Rock Paper Write Podcast

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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Episode 37 Jeff Billington author of Summer's Second and Chicken Dinner News

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Jeff Billington, the acclaimed author behind Summer’s Second and Chicken Dinner News, to dive into the heart of his storytelling journey. Jeff shares how listening to his great-grandmother’s tales helped shape his unique narrative voice and how growing up in the Ozark Mountains deeply influenced the vivid setting in his novels.
We explore the emotional depths of his characters—particularly the struggles and resilience of Asher Brock—and discuss what it took to shift gears from young adult fiction to contemporary storytelling. Jeff also offers a sneak peek into the themes he’s excited to explore next.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, this episode offers an intimate look at the passion and place behind his powerful prose.
📚 Learn more or connect with Jeff:
jeffbillington.com
Kensington Row Authors
https://www.facebook.com/jeffbillingtonauthor/

Episode 36 Dr. Jonathan Reich author of A Convenient Villain: Charles A. Lindbergh's remarkable and controversial legacy preparing the U.S. for war

Dr. Jonathan Reich — cardiologist, former aerospace engineer, and fluent Hebrew speaker — joins us to discuss his powerful new book A Convenient Villain. Written during the pandemic, the book takes a fresh look at Charles Lindbergh’s complex legacy, blending Reich’s technical expertise with deep historical research.
We explore Lindbergh’s role in U.S. military preparedness, his controversial beliefs, and what it means to confront the contradictions in public figures. Dr. Reich also shares his personal reflections as a Jewish researcher and the lessons his work holds for today’s world.
🔗 Learn more at: AConvenientVillain.com🖋️ Author profile: Kensington Row Authors
📧 Contact: AConvenientVillain@gmail.com
 

Episode 35 J.L. Birchwood author of Power Ballad: A Metal Mayhem Festival Romance (Love and Mayhem)

Join us for a fun and fiery conversation with J.L. Birchwood, microbiologist by day and genre-hopping novelist by night, as we dive into her debut romance, Power Ballad: A Mayhem Festival Romance. Set against the backdrop of a heavy metal festival, this book turns up the volume on love, music, and unexpected chemistry.
In this episode, we talk about:
How Birchwood began writing fiction during the pandemic
Why a metal festival made the perfect setting for a love story
The inspiration behind her fierce protagonist, Delilah
The challenges of blending romance with rock
Her writing process, self-publishing and marketing tips
💻 Learn more at booksbybirchwood.com📚 Find her books at Kensington Row Bookshop
Whether you're into headbanging or heartfelt stories, this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen now and turn it up!

Episode 34 Lindsey Van Wagner author of Spirit Vigilante: Sharing My Truth to Help You Live Yours

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lindsey Van Wagner—author of Spirit Vigilante: Sharing My Truth to Help You Live Yours. Lindsey opens up about her journey of healing, authenticity, and empowerment.  Learn what it means to become a “spirit vigilante,” how to break through internal blocks, and why physical wellness is essential to living your truth.
Books available at Kensington Row Bookshop.Connect with Lindsey: 
✨ Books available at Kensington Row Bookshop🌐 thespiritvigilante.com📲 Instagram.com/spiritvigilante

Episode 33: Jameson Keys author of The Vanishing Ballerina

In this episode, we sit down with Jameson Keys—business development pro, former ESL instructor, and author of the suspenseful debut The Vanishing Ballerina. Jameson shares how his path led from teaching and podcasting to fiction writing, and what inspired the creation of ex-NYPD detective Bobby Bocchini.
We dive into the book’s powerful themes, the meaning behind its haunting title, and how co-hosting the true crime podcast What We Lose in the Shadows with his daughter influences his writing.
He also talks about his advocacy for public libraries, creative hobbies, and what’s next for Bobby Bocchini.
📚 Grab your copy locally at Kensington Row Bookshop✍️ Meet Jameson and get your book signed at Day of the Book Festival🔗 More info at jamesonkeys.com

Episode 32 Stuart Ullman author of Teuta's Child: A Breathtaking Novel of Ancient Civilizations

In this episode, we speak with author Stuart Ullman about his debut novel Téutas’ Child, a gripping prehistoric adventure set during a real climate crisis over 8,000 years ago. The story follows Kaikos, a blind 12-year-old girl surrounded by mystery and superstition, as her village faces both natural and human challenges.
We explore why Stuart chose 6192 BC as his setting, how his background—from global childhood to a career in the Navy—shaped his storytelling, and how writer’s block has been around since the days of Enheduana, the world’s first known author. He also shares insights on crafting Kaikos’ powerful character and what’s next in the Téutas world.
If you love ancient history, myth, and strong heroines, don’t miss this conversation.
📚 Téutas’ Child is available at the Kensington Row Bookshop
Learn more about Stuart at Kensington Row Bookshop: https://www.kensingtonrowbookshop.com/stuart-ullman-local-author
 

Episode 31 Steve Piacente, Master of Ceremonies at Day of the Book and author of Pretender

Join us for a conversation with Steve Piacente, who will be the Master of Ceremonies at the 18th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival on April 27th, as he shares insights on the festival’s impact, his acclaimed novels Pretender and Bootlicker, and the influence of journalism on his storytelling.
We also explore his work as a life coach, his Next Phase Life Coaching approach, and his advice for navigating career shifts along with his upcoming fourth novel titled The Run of Their Lives and where the inspiration came from.
Don’t miss this insightful episode as well as tips for first time and returning authors! Learn more at stevepiacente.com
His commercial site: https://www.piacentephotos.com/
 

Episode 30 Bob Roller Trail Dogs and Firefighters: A Memoir from the Burning West

Join us for a powerful conversation with Robert J. (Bob) Roller, a veteran emergency manager, firefighter, paramedic, and author of Trail Dogs and Fire Fighters: A Memoir from the Burning West. Bob shares gripping stories from the frontlines of wildland firefighting, the deep bonds between firefighters, and the emotional and physical toll of battling nature’s fury.
We’ll discuss how wildfires have changed, what it takes to be a firefighter, and the personal journey that led Bob to write his memoir. Don’t miss this compelling episode!
📖 Find Bob’s book wherever books are sold.📲 Connect with him on Bluesky: @emergency-bob.bsky.social

Episode 29 Jennifer Hamady The Art of Singing

Join renowned voice coach, therapist, and author Jennifer Hamady as she explores the psychology of singing, performance, and self-expression. With clients ranging from Grammy winners to corporate leaders, Jennifer unpacks the fears and mental blocks that hold us back, offering expert insights to help you unlock your true voice.
Jennifer unpacks the fears, doubts, and mental roadblocks that hold singers back, offering expert insights on finding your true voice—both physically and emotionally. Whether you're a professional vocalist, a public speaker, or someone looking to break free from self-doubt, The Art of Singing by Jennifer Hamady provides tools, techniques, and inspiration to help you unlock your full potential.
Connect with Jennifer:
Connect with Jennifer:🌐 Website📖 The Art of Singing🔗 All Links📸 Instagram🎤 Classes & Coaching📧 Email💼 LinkedIn🐦 Twitter/X📘 Facebook