Join us on Rock Paper Write as we chat with author Justine Cowan about her novel, The Bee Catchers: A Love Story to Bees with a Happy Ending—a heartfelt story that celebrates the importance of bees, community, and the environment.

Justine shares the inspiration behind her book, her writing journey, and why protecting pollinators matters. Learn more about Justine and her work at thebeecatchers.com.

You can also find her books through Kensington Row Bookshop, and meet her in person at an upcoming book signing at the Urban Winery in Silver Spring.

Join us for an inspiring and practical conversation with Maria Leonard Olsen, a two-time TEDx speaker, author, attorney, journalist, and award-winning podcaster. Drawing from her own experience speaking on the TEDx stage, Maria shared actionable strategies for securing a TEDx Talk and using it as a powerful platform to amplify your message, expand your audience, and elevate your author brand.

During the session, Maria offered valuable insights, including:

• Identifying a compelling "idea worth spreading" that aligns with TEDx values.
• Researching TEDx events that are the right fit for your expertise and story.
• Crafting a strong application that highlights your unique perspective and credibility.
• Developing a talk that is focused, memorable, and audience-centered.
• Leveraging a TEDx Talk to increase visibility, attract speaking opportunities, and support book marketing efforts.
• Building your platform before and after the talk through strategic networking and promotion.

Maria's acclaimed TEDx talk, Turning Life's Challenges Into a Force for Good, explores how personal adversity can become a catalyst for growth, purpose, and positive change. The talk was later selected as a TEDx Editor's Pick, a distinction awarded to fewer than 1% of TEDx Talks.

Watch Maria's TEDx Talk: Turning Life's Challenges Into a Force for Good

Learn more about Maria and her work: Maria Leonard Olsen Official Website

Maria's bestselling book, 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, is available through Kensington Row Bookshop. Readers can also look forward to her forthcoming book, Before and After the DNA Test: A Practical Guide to Genetic Privacy, Medical Risks and Family Secrets, scheduled for publication by Bloomsbury.

Thank you to Maria for sharing her expertise and encouraging authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to take the next step toward bringing their ideas to a larger stage.

Join us for this month’s Second Sunday Presents as we welcome Dian Seidel for an engaging conversation about DIY Book Festivals and how authors, educators, and literary communities can create meaningful events without a huge budget or corporate backing. Dian shares practical tips for organizing successful festivals, building community partnerships, attracting authors and readers, and creating memorable experiences that celebrate books and storytelling.

Whether you’re an indie author, teacher, librarian, or book lover dreaming of hosting your own literary event, this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world advice to help you get started. Tune in to learn how grassroots book festivals can connect communities, support local authors, and keep the love of reading alive.

For more information about Dian and our other local authors in the program, go to Kensington Row Authors.