Rock Paper Write Podcast

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 ...

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 reader...

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 insigh...

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 ...

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 Mic...

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 c...

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 ...

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, cul...

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...

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 A...

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 den...

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 reflec...

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...

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 student...

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 give...

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....

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...

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 ...

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 — an...