Rock Paper Write Podcast

Episode 47: Katie O. Engen author of Hello, Neighbors! Small-Town Living in Big City Suburbs: Quick Reads to Cultivate Community & Fun Activities to Foster Connection Where You Live

In this episode, we chat with Katie O. Engen, a writer, educator, and “word-play specialist” who blends science, teaching, and storytelling to create meaningful children’s books in addition to her latest Hello, Neighbors! book for adults. She shares how her experience in classrooms, curriculum development, homeschooling, and science outreach shapes her writing and resources for young readers.
We talk about making big ideas—like dental health and habits—fun and understandable for kids.  She also reflects on feedback from children and educators.
Plus, she reveals the authors who inspired her, and gives us a sneak peek at what’s next.
Where to find Katie and her work:
Visit Katie’s own website at katieengen.com
Check out her page at the Kensington Row Authors site
Purchase her books through Bookshop.org, which supports independent bookstores
If you’re passionate about children’s literature, education rooted in fun, and the power of words to open worlds, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Episode 46: Jerry Aveta author of When Liberty Enslaves

Join us for a conversation with Jerry Aveta — retired civil servant, ordained minister, counselor, and author of When Liberty Enslaves. Drawing from his unique blend of engineering, leadership, and pastoral experience, Jerry shares the genesis of his book and how he wove together history, theology, politics, and human nature into one compelling narrative.
In this episode, we explore:
What pushed the idea from sermon or reflection into a full book
How he balanced scholarly rigor and pastoral voice
The meaning behind the paradoxical title When Liberty Enslaves
His writing challenges, routines, and surprises
Advice for writers tackling faith-informed social commentary
What’s next on his writing horizon
Connect with Jerry Aveta:
Website: FaithForTheTimes.net
YouTube: @FaithfortheTimes
Author profile: Kensington Row Authors – Jerry Aveta
Find his signed books at the Kensington Row Bookshop and/or come to BabyCat Brewery in Kensington on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 for Books and Brews from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and get your personal signed book.
 

Episode 45 Katherine Pickett author of Debra Lee Won't Break: A Novel and Nancy Pickett author of Mystery at Creek Academy: Where's Mrs. Quimby?

Join us for an engaging conversation with Katherine and Nancy Pickett, the creative Mother/daughter team behind Mystery at Creek Academy: Where Is Mrs. Quimby? and the inspiring novel Debra Lee Won’t Break by Katherine Pickett.
In Mystery at Creek Academy, young readers follow Carla, Lola, and friends on a lighthearted quest to find their missing teacher—learning lessons about friendship and understanding along the way.
In contrast, Debra Lee Won’t Break dives into the world of adult fiction, following a widowed mother battling multiple sclerosis who finds strength through family, grief, and a 150-mile cycling challenge.
Katherine and Nancy share what inspired each story, how they approach writing for different audiences, and the joys and challenges of creating meaningful, relatable characters. Whether you love children’s mysteries, heartfelt women’s fiction, or stories about resilience, this episode offers insight, humor, and heart from two authors who write with both imagination and purpose.
Learn more about Katherine Pickett at www.katherinepickettauthor.com and connect with her through Kensington Row Authors.

Episode 44 Shernette Hall author of Misconceptions of an Introvert

In this episode, we talk with Shernette Hall, lifelong educator and author of Misconceptions of an Introvert. Drawing from her own experiences and years of guiding young readers, Shernette explores what it truly means to be an introvert—and the myths and misunderstandings that often surround it. She shares insights from her writing process, the inspiration behind her character Sherry, and how her work encourages introverted students to embrace their quiet strengths.
Learn how Shernette is using her voice to change the narrative on introversion in schools and beyond.
Connect with Shernette HallFind Misconceptions of an Introvert at the Kensington Row Bookshop and learn more about her at Kensington Row Authors.
 
 

Episode 43 Gabby Gilliam author of A Taste of Magic: Collected Stories

In this episode, we talk with writer Gabby Gilliam, a self-described “devourer of words” whose work spans poetry, flash fiction, short stories, and novels. From her chapbook No Ocean Spit Me Out to her explorations of magical realism and horror, Gabby shares what inspires her, how she approaches the writing process, and the role of community in shaping her craft. She also offers advice for writers still finding their voice and gives us a glimpse of what’s next.
Connect with Gabby at gabbygilliam.com, Kensington Row Authors page or follow her on social media @gabbygilliamwrites.
You can see Gabby at the Wheaton Arts Parade on Sunday, Sept. 28th from 10:00-1:30 along with other Kensington Row Authors.

Episode 42 Elizabeth Green author of The One Homicide Act

In this episode, we talk with Elizabeth Green, author of The One Homicide Act, a gripping political-thriller that imagines a law allowing every citizen one state-approved murder. Elizabeth shares the inspiration behind the story, the layered meaning of its title, and how she developed morally complex characters while exploring themes of justice, guilt, and redemption.
To learn more about Elizabeth and her work, visit aospublishing.com/elizabeth-green and kensingtonrowauthors.com.
Come to the Wheaton Arts Parade to get a signed copy and meet the author!  September 28th, 2025 at the Kensington Day of the Book tent along with other authors.

Episode 41 Dr. Edward Feroli author of Evidence-Based Faith

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Edward Feroli, a pediatrician, missionary doctor, and author of Evidence-Based Faith. Drawing on over four decades in medicine and mission work across seven countries, Dr. Feroli explores the intersection of science, history, and belief—sharing personal experiences, research into healing miracles, and reflections on doubt and faith.
Learn more about Dr. Feroli and find his books at Kensington Row Bookshop

Episode 40 John Moens author of Never Saw It Coming: An Anthology of Twists, Turns, and Surprises

Step into the mind of John Moens, author of Never Saw It Coming: An Anthology of Twists, Turns, and Surprises—a collection born from a dream and shaped by a lifetime of curiosity about history, morality, and the unexpected. In this conversation, Moens shares how retirement opened the door to his writing life, how a single dream sparked “The Arctic Fox,” and how his background as a history major at Ohio State fuels stories inspired by both well-known events and little-known family lore, from the tragedy of the Sultana to President Franklin Pierce’s son.
Listeners will discover the craft behind Moens’ signature surprise endings, the tonal variety that keeps readers guessing, and the five thematic sections—The Journey, Crime and Treasure, Creatures Great and Small, Not for the Faint of Heart, and Conflict and Disaster—that shape the anthology’s rhythm. He opens up about weaving moral insights into fiction without preachiness, the characters that have surprised him most, and his leap from short stories to his upcoming historical novel Hell and Texas, exploring the lesser-known Underground Railroad from Texas to Mexico.
Whether you’re a reader who loves clever twists, a writer seeking insight into authentic voice, or a history buff hungry for inventive storytelling, this episode offers a blend of inspiration, process, and behind-the-scenes revelations.
Connect with John Moens:Kensington Row Bookshop — Local Author Page

Episode 39 Constance Hays Matsumoto co-author of Of White Ashes

In this episode, we talk with Constance Hays Matsumoto, co-author of Of White Ashes, a sweeping historical novel inspired by her husband Kent’s family history during World War II. Guided by Shakespeare’s “What’s past is prologue,” Connie writes to help us learn from the past and inspire positive change today.
She shares how she and Kent uncovered his parents’ stories of Japanese American internment and the bombing of Hiroshima — and why they chose to tell it themselves rather than through a documentary or ghostwriter. We discuss the deep research behind the book, how she balanced fact with fiction, and how the Japanese principle of gaman (enduring the unbearable with dignity) shaped her characters Ruby and Koji.
Connie also talks about the challenges and rewards of co-writing with a spouse, the response from readers, and her hopes for Of White Ashes to help keep these stories alive for future generations.
Connect with Connie and learn more at www.matsumotobooks.com or reach out via her site’s contact page.

Episode 38 Tom Doyle author of Happy to Be Me and Happy Kindness Day, the Indigo Blue Adventures

 
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tom Doyle, author of Happy to Be Me, the first book in the Indigo Blue Adventures series. Tom takes us behind the scenes of Indigo Blue’s creation—sharing the spark that ignited this empowering story and helped shape Indigo’s affirmations and adventures.
We explore the collaborative process with his illustrator and how her vibrant artwork brought Indigo’s world to life. Tom also dives into the deeper themes at the heart of his book: the power of positive affirmations, the importance of celebrating individuality, and nurturing emotional intelligence in young readers.
Tom shares touching stories of feedback from parents, educators, and children, and discusses how Happy to Be Me can be a valuable tool for families and teachers alike—encouraging discussions about self-worth, resilience, and self-love.
Finally, he gives us an exciting look at what’s next for Indigo Blue and what readers can look forward to in future adventures.
Discover more about the series at indigoblueadventures.com and find Happy to Be Me at the Kensington Row Bookshop, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
UPCOMING events:
Saturday, July 26th at Wonderland Books in Bethesda at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, August 3rd at Bethany Beach Books in Bethany Beach, Delaware at 6:30 p.m.-8:00
Thursday, August 7th at Kensington Row Bookshop for the Read.Imagine.Create! series at 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.