Elaine's Literary Salon

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 [https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374393601/thebluedress/], 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 [https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374393601/thebluedress/]’s imprint Farrar, Straus and Giroux, the book has received positive reviews from Kirkus Reviews [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rebecca-morrison/the-blue-dress/__;!!PIZeeW5wscynRQ!v3e-7qOwDy5s3FwNwoCI_RhBSxemocHpzsijLiJIl2X1Gq--MT9xzKJQem8jPzkdTDXEl-8p5MZ69L3ZSxSZVGkyHgtw0XrCXA$], Publishers Weekly [https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780374393601?fbclid=IwY2xjawPLuk5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFOQ05LbnpBSnR0YXIzN243c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkih24bQrhIZNWpSmWd-ebKS5-izZRUwZ9EiKCGxGgBSMJ2QTDSliWwYtR3y_aem_DZbU7ahtFuKJtbGiveod3w], Booklist [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.booklistonline.com/products/9815202__;!!PIZeeW5wscynRQ!v3e-7qOwDy5s3FwNwoCI_RhBSxemocHpzsijLiJIl2X1Gq--MT9xzKJQem8jPzkdTDXEl-8p5MZ69L3ZSxSZVGkyHgtL7xjoDQ$], Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books [https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/article/977449], and School Library Journal. and Rebecca has been featured on Good Morning Washington ABC7. [https://wjla.com/good-morning-washington/the-blue-dress-a-comingofage-story-about-identity-pressure-and-selfacceptance] She has written about belonging, immigration, and body image for numerous national publications, including the Washington Post [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/09/28/why-im-not-taking-a-weight-loss-drug/] and TODAY.com [https://www.today.com/health/essay/mom-judged-body-years-later-both-changed-rcna82249] (both of which went viral) [https://janefriedman.com/what-does-it-mean-to-write-and-publish-a-viral-article/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNbmNdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHmn5LFgkWM5Rg9aUY3PtyEzfddyZqhPNONINawCaJ97nBTzTqL5NhBEul-v9_aem_lCAHSFRuZSXD8ktf8B1f-g]. Most recently, she wrote an article for HuffPost [https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ariana-grande-very-thin-celebrities-wicked_n_692dfad5e4b0520d940a43e6] about the dangers of the ultra-thin cultural shift, especially for young people, which became the number one trending story on BuzzFeed: rebeccakmorrison.com [http://www.rebeccakmorrison.com/] About the Book: The Blue Dress [https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374393601/thebluedress/] is a coming-of-age story based on the author’s childhood struggles with body image, a strained mother-daughter relationship, and what it means to be an Iranian-American immigrant. The story is about a thirteen-year-old girl, Yasmin, who comes to America from Iran and tries to figure out her new life and her homeland. She’s close friends with Carmen, whose family came from Mexico a few years ago. In her attempts to find belonging and feel seen, she makes some wrong decisions, the most dangerous of which involve disordered eating, but through a series of events, finds help and a way to love and accept herself in her body and her new life. About Elaine’s Literary Salon: For Readers, For Writers The top spot in the DMV to meet authors, Elaine’s Literary Salon [http://www.ElainesLiterarySalon.com] was established in 2023 as a hub for creatives to come together for Author events. When publishing a new novel, nonfiction book, children’s book, and more, authors celebrate their work in the library of the beautiful, award-winning restaurant, Elaine’s. Hundreds of writers have come together for the events, as well as workshop and seminars who are members of Elaine’s Writers Club. Learn more: ElainesLiterarySalon.com [http://www.ElainesLiterarySalon.com] Meet our Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] 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 [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  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 previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. 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:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

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 Wall fell and Germany was reunified. Bill shares: “I may have spent the last 35 years as a diplomat/analyst working for the federal government, but I began my adult life as a professional historian. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in History and German, I received my M.A. in European History from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. I taught history at Iowa State University for one year but then decided to shift my efforts to something less settled and moved to Washington, D.C. That career has taken me to Berlin, Ottawa, Baghdad, and now London, with long stays in Washington in between. “Through it all, I never lost my love of history and literature, especially crime fiction, which I often read to take a break from all the history books I had to study for my coursework, thesis, and dissertation. Fortunately, I was able to apply that affinity for our past throughout my career with the government, while it also inspired much of my writing. You can see that, for example, in the Berlin novels, especially Tears of Innocence, as I spent several years there as a student and later as a diplomat during the fall of the Wall and Germany’s reunification. Even the Naperville private detective series (Angel in Black, A Pale Rain, and Burning Altars) draws on the local history and development of the Chicago area, just as Raymond Chandler and Ross MacDonald–the two paragons of American detective fiction, in my eyes–did in their novels and stories set in southern California. Learn more about Bill here: billrappsbooks.com [https://billrappsbooks.com/] Click here to buy Bill’s books! [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00JBHVWB4/allbooks?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab&pd_rd_w=qFQ9U&content-id=amzn1.sym.7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pf_rd_p=7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pf_rd_r=143-8609782-6534460&pd_rd_wg=5qoih&pd_rd_r=d66de609-5c07-48b7-93c2-6bd73bd6ba77&ccs_id=6dc761e7-3173-45b3-a6ac-0a2260e21939] About Bill’s newest 2026 book: The Prague Spring: [https://www.amazon.com/Prague-Spring-Cold-War-Thrillers/dp/1684923328] Chief of the CIA station in Prague for nearly a year, Baier has been following the Dubcek government’s efforts to reform the country’s rigid communist system and move closer to Western Europe. On a warm August night, the Soviet Army rolls into Czechoslovakia to crush the reform program and ensure the country’s subservience to the Warsaw Pact. Baier must move quickly to protect his officers, his family, and his Czechoslovak allies and assets from death and deportation by the Red Army and Soviet intelligence. At the same time, Baier must determine who his true friends are among the local officials and the foreign agents spread throughout the country’s capital. Only when he reaches the border with Austria is Baier certain whom he can trust. Even then, new surprises await. Assignment in Saigon, [https://www.amazon.com/Assignment-Saigon-Bill-Rapp-ebook/dp/B0D9WRH28C?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xTlTHSTEG0cWuVcHVMiiSVG4imEUHAzeAk4CYnr6xnAH5H8pSzFaR43RwDT4vVEOZb6VTISHSg59U4qUE7IMdOncL1Kzjm_Zyowq9ROscMfUeiTXBC33NlO6sQ-iZCs0yj1OgUDNvG8s6i-ULouTOcgsa9QrTT-W19Zv5NlNb7I.zUCFxUzVWKD1hSghWQeyx9i95x89_tc36lDkzhJZD3o&dib_tag=AUTHOR] published 2025: Karl Baier has been enjoying his tour on the CIA’s seventh floor as the Special Advisor for Strategic affairs, a reward of sorts for his successful mission in Turkey two years earlier. But with the intensifying and divisive debate in Washington about America’s future engagement in Vietnam, the Director sends Baier on a special mission to Saigon to prepare a report on the Agency’s assessment of the situation on the ground and the prospects for America’s growing involvement. The assignment has a specific focus and a tight deadline.But it isn’t long before Baier is drawn into a dangerous operation that has much deeper implications for the war itself and the broader global and strategic competition, of which Vietnam is only one part. A Turkish Triangle, [https://www.amazon.com/Berlin-Walls-Bill-Rapp-ebook/dp/B097Z2WS75?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xTlTHSTEG0cWuVcHVMiiSVG4imEUHAzeAk4CYnr6xnAH5H8pSzFaR43RwDT4vVEOZb6VTISHSg59U4qUE7IMdOncL1Kzjm_Zyowq9ROscMfUeiTXBC33NlO6sQ-iZCs0yj1OgUDNvG8s6i-ULouTOcgsa9QrTT-W19Zv5NlNb7I.zUCFxUzVWKD1hSghWQeyx9i95x89_tc36lDkzhJZD3o&dib_tag=AUTHOR] published 2023: CIA officer Karl Baier is sent to Turkey to uncover the reasons behind the recent deaths of three Soviet assets at the height of the Cuban missile crisis. He discovers, however, that the three deaths are only the beginning. They are part of a broader effort to change the role of the United States in Turkey and the Middle East and undermine its determination to block the Soviet plans for Cuba and beyond. Berlin Walls, [https://www.amazon.com/Berlin-Walls-Bill-Rapp-ebook/dp/B097Z2WS75?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xTlTHSTEG0cWuVcHVMiiSVG4imEUHAzeAk4CYnr6xnAH5H8pSzFaR43RwDT4vVEOZb6VTISHSg59U4qUE7IMdOncL1Kzjm_Zyowq9ROscMfUeiTXBC33NlO6sQ-iZCs0yj1OgUDNvG8s6i-ULouTOcgsa9QrTT-W19Zv5NlNb7I.zUCFxUzVWKD1hSghWQeyx9i95x89_tc36lDkzhJZD3o&dib_tag=AUTHOR] published 2021: August, 1961: CIA officer Karl Baier is back in Berlin just as the Wall is going up and the world appears to be on the brink of a new war. Baier must help a KGB defector escape East Berlin and find his brother’s killers in return for information on Moscow’s plans, but with a Soviet assassin and the East Germans on their trail-all while his wife’s parents are trying to flee East Germany. Budapest Escape, [https://www.amazon.com/Budapest-Escape-Bill-Rapp-ebook/dp/B0863KSBQB?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xTlTHSTEG0cWuVcHVMiiSVG4imEUHAzeAk4CYnr6xnAH5H8pSzFaR43RwDT4vVEOZb6VTISHSg59U4qUE7IMdOncL1Kzjm_Zyowq9ROscMfUeiTXBC33NlO6sQ-iZCs0yj1OgUDNvG8s6i-ULouTOcgsa9QrTT-W19Zv5NlNb7I.zUCFxUzVWKD1hSghWQeyx9i95x89_tc36lDkzhJZD3o&dib_tag=AUTHOR] published 2020: CIA officer Karl Baier has been running a highly-placed source in the Communist Party and Hungarian government from his post in Vienna for over a year. When he receives a warning that is source is in danger, Baier knows he will have to return to Budapest to find and rescue his agent—if he is even alive. https://www.amazon.com/Budapest-Escape-Bill-Rapp-ebook/dp/B0863KSBQB?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xTlTHSTEG0cWuVcHVMiiSVG4imEUHAzeAk4CYnr6xnAH5H8pSzFaR43RwDT4vVEOZb6VTISHSg59U4qUE7IMdOncL1Kzjm_Zyowq9ROscMfUeiTXBC33NlO6sQ-iZCs0yj1OgUDNvG8s6i-ULouTOcgsa9QrTT-W19Zv5NlNb7I.zUCFxUzVWKD1hSghWQeyx9i95x89_tc36lDkzhJZD3o&dib_tag=AUTHORDespite resistance from CIA Headquarters in Washington, Baier and a colleague will have to locate the Hungarian agent, overcome his reluctance and skepticism, dodge Soviet tanks, evade Red Army patrols, escape from KGB prisons, and disobey orders from Washington as they search for a way to freedom. Along the way he will discover support and betrayal where he least expected it. Get ready for our interview with Bill: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/events/]Watch our 2025 interview (abov) at Elaine’s Literary Salon, hosted by award-winning author and restauranteur Jeffery James Higgins. And have a meal, a martini, and an inspiring author-filled evening when you attend all of the Literary Salon events at Elaine’s in Old Town Alexandria, VA: elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/events/]

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, Silicon Valley Accent Magazine, and Alexandria Living Magazine, among others, and has had several articles picked up or quoted by the Washington Post. She is a 2005 recipient of the Peninsula Press Club Award for Feature Story of a Serious Nature, and a 2013 recipient of AOL’s “Must Read” Award for Enterprise Reporting. She also worked as a Web Editor & Producer for WJLA, the Washington, D.C. affiliate of ABC7 News, before leaving the news industry in 2014. Since then, she has worked in small business management and marketing at the Washington, D.C. area’s busiest winery, The Winery at Bull Run. Jennifer started work drafting her debut novel, THE BETTER MOTHER, in March of 2023 after attending the Algonkian Writers Retreat with Michael Neff. She began querying literary agents in April 2024, and was offered representation by fellow thriller writer Jenna Satterthwaite of the Storm Literary Agency at the end of July. THE BETTER MOTHER went on submission to publishing houses in late September, and excitingly, received its first offer exactly two months later, leading to an auction. THE BETTER MOTHER is due out in February 2026 with Crooked Lane Books (distributed by Penguin Random House). Jennifer grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and currently lives in Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., with her husband and two sons. Learn more: jennifervanderkleut.com [https://www.jennifervanderkleut.com/] About the Book: Still recovering from a devastating breakup, 34-year-old Savannah Mitchell has finally managed to put her life back together when she gets the shock of her life—after a brief fling with a man named Max, she is pregnant. When she gets in touch to tell him, he reveals that he’s just gotten back together with his ex, Madison, and he will need time to break it to her. Surprisingly, Madison isn’t upset—in fact, she’s excited, and wants to help. Max insists Madison has the best of intentions, but Savannah finds her efforts—popping by uninvited, demanding lifestyle changes, and pretty much trying to take over the pregnancy—anything but helpful. When Savannah finally stands up for herself, Madison’s treatment of her goes from casually cruel to downright dangerous. All Savannah wanted to do was form a friendly co-parenting relationship with the father of her child—but his new girlfriend obviously has much more sinister plans in mind. She has no plans to co-parent at all. Click here to buy The Better Mother. [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/803637/the-better-mother-by-jennifer-van-der-kleut/] About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] 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 [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  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 previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. 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:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

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 Chloe’s Journey to Joy. Through relatable characters and faith-filled narratives, the series explores themes of identity, perseverance, healing, and learning to hear God’s voice in every season of life. In addition to her novels, Wanda has written devotionals for women in family shelters and is available to teach, speak, and minister at conferences and faith-based events. A storyteller at heart, Wanda’s passion for exploring the complexities of human emotions and relationships from a spiritual standpoint through her writing is explosive. A lifelong lover of literature, Wanda has discovered her love for crafting stories and finding inspiration in the everyday moments that shape our lives. Her debut novel, Chloe’s Missing Piece, is a deeply emotional and poignant journey of self-discovery, love, and healing that resonates with readers from all walks of life. Wanda’s writing is characterized by her ability to delve into the inner lives of her characters, creating relatable, multidimensional protagonists who face life’s challenges head-on. In Chloe’s Missing Piece, she brings to life a rich and heartfelt narrative that explores the delicate balance between loss and fulfillment, and the search for meaning in a complicated world. Beyond her work as an author, Wanda enjoys connecting with her readers through her social media platforms, where she shares her thoughts on life through Kingdom living. When she’s not writing, Wanda can be found spending time with her family, enjoying nature, and exploring new literary worlds. She currently lives in Whitsett, NC with her husband, where she continues to write stories that inspire and connect with readers on a deep, emotional and spiritual level. Learn more: wandarawlingsauthor.com [https://www.wandarawlingsauthor.com/] Chloe’s Missing Piece About the Book —  A Christian Journey: Chloe’s Missing Piece [https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Journey-Chloes-Missing-Piece/dp/B0FH2D87N4] She has the life everyone wants—except the peace she desperately needs. Chloe is young, polished, and professionally successful. With a thriving career and a picture-perfect image, she’s the kind of woman others admire. But behind the confidence and career is a silent ache—something sacred that still feels incomplete. When tragedy strikes just as Chloe begins to discover what her soul has been searching for, her carefully balanced world starts to collapse. Friends try to help. Family offers advice. But the truth is clear: there’s only One who holds the missing piece she needs to be whole. If you’ve ever wrestled with purpose, identity, or faith in the middle of your success—this book is for you. About A Christian Journey: Chloe’s Missing Piece is the first novel in a soul-stirring series about faith, redemption, and the quiet battles many women fight behind the scenes. Wanda Rawlings masterfully weaves a story that is both inspiring and relatable—reminding readers that true healing doesn’t come from having it all… but from surrendering it all. Click here to buy Chloe’s Missing Piece [https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Journey-Chloes-Missing-Piece/dp/B0FH2D87N4]. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] 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 [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  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 previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. 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:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

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 sound. Get your tickets and check out the cool merch: originalsoundfilm.com [http://www.originalsoundfilm.com/] Meet Award-winning Actor and Director Greg Jbara: [https://www.gregoryjbara.com/]Born and raised in suburban Detroit, Gregory Jbara transferred from the University of Michigan School of Music musical theatre program to complete his BFA in acting at the Juilliard School. Original Sound, directed by Greg Jbara Jbara won the 2009 Tony®, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical originating the role of “Jackie Elliot” in the Broadway production of Billy Elliot. He also starred on Broadway as “Billy Flynn” in the Tony Award winning revival of Chicago. He originated the role of “Andre Thibault” in the Broadway musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, also starring John Lithgow [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001475/?ref_=nmbio_mbio], Norbert Leo Butz [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0125475/?ref_=nmbio_mbio], Sherie Rene Scott [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0779788/?ref_=nmbio_mbio], Joanna Gleason [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0322306/?ref_=nmbio_mbio], and Sara Gettelfinger [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1553593/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]. Other Broadway musical roles originated by Jbara are: “Squash Bernstein” in Victor/Victoria, starring Julie Andrews [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000267/?ref_=nmbio_mbio], and that of dimwitted catcher “Sohovik” in the Damn Yankees revival starring Bebe Neuwirth [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001564/?ref_=nmbio_mbio], Victor Garber [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001255/?ref_=nmbio_mbio], and Jerry Lewis [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001471/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]. Jbara received the BackStageWest Garland 2000 Award for his performance in the West Coast Premiere of George Furth [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0299149/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]‘s Precious Sons with Nora Dunn [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004887/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]. Stage credits include: “Mr. Bunder” in the West Coast premiere of Michael John LaChiusa [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1098051/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]‘s Little Fish at the Blank Theatre, “Vinnie” in the Geffen Playhouse Premiere of Neil Simon [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0800319/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]‘s Felix & Oscar; “Ike/Bess Truman” in the West Coast Premiere of LaChiusa’s First Lady Suite; “Clark Gable” in The Blank Theatre Company’s Living Room Series presentation of Mark Saltzman [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0759166/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]‘s new play, Mr. Shaw Goes To Hollywood; “Chick Clark” in Wonderful Town for City Center Encores; the Broadway revival of Born Yesterday with Edward Asner [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000799/?ref_=nmbio_mbio] andMadeline Kahn [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001404/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]; Serious Money with Alec Baldwin [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000285/?ref_=nmbio_mbio] and Kate Nelligan [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0625075/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]; Privates On Parade with Jim Dale [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0197715/?ref_=nmbio_mbio] and Simon Jones [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0429254/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]; Forever Plaid, Das Barbecu, and Have I Got A Girl For You!. Greg Jbara, with fellow actors, in Oppenheimer Film and TV credits include: The Pied Piper and The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. Jbara is the voice of the animatronic radio newscaster in Epcot Center’s Spaceship Earth. Disney animated feature credits include “Bruiser/Thug Chorus” in Tangled, featured chorus in Enchanted and “Willie 3/Chorus” in Home On The Range. He also sang Randy Newman [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005271/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]‘s, “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” from Toy Story for U.S. Olympic Ice Skater, Michelle Kwan [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005111/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]‘s 75 Years Of Disney Music/TV Special. Jbara appeared as “Kenny” in the Carnegie Hall concert version of Very Warm For May with Jon Lovitz [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001484/?ref_=nmbio_mbio] for conductor/director John McGlinn [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1050214/?ref_=nmbio_mbio]. Recordings include: the Broadway cast recordings of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Victor/Victoria and Damn Yankees!; Little Fish on Ghostlight Records; First Lady Suite on PS Classics; Brigadoon and Annie Get Your Gun on EMI; A Broadway Christmas, Unsung Musicals II, Unsung Berlin, Peter Pan, and Drat The Cat! on Varese/Sarabande; Enchanted, Tangled and Home On The Range for Disney. Jbara was the narrator for Ripley’s Believe it Or Not on TBS, and his voice is featured on the Best Of Ripley’s DVD release. He resides with his wife Julie and their sons Zachary and Aidan in Los Angeles. Learn more: gregoryjbara.com [https://www.gregoryjbara.com/] About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] 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 [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events: ElainesLiterarySalon.com. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  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 previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. 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:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]