Rock Paper Write Podcast

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 

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!  
 
 

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!

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

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.

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/
 
 
 
 

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/
 

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

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.

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.