Rock Paper Write Podcast

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...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 festiv...

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...

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...

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...

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 w...

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 fir...

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 insight...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Barbara H. Seeber, acclaimed author and historian, as we discuss her novel The Empresario’s Wife: A Woman at the Center of Revolution. Set against the backdrop of early Texas, this gripping tale explores love, power, and resilience in a time of upheaval.

Barbara shares the inspiration behind the book, the challenges of blending history with fiction, and the untold stories of women who sha...

Journalist-turned-novelist Ken Fireman joins us to discuss The Unmooring, his gripping historical novel set in the turbulent 1960s. Drawing from his own activism—from civil rights protests to the 1968 Democratic Convention—Fireman explores the era’s political and social upheaval and its relevance today.

We dive into his writing process, the challenges of blending history with fiction, and his Substack Liticisms. Plus, what’s next f...

In this episode, we sit down with Michelyve Allen, a dedicated pediatric speech-language pathologist and the author of BAM the Tiny Brave Elephant. Michelyve has spent her career supporting children in developing essential communication skills, and her passion for helping young learners led her to create BAM—a small elephant with a big heart and even bigger bravery.

We dive into the inspiration behind BAM’s story, how Michelyve’s w...

Join us as we chat with Sue Camaione about her bold and witty coming-of-age memoir, The Practical Seductress: How I Learned to Take My Hat and Run. Sue shares her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and navigating societal taboos in the 1970s and '80s. We explore her challenges, triumphs, and the humor that shapes her storytelling. Plus, she offers insights on writing candid memoirs and embracing personal freedom.

🎧 Tune in for...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with visionary author, speaker, and advocate Derrick Jakolby Washington to discuss his mission to uplift and empower communities through storytelling. As the author of Son, You Matter! and A Special Little Girl, Derrick tackles critical social issues with compassion, insight, and a deep commitment to representation and inclusion.

We explore his journey from nonprofit executive to children's bo...

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed author David Feuling, whose work spans horror, science fiction, and fantasy. With over seventy short stories and multiple novellas to his name, David has captivated readers worldwide, and his works have been adapted into various media formats.

We dive deep into his latest book, The American Demon Waltz: A Survival Horror and Science Fiction Thriller —a gripping trilogy of novellas that bl...

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Smith, a Kensington-based accountant, lifelong student of philosophy and literature, and prodigious reader and long-distance walker. Though widely recognized for his expertise in tax law—having previously published a popular tax guide—Sean has now ventured into the world of fiction with his debut novel, The Legendary Magistrate of Zar (Script I: Molla’s Pebble), the first installment in a proj...

In this episode, we sit down with Erin P.T. Canning—author, editor, book coach, and host of the Parents Who Write podcast—to talk about her debut fantasy romance novel, Ruins and Redemption. After dedicating six years to motherhood, Erin rediscovered her passion for storytelling, crafting an epic tale filled with adventure, romance, and deep emotional themes.

We dive into the inspiration behind her novel, the unique world-building ...