Author Express
This is your place to hear the voice behind the pages of your favorite books. Here you’ll get a feel for the person who spent hours, weeks, months, and even years to fill the pages and build a world where you can not only use yourself but possibly find yourself as well. Our gift is a glance at the human side of writing; perhaps a morsel from the author’s childhood, insight on the character to which they are most attached, or a little on the passion that fueled the topics in the book. It’s your chance to get to know some of your favorite writers in a new light. We’ll give you a quick glimpse into their latest work and pique your interest in your next read, but we’ll also let you get to know a little about the authors themselves. As you’ll see in our episodes, we end up in some great conversations, whether they are about the historical significance of a topic, a laugh around chasing cows in the mud, or a few moments musing on travel and the best parts about visiting France.
It is our goal to connect you with authors from varying genres and styles of writing and to keep in concert with our title by keeping them “Express” so you can easily work them into your weekly routine.
This show is co-hosted by Kathleen Basi, Kristi Leonard, and Shawna Rodrigues.
Kathleen Basi is a musical composer and songwriter, feature writer, essayist, nonfiction author, and of course, storyteller.
Kristi Leonard is the owner and host of Writers in the Wild Retreats, nonfiction voice over artist, and president of the Women's Fiction Writers Association (WFWA).
Shawna Rodrigues is a Podcast Strategist, Founder of Authentic Connections Podcast Network, Host of The Grit Show www.thegritshow.com, and Internationally Best-Selling Author.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 14 minutes
- Episodes
- 132
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
Jennifer Jabaley Reveals Her Secrets and Inspiration in Writing Domestic Suspense Novels -129
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 J…
How Farm Life and Family Shape Sara Brunsvold’s Literary Worlds -128
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 i…
Explore One Writer’s Fascinating Journey From Legal Eagle to Literary Fiction -127
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 …
Family, Mental Health, and Inspiration: Cathelina Duvert on "The Box" -126
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 competi…
From Family Secrets to Historical Fiction: Real-Life Inspiration -125
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 sh…
It Took Me Twenty Years to Become an Overnight Success -124
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 realit…
Astonishing Stories: Rosa Kwon Easton on the Power of Generational Memory -123
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 Mulb…
How Barbara Johsselsohn Weaves History and Heart into Her Novels -122
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, …
Defining Success, Embracing the Messy Middle, and Writing What Moves You -121
Meet bestselling author Rochelle Weinstein in this episode of Author Express as she shares her heart-stirring journey from the world of music in Los Angeles to becoming a full-time novelist in Miami.…
Trading Trials for Tales: Elisabeth Dini’s Path from International Law to Uplifting Fiction -120
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-…
Girl Meets Boy Again Plus Floral Fun: A Look at Orly Konig’s Love Story - 119
Ever wondered how an author weaves real-life inspirations into their fictional worlds? In this episode of Author Express, join Kristi Leonard as she welcomes Orly Konig, who reveals how writing becam…
Why Being an Author Is Like Running a Tech Startup, with Jennifer Klepper -118
Step into the world of Jennifer Klepper, the USA Today bestselling author, as she joins Kathleen Basi on Author Express to unravel her multifaceted journey from a lawyer and tech-startup founder to a…
Mirror Me: Belonging & Connection in Lisa Rosenberg's Exploration of Self-Identity-117
Join us this week on Author Express as Kristi Leonard sits down with the multifaceted Lisa Rosenberg. An author, psychotherapist, and former ballet dancer, Lisa shares insights into her unique journe…
A Creative Process on Crafting Women's Fiction and Character Development -116
Are you a fan of women's fiction that resonates deeply and moves the soul? In this captivating episode of Author Express, meet Donna Norman-Carbone, the creative force behind beloved titles such as A…
Explore Powerful Social Issues Through Fiction with Author Paulette Stout -115
Step into the vibrant world of Paulette Stout, the award-winning author renowned for her brave, spicy tales. This episode of Author Express offers a fascinating peek into her latest novel, What We Gi…
Shawna Rodrigues' Top Three Books & Her Personal Revelations -114
Uncover what makes Author Express special as Shawna Rodrigues opens up about three books that sculpted her worldview. Not merely narratives, these chosen books serve as windows into cultural, histori…
Valentine’s Reads and Second Chances: a Look at "Considering Us" -113
Join us on this episode of Author Express as we chat with Jenn Bouchard, the acclaimed author behind First Course and the much anticipated Considering Us. Explore the fascinating world of Boston subu…
How Kerry Chaput Reminds us that Life is Magic with her Historical Fiction -112
In this engaging episode of Author Express, host Shawna Rodrigues chats with the talented historical fiction author, Kerry Chaput. Listen as Kerry recounts her childhood in the unique Danish settleme…
Debut Thriller with a Love Story Wrapped inside Redefines Historical Fiction -111
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…
Behind the Pages: Sharon M. Peterson on Her Creative Writing World -110
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 f…