Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast

Sometimes the best moments happen when things don’t go exactly as planned.

On this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with children’s author Dina M. Hardt, author of Catch of the Day, for a conversation about storytelling, patience, perspective, and finding joy in the unexpected.

Through a day of fishing and discovery, Catch of the Day gives young readers a story that opens the door to conversations about slowing down, appreciating the experience, and realizing that success doesn’t always look the way we expect it to.

Dina shares the inspiration behind the book, her journey into children’s literature, and what she hopes children and the adults reading alongside them take away from the story.

We also explore the importance of picture books that entertain while creating opportunities for meaningful conversations between children, parents, teachers, and caregivers.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, librarian, children’s book lover, or aspiring author, this episode celebrates the little lessons hiding inside life’s unexpected moments.

What can happen when a young girl steps beyond the familiar and discovers a much bigger world?

On this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with children’s author Teighlor Clare-Kearney, author of From Aspen to Rome.

Through the adventures of Jem, young readers are invited on a journey filled with new places, different cultures, discovery, and connection. Teighlor shares the inspiration behind the story, why travel can be such a powerful way for children to learn about the world, and how books can introduce young readers to experiences far beyond their own communities.

We also talk about creating relatable characters, bringing destinations to life on the page, representation in children’s literature, and encouraging children to approach the world with curiosity.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, librarian, children’s book lover, traveler, or aspiring author, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes the greatest lessons begin with an adventure.

What happens when a child learns that imagination is only the beginning?

On this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with award-winning children’s author, freelance editor, and Just Imagine Books, LLC owner Sharon Giannini for a conversation about creativity, persistence, and the power of children’s literature.

Sharon is the author of Just Imagine: A Story about Imagination and the Power of Persistence, a picture book that encourages young readers to dream, keep trying, and believe in what’s possible. The book received a 2021 Story Monsters Certificate of Excellence in Literature.

Sharon shares her journey as an independent children’s author, what inspires her stories, and why teaching children not to give up is at the heart of her work.

A great episode for parents, teachers, librarians, children’s book lovers, aspiring children’s authors, and anyone who believes a little imagination can go a long way.

What happens when a childhood memory becomes a story worth sharing with a new generation?

On this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya sits down with author Andrea Velez to talk about The Eggplant Contest, a story rooted in heritage, family, tradition, and the memories that stay with us long after childhood. Andrea shares the inspiration behind the book, the importance of preserving family stories, and what it meant to finally bring this special piece of her history to life.

It’s a warm conversation about where our stories begin, the people who shape them, and why some memories are simply too important not to share.

Featured Book: The Eggplant Contest (Il Concorso Di Melanzana)
Author: Andrea Velez
Illustrations: Daniella Minichino

Listen now and discover the story behind the story.

Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast
Where stories speak.

What happens when a queen would rather lounge than lead?

On this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with author and illustrator Paige Lawrence, creator of The Lazy Queen. Paige shares the inspiration behind her fun and heartwarming children’s book, her experience bringing a story to life through both words and illustrations, and the message she hopes young readers take away from the story.

It’s a conversation about creativity, storytelling, embracing who you are, and creating books that connect with children.

Some of the most important people in our lives don’t wear capes or carry magic wands. Sometimes, they’re the teachers who show up, believe in us, and leave an impact long after we leave their classroom.

In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with author Monique C. Butler to talk about Fairy GodTeacher, a story centered on strength, sacrifice, and the often unseen influence of educators.

Monique shares the inspiration behind the book, her journey as an author, and the message she hopes readers carry with them after the final page.

We also explore the people who helped shape her own journey and why recognizing the everyday “Fairy GodTeachers” in our lives matters.

Plus, Monique joins us for From the Page, sharing a special reading from Fairy GodTeacher.

A heartfelt conversation about educators, influence, gratitude, and the people whose impact can last a lifetime.

Featured Book: Fairy GodTeacher by Monique C. Butler

Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast — Where stories speak.

What happens when the Tooth Fairy is running late?

In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with children’s author Shauna Farris to talk about The Tardy Tooth Fairy, the inspiration behind the story, and the heart behind creating books for young readers.

Shauna shares her journey as an author, how she brings imagination and meaningful messages together, and why themes like courage, kindness, and believing in yourself matter in children’s literature.

Plus, Shauna takes us From the Page with a special reading from her work.

A fun, heartfelt conversation about storytelling, creativity, and a little bit of magic.

Featured: The Tardy Tooth Fairy and The Dream Factory

Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast — Where stories speak.

Writing the book is only part of the author journey. What happens beyond the book can be just as important.

In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez talks about how authors can build meaningful connections that help their stories reach beyond the page.

From connecting with readers and bookstores to showing up at festivals, collaborating with other authors, building community, and creating unexpected opportunities, this conversation looks at networking through an author’s lens.

This isn’t about collecting contacts or constantly promoting your book. It’s about building genuine relationships, being visible, supporting others, and creating a community around the work you love.

You’ll hear about:

• Building relationships with readers, authors, bookstores, and community partners
• Why visibility matters after the book is published
• Turning conversations into collaborations and opportunities
• Showing up without making every interaction a sales pitch
• Creating connections that continue long after an event ends

What happens when discovering the truth about who you are changes everything?

Janaya Hernandez sits down with Connecticut author David Decker to discuss his young adult fantasy novel, Kyra of the North.

Seventeen-year-old Kyra has spent her life sheltered outside the city of Mountain Side. When she finally steps into the wider world, new friendships and a hidden truth force her to question everything she thought she knew.

David shares the inspiration behind Kyra’s journey, the process of creating her world, and the powerful themes of courage, resilience, identity, and belonging woven throughout the story. He also discusses his path to becoming an author and what he hopes readers carry with them after the final page.

If you enjoy young adult fantasy, strong female characters, unexpected secrets, and stories about finding the courage to choose your own path, this conversation is for you.

Hosted by Janaya Hernandez.

Listen now and discover why courage always finds a way.

What happens when a girl who has never quite fit in discovers that belonging might be found in the most unexpected place?

In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, I sit down with author Nick Westbrook to talk about Blanc-Labelle and the Troll’s Daughter, Book One of The Labelle Cycle.

We dive into the magical world behind the story, the inspiration for Blanc-Labelle’s journey, and the themes woven throughout the book: courage, kindness, identity, and finding where you belong.

Nick also takes us behind the page to talk about creating a fantasy adventure for young readers, building his characters and world, and what he hopes readers carry with them long after the final page.

And, of course, Nick joins me for our signature FROM THE PAGE segment.

Featured Book: Blanc-Labelle and the Troll’s Daughter
Author: Nicholas Westbrook
Series: The Labelle Cycle, Book 1

Welcome to Season 3 of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast — Where Stories Speak.