Rock Paper Write Podcast

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/
 

Episode 48: Special Episode Amy L. Watkins author of Nacho Ama a Salsa and Translator Johanna de Leon

In this episode of Rock, Paper, Write, we're turning the tables with special guest host Dr. Jaya Viswanathan who sits down with children’s book author and educator Amy L. Watkins and librarian, media specialist, and translator Johanna de Leon for an engaging conversation about creativity, collaboration, and representation in children’s literature.
Amy shares the inspiration behind Nacho Loves Salsa and its bilingual edition Nacho Ama a Salsa, reflecting on how her rescue dog, her multilingual students, and her commitment to diversity shaped the story. Johanna discusses her path to becoming a librarian, her work translating children’s books, and offers helpful guidance for authors interested in bilingual publishing or getting their books into libraries.
Together, they explore themes of identity, kindness, and cultural pride while highlighting the importance of helping every child feel seen in the books they read. A warm, insightful episode for writers, educators, and anyone who loves meaningful stories for young readers.
More info about Amy here: www.welovenacho.org

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.