Looking for your next read or some creative inspiration? This episode of Author Express features Jennifer Jabaley, whose new domestic suspense book is already causing a stir. Kristi Leonard invites Jennifer to talk about her unforgettable characters, managing multiple perspectives, and the “explosive town scandal” at the heart of her story. Jennifer shares personal anecdotes about parenting, her transformation as a writer, and the moment a real-life sports rivalry sparked her imagination. You’ll also hear about the joy of small-town book launches, finding optimism in tough situations, and which books gave Jennifer “permission” to explore the darker side of family life. If you love book clubs, thrillers, or just a good behind-the-scenes chat, don’t miss this episode!

Jennifer Jabaley is the award winning author of young adult novels, Lipstick Apology and Crush Control. She won Georgia Author of the year and was nominated for Pennsylvania Reader's Choice award. Jen is a practicing optometrist. She brings sharp focus to eye care by day and storytelling by night. She lives in the north Georgia mountains with her sports obsessed family and two rescue dogs. What's Yours is Mine is her debut adult novel.

Connect with Jennifer:

Website- www.jenniferjabaley.com

Instagram- @jabaleyjennifer

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of What's Yours Is Mine at Bookshop.org

Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.

Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at: https://linktr.ee/kristileonard.

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

Explore the creative heartbeat of the Midwest in this Author Express episode featuring Sara Brunsvold, author of The Atlas of Untold Stories. Uncover how her roots on a multigenerational dairy farm in rural Missouri and her connections to Mark Twain’s hometown shaped her approach to storytelling and character development. Sara offers a glimpse into her latest women’s contemporary fiction, weaving themes of family, faith, and the stories we all keep hidden.

Curious about the inspiration behind her memorable characters and the powerful mother-daughter relationships at the story’s core? Tune in as Sara shares little-known details about her writing process, how she balances life with teenage daughters, and why Little Women continues to inspire her. Ready for a unique literary road trip across America’s heartland? Don’t miss out—this is a must-listen for fans of family fiction, book lovers, and Midwest literature enthusiasts alike.

Sara Brunsvold is the Christy Award-winning author of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip and The Divine Proverb of Streusel. She creates stories that boldly engage contemporary issues through the lens of hope and unshakable faith. Her passion is to connect with readers first through books, then through meaningful conversation. She lives with her family in Kansas.

Connect with Sara:

Website- sarabrunsvold.com

IG- @sara_brunsvold

FB- Sara Brunsvold, Author

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of The Atlas of Untold Stories at Bookshop.org

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

In this episode of Author Express, host Kristi Leonard sits down with Croatian novelist and certified book coach Lidija Hilje for a rich conversation filled with unique insights. Discover what makes Croatia’s laid-back “pomalo” lifestyle so memorable, and get a glimpse of how Lidija’s coastal upbringing shaped her creative voice. Lidija shares the intriguing premise of her literary novel, inviting listeners to explore themes of longing, complicated relationships, and the nuanced lines between personal preference and craft in fiction. Plus, get a sneak peek into her innovative craft-focused book club that’s become a haven for nearly a hundred writers.

If you’re passionate about literary fiction, book coaching, and understanding a writer’s journey from courtroom to the written page, this episode is a must-listen.

Lidija Hilje is a Croatian writer and certified book coach. After earning a law degree, she spent a decade practicing in Croatian courts before transitioning to book coaching and writing in English as her second language. She lives in Zadar, Croatia, with her husband and two daughters. Slanting Towards the Sea is her first novel.

You can connect with her at https://lidijahilje.com or on Instagram @lidijahilje.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Slanting Towards the Sea at Bookshop.org

Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.

Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at: https://linktr.ee/kristileonard.

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

Curious about what inspires a debut author? In this episode of Author Express, meet Cathelina Duvert, whose novel The Box recently received an honorable mention in the Black Writers Workspace competition. Cathelina opens up about growing up in Hollis, Queens during the golden era of hip hop, how her experiences as a 7th and 9th grade ELA teacher intersect with her writing life, and the deeply personal story behind her book. Teasers include why she started a creative writing club at her school, using art and photo manipulation in her novel’s cover, and how she tackles themes like depression and healing. Discover how mental health, mothers and daughters, and emotional transformation all connect in her storytelling. Plus, find out which best-selling book made Cathelina feel seen. Tune in for inspiration and a behind-the-scenes look at a passionate new voice in fiction.

Cathelina Duvert, an alumna of Hofstra University with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature, captivates readers with her raw, authentic voice. Her blog, Cathy’s Cross: A Depressive’s Positive Perspective, has earned a dedicated following for its heartfelt chronicles of her personal battles with depression. This deeply relatable blog is set to become a memoir/journal, slated for publication in July 2025.

You can find Cathelina on

Instagram: @cathelinaduvert

LinkedIn: Cathelina Duvert

Her Book: The Box

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

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

Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.

Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at: https://linktr.ee/kristileonard.

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

Step into sunny Los Angeles with author Janie Emaus as she brings humor and heart to this episode of Author Express. Host Kathleen Basi chats with Janie about her unique upbringing, the quirky realities of LA living, and her experience caring for family while pursuing her passion for writing. Get a behind-the-scenes teaser of Janie's latest novel, "The Advice Columnist," where a fifty-something protagonist gets unexpected advice from her younger self through TikTok and texts.

Listeners interested in women’s fiction, strong female characters, or stories about marriage and personal growth will find hints at all of these themes—plus hilarious celebrity encounters and the honest struggles of juggling multiple creative genres. Whether you’re a bookworm, aspiring writer, or searching for uplifting stories and positive vibes, this engaging episode is sure to leave you smiling.

Janie Emaus is the author of the blended holiday picture books Latkes for Santa Claus—a finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards—and Easter Eggs & Matzo Balls. She has also penned the novels The Advice Columnist, The Time Traveling Matchmaker, and Mercury in Retro Love. A frequent contributor to AARP, Janie’s award-winning essays, stories, and articles have appeared in numerous magazines, anthologies, and websites.

In 2016, she received an honorary mention in the Erma Writing Competition, and in 2023, she earned second place in the National Society of Newspaper Columnists Contest in the lifestyle category.

Despite these accolades, Janie believes no award is more meaningful than the love of family.

Connect with her:

Website: www.janieemaus.com

Instagram: @janieemaus

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Latkes for Santa Claus , Easter Eggs & Matzo Balls , and The Time Traveling Matchmaker at Bookshop.org

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

Curious about how family history transforms into page-turning fiction? Listen in as Rosa Kwon Easton reveals what it was like to turn stories hidden in her ancestry into her moving novel, "White Mulberry." Author Express host Kristi Leonard chats with Rosa about her grandmother’s secret past, cultural symbolism, and the complex feelings of balancing multiple identities. Find out how a Korean tradition involving a baby’s future shaped Rosa’s life and writing, and hear the challenges and surprises of bringing long-forgotten voices to light. If you love historical fiction, untold women’s stories, or books about personal discovery, this conversation will spark your curiosity and leave you wanting more.

Rosa Kwon Easton is a Korean American lawyer, library trustee, and author of the debut novel, White Mulberry, which is an Amazon First Reads Editor’s Pick and a “Best Historical Fiction” book by PARADE and BookBub. Easton is an Anaphora Writing Residency Fellow and her work has been published in CRAFT Literary, StoryCenter.org, Writer’s Digest and elsewhere. A graduate of Smith College, Columbia University, and Boston College Law School, she resides with her husband and Maltipoo in sunny Southern California. Her sequel, Red Seal, is due out in 2026.

She can be found at:

Website - www.rosakwoneaston.com

Instagram - @rosakwoneaston

Facebook - Rosa Kwon Easton

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of White Mulberry at Bookshop.org

Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.

Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at: https://linktr.ee/kristileonard.

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

Explore powerful storytelling and rich history in the latest Author Express episode with guest Barbara Josselsohn. Host Kathleen Basi chats with Barbara about the allure of New York’s theater scene, her lifelong dedication to ballet, and the spark behind her much-loved novel, The Forgotten Italian Restaurant. Peek into a saga set in wartime Italy, weaving together lost sisters, secrets, and a community united by food amid hardship. Whether you crave WWII historical drama, love tales inspired by family heritage, or simply appreciate stories blending nostalgia and resilience, this conversation will leave you eager to discover more. Discover why “Little Women” continues to inspire Barbara and get a taste of the passion behind her writing.

Barbara Josselsohn is a best-selling novelist who loves crafting stories about protagonists facing a fork in the road. Her newest book is The Forgotten Italian Island, a sweeping multigenerational story centered around two women harboring secrets stemming from the Nazi occupation of northern and central Italy. Barbara is also the author of seven previous novels. She teaches novel and essay writing at Sarah Lawrence College and other venues. Her next historical novel, set in southern France during the World War II, is scheduled to release next summer.

For more information, you can visit her at:

Website - www.barbarajosselsohn.com

Facebook - Facebook.com/BarbaraJosselsohnAuthor

Instagram - @BarbaraJoss

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of The Forgotten Italian Restaurant at Bookshop.org

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