Author Express

Step into the world of Author Express with an episode that bridges Brooklyn nostalgia and WWII history! Barbara Pronin, a triple award-winning author, joins Kathleen Basi to share the inspirations behind her acclaimed novel, Winter's End . Hear how early NYC subway rides and childhood freedom shaped confidence—and eventually led to compelling characters and vivid storytelling. Discover the unique...

Join Author Express for a heartwarming chat with Geeta Schrayter, author of uplifting New England stories and queen of Christmas spirit! This episode is packed with fun tidbits for holiday romance readers: from Connecticut’s Christmas movie fame to Geeta’s deep affection for list-making and festive traditions. Wonder how a busy homeschooling mom finds time to write? Geeta shares her routines, supp...

Curious what happens when a retired veterinarian and clinical research scientist turns to heart-pounding suspense fiction? In this episode of Author Express , Kathleen Basi gets to the heart of Rebecca Hodge’s creative process, discussing her latest thriller, Island Endgame. Listen in as Rebecca shares how real-life adventures on a remote island inspired the setting—and learn why her protagonist K...

In this special episode of Author Express , hosts Shawna Rodrigues, Kristi Leonard, and Kathleen Basi come together for a heartfelt reflection as the podcast wraps up its recording season. They share the most surprising lessons learned from interviewing authors across genres—revealing how the creative journey connects us all in unexpected ways. Enjoy behind-the-scenes stories, favorite book moment...

Curious about the real stories behind the writers you love? In this inspiring Author Express episode, host Kathleen Basi welcomes Virginia McCullough, a powerhouse in both fiction and nonfiction who’s penned over 150 books! Virginia shares the unexpected ways her background in classical ballet shaped her discipline as a writer and recounts how a life-changing move and tough circumstances pushed he...

On this engaging episode of Author Express , host Kathleen Basi welcomes Melissa R. Collings, an award-winning author and self-described “unicorn” of Nashville. Discover the creatively charged vibe of Nashville beyond its country music roots, and hear how Melissa’s background as a spine surgery physician associate influences her writing. The conversation teases at her emotional and witty novel, "T...

Ready for a heartfelt author interview with a twist of sisterhood and adventure? In this episode of Author Express , Catherine Matthews—award-winning indie author—talks about her new novel that brings together estranged sisters for an unforgettable road trip across four states. Catherine opens up about the Pacific Northwest’s unique inspiration, the wisdom of embracing your voice, and the magic of...

Meet Suzanne Woods Fisher, best-selling author of more than 40 books, as she chats with Kathleen Basi on this exciting episode of Author Express ! Tune in to hear about Suzanne’s surprising journey from magazine writing in Hong Kong to crafting novels inspired by her large family and her travels. You’ll get a sneak peek at her latest gripping novel set in the wilds of Grand Teton National Park—a s...

Looking for your next read or some creative inspiration? This episode of Author Express features Jennifer Jabaley, whose new domestic suspense book is already causing a stir. Kristi Leonard invites Jennifer to talk about her unforgettable characters, managing multiple perspectives, and the “explosive town scandal” at the heart of her story. Jennifer shares personal anecdotes about parenting, her t...

Explore the creative heartbeat of the Midwest in this Author Express episode featuring Sara Brunsvold, author of The Atlas of Untold Stories . Uncover how her roots on a multigenerational dairy farm in rural Missouri and her connections to Mark Twain’s hometown shaped her approach to storytelling and character development. Sara offers a glimpse into her latest women’s contemporary fiction, weaving...

In this episode of Author Express , host Kristi Leonard sits down with Croatian novelist and certified book coach Lidija Hilje for a rich conversation filled with unique insights. Discover what makes Croatia’s laid-back “pomalo” lifestyle so memorable, and get a glimpse of how Lidija’s coastal upbringing shaped her creative voice. Lidija shares the intriguing premise of her literary novel, invitin...

Curious about what inspires a debut author? In this episode of Author Express , meet Cathelina Duvert, whose novel The Box recently received an honorable mention in the Black Writers Workspace competition. Cathelina opens up about growing up in Hollis, Queens during the golden era of hip hop, how her experiences as a 7th and 9th grade ELA teacher intersect with her writing life, and the deeply per...

Journey with us on this episode of Author Express as Kristi Leonard interviews Lindsay Marie Morris, an LA-based journalist-turned-novelist whose Sicilian roots and love of historical fiction have shaped her latest release, Beneath the Sicilian Stars . Discover how Lindsay weaves emotional depth, family secrets, and little-known history—like the World War II internment of Italian immigrants in Cal...

Step into sunny Los Angeles with author Janie Emaus as she brings humor and heart to this episode of Author Express. Host Kathleen Basi chats with Janie about her unique upbringing, the quirky realities of LA living, and her experience caring for family while pursuing her passion for writing. Get a behind-the-scenes teaser of Janie's latest novel, "The Advice Columnist," where a fifty-something pr...

Curious about how family history transforms into page-turning fiction? Listen in as Rosa Kwon Easton reveals what it was like to turn stories hidden in her ancestry into her moving novel, " White Mulberry ." Author Express host Kristi Leonard chats with Rosa about her grandmother’s secret past, cultural symbolism, and the complex feelings of balancing multiple identities. Find out how a Korean tra...

Explore powerful storytelling and rich history in the latest Author Express episode with guest Barbara Josselsohn. Host Kathleen Basi chats with Barbara about the allure of New York’s theater scene, her lifelong dedication to ballet, and the spark behind her much-loved novel, The Forgotten Italian Restaurant . Peek into a saga set in wartime Italy, weaving together lost sisters, secrets, and a com...

Meet bestselling author Rochelle Weinstein in this episode of Author Express as she shares her heart-stirring journey from the world of music in Los Angeles to becoming a full-time novelist in Miami. Discover the real-life inspiration behind her latest novel, We Are Made of Stars , likened to "Virgin River meets White Lotus," and hear what makes her settings and characters so unforgettable. As hos...

Ready to meet an author who’s lived a story as gripping as the ones she writes? On this episode, Kathleen Basi interviews Elisabeth Dini, a former Hague prosecutor whose first novel blends laugh-out-loud romance with a twist of World War II secrets. Elisabeth shares the behind-the-scenes process of plotting a narrative filled with stolen jewels, hidden resistance—and even a mysterious “bearer of b...

Ever wondered how an author weaves real-life inspirations into their fictional worlds? In this episode of Author Express, join Kristi Leonard as she welcomes Orly Konig, who reveals how writing became her unexpected therapeutic escape. Orly recounts her fascination with the language of flowers and how it blossomed into the delightful sabotage elements in her novel, The Arrangements . Explore the e...

Step into the world of Jennifer Klepper, the USA Today bestselling author, as she joins Kathleen Basi on Author Express to unravel her multifaceted journey from a lawyer and tech-startup founder to a full-time writer. Jennifer talks about her deep-rooted passion for Nebraska Cornhusker football and how that ties into her sense of home. Listen as she shares intriguing tidbits about her new book, Th...

Join us this week on Author Express as Kristi Leonard sits down with the multifaceted Lisa Rosenberg. An author, psychotherapist, and former ballet dancer, Lisa shares insights into her unique journey from the bustling streets of 1970s New York City to the serene complexity of psychotherapy and writing. Discover how her diverse experiences shape her storytelling, weaving threads of her biracial id...

Are you a fan of women's fiction that resonates deeply and moves the soul? In this captivating episode of Author Express, meet Donna Norman-Carbone, the creative force behind beloved titles such as All That Is Sacred . Discover how Donna's experiences as an educator influences her compelling storytelling and character development. This episode offers a delightful mix of literary intrigue, includin...

Step into the vibrant world of Paulette Stout, the award-winning author renowned for her brave, spicy tales. This episode of Author Express offers a fascinating peek into her latest novel, What We Give Away . Stout's book is described as a "mesmerizing tapestry of realism" that tackles diet culture in a way that's both enlightening and engaging. You’ll also hear about Paulette's personal journey,...

Uncover what makes Author Express special as Shawna Rodrigues opens up about three books that sculpted her worldview. Not merely narratives, these chosen books serve as windows into cultural, historical, and personal realms, urging listeners to reflect on their own pivotal reads. Alongside, Shawna shares a heartfelt announcement about her health journey and the temporary episode schedule change. T...

Join us on this episode of Author Express as we chat with Jenn Bouchard, the acclaimed author behind First Course and the much anticipated Considering Us . Explore the fascinating world of Boston suburbs, exploring local traditions like revolutionary war reenactments and New England-style town meetings straight out of the "Gilmore Girls." Jenn also shares her journey from high school social studie...