Ready to meet an author who’s lived a story as gripping as the ones she writes? On this episode, Kathleen Basi interviews Elisabeth Dini, a former Hague prosecutor whose first novel blends laugh-out-loud romance with a twist of World War II secrets. Elisabeth shares the behind-the-scenes process of plotting a narrative filled with stolen jewels, hidden resistance—and even a mysterious “bearer of bad news” gig. With a background in high-stakes law and a passion for uncovering uncelebrated heroines, Elisabeth offers perspectives on pursuing big changes and embracing unexpected challenges. Join us to hear teasers about her writing journey and the real women who inspired her latest work.

Elisabeth Dini is a lawyer and former prosecutor of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Born in Nevada, she is a graduate of Brandeis University and Stanford Law School. Elisabeth currently lives in the Netherlands with her husband and a bevy of mostly well-adjusted houseplants. Bearer of Bad News (or BOBN, rhymes with "robin") is her debut novel, available for pre-order whenever books are sold. You can find her on Instagram @elisabethdiniauthor (where she'll be doing Gratitude Giveaways on the 29th of every month leading up to the publication of BOBN) or on her website: www.elisabethdini.com.

Her book launches on April 29, 2025.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Bearer of Bad News at Bookshop.org.

Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. 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 on 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

Ever wondered how an author weaves real-life inspirations into their fictional worlds? In this episode of Author Express, join Kristi Leonard as she welcomes Orly Konig, who reveals how writing became her unexpected therapeutic escape. Orly recounts her fascination with the language of flowers and how it blossomed into the delightful sabotage elements in her novel, The Arrangements. Explore the emotional intricacies of transitioning friendships into romance and how Orly’s personal life experiences influence her storytelling. Orly’s journey is a testament to embracing life’s unexpected twists. Tune in for a mix of laughter, poignant moments, and the creative magic that breathes life into every sentence.

Orly Konig writes hopeful stories with a dash of humor about finding resilience during life's messy detours. She is a passionate believer in the power of coffee, an animal lover, a crocheter of fun critters, and an unapologetic advocate for defining (and redefining) a confident, happy life. She's the author of The Arrangements, Carousel Beach, and The Distance Home. Orly lives in Maryland, sharing her personal space with two oversized and over-fluffed cats.

You can find out more about Orly on her website at orlykonig.com and follow her on Instagram at @orlykonig.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of The Arrangements, Carousel Beach, and The Distance Home at Bookshop.org.

Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.

Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at: https://linktr.ee/kristileonard.

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

Step into the world of Jennifer Klepper, the USA Today bestselling author, as she joins Kathleen Basi on Author Express to unravel her multifaceted journey from a lawyer and tech-startup founder to a full-time writer. Jennifer talks about her deep-rooted passion for Nebraska Cornhusker football and how that ties into her sense of home. Listen as she shares intriguing tidbits about her new book, The Last Road Trip, a tale of old sorority sisters attempting to complete an unfinished cross-country adventure. With a plot inspired by her husband’s real-life post-college road trip, discover the layers of friendship, nostalgia, and revelation that promise to captivate readers. If you’re a fan of characters with heart and stories that keep you engaged, this episode is your perfect companion.

Jennifer Klepper is the USA Today Bestselling author of Unbroken Threads and co-founder of Early Works. Born and raised in Iowa and Nebraska, she attended college in Dallas, law school in Charlottesville, and worked in Texas and Massachusetts before settling for good in Maryland. She's worked for Big Law, small law, start-ups, and Google. She lives in a forest by a river near Annapolis, Maryland. Connect with her through instagram at @jennifer_klepper.

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Unbroken Threads &The Last Road Trip at Bookshop.org.

Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. 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 on 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