Rock Paper Write Podcast

Rock Paper Write: David Simmons — The Heart of Horror, Storytelling, and Baltimore What makes a story truly terrifying? In this episode of Rock Paper Write, we sit down with David Simmons author of Eradicator, to talk about his writing journey, his books, and the art of creating stories that stay with readers long after the final page. We explore his experiences as an author and speaker, his conne...

  In this episode of Rock Paper Write, Amy L. Watkins sits down with Carmen Benito-Vessels, author of Caleidoscopio, a captivating collection of 49 short narratives that blend fiction, memory, observation, and humor. Carmen shares the inspiration behind the book and discusses how her curiosity about the world, language, and everyday experiences shapes her writing. We also explore her journey from...

Second Sunday Presents: Applying for Awards for Your Published Books with Christine Kessides Join us for an engaging and informative presentation with Christine Kessides as she shares insights into applying for awards for your published books. Whether you're a traditionally published author or an independent publisher, this session will explore the award application process, how to identify opport...

In this episode, Amy L. Watkins talks with author Moxie Gardiner, author of Virgin Snow and Black Ice, Book Two of her Buffalo Trilogy. Moxie shares her journey as a writer, the inspiration behind her trilogy, developing characters, and the experiences that shape her stories. We also talk about the craft of writing and what it takes to bring a novel from idea to publication. Find Black Ice at Kens...

In this episode of Rock Paper Write, Amy L. Watkins talks with award-winning author Constance Hays Matsumoto about her book, Fact & Fiction: How to Write a Novel Inspired by Family and History, a practical guide for writers who want to transform family history and historical research into compelling fiction. Connie shares what she learned while writing Of White Ashes, how she balances historic...

What if the future of medicine lies not only in our genes, but in the microscopic world living inside us? In this fascinating episode of Rock Paper Write, Amy Watkins sits down with Dr. Ian A. Myles—physician, immunologist, researcher, and author—to explore the science behind his thought-provoking books, In Which Winnie-The-Pooh Protects the Hundred Acre Wood from Eczema (co-written with Dr. Nadia...

Join us on Rock Paper Write as we chat with author Justine Cowan about her novel, The Bee Catchers: A Love Story to Bees with a Happy Ending—a heartfelt story that celebrates the importance of bees, community, and the environment. Justine shares the inspiration behind her book, her writing journey, and why protecting pollinators matters. Learn more about Justine and her work at thebeecatchers.com...

Second Sunday Presents: Maria Leonard Olsen — How to Land a TEDx Talk Join us for an inspiring and practical conversation with Maria Leonard Olsen, a two-time TEDx speaker, author, attorney, journalist, and award-winning podcaster. Drawing from her own experience speaking on the TEDx stage, Maria shared actionable strategies for securing a TEDx Talk and using it as a powerful platform to amplify y...

Join us for this month’s Second Sunday Presents as we welcome Dian Seidel for an engaging conversation about DIY Book Festivals and how authors, educators, and literary communities can create meaningful events without a huge budget or corporate backing. Dian shares practical tips for organizing successful festivals, building community partnerships, attracting authors and readers, and creating memo...

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick B. Simpson to discuss his newly released novel, Reilly: A Truman Pierce Novel. We dive into the return of Truman Pierce, the emotional stakes behind the story, and Patrick’s approach to crafting modern noir fiction filled with mystery, grit, and heart. Patrick also shares insights into his writing process, the evolution of the Truman Pierce series, and wha...

In this episode of Second Sunday Presents, Amy L. Watkins takes listeners on a creative journey from Canva to classrooms—and far beyond. Blending her experience as an educator, podcaster, and publishing advocate, Amy shares how simple design tools can transform teaching, storytelling, and community engagement. From creating eye-catching classroom materials to supporting authors and small businesse...

Second Sunday Presents welcomes Katherine Pickett for a practical and insightful conversation about author websites—what they are, why they matter, and how to make yours work for you. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, Katherine shares tips on creating a site that reflects your voice, connects with readers, and supports your writing goals. From essential pages to common mistake...

In this episode, we talk with geologist and author Bob Dover about exploring Washington, D.C. through an unexpected lens—its bridges. In Bridges of Washington, D.C.: A History & Guide, Bob uncovers how geology, geography, and human movement have shaped the city’s growth from the 1700s to today. We discuss what inspired him to tell D.C.’s story through bridges, how his geology background influe...

In this special edition of Second Sunday Presents, we’re joined by branding strategist and publishing expert Eric O'Neill for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to build an author brand. More than logos and color palettes, author branding is about clarity, consistency, and connection. Eric breaks down how writers can define their unique voice, position themselves in the marketplace, an...

On this episode of Second Sunday Presents, we sit down with Clark Thomas Riley for an inside look at how to turn your book into an audiobook. From understanding the difference between narration and performance to choosing between DIY recording and hiring a professional team, Clark breaks down the entire audiobook production process. He shares practical insights on recording equipment, preparing yo...

In this episode, we talk with Jestina M., author of the children’s book When Prince and Reggie Didn’t Win, a heartfelt story that explores resilience, teamwork, and redefining what it truly means to win. Through the journey of Prince and his brother Reggie, the book offers meaningful lessons for children, parents, educators, and coaches alike. Jestina shares the inspiration behind the story, her a...

In this special Q&A edition, Emily Barrosse—CEO and Founder of Bold Story Press and Xander Press—shares her journey from traditional publishing to building a curated hybrid press focused on author empowerment. Emily discusses how hybrid publishing works, what sets it apart from traditional and self-publishing, and why discoverability, metadata, and direct reader engagement matter more than eve...

In this episode, we chat with Joanne Kieffer—local author, children’s book enthusiast, kindergarten art teacher, and proud dog mom—about the inspiration behind her debut picture book, P for Percy: An ABC Story. Joanne shares how Percy, her charming Olde English Bulldogge, sparked the idea for an alphabet adventure and what makes her ABC book stand out in children’s literature. We talk about how sh...

n this episode, we talk with Gary A. Rosen about the inspiration behind his picture book Just Like Me and the personal experiences that shaped its warm, family-centered message. Gary shares how he crafted the book’s clever rhymes and paired them with expressive artwork to create a tone that appeals to readers from ages two to twelve. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at collaborating with ill...

In this episode, we talk with author–illustrator Jackie Adrian and occupational therapist Sarah Collins about their collaborative picture book, A Chameleon Tale. They share how their partnership began, why chameleons make the perfect metaphor for sensory processing, and how they worked together to turn complex sensory concepts into a kid-friendly, colorful story. Jackie and Sarah discuss how key s...

In this touching episode, Diane Perlmutter Reynolds shares the story behind Glimpses of Happiness: Laughter for the Soul, the collection of humorous and heartfelt vignettes written by her father, Jerry. She reflects on what made his everyday observations worth preserving, how she selected and organized the pieces, and why one favorite glimpse—Temperature Control—stands out above the rest.   Listen...

In this episode, we sit down with Don Siegel, Silver Spring novelist, jazz guitarist, and longtime earth-science professor, to talk about the inspiration behind his magical-realism novel Heartwood. Don shares how his love of music, his academic career, and his interest in Jewish and Ladino culture shaped the book’s sweeping journey from Eastern Europe to the United States. We discuss the story’s p...

In this episode, we welcome internationally recognized poet Anjum Choudhary, whose writing spans continents and dives deeply into the human heart. Anjum shares the inspiration behind The Silent Hummingbird, the meaning of its title, and the emotional arc reflected in its three-part structure: The Song, The Singing, and The Silence. We talk about themes of love, strength, and grief, how poetry serv...

In this episode of Rock, Paper, Write, we're turning the tables with special guest host Dr. Jaya Viswanathan who sits down with children’s book author and educator Amy L. Watkins and librarian, media specialist, and translator Johanna de Leon for an engaging conversation about creativity, collaboration, and representation in children’s literature. Amy shares the inspiration behind Nacho Loves Sals...

In this episode, we chat with Katie O. Engen, a writer, educator, and “word-play specialist” who blends science, teaching, and storytelling to create meaningful children’s books in addition to her latest Hello, Neighbors! book for adults. She shares how her experience in classrooms, curriculum development, homeschooling, and science outreach shapes her writing and resources for young readers. We t...