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 California—into her gripping storytelling. From a childhood fascination with science to personal family traditions and secret-keeping, Lindsay reveals the inspiration behind her novels and how her journalism background informs her creative process.

If you’re a fan of contemporary historical fiction, Italian culture, or stories that balance sweeping drama with intimate moments, you won’t want to miss the unique insights and writing tips Lindsay shares in this heartfelt, engaging chat.

Lindsay Marie Morris is a Los Angeles-based novelist and journalist with a B.A. in Communications from Marquette University. A former Shape Magazine editor, she writes for publications like Forks Over Knives, focusing on travel, health, wellness, and plant-based living. Passionate about storytelling, she explores diverse topics through her work. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys camping, outdoor adventures, cooking, and baking.

Connect with Lindsay Marie:

Website- lindsaymariemorris.com

Instagram- @lindsaymariemorris

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Beneath the Sicilian Stars  at Bookshop.org

A little about today's host-

Kristi Leonard is a writer, community builder, and former president of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Since co-hosting on the Author Express Podcast, she has started her own podcast, Pop Culture Plot Lab, where guest authors to turn viral pop culture moments into story sparks and give listeners a peek inside the creative process. Through her writing retreats and volunteer leadership, she’s dedicated to helping other writers find their voice and stay connected to the craft.

A former audiobook narrator, Kristi now spends most of her creative energy on her own fiction and on shaping programs that support women’s voices in publishing. When she isn’t writing or leading, she’s likely hiking Florida trails with her writer-hiker pals or reading with her Golden Retriever, Charlie, at her side. She’s currently at work on her next novel and building the kind of author career she’s long championed for others.

Link to follow me https://linktr.ee/kristileonardwrites

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