Join Author Express for a heartwarming chat with Geeta Schrayter, author of uplifting New England stories and queen of Christmas spirit! This episode is packed with fun tidbits for holiday romance readers: from Connecticut’s Christmas movie fame to Geeta’s deep affection for list-making and festive traditions. Wonder how a busy homeschooling mom finds time to write? Geeta shares her routines, support systems, and the creative ways she manages family and fiction. Get a sneak peek at her Four Seasons book project and her clever character quirks, as well as how she lets go of perfection to embrace the unexpected. There’s even a nod to Instagram aesthetics and the power of loving what you love—pumpkin spice, pink, and all! Tune in for inspiration, cozy vibes, and holiday book recommendations that will keep you smiling all winter long.

Geeta Schrayter is a former reporter and assistant newspaper editor, she considers her time writing for an area publication that covers six small Connecticut towns as integral to cementing her desire to write stories centered in the area. Geeta loves writing feel-good stories with relatable characters that leave readers feeling like they just received a warm hug.

Her latest book, Planning on Christmas, takes place in the fictitious town of Auburn Falls, and is the first of four stories to be set in the same place—one for each season.

You can connect with Geeta on Instagram and Threads @geetawrites and subscribe to her newsletter, Paper Scrap Stories, at paperscrapstories.substack.com

Order the ebook for Planning on Christmas here: https://a.co/d/gJ11Ik6

Kristi Leonard is a writer, community builder, and former president of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Since co-hosting on the Author Express Podcast, she has started her own podcast, Pop Culture Plot Lab, where guest authors to turn viral pop culture moments into story sparks and give listeners a peek inside the creative process. Through her writing retreats and volunteer leadership, she’s dedicated to helping other writers find their voice and stay connected to the craft.

A former audiobook narrator, Kristi now spends most of her creative energy on her own fiction and on shaping programs that support women’s voices in publishing. When she isn’t writing or leading, she’s likely hiking Florida trails with her writer-hiker pals or reading with her Golden Retriever, Charlie, at her side. She’s currently at work on her next novel and building the kind of author career she’s long championed for others.

Link to follow me https://linktr.ee/kristileonardwrites

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast

Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -

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Curious what happens when a retired veterinarian and clinical research scientist turns to heart-pounding suspense fiction? In this episode of Author Express, Kathleen Basi gets to the heart of Rebecca Hodge’s creative process, discussing her latest thriller, Island Endgame. Listen in as Rebecca shares how real-life adventures on a remote island inspired the setting—and learn why her protagonist Kenzie Adams is more than just your average heroine. The episode teases how outdoor adventures, emotional depth, and even a beloved spreadsheet play pivotal roles in Rebecca's writing journey.

If you’re searching for author interviews filled with authentic writing advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and a touch of suspense, this episode promises a fresh perspective on what it means to create memorable page-turners.

Rebecca Hodge is an award-winning author of heartfelt suspense. A retired veterinarian and clinical research scientist, she lives in North Carolina, where you’ll find her sipping tea on the screened-in porch with a dog at her feet and a computer on her lap. Please visit her online at rebeccahodgefiction.com, and follow her on Facebook at rebeccahodgefiction and Instagram @rhodge.fiction.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Island Endgame, Over The Falls, and Wildland at Bookshop.org.

Kathleen Basi is a novelist, musical composer, and nature lover. Her debut novel, A Song for the Road, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.”

Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing, and beauty in her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast

Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books -

https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast

In this special episode of Author Express, hosts Shawna Rodrigues, Kristi Leonard, and Kathleen Basi come together for a heartfelt reflection as the podcast wraps up its recording season. They share the most surprising lessons learned from interviewing authors across genres—revealing how the creative journey connects us all in unexpected ways. Enjoy behind-the-scenes stories, favorite book moments, and timeless insights from the incredible authors featured on the show. It’s a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the enduring power of community.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to connect with writers from around the world and how these conversations inspire both aspiring and established authors, this episode will spark your imagination.

Even as Author Express pauses on new recordings, every past episode remains a source of wisdom and inspiration—ready for you to revisit anytime!

Kathleen Basi is a novelist, musical composer, and nature lover. Her debut novel, A Song for the Road, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.”

Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing, and beauty in her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.

Kristi Leonard is a writer, community builder, and former president of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Since co-hosting on the Author Express Podcast, she has started her own podcast, Pop Culture Plot Lab, where guest authors to turn viral pop culture moments into story sparks and give listeners a peek inside the creative process. Through her writing retreats and volunteer leadership, she’s dedicated to helping other writers find their voice and stay connected to the craft.

A former audiobook narrator, Kristi now spends most of her creative energy on her own fiction and on shaping programs that support women’s voices in publishing. When she isn’t writing or leading, she’s likely hiking Florida trails with her writer-hiker pals or reading with her Golden Retriever, Charlie, at her side. She’s currently at work on her next novel and building the kind of author career she’s long championed for others.

Link to follow me https://linktr.ee/kristileonardwrites

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 to consult and publish her first novel Beyond the Pear Blossoms. Her desire to connect and help others led to the launch of her podcast The Grit Show shortly thereafter. When she learned women host only 27% of podcasts, her skills and passion led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Network. She now helps mission-driven entrepreneurs better connect with their audiences by providing full-service podcast production and through a community for Entrepreneurs & Podcasters – EPAC. Podcasting is her primary focus, so she continues to support the writing community through this podcast, and her writing time is mostly focused on