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 connection to Baltimore, and his participation in conversations about horror, fear, and storytelling, including Things That Go Bump in the Night: Horror and the Art of Fear at the Baltimore Book Festival. Join us for a conversation about creativity, community, and what it takes to bring unforgettable stories to life!

Find out more: David Simmons on our Kensington Row Authors website

Upcoming Events:

FearLit 2026 on October 31st, 2026 from noon to 4:00 in Philadelphia, PA

Caleidoscopio was published in Spanish in 2024 and is described by the University of Maryland as a collection that invites readers to see the world from Carmen’s distinctive, curious perspective.

You can find her books at the Kensington Row Bookshop and learn more about her and our local authors here.

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 opportunities that align with your book, and ways recognition can help increase your book's visibility and reach.

Discover practical tips to help you navigate the awards process, showcase your work, and take the next step in your author journey.

Come learn, connect, and celebrate the possibilities for your published books!

Learn more about Christine on our Kensington Row Authors website and on her website

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 Kensington Row Bookshop in Kensington, Maryland, a wonderful supporter of local authors.

Learn more about Moxie: moxiegardiner.com and on the Kensington Row Authors website

Tune in for a conversation about writing, inspiration, place, and the journey of becoming a novelist!

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 historical fact with storytelling, and why she included her “Pearls of Wisdom” to encourage writers along the way. She also talks about the inspiration behind the book’s foreword and how Fact & Fiction can support writers and educators.

Whether you’re writing historical fiction, exploring your family history, or simply looking for guidance on turning research into story, this conversation offers insight and inspiration for writers at any stage.

Learn more at: Matsumoto Books

Book Launch Party: Delaware Book Launch Party August 30th

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 Bhandari)  and GATTACA Has Fallen. Together, they discuss how the human microbiome influences our health, why modern lifestyles may be disrupting our immune systems, and what the future of genetics and personalized medicine could mean for all of us.

Dr. Myles also shares his journey from scientific researcher to author, offering insight into how he transforms complex medical research into engaging, accessible books for readers. Whether you're interested in science, healthcare, writing, or simply curious about the hidden ecosystems that shape our lives, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about the world within us.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Join us for an engaging conversation where science meets storytelling—and discover why some of the biggest breakthroughs in health may be invisible to the naked eye.

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.

You can also find her books through Kensington Row Bookshop, and meet her in person at an upcoming book signing at the Urban Winery in Silver Spring.

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 your message, expand your audience, and elevate your author brand.

During the session, Maria offered valuable insights, including:

Maria's acclaimed TEDx talk, Turning Life's Challenges Into a Force for Good, explores how personal adversity can become a catalyst for growth, purpose, and positive change. The talk was later selected as a TEDx Editor's Pick, a distinction awarded to fewer than 1% of TEDx Talks.

Watch Maria's TEDx Talk:

Learn more about Maria and her work:

Maria's bestselling book, 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, is available through Kensington Row Bookshop. Readers can also look forward to her forthcoming book, Before and After the DNA Test: A Practical Guide to Genetic Privacy, Medical Risks and Family Secrets, scheduled for publication by Bloomsbury.

Thank you to Maria for sharing her expertise and encouraging authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to take the next step toward bringing their ideas to a larger stage.

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 memorable experiences that celebrate books and storytelling.

Whether you’re an indie author, teacher, librarian, or book lover dreaming of hosting your own literary event, this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world advice to help you get started. Tune in to learn how grassroots book festivals can connect communities, support local authors, and keep the love of reading alive.

For more information about Dian and our other local authors in the program, go to Kensington Row Authors.

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 what readers can expect next.

Patrick B. Simpson is the author of multiple novels and short stories, including Pierce and Absolution. His work has been praised for blending classic noir atmosphere with contemporary crime storytelling. 

FUN FACT: We interviewed Patrick for his debut novel, Pierce (episode 6 if you missed it).

Listeners can connect with Patrick and learn more about his books at patsimpsonwrites.com. His novels are available through major book retailers, including the Kensington Row Bookshop  other bookstores and online book platforms.