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
New Year. New You! Inspiration from the Me List; 2025's Perfect Fiction Novel -109
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, …
BEST OF AUTHOR EXRESS - The Southern Roots this Author Admits Provoke Her Soulful Writing Career -108
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…
BEST OF Author Express - Kimberly Nixon Explains Why There is More to the Story -107
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 abi…
How to Defy Genres: Lyn Liao Butler Knows her Voice from Thrillers to Sweet Rom Coms -106
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 …
The Dual Timelines & Unique Perspectives of Lisa Montanaro’s Debut Novel -105
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 famil…
Celebrating Two Years: Hosts Reflect on Best Episodes and Books -104
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 …
Jen Sinclair Unveils Her Debut Novel on Author Express -103
In this uplifting episode of "Author Express," Kristi Leonard interviews Jen Sinclair, the author of the enthralling novel There's Always a Price. Jen shares the unique aspects of her storytelling, i…
Unveiling Family Dynamics in the Digital Age with Erin Quinn-Kong -102
On today’s episode we get to chat with Erin Quinn-Kong, a longtime magazine editor who started writing fiction after having her second child, while she was a freelance writer. She started writing Hat…
Exploring Little Avalanches: Becky Ellis on Writing, Trauma, and Healing - 101
In this heartwarming episode of Author Express, join host Shawna Rodrigues as she sits down with Becky Ellis, a celebrated Northwest author from Portland. Discover Becky's journey growing up across v…
Tiffany Yates Martin on How to Create a Delightful Writing Career - 100
Tiffany Yates Martin started in the publishing industry in her twenties as a copy editor for many of the Big Six (back then), when the business still used red pencils and to fact-check she had to spe…
Fire Eating, Friendship, and Female Empowerment With Cherie Dawn Haas -99
Curious about the life experiences that fuel a writer's imagination? In today's episode of Author Express, host Kathleen Basi chats with prolific author Cherie Dawn Haas. Cherie wrote her first book …
Anything is Possible When You Release the Reins with Author Catherine Matthews -98
On today’s episode, we will be chatting with Catherine Matthews, a Women’s Fiction author whose recently launched her debut novel, Releasing the Reins. This dual timeline novel follows Bunny O’Kelly’…
Talking History and Research with Madeline Martin -97
Get ready to be inspired on this episode of Author Express as we introduce you to the acclaimed historical fiction and romance author, Madeline Martin. Host Kristi Leonard pulls back the curtain on M…
Laughing About Depression with Author Amy Watson -96
On today’s episode, we’re chatting with Amy Watson, a Women’s Fiction and romance author. One day, at the prompting of her therapist, she went home and told her husband she was going to write a novel…
The Why in Why I Write with Yvonne Battle-Felton -95
Join Shawna Rodrigues as she chats with Yvonne Battle-Felton on this episode of Author Express, where an exciting narrative journey awaits. Yvonne, a seasoned writer and creative force, reveals snipp…
A Visit to The Top of The Eiffel Tower with Aimie K. Runyan -94
Aimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate the spirit of strong women. She has been honored as a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice selection, as a five-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards, and…
Writing the Truth About Motherhood with Author Hadley Leggett -93
On today's episode we get to chat with Hadley Leggett, award-winning author of the debut novel, All They Ask Is Everything. A love letter to the messiness of motherhood, the book tells the story of t…
Author Bella Ellwood-Clayton discusses Mean Girls, Mean Moms, and Social Media -92
Dr. Bella Ellwood-Clayton is an award-winning author and editor. She has a BA from Concordia University in Montréal and a Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne in sexual anthropology—and, yes, that …
Explore Genre-Crossing Success with Award-Winning Author Mindy McGinnis -91
In this riveting episode of Author Express, Kathleen Basi chats with Edgar award-winning novelist Mindy McGinnis. If you’re fascinated by the balance between a cheerful personality and dark, compelli…
Exploration vs. Exploitation: Diving into Dark Literature with Author Deirdre Swinden
On today’s episode we get to chat with Deirdre Swinden, a dark fiction author with a penchant for ghost stories. After twenty+ years as a leader in corporate communications, Dee took a leap of faith …