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, including the impact of living in Manhattan on her writing and life philosophy. If you're curious about the blend of research and fiction in contemporary women's literature or how characters can reflect real-life truths about social issues, this episode is your perfect gateway.

Paulette Stout is the multi-award-winning author of empowering stories about women finding their voices, being heard, and embracing love. Read in 43 countries, Paulette delights readers with bingeable storylines and relatable characters that keep pages turning.

Her 17 book award recognitions span her three novels, What Eyes Can’t See, What We Never Say, Love, Only Better, adding to her three advertising industry awards, including a MediaWeek All-Star. Paulette’s fourth novel, What We Give Away, launched to raves earlier this year.

By day, Paulette leads brand marketing for a Nasdaq-listed, global software company, honing those marketing skills you hear each week on the Best of Book Marketing podcast. She also offers 1x1 author coaching.

Connect with Paulette on her website at paulettestout.com, on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok @paulettestoutauthor or on Twitter @StoutContent.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of What Eyes Can’t See, What We Never Say, and Love, Only Better, and What We Give Away  at Bookshop.org

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

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. This episode underscores the essence of storytelling and community, nurturing an understanding of different voices, much like the rich tapestry of characters within the highlighted books. Perfect for anyone seeking literary inspiration and authentic connection.

Want to hear Shawna's full conversation as an author? Check out Episode #7 of Author Express when Kathleen interviewed her.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Jane Eyre , The Invention of Wings , Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo at Bookshop.org

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 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

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 studies teacher to award-winning novelist and reveals the one thing she wishes she had known when she was 20. Tune in for a blend of history, humor, and heartfelt insights into the life of a successful author!

Jenn Bouchard is the author of First Course, which was published in 2021 and won 14 awards. Her second novel Considering Us which will be published on February 6, 2025 by Black Rose Writing. She has also published several short stories. A high school social studies teacher of 25 years, she lives with her family in the Boston suburbs.

Facebook: jennbouchardBOS

Instagram: jennbouchardbos

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of First Course & Considering Us at Bookshop.org

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

In this engaging episode of Author Express, host Shawna Rodrigues chats with the talented historical fiction author, Kerry Chaput. Listen as Kerry recounts her childhood in the unique Danish settlement of Solvang, California, and how it influenced her storytelling. With her new book, Wild as the Stars, set to release in June 2025, Chaput teases fans with a tale of magic, adventure, and prohibition-era intrigue. Get a sneak peek into her creative process and how she adds a whimsical touch of magic to her meticulously researched historical narratives. Tune in for an entertaining conversation that promises to leave you wanting more!

Kerry Chaput is a multi-award-winning historical fiction author who writes of daring women with loads of adventure, and a splash of magic. Born in California, she now calls the Pacific Northwest home, where she spends her days hitting the trails, chasing historical rabbit holes, and feeding her addiction to espresso and doggy cuddles. Explore more stories from women's history at www.kerrywrites.com and check out her successful TikTok page @kerrywrites with weekly highlights of fascinating women from history.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Daughter of the King, Daughter of the Shadows & Chasing Eleanor at Bookshop.org. 

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 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

Author Express brings you an intriguing conversation with Kay Smith-Blum, an Austin-born, Seattle-based writer who transitioned from high-end retail to become an acclaimed author. Join Kristi Leonard as they explore the compelling backstory of Kay’s novel Tangles, which sheds light on the Hanford nuclear site controversy. Be enthralled by Kay’s unique journey from a successful career in fashion to crafting a story rooted in deeply researched history and personal accounts. Find out what it was like for her to weave intricate narratives and how she channels her twin sons' gardens and lap pool sessions into overcoming writer's block. This episode is a must-listen for those wanting to connect with the human stories behind historical events.

Kay Smith-Blum is a former business owner and Seattle School Board President. An avid gardener, Smith-Blum founded Environmental Endeavors, the first greenhouse program in Seattle Public Elementary Schools. A fan of mid-20th-century history, Smith-Blum has penned two other manuscripts set in Texas, but the recent upheaval over leaking radioactive waste tanks at the Hanford Nuclear site drew her in. A meticulous researcher, Smith-Blum felt compelled to write the Hanford story in a way that would educate and entertain readers. The result is her debut novel, Tangles, named Book of the Year by the Literary Global Book Awards and Best Debut Fiction by the American Writing Awards 2024. Smith-Blum’s published short works may be found in multiple literary journals. A companion short story to Tangles is included in the 2024 award-winning anthology, Feisty Deeds that Smith-Blum co-edited. Named the Western WA Woman Business Owner of 2013, Smith-Blum has lived in Washington State for four decades. A sunrise writer, she works out her writer’s block in her sons’ gardens and the nearest lap pool.

Learn more about Kay Smith-Blum:

Website - www.kaysmith-blum.com

Instagram - @discerningKSB

Facebook - Kay Smith-Blum

Interested in meeting Kay in person?

If you are in Washington state you can catch her for an Author Signing at Barnes and Noble in Totem Lake on Feb 8, 2025 from 12:00 pm- 3pm PDT.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Tangles at Bookshop.org

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

In this engaging episode of Author Express, Kathleen Basi hosts Sharon M. Peterson, whose romcom The Fast Lane has been lauded for its wit and heartfelt moments. Sharon reveals the most interesting fact about her small town, discusses her unique writing process, and shares an amusing anecdote about her inexplicable fear of poodles. Listen as Sharon talks about her inspiration for characters, touching on real-life experiences and how she navigates writing disabilities authentically. Tune in for a blend of humor, sincerity, and literary wisdom that will inspire both readers and writers alike.

Sharon M. Peterson writes romantic comedies that will make you laugh. Readers have praised her books, not only for their humor, but for her ability to write relatable, memorable characters you’d want to be friends in real life. Sharon has always used humor to deal with the messy, hard things that life throws her way. Her favorite quote, from Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, is: “It was her habit to build up laughter from inadequate materials.” Life has given her lots of inadequate material. As a mom to four children, including her two sons with autism, there are often challenges (and more than a little chaos). Being able to find humor in hard situations is her superpower. Laughter in the middle of tough times is, at its core, hope. Not all is lost if we can find a way to smile through it.

Her roots are in women’s fiction so her romcoms are full of messy families, emotional character arcs, and lovable side characters. She also doesn’t believe the best love stories are about perfect size twos and billionaires. For her, the real romances are the ones we see every day. We all have a love story to share, and she loves exploring how us real folks fall in love. And the best part? These love stories always have happy endings. Both romance and humor are essentially about hope—hope for a better day, a new future, in the here-and-now. Hope has been a driving force in Sharon’s life, and she loves to share that with other people through her stories.

Her debut novel, The Do-Over, was released in August of 2022 (Bookouture) and while it’s never been a best seller, it has steadily won over the hearts of readers. It’s being translated into five languages and was recently released as a trade paperback with Grand Central. She’s released two other romcoms, The Fake Out and The Fast Lane, over the last two years.

If you would like to see her on a daily basis, check her out on Instagram at @stone4031 or visit her website at www.sharonmpeterson.com. Her books are available in paperback, on audiobook, and in Kindle Unlimited. You should definitely read them.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of her debut novel The Do-Over and romcoms The Fake Out & The Fast Lane at Bookshop.org.

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 on Author Express as she welcomes Julee Balko, a talented writer who can turn everyday moments into literary gold. This episode reveals fascinating snippets about Julee's life, from navigating power outages to creating viral kitten clips. Learn about the profound impact of her latest book, The Me List, and why it's an ideal choice for your New Year's resolutions. Julee also candidly shares her journey with her neurodivergent daughters, which inspired her upcoming book, Square Hearts. This is an episode filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and a sneak peek into Julee's creative process.

Julee Balko is a freelance writer, mother, and an author who loves writing novels with complicated women characters. Her debut novel, The Things We Keep, takes on grief, secrets, and family dysfunction. The Me List is her second novel and is full of snark and heart as it brings to life an unlikely friendship between neighbors. Check out her website: www.juleebalko.com and follow her on Instagram, Threads and TikTok @juleebalko.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of The Me List at Bookshop.org   

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 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

Join host Kristi Leonard as we revisit her interview from earlier this year with the talented Sheila Athens. Sheila, the author of Neena Lee Is Seeing Things captivates us with the unique premise of her latest novel where John F. Kennedy Jr. asks for help—25 years after his death. Sheila unravels the fascinating inspirations behind her characters and settings, takes us to Jacksonville, Florida, and gives insight into her writing journey. Whether you're an aspiring writer or an avid reader, this episode promises a thought-provoking conversation about the process of creating multi-layered, soulful stories. Tune in to discover what makes this novelist tick and what’s coming next from her pen!

Sheila Athens is a native of Jacksonville, Florida, a city often overlooked in favor of the more touristy parts of the state. Growing up near the Georgia border, Sheila has always felt more connected to the southern roots of her state rather than the urban, modern image that Florida often portrays. This unique perspective has influenced her writing and passion for showcasing the true, often overlooked, beauty of the South. With her book, she hopes to shed light on the real Florida, away from the stereotypes and tourist attractions.

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. Learn more about Shiela from her website www.SheilaAthens.com.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Neena Lee Is Seeing Things at Bookshop.org

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

Celebrate the magic of storytelling in this holiday episode of Author Express as host Kathleen Basi chats with Kimberly Nixon about her compelling novel, Rock Island Rising. Kimberly's remarkable ability to weave her family's tumultuous past into gripping fiction takes center stage. With tales of a grandmother who once robbed a train and the supportive community of Austin, Texas, where she lives, Kimberly offers a unique blend of historical depth and modern vitality. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of strong female leads, or simply curious about how past traumas shape present lives, this episode will leave you eager for more. Get ready to be captivated by stories that defy the ordinary.

Kimberly considers herself the family storyteller and has built a career around exploring family stories, both for herself and others. She closed her small business, which archived generations of family memories for extended families. For a brief period, Kimberly considered returning to a “real job,” but her grandmother’s story ultimately led her to a writing desk. She first wrote the true story of her family, detailing everything she knew to be fact about her mother and grandmother, for her family’s benefit. Before writing a fictionalized version, she wanted her children and siblings to understand what was true.

Kimberly then enrolled in writing courses and started a writers' critique group. Five years later, she completed the first draft of Rock Bottom, Tennessee.

Not wanting to undertake the difficult task of querying agents, Kimberly founded her own publishing company. With her background in marketing and business, she was well-equipped to manage the process. Rock Bottom, Tennessee was launched in April 2022, and her readers quickly asked for a sequel. Kimberly delivered, and Rock Bottom Rising was released in February 2024, taking readers on a journey from Ruby’s conviction to her quest for redemption and reconnection with her children, abandoned after her arrest.

Kimberly’s next project is a memoir based on retracing her father’s WWII journey across Europe. Her father never spoke about the war, and his records were destroyed in a fire at the National Archive. Kimberly has recreated his daily journey from Africa to Berlin, visiting many of the historic battle sites where he fought and stood where he was wounded for the first and second times during his service.

You can read more about Kimberly’s passion for family stories and news of her upcoming release at her website www.kimberlynixon.com. Follow Kimberly’s writing journey on her Instagram page @kimberlynixon.author

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Rock Bottom Rising at Bookshop.org

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

In this episode of Author Express, Shawna Rodrigues chats with Lyn Liao Butler, a Taiwanese American author whose portfolio spans thrillers, upmarket fiction, and rom coms. Are you curious about how someone expertly juggles writing multiple genres? Lyn charmingly shares her inspirations, the commonalities her novels share, and the unique workings of her creative process. You'll even learn about Lyn’s fascinating bi-coastal lifestyle between New York and Kauai and the unique backdrops that influence her work. Whether you prefer the depth of upmarket fiction, the intrigue of a thrillers, or the joy of a light-hearted romance, Lyn’s insights and stories will captivate you. Tune in to discover the vibrant experiences that shape Lyn's storytelling and why you'll want her next book on your nightstand. She's also the perfect author you'll want to know as you shop for everyone on your holiday list!

Lyn Liao Butler is a Taiwanese American author of thrillers, upmarket fiction, and rom coms. Her most recent thriller, Someone Else’s Life, was an Amazon bestseller and her second book, Red Thread of Fate, was a finalist in the WFWA Star Awards for 2023. If you are looking for a rom com - don't miss, Crazy Bao You. She and her family divide their time between New York and Kauai.

You can connect with Lyn through @lynliaobutler across all social media platforms and her website is lynliaobutler.com

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Someone Else’s Life or Crazy Bao You at Bookshop.org - you'll find all of her other novels there as well!

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 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