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 dental health and habits—fun and understandable for kids. She also reflects on feedback from children and educators.

Plus, she reveals the authors who inspired her, and gives us a sneak peek at what’s next.

Where to find Katie and her work:

• Visit Katie’s own website at katieengen.com

• Check out her page at the Kensington Row Authors site

• Purchase her books through Bookshop.org, which supports independent bookstores

If you’re passionate about children’s literature, education rooted in fun, and the power of words to open worlds, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

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 reflection into a full book

• How he balanced scholarly rigor and pastoral voice

• The meaning behind the paradoxical title When Liberty Enslaves

• His writing challenges, routines, and surprises

• Advice for writers tackling faith-informed social commentary

• What’s next on his writing horizon

Connect with Jerry Aveta:

• Website: FaithForTheTimes.net

• YouTube: @FaithfortheTimes

• Author profile: Kensington Row Authors – Jerry Aveta

Find his signed books at the Kensington Row Bookshop and/or come to BabyCat Brewery in Kensington on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 for Books and Brews from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and get your personal signed book.

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, Debra Lee Won’t Break dives into the world of adult fiction, following a widowed mother battling multiple sclerosis who finds strength through family, grief, and a 150-mile cycling challenge.

Katherine and Nancy share what inspired each story, how they approach writing for different audiences, and the joys and challenges of creating meaningful, relatable characters. Whether you love children’s mysteries, heartfelt women’s fiction, or stories about resilience, this episode offers insight, humor, and heart from two authors who write with both imagination and purpose.

Learn more about Katherine Pickett at www.katherinepickettauthor.com and connect with her through Kensington Row Authors.