Author Express brings you an intriguing conversation with Kay Smith-Blum, an Austin-born, Seattle-based writer who transitioned from high-end retail to become an acclaimed author. Join Kristi Leonard as they explore the compelling backstory of Kay’s novel Tangles, which sheds light on the Hanford nuclear site controversy. Be enthralled by Kay’s unique journey from a successful career in fashion to crafting a story rooted in deeply researched history and personal accounts. Find out what it was like for her to weave intricate narratives and how she channels her twin sons' gardens and lap pool sessions into overcoming writer's block. This episode is a must-listen for those wanting to connect with the human stories behind historical events.

Kay Smith-Blum is a former business owner and Seattle School Board President. An avid gardener, Smith-Blum founded Environmental Endeavors, the first greenhouse program in Seattle Public Elementary Schools. A fan of mid-20th-century history, Smith-Blum has penned two other manuscripts set in Texas, but the recent upheaval over leaking radioactive waste tanks at the Hanford Nuclear site drew her in. A meticulous researcher, Smith-Blum felt compelled to write the Hanford story in a way that would educate and entertain readers. The result is her debut novel, Tangles, named Book of the Year by the Literary Global Book Awards and Best Debut Fiction by the American Writing Awards 2024. Smith-Blum’s published short works may be found in multiple literary journals. A companion short story to Tangles is included in the 2024 award-winning anthology, Feisty Deeds that Smith-Blum co-edited. Named the Western WA Woman Business Owner of 2013, Smith-Blum has lived in Washington State for four decades. A sunrise writer, she works out her writer’s block in her sons’ gardens and the nearest lap pool.

Learn more about Kay Smith-Blum:

Website - www.kaysmith-blum.com

Instagram - @discerningKSB

Facebook - Kay Smith-Blum

Interested in meeting Kay in person?

If you are in Washington state you can catch her for an Author Signing at Barnes and Noble in Totem Lake on Feb 8, 2025 from 12:00 pm- 3pm PDT.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Tangles 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

In this engaging episode of Author Express, Kathleen Basi hosts Sharon M. Peterson, whose romcom The Fast Lane has been lauded for its wit and heartfelt moments. Sharon reveals the most interesting fact about her small town, discusses her unique writing process, and shares an amusing anecdote about her inexplicable fear of poodles. Listen as Sharon talks about her inspiration for characters, touching on real-life experiences and how she navigates writing disabilities authentically. Tune in for a blend of humor, sincerity, and literary wisdom that will inspire both readers and writers alike.

Sharon M. Peterson writes romantic comedies that will make you laugh. Readers have praised her books, not only for their humor, but for her ability to write relatable, memorable characters you’d want to be friends in real life. Sharon has always used humor to deal with the messy, hard things that life throws her way. Her favorite quote, from Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, is: “It was her habit to build up laughter from inadequate materials.” Life has given her lots of inadequate material. As a mom to four children, including her two sons with autism, there are often challenges (and more than a little chaos). Being able to find humor in hard situations is her superpower. Laughter in the middle of tough times is, at its core, hope. Not all is lost if we can find a way to smile through it.

Her roots are in women’s fiction so her romcoms are full of messy families, emotional character arcs, and lovable side characters. She also doesn’t believe the best love stories are about perfect size twos and billionaires. For her, the real romances are the ones we see every day. We all have a love story to share, and she loves exploring how us real folks fall in love. And the best part? These love stories always have happy endings. Both romance and humor are essentially about hope—hope for a better day, a new future, in the here-and-now. Hope has been a driving force in Sharon’s life, and she loves to share that with other people through her stories.

Her debut novel, The Do-Over, was released in August of 2022 (Bookouture) and while it’s never been a best seller, it has steadily won over the hearts of readers. It’s being translated into five languages and was recently released as a trade paperback with Grand Central. She’s released two other romcoms, The Fake Out and The Fast Lane, over the last two years.

If you would like to see her on a daily basis, check her out on Instagram at @stone4031 or visit her website at www.sharonmpeterson.com. Her books are available in paperback, on audiobook, and in Kindle Unlimited. You should definitely read them.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of her debut novel The Do-Over and romcoms The Fake Out & The Fast Lane 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,...

Join Shawna Rodrigues on Author Express as she welcomes Julee Balko, a talented writer who can turn everyday moments into literary gold. This episode reveals fascinating snippets about Julee's life, from navigating power outages to creating viral kitten clips. Learn about the profound impact of her latest book, The Me List, and why it's an ideal choice for your New Year's resolutions. Julee also candidly shares her journey with her neurodivergent daughters, which inspired her upcoming book, Square Hearts. This is an episode filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and a sneak peek into Julee's creative process.

Julee Balko is a freelance writer, mother, and an author who loves writing novels with complicated women characters. Her debut novel, The Things We Keep, takes on grief, secrets, and family dysfunction. The Me List is her second novel and is full of snark and heart as it brings to life an unlikely friendship between neighbors. Check out her website: www.juleebalko.com and follow her on Instagram, Threads and TikTok @juleebalko.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of The Me List at Bookshop.org

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs & Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies.

She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

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

Join host Kristi Leonard as we revisit her interview from earlier this year with the talented Sheila Athens. Sheila, the author of Neena Lee Is Seeing Things captivates us with the unique premise of her latest novel where John F. Kennedy Jr. asks for help—25 years after his death. Sheila unravels the fascinating inspirations behind her characters and settings, takes us to Jacksonville, Florida, and gives insight into her writing journey. Whether you're an aspiring writer or an avid reader, this episode promises a thought-provoking conversation about the process of creating multi-layered, soulful stories. Tune in to discover what makes this novelist tick and what’s coming next from her pen!

Sheila Athens is a native of Jacksonville, Florida, a city often overlooked in favor of the more touristy parts of the state. Growing up near the Georgia border, Sheila has always felt more connected to the southern roots of her state rather than the urban, modern image that Florida often portrays. This unique perspective has influenced her writing and passion for showcasing the true, often overlooked, beauty of the South. With her book, she hopes to shed light on the real Florida, away from the stereotypes and tourist attractions.

Her debut novel, The Truth About Love, was a finalist for the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart Award. With that background, she can’t help but weave a strong love story thread throughout each of her books, even though she now writes Southern women’s fiction. She turned from romance to women’s fiction because all the stories swirling around in her head needed a bigger canvas on which to be told.

Sheila didn’t realize she wanted to write fiction until she was in her early forties. Her first book was published two days after her fifty-third birthday, so she’s a good example for those who fear they’ve waited too long to pursue their passion. Learn more about Shiela from her website www.SheilaAthens.com.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Neena Lee Is Seeing Things 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

Celebrate the magic of storytelling in this holiday episode of Author Express as host Kathleen Basi chats with Kimberly Nixon about her compelling novel, Rock Island Rising. Kimberly's remarkable ability to weave her family's tumultuous past into gripping fiction takes center stage. With tales of a grandmother who once robbed a train and the supportive community of Austin, Texas, where she lives, Kimberly offers a unique blend of historical depth and modern vitality. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of strong female leads, or simply curious about how past traumas shape present lives, this episode will leave you eager for more. Get ready to be captivated by stories that defy the ordinary.

Kimberly considers herself the family storyteller and has built a career around exploring family stories, both for herself and others. She closed her small business, which archived generations of family memories for extended families. For a brief period, Kimberly considered returning to a “real job,” but her grandmother’s story ultimately led her to a writing desk. She first wrote the true story of her family, detailing everything she knew to be fact about her mother and grandmother, for her family’s benefit. Before writing a fictionalized version, she wanted her children and siblings to understand what was true.

Kimberly then enrolled in writing courses and started a writers' critique group. Five years later, she completed the first draft of Rock Bottom, Tennessee.

Not wanting to undertake the difficult task of querying agents, Kimberly founded her own publishing company. With her background in marketing and business, she was well-equipped to manage the process. Rock Bottom, Tennessee was launched in April 2022, and her readers quickly asked for a sequel. Kimberly delivered, and Rock Bottom Rising was released in February 2024, taking readers on a journey from Ruby’s conviction to her quest for redemption and reconnection with her children, abandoned after her arrest.

Kimberly’s next project is a memoir based on retracing her father’s WWII journey across Europe. Her father never spoke about the war, and his records were destroyed in a fire at the National Archive. Kimberly has recreated his daily journey from Africa to Berlin, visiting many of the historic battle sites where he fought and stood where he was wounded for the first and second times during his service.

You can read more about Kimberly’s passion for family stories and news of her upcoming release at her website www.kimberlynixon.com. Follow Kimberly’s writing journey on her Instagram page @kimberlynixon.author

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Rock Bottom Rising 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...

In this episode of Author Express, Shawna Rodrigues chats with Lyn Liao Butler, a Taiwanese American author whose portfolio spans thrillers, upmarket fiction, and rom coms. Are you curious about how someone expertly juggles writing multiple genres? Lyn charmingly shares her inspirations, the commonalities her novels share, and the unique workings of her creative process. You'll even learn about Lyn’s fascinating bi-coastal lifestyle between New York and Kauai and the unique backdrops that influence her work. Whether you prefer the depth of upmarket fiction, the intrigue of a thrillers, or the joy of a light-hearted romance, Lyn’s insights and stories will captivate you. Tune in to discover the vibrant experiences that shape Lyn's storytelling and why you'll want her next book on your nightstand. She's also the perfect author you'll want to know as you shop for everyone on your holiday list!

Lyn Liao Butler is a Taiwanese American author of thrillers, upmarket fiction, and rom coms. Her most recent thriller, Someone Else’s Life, was an Amazon bestseller and her second book, Red Thread of Fate, was a finalist in the WFWA Star Awards for 2023. If you are looking for a rom com - don't miss, Crazy Bao You. She and her family divide their time between New York and Kauai.

You can connect with Lyn through @lynliaobutler across all social media platforms and her website is lynliaobutler.com

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Someone Else’s Life or Crazy Bao You at Bookshop.org - you'll find all of her other novels there as well!

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs & Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies.

She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram-@ShawnaPodcasts, and learn more about the network and community at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

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 -

Author Express presents Lisa Montanaro, an Italian American writer with a compelling journey. This episode uncovers the layers of Lisa’s debut novel, "Everything We Thought Was True," involving family secrets and multidimensional characters. Lisa articulates how her personal history, including her role as an employment discrimination lawyer, intertwines with her storytelling. Additionally, she offers a sneak peek into the process behind her authentic character creation, layered with her firsthand experience in diverse communities. Don’t miss out on Lisa’s invaluable advice on overcoming obstacles and utilizing a growth mindset, making this episode a treasure trove for writers and readers alike.

Lisa writes book club fiction featuring complex characters breaking barriers and fighting to truly be themselves despite obstacles in their way—including the time they live in and societal stigmas. At turns heartbreaking and hopeful, her debut novel explores not only the consequences of secrets—even secrets kept out of love—but also the courage it takes to speak the truth, to forgive, and to let go.

Lisa is part no-nonsense Italian American New Yorker and part sunny Californian. She has a unique background as a performer, teacher of deaf students, lawyer, coach, speaker, and author. Lisa's nonfiction book, The Ultimate Life Organizer, was published by Peter Pauper Press. She serves as webinar host for the Women's Fiction Writers Association and is a member of its diversity and inclusion committee. She also serves as co-facilitator of the Retro COLAGE group for adult children of LGBTQ parents. When not writing, Lisa enjoys cycling and hiking with her veterinarian husband, tending to her garden, and chasing after her rescue dogs. Lisa has enjoyed living snow-free since 2012 in Northern California, where she’s made it her mission to sample the wines of the region.

Her blog and newsletter, Prosecco & Prose, are where she shares author updates, writerly musings, book recommendations, and virtual bubbly! Visit her website at www.lisamontanarowrites.com. She also loves connecting with readers, writers, and lovers of creativity on social media, so find her on Instagram at @lisa.montanaro and say ciao!

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Everything We Thought Was True 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

Meet the voices behind the Author Express Podcast as they mark a milestone—two years of sharing riveting stories and interviews! Hosts Shawna Rodrigues, Kristi Leonard, and Kathleen Basi share their most impactful reads of the year, from a gripping secret life narrative to tales of foster parenting and family bonds. Kristi reminisces about the author that ushered her into podcasting, while Shawna recounts a conversation that made her want to hop on a plane! Curious about what makes each host tick? Find out where Kathleen first learned to drive, the creature Kristi doesn't fret over, and Shawna’s touching book dedication to her hometown. Tune in for a literary journey that promises to kindle your curiosity and inspire your next read.

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/.

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.

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs & Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on anthologies.

She offers a free 7 Steps to Perfect Your Podcast Title to anyone interested in launching a podcast. You can also