Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast

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.

What happens when a simple Nantucket adventure becomes a story about kindness, courage, and helping others?

This week on the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with author Jeff Verney, the creative mind behind Bunnies to the Rescue! A Nantucket Tail.

Jeff shares the inspiration behind his lovable bunny adventure, his journey from storytelling and songwriting to becoming a children’s author, and the message at the heart of his work: that kindness, hope, and joy can make a difference.

In this episode, we talk about creativity, the magic of Nantucket, writing stories that connect with children and families, and how Jeff became known as “The Troubadour of Happiness.”

FROM THE PAGE: Jeff takes us inside Bunnies to the Rescue! and the heart behind the story.

A joyful conversation about storytelling, music, adventure, and the power of putting a little more happiness into the world.

What happens when mystery meets purpose?

This week on the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, we sit down with mystery and suspense author Liz Bullard, author of Chasing Nightmares, to talk storytelling, suspense, justice, and the inspiration behind her gripping work.

Join us as we discuss:

• The story behind Chasing Nightmares
• Writing mystery and suspense that keeps readers engaged
• Themes of justice, storytelling, and purpose
• Liz Bullard’s author journey and creative process
• Behind the scenes insight into building unforgettable stories

Whether you are a mystery lover, suspense reader, or aspiring author, this episode is packed with inspiration, storytelling insight, and bookish conversation.

 Tune in and discover the story behind the suspense.

In this heartfelt episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, we sit down with Vanessa E. Kelman, author of Searching for Home, for a thoughtful conversation about identity, belonging, healing, and the journey of finding yourself through life’s unexpected turns. Vanessa shares the inspiration behind her work, the emotions woven into storytelling, and what “home” truly means beyond a place. During our signature From the Page segment, listeners get a closer look at the heart behind the book and the woman who wrote it. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, reflection, and rediscovery.

What happens when mythology, identity, and imagination collide?

In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, we sit down with author Kelly Jarvis to discuss her enchanting novel Selkie Moon and the deeper themes woven throughout her storytelling.

From folklore and self discovery to the emotional power of fantasy, Kelly shares the inspiration behind her writing journey, the importance of creating meaningful stories, and how mythology can help readers better understand themselves and the world around them.

 In this episode:
• The inspiration behind Selkie Moon
• Mythology and folklore in modern storytelling
• Writing strong emotional themes in fantasy
• The connection between identity and imagination
• Advice for aspiring writers and creatives

Whether you are a fantasy lover, a reader searching for meaningful stories, or an aspiring author looking for inspiration, this conversation is one you will not want to miss.

 Listen now and discover the magic behind the story.

What makes a mystery story impossible to put down?

In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, we sit down with author Mary Nunn Maki, writer of An Unexpected Death, to explore the craft behind suspense, plot twists, and unforgettable storytelling.

Mary shares her journey into mystery writing, how she builds tension that keeps readers engaged, and the creative process behind developing compelling characters and layered narratives.

Whether you are an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or someone who simply loves a good mystery, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the stories that keep us guessing.

In this episode, we discuss:
• The inspiration behind An Unexpected Death
• Building suspense and pacing in mystery writing
• Creating characters readers connect with
• The writing process behind a compelling plot
• Advice for aspiring authors

 Featured Book: An Unexpected Death by Mary Nunn Maki