Elaine's Literary Salon

Inkandescent Radio
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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.

  1. 2d ago

    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 school in Bend, Oregon. She had an hour before she was to go on the air, and the timing astonished Katherine and our audience. An expert in mass shootings, Katherine is often called on the talk show to discuss incidents like these and provide some clarity. She says she is on a mission to help people understand the reality behind the tragic situations. A consummate professional, Katherine answered all my questions and graciously spoke with audience members about their thoughts and concerns. Watch our video and listen to the podcast above. Scroll down to learn more about Katherine and her books. Meet the Author: Katherine Schweit worked as an FBI Special Agent executive, a prosecutor, and a journalist before settling down as a full-time writer, professor, and security consultant. During her career as a Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent, she helped jail bank robbers, kidnappers, and domestic terrorists while working daily with local police investigating and responding to mass casualty and active shooter incidents. A native of Detroit, Ms. Schweit earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University. She earned a law degree at DePaul University and joined the Cook County prosecutor’s office as an assistant state’s attorney. She has published extensively, including opinion pieces in The New York Times and Chicago’s Daily Herald. As a journalist, Katherine earned state and national writing recognition, including a Peter Lisagor Award for her 1990 analysis of discipline meted out to judges and attorneys by the Illinois Supreme Court after one of the largest FBI public corruption investigations ever conducted. She lives in a home in Virginia that is too big for her, just west of Washington, D.C. Learn more: katherineschweit.com About Katherine’s Books: Women Who Talk to the Dead: The True Story of 200 Forgotten Murder Victims and the Relentless Pursuit of Justice by an FBI Agent and a Detroit Police Detective A true story of the largest exhumation of murder victims ever undertaken by the FBI, seeking justice for 200 families In the shadows of Detroit’s abandoned buildings and beneath the soil of county cemeteries lay hundreds of murder victims-buried anonymously, their killers uncharged, their families not knowing why they disappeared. For decades, only decaying police files hinted at what happened to these forgotten cold cases murders. Until two women decided to listen to the dead. Women Who Talk to the Dead chronicles the remarkable journey of Detroit Police Detective Shannon Jones and FBI Special Agent Leslie Larsen. Surrounded by skepticism and bureaucratic roadblocks, these women spearhead Operation UNITED—the largest coordinated exhumation of unidentified murder victims in FBI history. Through rain-soaked cemetery digs, crumbling case files, and bone-filled body bags, Jones and Larsen assemble a team led by female forensic anthropologists, scientists, and investigators who methodically unearthed Detroit’s painful past. Their primary goal: to identify the nameless dead and bring closure to families who had spent decades wondering what happened to their loved ones. Their ultimate goal: solve 200 murder cases. Stop the Killing: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis There are many books on the subject of safety, but paper cannot protect you from the next shooter. The 2nd Edition of Stop the Killing can help you transform the way you take control of your safety. This book provides you the keys to take action on what you can do to stop the mass shooting crisis in America. The book is written by the nation’s leading mass shooting expert and creator of the FBI’s Active Shooter Program, Katherine Schweit. Stop The Killing shares an insider look at what we’ve learned and failed to learn about protecting our places of commerce, houses of worship, businesses, and schools. Furthermore, the book demystifies the language around active shooters, mass killings, threat assessment teams, and more. The readers will gain knowledge on the current status of mass shootings in America and be given definitions, statistics, and ultimately, a guide on how to be a part of the solution. Are you ready to become a mini-expert and save lives? Because you can. You will hear sober advice gathered from those who have survived and responded to shootings at Columbine High School, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Aurora theater, Los Angeles International Airport, and more. Katherine includes a preface exploring the 2021 Oxford High School shooting in Michigan, including the groundbreaking use of a domestic terrorism charge filed against the shooter and involuntary manslaughter charges filed against the shooter’s parents. Do not be a victim of gun violence. Instead, be empowered with knowledge to replace your fear with actions you can take to keep you and your family safe. A Simple Guide to the Second Amendment Once dismissed as the “lost” Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the Second Amendment now stands center stage in one of America’s most divisive issues, an increasing rate of firearms-related deaths. Claiming more than 45,000 lives annually, firearms-related deaths are now the leading cause of death for children and adolescents. Rural America suffers most when more than 50% of firearms deaths annually are suicides. And in urban areas, where more than 80% of our population lives, firearms homicides persist. Easy-to-read and politics free, this book is packed with facts to clear away confusion and mountains of misinformation. Curious beginners and seasoned experts will find details to help everyone calmly discuss the history behind the Second Amendment, U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions, and so many other firearms-related issues, including red flag laws, background checks, semi-automatic weapons, AR-15s, ghost guns, firearms training, mental health matters, and the role domestic violence plays. Join the army of those ready to take back our safety and solve one of the most divisive issues facing our nation today. Solutions don’t come from silence. This book is packed with information about dozens of practical solutions under discussion to stop the killing. Empower yourself to play a role in reducing gun violence. Learn the facts. Join the discussion. End the violence. How To Talk About Guns with Anyone Firearms-related incidents kill more than 45,000 people in the US every year and are the leading cause of death for US children and adolescents. But talking about guns doesn’t have to be scary or divisive. With this easy-to-read and politics-free guide, you can arm yourself with the facts and strategies to calmly discuss firearms laws, firearms ownership, court decisions, and the Founding Fathers’ thinking behind the Second Amendment. Whether you’re a novice or a gun expert, this book offers valuable insights into red flag laws, background checks, semi-automatic weapons, AR-15s, video games, ghost guns, firearms training requirements, state laws, US Supreme Court decisions, and the role guns play in domestic violence and mental health matters. Rural America suffers most when more than 50% of firearms deaths annually are suicides. And in urban areas, where more than 80% of our population lives, firearms homicides persist. But you don’t have to feel helpless or hopeless. Join the army of those ready to take back our safety and solve one of the most divisive issues facing our nation today. Gain the confidence to discuss practical solutions to stop the killing. Solutions don’t come from silence. This book is packed with information about dozens of solutions under consideration. What is your role in reducing gun violence? Find it here. Click here to buy Katherine’s books! About our host, Hope Katz Gibbs, journalist, author, podcast/video producer, and PR director at Elaine’s Literary Salon: A journalist since graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986, Hope’s articles have appeared in dozens of publications including The Washington Post, The Miami Herald, Costco’s Connection, The National Press Club, Beach Life magazine, and more. She has won numerous journalism awards for her writing, including her book, PR Rules: The Playbook. Hope founded Inkandescent PR + Publishing Co. in 2008 and, over the decades since, has promoted the work of hundreds of authors, artists, educators, and entrepreneurs. She publishes three online magazines: InkandescentWomen.com • BeInkandescent.com Health & Wellness magazine • InkandescentKids.com. Her company builds websites and produces more than 30 podcasts each month on InkandescentRadio.com, which gets more than 1 million hits/month; the video versions of the shows are featured on Inkandescent.tv. Inkandescent® also publishes books: Find those titles on her PR website, Inkandescent.us. Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle

  2. Oct 20

    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. Additional titles include the historical novel The Blitz Business and the poetry collection Long in the Tooth. Learn more: daspruzen.com Scroll down for details! • Click here to buy all of A.D’s books! Odin’s Word (Sleuthing with Mortals Book 4) Something always seems to jolt Mary back into the reality of living with gods. The god Hoenir, known as Hunter in this world, feels compelled to climb Yggdrasil to see what, if anything, remains of Asgard. His discoveries and adventures could have a momentous and positive impact on the world—if enough people are willing to listen and believe. After a turbulent few months, the entire family travels to Austria to visit a wealthy family they met while in Copenhagen over Christmas. Mary loves to travel and is excited to visit a new country. However, their vacation is quickly upended when Hunter and his wife Lin are forced to use their formidable skills to right wrongs that go back generations. The Knight, the Gnome, and the Fox (Sleuthing with Mortals Book 3) After fighting evil throughout the ages, the goddess must face Loki once more… Norse goddess Lin continues to relate her hair-raising memoirs to her ghostwriter Mary, including sojourns in medieval Iceland and present-day Denmark. As always, she leaves her mark wherever she goes. Another unwelcome survivor of Ragnarok turns up, leading the family to lock horns with Loki once more. Who will prevail? The Witch of Tut (Sleuthing with Mortals Book 2) It is their job to protect the mortal realm, but are secrets the only way they can protect each other? Lin Thoren, a beautiful Norse goddess turned private detective, embarks on a new case to locate a missing girl in London. But the fantastical always has a way of finding her. During her investigation, she meets Agna, the goddess Freya’s witch and former protector of King Tutankhamun. Meanwhile, Lin’s personal biographer Mary Lambert is contending with her new role as mother to a demigod. When Lin returns to their suburban home near Washington D.C., Agna in tow, Mary is tasked with keeping a secret that, if broken, could lead to their own personal Ragnarok. The Turkish Connection (Sleuthing with Mortals Book 1) I don’t think anyone can forget their own war—the loss, the pain—however hard they try. Lin Thoren, a minor Norse goddess, is both beautiful and terrifying. While her powers have diminished over time, she can still move faster than light, shapeshift for short periods of time, and throw a grown man across the room. All of these skills make her a particularly adept Private Investigator. Mary Lambert has just earned her Master’s degree in creative writing and aspires to be an author. Lin hires her to be a live-in ghostwriter and record her memoirs, which cover many eras, cultures, historical events, and criminal cases. As Lin recounts a tale about trafficked women hidden in a D.C. suburb, Mary begins to realize just how powerful her host is. Soon, Mary finds herself becoming an integral member of the Thoren household—in more ways than one. Hope Katz Gibbs, PR director, podcast/video producer, Elaine’s Literary Salon About this episode’s host: Hope Katz Gibbs, journalist, author, podcast/video producer, and PR director at Elaine’s Literary Salon “Interviewing authors is a passion of mine,” says Hope, who has been a journalist since graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986. Her articles have appeared in dozens of publications including The Washington Post, The Miami Herald, Costco’s Connection, The National Press Club, Beach Life magazine, and more. She has won numerous journalism awards for her writing. Her books include PR Rules: The Playbook, Why Divorce: 5 Reasons to Leave, and the upcoming anthology, Walking on the Beach with Natalie. She founded Inkandescent PR + Publishing Co. in 2008, and in the decades since has promoted the work of hundreds of entrepreneurs, authors, artists, educators, and more. She is the publisher of three online magazines: InkandescentWomen.com, BeInkandescent.com Health & Wellness magazine, and InkandescentKids.com magazine. Her company produces more than 30 podcast series on InkandescentRadio.com, which gets more than 1 million hits/month; the video versions of the shows are featured on Inkandescent.tv. Her company also publishes books for its clients. Find those titles here. ElaineLiterarySalon.com: In 2024, Hope partnered with bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, founder of the project and the regular host of the series. Their podcast/video show ranks #1 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for literary salon shows: ElainesLiterarySalon.tv Find Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. Check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tvand listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

  3. Oct 13

    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

    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 TRACKS, LLC. Her professional expertise seamlessly extends into her passion for community empowerment and legal advocacy. Drawing on both her career accomplishments and personal journey, she is dedicated to equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to confidently navigate the legal system. Towanda’s mission is clear: to transform individuals from passive participants in their legal struggles into empowered, well-informed litigants—capable of advocating for themselves with the same confidence and strategic insight as seasoned attorneys. Learn more: itsmyjourney.net About “Empowering Pro-Se Litigants: This groundbreaking guide is designed to illuminate the path of self-representation in legal matters. Drawing from her extensive advocacy work and personal journey through the legal system, Brown demystifies the often-intimidating world of pro se litigation. More than a legal handbook, this work is a manifesto for empowerment, resilience, and strategic action. Brown has carefully compiled practical insights on every stage of navigating the courts alone—from understanding fundamental legal procedures to mastering the skills of effective self-representation. Tailored for those who, whether by financial necessity, circumstance, or personal conviction, must represent themselves, this book equips readers from all walks of life to better understand their rights and defend them with confidence. Blending legal expertise with practical advice and personal anecdotes, Brown not only explains howto succeed as a pro-se litigant but also addresses the psychological and emotional challenges along the way. Readers will find encouragement to remain resilient, focused, and prepared for the journey of standing up for themselves in court. Click here to buy the book. “Unchecked Spirits Get Stronger” is a motto born from her journey as a pro-se litigant. It reflects the inner and outer battles—like fear, doubt, anxiety, and isolation—that she had to confront and overcome to stay the course. These ‘spirits’ represent destructive thoughts and pressures that, if left unchecked, grow stronger and sabotage our purpose. Through her book “Empowering Pro-Se Litigants”, she shares how setting boundaries, seeking support, and staying grounded can help silence those voices and overcome these unseen battles. The logo symbolizes resilience, vigilance, and the power of self-awareness to silence destructive voices and reclaim strength. Her goal is to inspire others to identify and confront their own unchecked spirits. When you control your thoughts, you control your power. There is a lot of symbolism in the logo: The stance.  For martial artists, we know that one of the strongest stances is the horse stance: steady, grounded, and unshakable. Just as warriors depend on their stance to endure the fiercest attacks, we are called to stand firm. The armor. Whether seen as spiritual armor or battle attire, the message is the same—strength comes through preparation, discipline, and vigilance. For the believer, this is the full armor of God. It reminds us that unchecked spirits—whether doubt, fear, pride, or distraction—gain strength when ignored. To withstand them, you must daily put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit. For all warriors, this is the gear from Ancient Roman warriors for battle, including the type of sword.  The logo features a “gladius” sword.  It has a double edge for cutting and a pointed tip for thrusting. This sword was used for close-quarters combat, which we face daily.  The shadow.  This shadow can depict that the threat can be from inside of you or outside of you.  However, the enemy is not always outside of us. There is an African proverb mentioned in the book “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you”. When you address the negative thoughts about yourself first, you are less likely to believe the negativity expressed towards you by others since you are mentally stronger and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. About Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes suspense and thriller novels, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, in the 20 years Jeffrey worked as a counter-terrorism specialist, he wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times have interviewed him, and he’s appeared on CNN Declassified, National Geographic’s Narco Wars, ABC News, and Discovery ID. He has a BS in Journalism and an MS in Criminal Justice. Jeff is a #1 Amazon bestselling author who’s won the Claymore Award, PenCraft’s Best Fiction Book of the Year, and a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal. His debut novel, Furious, is one of Black Rose Writing’s bestselling thrillers, and The Forever Game was selected as one of the Best Medical Thrillers of the 21st century. Severn River Publishing launched four books in the Nathan Burke international thriller series, and Library Journal selected The Havana Syndrome as one of the best books of 2025. He owns Elaine’s Literary Salon in Alexandria, VA, where he counsels writers and interviews authors. He hosts Elaine’s Literary Salon podcast, which reaches 1.5 million people per month and is #1 on both Apple and Spotify for literary salons. The video version of the series is available on YouTube: ElainesLiterarySalon.tv. Jeffrey is an Authors Guild ambassador for the DC area and a frequent panelist at conferences and book festivals. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more Elaine’s Literary Salon events here: ElainesLiterarySalon.com Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The beautifully renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

  4. Oct 7

    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 BookLife Editor’s Pick and garnered praise from Kirkus Reviews for its “lyrical and briskly paced writing,” earning their “Get It” verdict and a feature in Kirkus Reviews Magazine. Her second novel, Devils of Forsythe, comes out in October 2026. Born and raised in the Midwest, Quillen has spent 20 years living and working in the national capital region. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Truman State University and a Master of Arts in public policy from The Johns Hopkins University, Quillen dedicated her life to public service. She built her government career through storytelling—distilling complex financial and performance data into narratives that could easily be understood by a variety of audiences. She currently works in the non-profit sector. When not working or writing, Quillen is an avid adventurer who has visited more than 20 countries on six continents. She currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with two dead houseplants, one highly-uncoordinated hound dog, and an embarrassingly large assortment of Jane Austen paraphernalia. Learn more: quillendebruney.com About Quillen’s books: Quillen deBruney’s work explores history and politics through intimate and layered storytelling. Lyrical, atmospheric, and deeply personal, deBruney strives to meet the escapism of historical fiction with the realities of being a woman in eras seeped in misogyny. Child of June — In 1914, Vienna hums with whispers of war. Nationalist tensions are on the rise, the imperial parliament has been suspended, and the heir to the throne has been assassinated. Yet young Ilse Eder lives a life apart, secluded on her brother-in-law’s country estate. Headstrong but unworldly, she finds herself entangled in an illicit romance with the aristocratic Junius von Hess. As Ilse plunges into a world of deception and betrayal, the choices she makes will reverberate across decades. ​​The woman who rises from the ashes of first love is a far cry from the artless creature Ilse once was. Sophisticated, accomplished, and doggedly disciplined, Ilse holds all Vienna under her spell, even as she builds an unconventional life behind closed doors. No one sees through her exquisitely polished façade. No one, that is, until Junius von Hess comes back into her life.​​ Veneers of glamor and romance belie a grittier realism at Child of June’s core. In her debut novel, deBruney takes readers on a journey through twenty years of Austrian history. From the onset of World War I through the turbulent interwar years and the fall of the First Austrian Republic, Ilse’s story unfolds as her country slowly unravels. What critics are saying: “. . . an excruciatingly heart-wrenching debut.” ~BookLife by Publishers Weekly (Editor’s Pick) “Compelling” ~Kirkus Reviews (“Get It”) Click here to buy Child of June Devils of Forsythe: a novel — “There’s a darkness in that house. I’ve always thought so.” In 1916, with war raging in Europe, the American Steel Belt’s melting pot simmers with industry and intolerance, primed to boil over if anyone turns up the heat. Ada Reilly is no stranger to prejudice; as the first and only woman practicing law in the city, she confronts it every day. So when a prominent couple is murdered and their youngest daughter, nineteen-year-old Cora Blanden, is found blood‑soaked and catatonic at the scene, Ada dives headlong into the case of the decade. The press sensationalizes the tragedy, and Cora’s sister, Lydia, is happy to sate the city’s desire for scapegoats. But Ada won’t be a pawn in Lydia’s games. As she navigates the animus engulfing her city and works to unearth the truth buried within Cora’s vacant stares, Ada finds an unlikely guide in the Blanden’s young housemaid, Bess. From her place in the shadows, Bess has witnessed the family’s unraveling: the zealotry that governed the household, the sadness that clings to Cora like a shroud…and the darkness that haunted Cora’s childhood. What critics are saying:  “Gripping . . . deBruney excels at slow-burning tension” ~BookLife by Publishers Weekly  “A well-paced, character-driven tale of murder with a rich historical setting. . . .DeBruney’s novel is simultaneously a period piece, a crime yarn, and a feminist parable that manages to still ring true more than 100 years after the events it depicts. ” ~Kirkus Reviews (“Get It”) “. . . a grief-drenched novel about the monsters and evils close to home, and our failures to protect the most vulnerable among us.” ~Lacey N. Dunham, author of The Belles ” . . .layered and intelligent, with characters who feel like real people with real secrets.” ~Janet Fix, bestselling mystery author and editor-in-chief at THEWORDVERVE “In a world of demons and monsters, both real and imagined, attorney Ada Reilly stands out.” ~Tim Wendel, author of Rebel Falls Click here to buy Devils of Forsythe About Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes suspense and thriller novels, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, in the 20 years Jeffrey worked as a counter-terrorism specialist, he wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times have interviewed him, and he’s appeared on CNN Declassified, National Geographic’s Narco Wars, ABC News, and Discovery ID. He has a BS in Journalism and an MS in Criminal Justice. Jeff is a #1 Amazon bestselling author who’s won the Claymore Award, PenCraft’s Best Fiction Book of the Year, and a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal. His debut novel, Furious, is one of Black Rose Writing’s bestselling thrillers, and The Forever Game was selected as one of the Best Medical Thrillers of the 21st century. Severn River Publishing launched four books in the Nathan Burke international thriller series, and Library Journal selected The Havana Syndrome as one of the best books of 2025. He owns Elaine’s Literary Salon in Alexandria, VA, where he counsels writers and interviews authors. He hosts Elaine’s Literary Salon podcast, which reaches 1.5 million people per month and is #1 on both Apple and Spotify for literary salons. The video version of the series is available on YouTube: ElainesLiterarySalon.tv. Jeffrey is an Authors Guild ambassador for the DC area and a frequent panelist at conferences and book festivals. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. Check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tvand listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

  5. Oct 6

    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 the women they were created to become. Tanya is also the creator of the Praise & Paint experience, blending creativity, biblical encouragement, and reflection into unforgettable events that promote healing and connection. Whether speaking from the stage, sharing poetry, or guiding readers through life’s transitions, Tanya’s message remains the same: your story matters, your healing is possible, and your becoming is worth embracing. Learn more: compassionate-designs.com When she’s not writing or mentoring new authors, Tanya serves her community through the ANT777 Motorcycle Foundation, an organization dedicated to motorcycle safety awareness and honoring the legacy of her son through education, advocacy, and service. Learn more: ant777motorcyclefoundation.org “The Woman I’m Becoming,” by Tanya Stokes About the Book: The Woman I’m Becoming Your transformation starts here. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or unworthy, The Woman I’m Becoming is your invitation to rewrite the story. This empowering self-help and personal growth book for women blends raw truth, relatable storytelling, and practical tools to help you reclaim your confidence, heal your heart, and step fully into the life you deserve. Author and poet Tanya Stokes takes you on an intimate journey of self-discovery, sharing powerful life lessons on: Self-love and self-worth—how to love yourself first without guilt Confidence and boundaries—mastering the art of saying “no” with grace and strength Emotional healing—breaking free from cycles of love deprivation and scarcity Spiritual growth—nurturing your faith and finding peace in the process Life alignment—defining success on your terms, not the world’s Courage and visibility—coming out of the shadows and owning your voice Each chapter includes reflection prompts, journaling exercises, and affirmations designed to help you apply the lessons to your own life—making this an interactive guide for women ready to evolve mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, healing from loss, stepping into a new season, or simply craving a deeper connection with yourself, The Woman I’m Becoming will give you the tools, encouragement, and unapologetic push you need to: Stop waiting for permission and start living boldly. If you enjoy books like Untamed by Glennon Doyle, Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab, or Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels—you’ll love the honesty, empowerment, and life-changing insights in this book. Step into the next chapter of your life. Meet the woman you were always meant to be. Click here to buy The Woman I’m Becoming. About our host, Hope Katz Gibbs, journalist, author, podcast/video producer, and PR director at Elaine’s Literary Salon: A journalist since graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986, Hope’s articles have appeared in dozens of publications including The Washington Post, The Miami Herald, Costco’s Connection, The National Press Club, Beach Life magazine, and more. She has won numerous journalism awards for her writing, including her book, PR Rules: The Playbook. Hope founded Inkandescent PR + Publishing Co. in 2008 and, over the decades since, has promoted the work of hundreds of authors, artists, educators, and entrepreneurs. She publishes three online magazines: InkandescentWomen.com • BeInkandescent.com Health & Wellness magazine • InkandescentKids.com. Her company builds websites and produces more than 30 podcasts each month on InkandescentRadio.com, which gets more than 1 million hits/month; the video versions of the shows are featured on Inkandescent.tv. Inkandescent® also publishes books: Find those titles on her PR website, Inkandescent.us. Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

  6. Sep 28

    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 Nee. SJ’s work has won the Edgar, Anthony, Shamus, Nero, and Macavity Awards, and she’s a recipient of the Japanese Maltese Falcon. She’s served on the National Boards of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime and is a past President of the Private Eye Writers of America. She’s received Lifetime Achievement Awards from both Private Eye Writers of America and the Short Mystery Fiction Society. SJ has been Guest of Honor at Left Coast Crime, Toastmaster at Bouchercon, and an invited speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland (2003). As if that weren’t enough, she has the key to the city of Fort Worth, Texas. Pre-order her newest novel — coming November 10, 2026 A Warning to the Curious (A Dee and Lao Mystery Book 3): A missing shipment of weapons for China and the murder of an aspiring scientist kick-start a madcap dash through the world of seances, prizefighting, cutting-edge technology, Holmesian cameos, and many disguises. London, 1924. Judge Cheng Gao Shang has been sent by Sun Yat Sen’s government to look into the death of Dee Ren Jie, the larger-than-life investigator who had kept the local Chinese community safe. But Dee isn’t dead; he’s hiding out with his friends Lao She and Sergeant Hoong while keeping a close eye on Cheng’s activities. Has Cheng actually come to London to track down a shipment of arms covertly sent from England, intended for Sun Yat Sen as he attempts to unify China? Judge Cheng’s daughter, Irene, is also in London, and the intrepid, intellectually curious young woman quickly falls in with some very interesting associates. But tragedy soon strikes—or is it something more sinister? To find out, Dee Ren Jie will have to rise from the dead in this action-packed kung fu caper, the third installment of the Anthony Award–winning Dee and Lao Mystery Series. Click here to buy all of S.J.’s books. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

  7. Sep 22

    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 Appalachia and Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston. Meet the musicians of QuinTango (left to right): Hai Jin, Joan Singer, Emmanuel Trifilio, Regino Madrid, and Ali Cook The ensemble has performed at international festivals in Costa Rica, Mexico, Uruguay and the Amalfi Coast—and toured in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Argentina and Uruguay. In 2019, the group expanded its repertoire to include original tangos and vocals, both made possible by the addition of new personnel. QuinTango’s commitment to education, community engagement, and global partnerships, coupled with their personal performance style, has built a devoted community of fans worldwide. With 90+tangos on Spotify and 8 CDs, QuinTango’s music streams 20K times a week on six continents.  QuinTango’s next album, VIDA, will be released in 2027. Get your tickets for the September 23 performance at Blues Alley for Argentinean Jazz Week: Blues Alley Hispanic Heritage Jazz Month Quintango is previewing its new album at Blues Alley, the premier jazz supper club in the country, which today is called a “listening room” Tickets are available at the Blues Alley website: InstantSeats, $35 Buy your tickets for the 7pm show Buy your tickets for 9:30pm show Coming in 2027: Quintango’s new album features music by ensemble members Emmanuel Trifilio and Ali Cook. The guest artist on the album, Mariana Quinteros, is a Latin Grammy-nominated artist from Argentina now living in Miami Bring QuinTango home: QuinTango’s music is available on all streaming platforms (Apple, Spotify, Pandora, etc) and can be purchased digitally at Bandcamp. Learn more about QuinTango andjoin its mailing list for alerts about new projects, overseas travel opportunities with the group, or upcoming concerts: quintango.com. Meet QuinTango’s musicians: Ali Cook, bass and vocals, is a multi-talented singer/songwriter, arranger, instrumentalist and teacher who is equally comfortable touring Europe as a bassist with the National Symphony or performing on 6th street in Austin with her band, Ali & the Wild Geese. She performs regularly with the Detroit Symphony and is on faculty at Opal Studio in Alexandria. Hai Jin, piano, is an active concert pianist, chamber musician, and orchestral soloist who has performed over 200 recitals throughout United States and Asia. Dr. Jin pursued her DMA at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in Piano Performance with a cognate area in Orchestral Conducting. She is on faculty at Peabody Conservatory in the Preparatory School. Joan Singer, violin, founder and director of QuinTango, combines her 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. Regino Madrid, violin, is a member of the National symphony Orchestra, Sound Impact Collective and the Chiarina Chamber Players in DC, as well as concertmaster of The American Pops Orchestra. For twenty years he performed at the White House as a member of “The President’s Own,” the U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra. Emmanuel Trifilio, bandoneon, discovered a bandoneon in a second-hand shop in his native Argentina, launching his love affair with tango. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and with orchestras throughout the USA and Cuba. His “Tango Poesia,” the intimate sub-genre of tango created by Trifilio and championed by QuinTango, has been a source of inspiration for both fans and the band. (more…)

  8. Sep 15

    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 journalist, including for AP-Dow Jones in New York, Germany, and Washington, DC, and then transitioned to freelance writing and editing while her children were growing up. She has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Cornell and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia. Closely tied to family in Kansas and New York State, she lives in Maryland with her husband and dogs. Learn more: wolfbahren.com About The Secessionist’s Wife: For journalist Anna Jones of the New York Daily Journal, nothing is more important than finding the truth. So when Fort Riley, Kansas, suffers a terrorist attack, Anna jumps at the chance to see what’s happening at the base. She and her partner Viktor Simonson rush to the heartland to cover the events as they unfold. Once on the ground, they agree to divide and conquer—one will check out the damage at the military installation, the other will attend a press conference with Kansas Governor Marie Danielle Schreiber in the nearby college town of Manhattan. In no time, Anna realizes the attack may not be as cut-and-dried as it appears. She also loses track of Viktor. Meanwhile, on a farm outside Junction City, housewife Theresa Walkermore is grappling with mysteries of her own. Between her husband Noah’s unexplained absences and middle-of-the-night activities, she’s sure he’s being unfaithful to her again. But as she’s drawn into his world, she fears he’s embroiled in something far worse than adultery.  Sharing the same values and moral strength, Anna and Theresa realize that, together, they may be the only ones capable of stopping a plot that threatens not just Kansas, but the United States itself. Click here to buy The Secessionist’s Wife. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Inkandescent Radio
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Inkandescent Radio
  • Show Website
    Elaine's Literary Salon