn more about Michele on her website https://www.michelekwasniewski.com/ and follow her on Instagram at @author.michelekwasThe Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart trilogy is available at your favorite bookseller or on Amazon. or support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of The Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart trilogy at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781950544363A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

Jill 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 to write for. While working full-time at a Communications company, part-time bartending (to help with her eldest daughter’s upcoming wedding and three more kids in college), and training for her first half-marathon, Jill wrote the first of thirty articles/stories for the Minnesota women’s magazine. A few years later, shortly after the last of the kid’s graduated college and Jill quit bartending, her best friend was dying of cancer, and it planted a seed of a story in Jill’s head. The idea of losing your support system when you need them most transpired to become Jill’s first book, The to Hell and Back Club. Jill hit the writing ground running, wisely quitting the magazine side job after ten years and focusing on books. The following year, Crazy Little Town Called Love was released, and in 2022, A Life Unraveled was published.Closer to Home debuted in March, and by the time this podcast is live, Jill will have submitted her fifth book to her publisher. She has been a proud member of WFWA (Women's Fiction Writers Association) from its early stages before it was an association, back when it was a Yahoo email group!You can learn more about Jill on her website: www.jillhannahanderson.com and follow her on Facebook, the best social media place to get book updates from her: https://www.facebook.com/jillhannah.anderson/Get your copy of Closer to Home here: https://amzn.to/3VEqiLNorsupport your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of Closer to Home at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781958231432A little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband&nbsp;juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at:&nbsp;https://linktr.ee/kristileonard. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and

Tracey's journey pursuing the right words has been both straight-forward and circuitous. She wrote nothing but the facts as a journalist and has created worlds out of pure imagination as a novelist. Either way she loves telling stories because stories are connectors that bridge our experiences and help us understand each other better.Tracey's story began in the bootheel of Missouri, but quickly moved to a little corner of western Kentucky called Paducah, a UNESCO Creative City which is home to the National Quilt Museum and the birthplace of Vice President Alben Barkley.After she graduated cum laude with a degree in journalism from Texas A&amp;M University, she returned to Paducah with her husband, Kent, also an Aggie. She worked as the editor of the lifestyle section of her hometown newspaper, where she earned awards like Best Feature Writer of Kentucky and Best Column from the Kentucky Press Association.After having her second son, she decided to write from home and began freelancing. She eventually became editor of a nationally distributed health magazine. She also wrote dramatizations for the City of Paducah, and that's where many of the characters in Toward the Corner of Mercy and Peace were formed.Tracey's also an artist and ran a business for several years selling her watercolor and ink illustrations she called "flutterbies." But, even as an artist she included words in her paintings and collages. She's an author at heart.She and her husband have two married sons, eight grandchildren, and a kooky little Corgi-Yorkie mix that's still frisky at age 16.You can learn more about Tracey on her website, www.traceybuchanan.com.You can also follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TraceyBuchananAuthor/ and Instagram: @tracey_d_buchanan. Toward the Corner of Mercy and Peace is available from her publisher, Amazonorsupport your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of Toward the Corner of Mercy and Peace at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781646033379A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

This week on Author Express we welcome&nbsp;upmarket women's fiction&nbsp;author Heather Dixon from outside Toronto, Canada. Heather has published three novels filled with compelling themes of family, friendship, and secrets. Discover the incredible story behind her debut novel, "Burlington," and how the setting of the book ties into a thought-provoking metaphor that reflects universal experiences among women. We'll also explore the intriguing plot of her latest book, "The Summerville Sisters," as Heather explores the complexities of sisterhood and the enduring bond of forgiveness.&nbsp;Discover the intricacies of writing, the publishing process, and the joy of staying true to the art of storytelling despite the uncertainties of the publishing journey. Join us this week to explore the vulnerabilities, inspirations, and unexpected similarities in the writing processes of authors from both sides of the border.Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of The Summerville Sisters at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781805083207A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On 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 be found here: https://erinbartels.com/home/books/the-lady-with-the-dark-hair/Because the creative life is so important to her, Erin has looked for opportunities to teach and encourage other writers from the beginning, organizing conferences and retreats, teaching workshops, visiting high schools, coaching writers, and doing in-depth developmental edits that help other writers level up. She also loves using her skills as a longtime professional copywriter in the publishing industry to help writers market their self-published books. She recently started a Substack called Experimental Wolves to teach and encourage writers and offer weekly writing prompts to spur their creativity.Check out Experimental Wolves at https://experimentalwolves.substack.com/You can also find her on Instagram @erinbartelswrites and Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor.Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of The Lady with the Dark Hair at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9780800741662A little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband&nbsp;juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at:&nbsp;https://linktr.ee/kristileonard. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On today’s episode, we’ll talk with Kimberly Nixon who made quite a discovery a few years back. She found her grandmother’s felony conviction papers. She had always heard that her grandmother robbed a train in 1920s in Appalachia and her research persistence paid off. The 125-page record gave Kimberly the details about her grandmother that she had only met twice.Kimberly considers herself the family storyteller and has made a career of exploring family stories for herself and others. She had closed her small business which archived generations of family memories for extended families. For a short period of time, Kimberly considered going back to a “real job” but her grandmother’s story pulled her to a writing desk. First, she wrote the true story of the family tale, detailing everything she knew to be fact about her mother and grandmother for her family. Before she wrote the fictionalized version, she wanted her children and siblings to know what was true. Then, she enrolled in writing courses and started a writer’s critique group. Five years later, Kimberly finished her first draft of Rock Bottom, Tennessee.Not wanting to do the arduous task of querying, Kimberly started her own publishing company. She knew how to market products and run a business from previous experience. Rock Bottom, Tennessee launched April of 2022. Her readers asked for a sequel and Kimberly delivered. Rock Bottom Rising will release February 2024 and will take the readers from Ruby’s conviction on a journey to find redemption and reconnection with her children, abandoned after her arrest.Kimberly’s next project will be a memoir based on retracing her father’s WWII steps throughout Europe. Her father never talked about the war and his records were destroyed by a fire at the National Archive. She has recreated his daily journey from Africa to Berlin and has visited the site of many of her father’s historic battles and has stood where her father was wounded for the first and second time of his service.You can read about Kimberly’s passion for the family story and news of her upcoming release at her website https://www.kimberlynixon.com. Follow Kimberly’s writing journey on her Instagram page @kimberlynixon.author.Get a signed copy of Rock Bottom, Tennessee at Kimberly’s website or see where to find it at this universal link https://books2read.com/u/3nGVMoorsupport your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of Rock Bottom Rising at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781957513119A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp;...

On today’s episode, we chat with Rebecca Connolly, author of the upcoming book, Hidden Yellow Stars, as well as A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice, Under the Cover of Mercy, and over 40 romance titles. Rebecca was born in California, but grew up in the Midwest, specifically in Ohio and Indiana. She considers herself a Midwest girl, with all of the wholesome sweetness and "girl next door" attributes that come along with that. According to home videos, she was always loved to make up stories. There was nothing simple about a game of House, and every game involving imagination had some sort of plot, whether it was fighting off dragons or being a school teacher. Her elementary school had a little book press for stories by students, and she had so many little books printed [but very poorly illustrated!] that she could fill a box at home. She has always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were like a carnival to her, and libraries her happy place. Her creative writing professor in college once said, "In order to be a great writer, you must be a great reader." That gave her hope, since she had been reading her entire life! She received her bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, which is where she completed her first novel on the side, and started collecting the ideas for many others. She worked for several years after that, dabbling in writing and reading and other activities, and then went on to get her master's degree from West Virginia University. She came back to the Midwest after all of that, and has no desire to leave it again! She is now a full-time author, and learning how to be her own boss.Follow her on Instagram at @author.rebecca.connolly and sign up for her newsletter at rebeccaconnolly.com.Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of Hidden Yellow Stars at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781639932344A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram<a...

Before 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 become their most whole selves. She has yet to meet a moral dilemma that doesn't fascinate her.JOHANNA PORTER IS NOT SORRY, released in March 2023, was Sara's debut novel. Her latest novel, PRINCIPLES OF (E)MOTION came out January 2024. She is hard at work on her third novel, which is hard at work trying to kill her. Sara's short stories have been published in The Missouri Review, Beloit Fiction Journal, and Zone 3 Press, and she has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She is represented by Laura Bradford of Bradford Literary Agency.Sara is co-host of #MomsWritersClub, a BlueSky community and YouTube channel. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her husband, two teens, a terrier, and three snarky cats.A little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband&nbsp;juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at:&nbsp;https://linktr.ee/kristileonard. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

Tamatha Cain is the award winning author of Song of the Chimney Sweep, a dual timeline women's fiction novel with not one but two mysteries (and an ending that satisfies in the most delightful way), and Only Oona, the first biographical fiction about Oona O'Neill Chaplin. After careers as a vocalist and then sugar artist and baker, she finally allowed herself to believe the pages of writing she'd shoved in a drawer over the years could be more than a hobby, and her first novel won a Royal Palm Literary Award. She went on to write and publish two more novels, and has just completed a fourth. With each one, she flexed a different part of her writing muscles, but her love of timely details and historical accuracy runs through all of her work.Featuring strong female main characters and multicultural casts, her stories often illuminate a unique perspective on American life, one informed by her own diverse cultural background. As the daughter of an Air Force code interceptor and the brilliant Indian woman he met while stationed at a strategic outpost in Pakistan, she's lived in four countries, seven states, and so many houses she lost track. She is a wife, mother of four, and a new grandma. Her little dog Luly would like you to know she puts her own toys away every night.You can learn more about her at www.TamathaCain.com, and while you're there sign up for her popular quarterly newsletter which always starts with happy news and a selection of hilarious memes. A link to all her social media and special events can be found at https://linktr.ee/tamathacain.Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of Song of the Chimney Sweep at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781949935387A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

In this episode of Author Express, we get the gift of meeting four authors through their conversations on the Black Writer Therapy podcast, with Ella Shawn. Get ready to hear heartfelt moments from authors like Stacy Hawkins Adams, Piper Huguley, and N.D. Jones, sharing personal experiences and the inspiration behind their powerful storytelling. From discussing the complexities of marriage and womanhood to the essence of historical fiction and the importance of diving into untold histories, this episode offers a captivating insight into the minds of these incredible writers and introduces you to a podcast that utilizes a longer format to offer more depth and enlightenment. Black Writer Therapy is a gift that we should all experience, and this is a unique opportunity to sample morsels that will help you decide where you should start. Be sure to join Ella Shawn's Substack and continue to gain from her literary insight and grace - https://ellashawn.substack.com/Episodes mentioned in this episode-Writing, Healing, and Forging Authentic Connections with Stacy Hawkins AdamsPiper Huguley on Redesigning Black History Pt.1One Black Woman's Literary Revolution with N.D. JonesBook mentioned from N.D. Jones clip- Mafdet's ClawsLinks to the bonus episodes-Session Notes: Black Women Writers Catch Hell Across the GlobeBreaking Gender and Racial Barriers with Author, Paulette StoutEpisode 3 from Author Express: Driving Societal Change Through Novels with Paulette StoutEpisode 30 from Author Express: The Legacy of Fractured Living: An Exploration of Mothers, Daughters, and Sensuality with Ella ShawnA little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on <a href="https://amzn.to/3Ss5vcj" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Beth 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 the wait and the work. It was that labor of love that taught both her sons to never give up.Beth feels like she found herself in writing and has published short stories and essays in some of the most reputable literary journals. Coming Clean is the fourth novel she drafted, but the first to find a home with Regal House Publishing. She has high hopes for her other projects and, at 52, sees no reason not to believe maybe someday she’ll be able to lose the day job and make a living as a creative writer. Until then, she has found meaningful work at the University of Chicago, writing fundraising materials for the UChicago Medicine Biological Sciences Division. Beth’s writing journey has included a low-residency MFA program, writing conferences and workshops, and prioritizing continuing education. Building a writing community kept her going—summer workshops, the AWP Conference, and the Women’s Fiction Writer’s Association daily write-ins. These connections made a difference when it came to finding a publisher. Coming Clean was always Beth’s favorite project and the one she kept returning to. The idea of a cleaning lady having access to 5 homes worth of people’s stuff was too enticing to give up. The novel takes place over one week. Dawn cleans a different home each day. In the process, Dawn’s backstory unfolds. She is grieving the death of her fiancé, Terry, in a motorcycle crash. She lives in a trailer. She cleans houses for a living. This is not the life she pictured. But, Dawn changes and grows. Matthew’s photography project forces her to compare her life to her customers. She makes major decisions, but most importantly, comes clean about a secret she’s been keeping since Terry’s death.You can learn more on her website, bethujohnson.com, and find her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @buzjohn (which sounds like a drunk man but is actually a condensed version of Beth Uznis Johnson).Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of Coming Clean at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781646034154A little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband&nbsp;juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at:&nbsp;<a href="https://linktr.ee/kristileonard" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Join 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 finding inspiration, getting through editing challenges, and connecting with others through literature, this episode is a must-listen!A little about today's author -Sarahlyn Bruck&nbsp;writes contemporary, book club fiction and is the award-winning author of three novels:&nbsp;Light of the Fire&nbsp;(2024),&nbsp;Daytime Drama&nbsp;(2021), and&nbsp;Designer You&nbsp;(2018). When she’s not writing, Sarahlyn moonlights as a full-time writing and literature professor at a local community college. She’s also a co-host of the pop culture podcast,&nbsp;Pretty Much Pop. From Northern California, she now lives in Philadelphia with her family.For the latest book news, events, and announcements, check out her&nbsp;website and subscribe to her newsletter. Follow her on&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Instagram, and&nbsp;Twitter @sarahlynbruck.Light of the Fire released 1/23/24 and is available for purchase. Use these links to buy *now* with an affiliate link that supports this podcast: https://amzn.to/3OcLowg A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

International 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&nbsp;at Tatnuck Bookseller in Westborough, Massachusetts on Feb.&nbsp;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=9798369295892Check out amandasinatra.com for more information. You can also follow her on Facebook Amanda Sinatra - Author, on Instagram @amandamsinatra, and on TikTok @authoramandasinatra.A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On 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 writes Southern women’s fiction. She turned from romance to women’s fiction because all the stories swirling around in her head needed a bigger canvas on which to be told. Sheila didn’t realize she wanted to write fiction until she was in her early forties. Her first book was published two days after her fifty-third birthday, so she’s a good example for those who fear they’ve waited too long to pursue their passion.We chat with Sheila about her latest novel, Neena Lee Is Seeing Things, features an interesting character: the ghost of John F. Kennedy, Jr. The story is set on Cumberland Island, the barrier island off the coast of Georgia, where John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette were married in a private, paparazzi-free wedding. Neena Lee Is Seeing Things is available in eBook, paperback and audiobook through all major retailers and through your local independent bookstore. Links are available on Sheila’s website: www.SheilaAthens.com. There’s also a form there for book clubs that are reading Sheila’s book to invite her to join them either in person or via Zoomorsupport your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of Neena Lee Is Seeing Things at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9798989164714A little about today's host-Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband&nbsp;juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at:&nbsp;https://linktr.ee/kristileonard. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

Today 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 day to find large paper footprints leaving a trail through the classroom. Her teacher asked the class to write a story, and Diane had been writing ever since. She studied journalism in college and worked at a newspaper and magazine before settling into a career as a marketing and corporate communication writer.Diane’s fourth novel, ALL WE COULD STILL HAVE, released November 7 by Lake Union. The book is about a couple that desperately wants children but struggles with infertility. The story started with a writing prompt that best-selling author Elizabeth Berg gave Diane during a four-day intensive writing workshop in Boston. When Diane read the scene she wrote based on the prompt, the attendees and Elizabeth laughed at the beginning and by the end they were in tears. At the time of the workshop, Diane was writing her debut. She finished that and two other novels before going back to the story she started in that workshop that would eventually become All We Could Still Have. You can learn more about Diane and her novels on her website at www.dianembarnes.com or on Instagram and Twitter @DianeBarnes777.Order your copy of All We Could Still Have at your favorite bookstore https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781662511813 or you can lend a little bit of support to the production of this podcast by ordering it through this affiliate link with Amazon https://amzn.to/41Gxjg5A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

Get 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. Join us for a fascinating exploration of fierce heroines, unexpected plot twists, and the captivating art of storytelling.A little about today's author -Mary Carroll Moore&nbsp;is a bestselling and award-winning author of 14 books in 3 genres, chef and former cooking school instructor. Her latest novel,&nbsp;A Woman's Guide To Search &amp; Rescue, is a cross-genre literary thriller that details a woman's escape for survival and how she flees to her estranged sister...who doesn't even know she exists. A story that highlights women as heroes, the power of sisterly bonds and what happens when family finds each other, Mary keeps the reader hooked!Mary has her MFA&nbsp;and has taught writing throughout the world. Her incredible writing journey started after attending Le Cordon Bleu in Paris where she went on to write cookbooks for the California Culinary Academy and a culinary column for the&nbsp;LA Times&nbsp;for over a decade.&nbsp;Some of her expert topics include:·&nbsp;A Woman's Guide To Search &amp; Rescue&nbsp;- The WASP Pilot Who Inspired This Story (Mary's Mother)·&nbsp;Incorporating Yourself Into Your Characters - How Writers Bring Their Experiences To Books·&nbsp;From Award Winning Cookbook Writer To Writing Novels - Mary's Unique Journey.Support your local bookstore &amp; this podcast by getting your copy of A Woman's Guide to Search and Rescue at https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9798987531709A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram

With 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 group of women’s fiction authors to write a short story collection, and A Million Ways: Stories of Motherhood was born. The collection includes short women’s fiction stories from 13 authors centered around the theme of motherhood and spanning the past century. The title is drawn from a quote by Jill Churchill, which reads, “There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” Gina is excited to share this collection and particularly discuss her story, “Everything Left Unsaid,” which draws from both her love of cooking and her experience as the mom to two boys with nonverbal autism and intellectual disability.You can learn more about Gina on her website, www.ggandrew.com, or find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/writerggandrew.A Million Ways is available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3v6jone - purchasing through this affiliate link is one way you can show support for this podcast!A little about today's host-Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.&nbsp; Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

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 funny parts of these more serious novels especially enjoyable and wrote two romantic comedies: The Santa Games and Fun Lessons. Though these books are light in theme, they tackle difficult issues such as navigating life with ADHD or learning to accept a transgender sibling. You can learn more about Leanne and her books on her website www.leannetreese.com and follow her on Instagram @leannetreese.If you are hearing this before 12/15/23 - be sure to rush over to Amazon and get Santa Games while it is on special!! - https://amzn.to/3TgULhNMother of the Accused is also in Kindle Unlimited on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3Tkv3Ji If you are interested in checking out the Rose River Romance series by Avery Lawrence - you can start with Fire from the Ashes - https://amzn.to/41fuTEZ*All Amazon links shared are affiliate links and if you use them, you will bring a small bit of support back to this podcast!A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

On 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 mysteries. She’s a proud member of Women’s Fiction Writers Association and The Thoreau Society. The best place to find her work, is through her website www.jenniferleelauer.com and follow her on Instagram @jenniferleelauerPlease join her free Substack newsletter called The Delicate Papers, just hit the purple button on the front page of her website www.jenniferleelauer.com and it will take you to the newsletter. When you add your email, you will be sent a list of 5 ways to manifest your goal, it’s the exact 5 things she did to manifest her goal of becoming an author.A little about today's host-Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs &amp; Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies. She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast