Elaine's Literary Salon
Bibliophiles will love this new show — live from the popular bistro Elaine's in Old Town, Alexandria VA. Our host is the restaurant's owner, Jeffrey James Higgins, a prolific author who is on a mission to help his fellow writers share their stories.
Tonya Poindexter gets real with her new book, “The Aftermath — What Nobody Tells Black Women About Life After Divorce”
A Note from Hope Katz Gibbs, founder InkandescentPR and producer InkandescentRadio.com — Hello friends! I am so happy to introduce you to author and activist Tonya Poindexter, author of The Aftermath, a new book that shines a light on the reality of divorce for black women.
As the author of Why Divorce: 5 Reasons to Leave, I offer dozens of case studies where divorced women and men share their experiences with the 5 reasons — Abuse, Addiction, Adultery, Abandonment, and Angst: WhyDivorce.us.
The 8 chapters of Tonya’s 186-page paperback are part memoir, part self-help, encouraging readers to Take In...
Learn how author and former FBI Special Agent executive Katherine Schweit helps us Stop the Killing, Talk to the Dead, Understand the 2nd Amendment, and talk about guns with anyone
A Note from Hope Katz Gibbs, producer, InkandescentRadio.com and host of this week’s episode of Elaine’s Literary Salon — Check out this interview we did with author Katherine Schweit, who worked as an FBI Special Agent executive, a prosecutor, and a journalist before settling down as a full-time writer, professor, and security consultant.
Timing is everything — Just as we were about to start our conversation at Elaine’s Literary Salon, Katherine got a text message that she was needed by several news outlets to talk about a mass shooting that had just occurred at an elementary...
Author and writing teacher D. A. Spruzen brings us urban fantasy, The Flower Lady Trilogy, and more! You will love meeting this truly amazing author at Elaine’s Literary Salon
Meet the Author: D. A. Spruzen grew up near London, U.K., graduated from the London College of Dance and Drama Education, and earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Queen’s University of Charlotte; she teaches creative writing in Northern Virginia when not seeking her own muse. She resides in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland.
About D.A.’s books: Odin’s Word is the fourth book in D. A. Spruzen’s new urban fantasy series, Sleuthing With Mortals. The books are available in print and ebook formats. Find the other books in the series below. Addition...
Ep76: This week at Elaine’s Literary Salon: Learn to demystify the often-intimidating world of pro-se litigation with Towanda Brown’s “Empowering Pro-Se Litigants,” a groundbreaking guide that illuminates the path of self-representation in legal matters
Meet the Author: For more than 34 years, Towanda Brown has called Howard County, Maryland, home. Here, she raised two successful African-American sons and emerged as a beacon of advocacy, working tirelessly to ensure fair opportunities in education and beyond for her children and her community. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of justice—not only for herself, but for all who strive to stand for their rights in the face of daunting legal challenges.
With over three decades of experience in business analysis and project management, Towanda now serves as the President of...
Quillen deBruney is bringing her lyrical, atmospheric, and deeply personal work to Elaine’s Literary Salon
When: Sunday, November 8, 2026 from 12-3pm
Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Get your free ticket: QuillendeBruney.eventbrite.com
The agenda for our brunch event:
Noon: Meet, greet, and order food and drinks from Elaine’s award-winning menu 1pm: Our 45-minute interview begins, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the audience to be produced on our popular podcast and video series 2pm: Guests talk with the author, buy the books, and get them signed!Meet the Author:
Quillen deBruney’s first novel, Child of June, released in late 2023, was a Boo...
Tanya Stokes teaches us about “The Woman I’m Becoming” to Elaine’s Literary Salon — Your transformation starts here!
About Author Tanya Stokes: A bestselling author, publisher, spoken word artist, and creative entrepreneur whose work inspires healing, personal growth, and purposeful living, Tanya is the founder of Compassionate Designs Publishing. Tanya has helped aspiring authors transform their stories into professionally published books while empowering them to embrace their voices with confidence. Through her writing, speaking, and workshops, she creates spaces where authenticity, faith, and resilience intersect.
Her latest book, The Woman I’m Becoming, is a powerful guide to self-discovery, healing, and transformation, encouraging women to release limiting beliefs, embrace their worth, and boldly step into th...
S.J. Rozan is in the house! The architect turned award-winning author (of an Edgar, Anthony, Shamus, Nero, and the Macavity) is our featured interview this week at Elaine’s Literary Salon
Meet the Author: S.J. Rozan was born and raised in the Bronx and is proud of it. She spent over 20 years as an architect in New York City and is kind of proud of that, too. Now she writes and teaches. She’s done 15 books in the Lydia Chin/Bill Smith series, two standalones, and two paranormals co-written with Carlos Dews under the name Sam Cabot. She’s also published eight dozen short stories and edited or co-edited three anthologies.
In 2024, with THE MURDER OF MR. MA, SJ launched a new series co-written with John Shen Yen...
What’s next for the 28-year-old ensemble QuinTango? Founder Joan Singer shares “The Story Tango Tells”
Today on Elaine’s Literary Salon: Meet violinist Joan Singer, the founder and director of QuinTango. Managing the group combines Joan’s flair for storytelling and weakness for glitz with her love of music and travel. Before founding QuinTango, she played at Inaugural Balls, backed up Aretha Franklin and was a tenured member of the Baltimore Opera Orchestra.
About QuinTango: For the last 28-years, performances have taken the group from a Command Performance at the White House to memorable concerts in 29 states and across 3 continents, at venues ranging from Stanford University and Lincoln Center Plaza to churches in A...
Check out “The Secessionist’s Wife,” the new novel by Wolf Bahren that blends espionage, political, international, and journalistic thriller genres
Meet the Author: Wolf Bahren is the pen name used by the writer Kristi Bahrenburg Janzen for her fiction. The Secessionist’s Wife is her third thriller. A lover of spy stories since childhood, she published her first novel, Agents of Suzharia, in 2016, and then Source of Deceit in 2020. Her fiction is a blend of espionage, political, international, and journalistic thriller genres.
She has been a writer and editor for more than 30 years. Currently, she teaches in the University Writing Program at George Washington University in Washington, DC. She began her writing career as a financial news jou...
Policy expert and political operative Matthew Lavoie brings us his debut thriller novel, “Main Street Fringe”
Meet the Author: A policy expert and political operative for some of Washington’s most influential power brokers, Matthew Lavoie has spent his career evaluating the how and why of American political and cultural movements and observing some of the biggest shifts in American and geopolitical history. Main Street Fringe is his debut novel. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America. Learn more: MatthewPLavoie.com.
In our interview with Elaine’s Literary Salon host Jeffrey James Higgins, you’ll learn:
How Lavoie’s background as a political insider and observer of Ameri...Ep70: If you and your team are struggling in the workplace, don’t miss this groundbreaking book by Dr. C. Victor Herbin III: “Organizational Arrogance: How Superiority Behaviors Become Cultural Arrogance – And What Every Leader Must Do to Stop It”
Meet the Author: Dr. C. Victor Herbin III (aka: Dr. Vic) is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, leadership advisor, and the founder of Organizational Arrogance — a leadership development brand built on more than two decades of service at the highest levels of government and the military. Through books, assessments, and keynote programs, Dr. Herbin helps leaders see how a sense of superiority within leadership shapes behavior, decision-making, and culture. His programs equip leaders to recognize, diagnose, and interrupt these patterns before they become systemic. Learn more: bookdrvic.com
About Organizational Arrogance: The most dangerous threat to...
Ep69: Beka Wueste’s “Human of the Year,” is a gripping tale about a man released from a Maryland prison after nearly 20 years. Join us to learn more about this story of family dynamics, emotional survival, and second chances
Meet the Author: Kirkus Star winner Beka Wueste is an author whose debut novel, “The Unsent Letters of Lucy Prior,” earned praise as a “deeply introspective and emotionally resonant novel” (Kirkus Reviews) and whose second novel, “Fireflies in a Jar,” was lauded as, “original, deftly crafted, emotionally engaging” (Midwest Book Review). Her short story collection, “My Side of the Word and Other Tales of Death,” was described as ” lyrical and thoughtful… a moving, imaginative, and unforgettable exploration” (Readers Favorite Book Reviews).
The collection was named as a finalist for the 2025 Short Story Collections/Anthologies category of the Reader Views Reviewers Cho...
Ep68: Paula B. Mays takes us on an art trip around the world with “Murder in La Galeria D’Arte — A Marco in Spain Mystery”
Meet the Author: I am an attorney with over thirty years of experience. My legal experience has varied from a start in criminal law to intellectual property, specifically trademarks, and now healthcare. I also pursued a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the George Washington University late in my career. It is an interesting field, and I have come to find that public health affects everyone.
I am a native of Washington, D.C., raised by a single mother who was both brilliant and resourceful. I attended boarding school at St. Timothy’s in Stevenson, Maryland, a Ba...
Ep67: Futurist Richard Smith brings us the new Clifi Technothriller, WhiteGrass: “We call it ‘Climate Change,’ because it’s not just the heat.”
Meet the Author: Richard H. Smith, MSc., is a futurist, technologist, and science policy expert whose career spans more than 30 years at the forefront of emerging technology and strategic forecasting. He has worked alongside scientists, engineers, Fortune 50 companies, and U.S. and international governments on issues ranging from nanotechnology and artificial intelligence to healthcare innovation and climate change.
Richard has served as a research director at a major university medical center, founded multiple technology companies, and advised organizations on how disruptive technologies reshape societies, markets, and governance. He was formally trained in climate change science by Al G...
Ep66: Meet Don Mann: Popular motivational speaker, New York Times bestselling author and host of the TV series “Surviving Mann”
This week on Elaine’s Literary Salon: Meet popular motivational speaker and New York Times Bestselling author Don Mann. A retired Navy SEAL Team SIX who, for the last two decades, has delivered compelling presentations that have inspired business leaders, military and government personnel, and professional athletes. The lessons he shares during his presentations are born from his colorful and action-packed life as a SEAL, his experiences competing in some of the world’s most grueling competitions, and his experience in the business world: usfrogmann.com.
Our host, Jeffrey James Higgins, interviews Don about his career, journey to b...
Ep65: Lynda Allen gives us the Liv Wilde Mysteries newest title “Flashes of Fire and Fury.” She insists, “Menopause is a superpower!”
Meet the Author: Lynda Allen is a storyteller, author, poet, artist, and listener. She began her career in video post-production and documentary filmmaking before focusing her knack for storytelling on writing. She has written four poetry collections and the Liv Wilde Mysteries, featuring Flashes of Insight (book 1) and Flashes of a Dying Hour (book 2). Flashes of Fire and Fury (book 3) is now available.
Lynda is also the author of the Liv Wilde Mysteries, in which menopause is a superpower. “I had to put up with hot flashes every day, I figured I might as well make them usef...
Ep64: Humans may “Hang 10” when they surf, but surf dogs always “Hang 20,” insists law enforcement officer turned children’s book author Kerri Hagerty. Check out her bestselling books!
Meet the Author: Kerri Hagerty is a dedicated law enforcement officer who has proudly served her community for over 20 years. Through roles ranging from patrol officer to detective, she has received several awards, including Officer of the Year, Officer of the Month, two Life Saving Awards, and numerous public commendations.
Beyond the badge, Kerri is also an accomplished children’s book author. Inspired by her real-life adventure dog, Olive, her stories chronicle their surfing and camping escapades. Through Olive’s journeys, Kerri teaches young readers valuable lessons about overcoming their fears and the power of friendship.
“T...
International bestseller J.D. Barker is coming to Elaine’s Literary Salon with his new novel, “The Probability of Murder”
When: Saturday, August 15, 2026 from noon to 3pm
Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
We welcome debut bestselling novelist J.D. Barker to Elaine’s Literary Salon, where he’ll be sharing his latest novel, “The Probability of Murder”
Our agenda for the Aug. 15 event:
Noon: Meet, greet, and order food and drinks from Elaine’s award-winning menu 1pm: Our 45-minute interview begins, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the audience to be produced on our popular podcast and video series 2pm: Guests talk with the author, buy the book, and get it signed! <...Ep1: Introducing the David O. Stewart Show, Season 1 — “The Democracy We Must Keep: Seven founders, nine documents, and the ideas that shaped America”
June 2026 — Meet the Author: A trial and appellate lawyer for many years, David writes history and historical novels. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington Independent Review of Books, was a reporter for the Staten Island Advance, and for 10 years wrote the monthly Supreme Court column for the American Bar Association Journal. He has also done on-air commentary for CNN, C-SPAN, Bloomberg News, and MSNBC.
About his newest book, The Democracy We Must Keep: Seven Founders, Nine Documents, and the Ideas That Shaped America
What did America’s founders say about democracy—and can...
Ep63: Author Justin Laborde brings us a story inspired by his grandfather, “Scattered Far and Wide: The Naval Academy Class of ’38 at War”
Meet the Author: Justin Laborde, PhD, is a strategic consultant and frequent speaker on consumer trends, marketplace insights, and business-growth strategies at Fortune 500 companies. Raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Justin now lives with his wife, Amanda, and their three children in Cary, North Carolina.
About Scattered Far and Wide: This book follows the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1938 as they rise from junior officers to combat leaders in World War II’s most pivotal battles. Through firsthand accounts and deep research, Justin Laborde brings their stories of courage, sacrifice, and survival vividly to life.
“Scat...
Ep62: Old Testament scholar and professor Dr. Stephen Cook brings us his newest book, “Daniel: An Exegetical & Theological Bible Commentary”
Meet the Author: Dr. Stephen L. Cook serves as the Catherine N. McBurney Professor of Old Testament Language and Literature at Virginia Theological Seminary, the largest of the accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church (founded in 1823). He and his wife, Catherine, a psychotherapist, live on the seminary campus in Alexandria, Virginia, with their daughter from China, Rebecca.
Prior to joining the VTS faculty in 1996, Stephen served on the faculty of Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University in New York City for four years. He did his doctoral training in Old Testament at Yale University after having completed t...
Ep59: Elaine’s Literary Salon show — “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! — Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom” shares author, mom of 3 and cancer survivor Elizabeth Hodges
Meet the Author: Elizabeth Hodges was 38 when she got the news, “You have leukemia.” Six weeks later, she was told she also had adult cystic fibrosis. With three young children, intense fear set in that she might not live to see them grow up. Instead of giving in, she became determined to prioritize her role as a mother and lead a life driven by purpose and clarity, even with cancer. Over her eighteen-year journey, she discovered that motherhood can be the strongest motivation to survive and thrive.
Before cancer, Elizabeth was an accomplished global advertising and marketing exec...
QuinTango is coming to Elaine’s on June 3! Join us for “The Stories Tango Tells” — an intimate interview with the group’s founder Joan Singer and composers Ali Cook and Emmanuel Trifilio
Experience QuinTango: Alexandria-based music group QuinTango made its splashy debut on the world stage in 1999 at the Clinton White House State Dinner for the president of Argentina. Robert Duvall danced, and global news networks covered the event. The following morning, QuinTango received an invitation to perform at an international music festival in Costa Rica, and they were off and running. Twenty-eight years later, QuinTango is in its seventh iteration, still evolving and still excited to create and connect. Learn more: quintango.com
Ali Cook, QuinTango
About Ali Cook, bass: Ali’s dream of earning a spot...
Ep58: History comes alive: Irene Bennett’s new novel, “Battle of the Artisans,” portrays the making of the very real Bells of Marquis Yi, a 2500-year-old National Treasure of China. Don’t miss our interview at Elaine’s!
Meet the Author: Irene Vinyard Bennett has wide experience as a writer and educational minister. Her debut novel, BATTLE OF THE ARTISANS: Making the Bells of Marquis Yi, won the International Proverse Prize of 2022. It is the first story about the Bronze-Age Bells of Marquis Yi, a National Treasure of China. An international motivational speaker, workshop leader, and minister, Irene writes and edits academic articles for theological journals in Ukraine and Myanmar, lectures online for Myanmar seminaries, and works with young families of Western Presbyterian Church in DC. She has written professionally throughout life in eight states, several countries, a...
Ep57: Moms, daughters (and anyone interested in belonging, immigration, and body image) — be sure to read Rebecca Morrison’s new book, “The Blue Dress”
Meet the Author: Rebecca Morrison is the author of The Blue Dress, a novel based on her childhood as an Iranian immigrant trying to fit into her new American homeland and her family’s expectations of beauty.
Published by Macmillan’s imprint Farrar, Straus and Giroux, the book has received positive reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, and School Library Journal. and Rebecca has been featured on Good Morning Washington ABC7.
She has written about belonging, immigration, and body image for numerous national publications, including the Washington...
Author of the Cold War Thriller series Bill Rapp shares his latest novel, “The Prague Spring,” at Elaine’s Literary Salon
Today at Elaine’s Literary Salon in Alexandria, VA, we are thrilled to bring back to town author Bill Rapp, who began his professional life as an academic, teaching European History at Iowa State University. A graduate of Notre Dame (B.A.), the University of Toronto (M.A.), and Vanderbilt (Ph. D.), Bill has always been particularly intrigued by German history. He says the last 35 years working for the U. S. Government has broadened his perspective to all of Europe and much of the Middle East. His career has taken him around the world, including to Berlin as the Wa...
Today at Elaine’s: Jennifer van der Kleut tells us about her journey to write “The Better Mother,” a plot-driven suspense debut about a woman who ends up pregnant after a casual fling — but the father’s girlfriend has sinister intentions
Meet the Author: Jennifer began her writing journey at the age of 10 when she started her own neighborhood newspaper, “The Santa Clara Times,” printed it herself, and walked up and down her street, passing it out to all the neighbors. She graduated from the School of Journalism, Mass Communications, and Public Relations at San Jose State University in Northern California, and went on to have a ten-year career as a journalist.
Her works have appeared in countless print and digital publications including the the Huffington Post, the San Jose Mercury News, Silicon Valley Community Newspapers, AOL, Patch, Sili...
Wanda Rawlings brings her award-winning series, “A Christian Journey,” to Elaine’s Literary Salon on April 18! Get your free tickets today
Meet the Author: Wanda Rawlings is a Christian fiction author, Bible study teacher, and speaker with over three decades of experience as a civilian Federal employee and a lifelong passion for encouraging spiritual growth through storytelling and the Word of God. She is the creator and facilitator of the Root of the Matter Virtual Women’s Bible Study, a thriving ministry she has led for more than five years, guiding women deeper into their relationship with Christ.
Wanda is the author of the A Christian Journey series, including Chloe’s Missing Piece, Chloe’s Season of Storms, and Chl...
Ep53: “Original Sound,” award-winning actor and director Greg Jbara’s new film, will be in theaters April 24. Learn all about the movie, and Greg’s superstar career, on today’s interview with our host, award-winning novelist Jeffrey James Higgins
About Original Sound: A story about the rhythm of ambition, collaboration, and the price of authenticity.
Driven by the pulse and rhythm of Brooklyn and Queens, beat maker Danny Solis may have found his big break when his track is pilfered by pop star Ryan Reed. To keep Danny quiet, Ryan’s manager brokers a deal in which Ryan and Danny will collaborate on a few songs. Their work together introduces Danny to Manhattan’s music scene and leads Ryan to pivot her career. Despite disappointment and betrayal, Danny perseveres, finding solace and strength within his original soun...
Ep52: Chandrani Ghosh is bringing her new novel, Heartlines, to Elaine’s Literary Salon. “Think ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ for Indian families,” says the former journalist turned author
Meet the Author: Chandrani Ghosh is a former journalist (Time, Forbes, and Business Standard) who, many years ago, traded her press pass for a carpool one. Now that the carpoolers are drivers, she returns to the page. Drawing on her experiences of growing up in the chaotic worlds of Kolkata and Delhi, spending her twenties in London, Geneva, and Kathmandu, and eventually settling in Washington, Ghosh makes her literary debut with Heartlines. Learn more: cghosh.com
About Heartlines: Sharmila Basu has curated the perfect life. He is the one variable she never planned for. As an Indian...
Ep 51: Winemaker Daniel Grace brings his literary thriller to Elaine’s — Don’t miss this uncomfortable conversation about history, religion, addiction, crime & punishment
Meet the Author: Daniel Grace is a London-born, California-bred, former owner of an international advertising agency who produces critically acclaimed Tuscan wines at his family winery, Il Molino di Grace, in Panzano-in-Chianti, Italy. He is a storyteller by trade and a mythologist at heart. Daniel splits his time between San Francisco and Tuscany with his wife, three daughters and English Setter. In the Wake of Golgotha is his debut novel. For more, visit danielmarkgrace.com
In the Wake of Golgotha
About In the Wake of Golgotha: There is no crime to fit this sentence; there is...
If you missed our book launch party: Listen to the interview as Noir bestseller Chris Chambers turns the table on show host Jeffrey James Higgins, who is celebrating the release of the last book in his 4-part Nathan Burke series
Hello friends! If you missed the book launch party at Elaine’s Literary Salon on April 2, listen and watch the impressive interview between Jeff and award-winning noir author Christopher Chambers, ChrisChamberNoir.com.
Help us celebrate the release of book 4 in the 4-part Nathan Burke series. “I wanted to write a story about what happens when devotion and duty collide, giving my protagonist — FBI Agent Nathan Burke — a heart-pounding challenge to uncover a global conspiracy to save his wife, and the nation,” explains Jeff, whose critically-acclaimed books are referred to as “pulse-pounding and a must-read.”
About Book 4: The Ug...
Dr. Joan Naidorf offers a challenge to medical professionals in her new book, “Changing How We Think About Difficult Patients: A Guide for Physicians and Healthcare Professionals”
Meet the Author: Dr. Joan Naidorf is a board-certified emergency physician trained at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia. After growing up in Highland Park, NJ, she obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia. She practiced for nearly thirty years in the busy emergency departments of Inova Alexandria Hospital and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia. As an author and speaker, she has been sharing important ideas with students, residents and practicing physicians through various online and direct engagements. She was recently appointed to the editorial advisory board of The DO magazine. H...
Poet Bonnie Naradzay says you are “Invited to the Feast” — Join us at Elaine’s for this magical event!
About Bonnie Naradzay: As a mother, professional, teacher, and longtime volunteer, leading poetry sessions in prisons, a retirement community, and among the homeless, Bonnie has gathered much of both the lost and found, culminating in the publication of Invited to the Feast, a collection of poems and literary debut coming in her eightieth year.
Her poems appear in AGNI, New Letters (Pushcart Nomination), RHINO, Kenyon Review online, Tampa Review, Florida Review online, EPOCH, Pinch (Pushcart Nomination), American Journal of Poetry, One Art (Pushcart Nomination), Potomac Review, Poetry Miscellany, Dappled Things, The Birmingham Poetry Review, Crab Creek Review...
Podcaster and award-winning author Elizabeth Bruce talks about “Universally Adored & Other One Dollar Stories”
Meet the Author: Elizabeth Bruce’s collection, Universally Adored and Other One Dollar Stories (Vine Leaves Press, 2024), won the 2025 IBA Short Story Award and Literary Titan Gold Award in Fiction, as well as an IAN Book of the Year Finalist distinction. Her debut novel, And Silent Left the Place, won Washington Writers’ Publishing House’s Fiction Prize, as well as a ForeWord Magazine Bronze Prize and the Texas Institute of Letters’ Finalist Award.
She’s published in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Korea, Israel, Sweden, Romania, Malawi, Yemen, and the Philippines, in such journals as T...
March 21: Writer’s — Sign up for Elaine’s Literary Salon Workshop, “Becoming a Master Writer” with John DeDakis
Click here to sign up today for the March 21 workshop with John DeDakis!
Course Description: A series of topic-specific workshops designed to drill deeper into the finer points of storytelling. Writing exercises will help you hone your skills and give you the confidence to take your writing to the next level.
Deep Listening for Writers: A writer is an observer first, last, and always. This session is an invitation to consider every interaction as an opportunity to follow one’s curiosity about people of other genders, races, ages, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds with an eye on...
Rebecca Morrison brings her accliamed YA novel, “The Blue Dress,” to Elaine’s Literay Salon! Don’t miss this book talk about being an immigrant trying to fit into a new American homeland, and a family’s expectations of beauty
When: Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 12-3pm
Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Get your free ticket: RebeccaMorrison.eventbrite.com
Meet the Author: Rebecca Morrison is the author of The Blue Dress, a novel based on her childhood as an Iranian immigrant trying to fit into her new American homeland and her family’s expectations of beauty. Published by Macmillan’s imprint Farrar, Straus and Giroux, the book will be available for purchase on March 24.
The book has already received positive reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children...
History comes alive at Elaine’s Literary Salon: Irene Bennett shares her new novel, “Battle of the Artisans,” which portrays the making of the very real Bells of Marquis Yi, a 2500-year-old National Treasure of China
When: Saturday, May 02, 2026 from 12-3pm
Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Sign up for your free ticket on Eventbrite: IreneBennett.Eventbrite.com
Meet the Author: Irene Vinyard Bennett has wide experience as a writer and educational minister. Her debut novel, BATTLE OF THE ARTISANS: Making the Bells of Marquis Yi, won the International Proverse Prize of 2022. It is the first story about the Bronze-Age Bells of Marquis Yi, a National Treasure of China. An international motivational speaker, workshop leader, and minister, Irene writes and edits academic articles for theological journals in Ukraine and M...
Emil Buchman takes us to a galazy far, far away in “Redemption Post Mortem: A Twisty Paranormal Thriller”
Meet the Author: Emil Buchman was born in the Galaxy Far, Far Away (aka, Baku, Azerbaijan) and came to the United States in the early 1990s. Currently, he lives in Brooklyn, New York with his beautiful wife and adorable wheaten terrier Chloe.
Emil is a practicing transactional lawyer, structuring and documenting complex debt instruments but, by his own admission, this is a boring part of his life. When he is not practicing, Emil enjoys reading and watching classics, history, fantasy, and sci-fi books, and movies and, when he has nothing worthy to read or watch, he writes...
Ep44: We welcome back to Elaine’s Literary Salon critically acclaimed bestselling author John Gilstrap
This week at Elaine’s Literary Salon, we are excited to share our newest interview with critically acclaimed, bestselling author John Gilstrap.
Today, he talks with Elaine’s Literary Salon host Jeffrey James Higgins about his new novels, writing process, and what makes his books so popular with readers.
About the author and his books: When John Gilstrap’s first novel, Nathan’s Run, hit the market in 1996, it set the literary world on fire. Publication rights sold in 23 countries, the movie rights were scooped up at auction by Warner Brothers, and John changed professions. A safety...
