Rock Paper Write Podcast

Second Sunday Presents: February with Eric O'Neil...Author Brand

In this special edition of Second Sunday Presents, we’re joined by branding strategist and publishing expert Eric O'Neill for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to build an author brand.
More than logos and color palettes, author branding is about clarity, consistency, and connection. Eric breaks down how writers can define their unique voice, position themselves in the marketplace, and create a cohesive presence across platforms—from websites and social media to book launches and speaking engagements.
Whether you’re a debut author or a seasoned writer ready to level up, this episode offers practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you stand out, build trust with readers, and grow your impact.
Tune in to discover how to move from simply publishing books to building a brand that lasts.

Second Sunday Presents: January with Clark Thomas Riley...Audio Books

On this episode of Second Sunday Presents, we sit down with Clark Thomas Riley for an inside look at how to turn your book into an audiobook.
From understanding the difference between narration and performance to choosing between DIY recording and hiring a professional team, Clark breaks down the entire audiobook production process. He shares practical insights on recording equipment, preparing your manuscript for audio, budgeting for production, and marketing your finished audiobook to reach new listeners.
Whether you're an indie author, traditionally published writer, or simply audiobook-curious, this episode offers actionable steps to help you expand your story into the fast-growing world of audio.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to hear your words come to life, this conversation is your starting point.

Episode 56: Jestina M. author of When Prince and Reggie Didn't Win

In this episode, we talk with Jestina M., author of the children’s book When Prince and Reggie Didn’t Win, a heartfelt story that explores resilience, teamwork, and redefining what it truly means to win. Through the journey of Prince and his brother Reggie, the book offers meaningful lessons for children, parents, educators, and coaches alike.
Jestina shares the inspiration behind the story, her approach to writing for young readers, and why conversations about perseverance and emotional growth matter—both on and off the field. When Prince and Reggie Didn’t Win is available at Kensington Row Books Shop, making it a wonderful local find for families and classrooms.
 
Event: Book Signing at Barnes & Noble, Potomac Yard on Sunday, February 21st at 1:00 p.m.
Follow on Instagram and Tik Tok: prince_reggie_adventures
 

Episode 55 Special Q&A with Emily Barrosse, C.E.O. and Founder of Bold Story Press and Xander Press

In this special Q&A edition, Emily Barrosse—CEO and Founder of Bold Story Press and Xander Press—shares her journey from traditional publishing to building a curated hybrid press focused on author empowerment. Emily discusses how hybrid publishing works, what sets it apart from traditional and self-publishing, and why discoverability, metadata, and direct reader engagement matter more than ever. She also offers practical insights on marketing, festivals, newsletters, social media, and avoiding publishing scams, along with advice for authors navigating today’s crowded book market.
You can learn more about Emily and her work at boldstorypress.com and xanderpress.com, or reach her directly at emily@boldstorypress.com
To learn more about our local authors: kensingtonrowauthors 

Episode 54: Joanne Kieffer author of P for Percy: An ABC Story!

In this episode, we chat with Joanne Kieffer—local author, children’s book enthusiast, kindergarten art teacher, and proud dog mom—about the inspiration behind her debut picture book, P for Percy: An ABC Story. Joanne shares how Percy, her charming Olde English Bulldogge, sparked the idea for an alphabet adventure and what makes her ABC book stand out in children’s literature.
We talk about how she balanced storytelling with early learning, the creative challenges of writing within the ABC structure, and some of her favorite reactions from young readers. Joanne also gives us a peek at what she’s working on next—and whether Percy might return for more stories.
To connect with Joanne or find P for Percy, look for her online at Classic Tales USA, Kensington Row Authors website on Instagram @percytheoeb  or around Kensington on a walk with Percy!  
 
 

Episode 53: Gary A. Rosen author of Just Like Me

n this episode, we talk with Gary A. Rosen about the inspiration behind his picture book Just Like Me and the personal experiences that shaped its warm, family-centered message. Gary shares how he crafted the book’s clever rhymes and paired them with expressive artwork to create a tone that appeals to readers from ages two to twelve.
He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at collaborating with illustrator Galia Luz and designer Michelle M. White, and how the visuals and text developed together. We wrap up by exploring the themes Gary hopes families will take away—and what guided him in creating the book’s delightful surprise ending.
Come to the Kensington Row Bookshop to see if you can find the surprise in his book!

Episode 52: Jackie Adrian and Sarah Collins authors and illustrator of A Chameleon Tale: A Colorful, Sensory Story

In this episode, we talk with author–illustrator Jackie Adrian and occupational therapist Sarah Collins about their collaborative picture book, A Chameleon Tale. They share how their partnership began, why chameleons make the perfect metaphor for sensory processing, and how they worked together to turn complex sensory concepts into a kid-friendly, colorful story.
Jackie and Sarah discuss how key scenes—like the bustling café—help children recognize different sensory experiences, what challenges they faced in creating the book, and the heartfelt feedback they’ve already received from families and educators. They also share hopes for how the book will be used and whether more stories on neurodiversity might be ahead.
Connect with Jackie: https://www.jackieadrian.com/
Kensington Row Authors
Instagram@ jackieadrian-art
Connect with Sarah: HomeschoolOT.com • Podcast: The OT is IN • Instagram @homeschool_OT

Episode 51 Diane Perlmutter Reynolds author of Glimpses of Happiness: Laughter for the Soul

In this touching episode, Diane Perlmutter Reynolds shares the story behind Glimpses of Happiness: Laughter for the Soul, the collection of humorous and heartfelt vignettes written by her father, Jerry. She reflects on what made his everyday observations worth preserving, how she selected and organized the pieces, and why one favorite glimpse—Temperature Control—stands out above the rest.
 
Listeners can learn more or connect with Diane at www.glimpsesofhappiness.com and through Kensington Row Authors.

Episode 50: Donald I. Siegel author of Heartwood

In this episode, we sit down with Don Siegel, Silver Spring novelist, jazz guitarist, and longtime earth-science professor, to talk about the inspiration behind his magical-realism novel Heartwood. Don shares how his love of music, his academic career, and his interest in Jewish and Ladino culture shaped the book’s sweeping journey from Eastern Europe to the United States.
We discuss the story’s powerful themes—identity, exile, cultural fusion—and the unique role music plays as both metaphor and character. Don also offers insights into his research and revision process and what has surprised him most since publishing Heartwood.
You can find Don’s books at Kensington Row Bookshop, and reach him at disiegel@syr.edu or https://donaldisiegel.substack.com/
 
 
 
 

Episode 49: Anjum Choudhary St. Jean, internationally recognized poet of The Silent Hummingbird and Souled Out

In this episode, we welcome internationally recognized poet Anjum Choudhary, whose writing spans continents and dives deeply into the human heart. Anjum shares the inspiration behind The Silent Hummingbird, the meaning of its title, and the emotional arc reflected in its three-part structure: The Song, The Singing, and The Silence.
We talk about themes of love, strength, and grief, how poetry serves as her personal healing practice, and the creative process that shapes her work. Anjum also discusses her upcoming book launch at The Writer’s Center and gives us a peek at what’s next in her writing journey.
You can follow Anjum and explore more of her poetry here:🌐 Instagram: www.instagram.com/theanjumchoudhary and https://anjumchoudhary.wordpress.com/author/anjumchoudhary/ and Threads https://www.threads.com/@theanjumchoudhary📚 The Silent Hummingbird: Available through the Kensington Row Bookshop and major booksellers🎤 Poetry Performances: Listen to her readings on her social media and poetry platforms
https://www.kensingtonrowauthors.com/