In this special edition of Second Sunday Presents, we’re joined by branding strategist and publishing expert Eric O'Neill for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to build an author brand.

More than logos and color palettes, author branding is about clarity, consistency, and connection. Eric breaks down how writers can define their unique voice, position themselves in the marketplace, and create a cohesive presence across platforms—from websites and social media to book launches and speaking engagements.

Whether you’re a debut author or a seasoned writer ready to level up, this episode offers practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you stand out, build trust with readers, and grow your impact.

Tune in to discover how to move from simply publishing books to building a brand that lasts.

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 for production, and marketing your finished audiobook to reach new listeners.

Whether you're an indie author, traditionally published writer, or simply audiobook-curious, this episode offers actionable steps to help you expand your story into the fast-growing world of audio.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to hear your words come to life, this conversation is your starting point.

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 readers, and why conversations about perseverance and emotional growth matter—both on and off the field. When Prince and Reggie Didn’t Win is available at Kensington Row Books Shop, making it a wonderful local find for families and classrooms.

Event: Book Signing at Barnes & Noble, Potomac Yard on Sunday, February 21st at 1:00 p.m.

Follow on Instagram and Tik Tok: prince_reggie_adventures

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 insights on marketing, festivals, newsletters, social media, and avoiding publishing scams, along with advice for authors navigating today’s crowded book market.

You can learn more about Emily and her work at boldstorypress.com and xanderpress.com, or reach her directly at kensingtonrowauthors

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 early learning, the creative challenges of writing within the ABC structure, and some of her favorite reactions from young readers. Joanne also gives us a peek at what she’s working on next—and whether Percy might return for more stories.

To connect with Joanne or find P for Percy, look for her online at Classic Tales USA, Kensington Row Authors website on Instagram @percytheoeb or around Kensington on a walk with Percy!

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 Michelle M. White, and how the visuals and text developed together. We wrap up by exploring the themes Gary hopes families will take away—and what guided him in creating the book’s delightful surprise ending.

Come to the Kensington Row Bookshop to see if you can find the surprise in his book!

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 children recognize different sensory experiences, what challenges they faced in creating the book, and the heartfelt feedback they’ve already received from families and educators. They also share hopes for how the book will be used and whether more stories on neurodiversity might be ahead.

Connect with Jackie: https://www.jackieadrian.com/

Kensington Row Authors

Instagram@ jackieadrian-art

Connect with Sarah: HomeschoolOT.com • Podcast: The OT is IN • Instagram @homeschool_OT

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 Diane at www.glimpsesofhappiness.com and through Kensington Row Authors.