Ready to meet an author who’s lived a story as gripping as the ones she writes? On this episode, Kathleen Basi interviews Elisabeth Dini, a former Hague prosecutor whose first novel blends laugh-out-loud romance with a twist of World War II secrets. Elisabeth shares the behind-the-scenes process of plotting a narrative filled with stolen jewels, hidden resistance—and even a mysterious “bearer of bad news” gig. With a background in high-stakes law and a passion for uncovering uncelebrated heroines, Elisabeth offers perspectives on pursuing big changes and embracing unexpected challenges. Join us to hear teasers about her writing journey and the real women who inspired her latest work.

Elisabeth Dini is a lawyer and former prosecutor of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Born in Nevada, she is a graduate of Brandeis University and Stanford Law School. Elisabeth currently lives in the Netherlands with her husband and a bevy of mostly well-adjusted houseplants. Bearer of Bad News (or BOBN, rhymes with "robin") is her debut novel, available for pre-order whenever books are sold. You can find her on Instagram @elisabethdiniauthor (where she'll be doing Gratitude Giveaways on the 29th of every month leading up to the publication of BOBN) or on her website: www.elisabethdini.com.

Her book launches on April 29, 2025.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Bearer of Bad News  at Bookshop.org.

A little about today's host-

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