Elaine's Literary Salon

Meet the Author — Dale says: I grew up outside Tampa, Florida and attended the University of Florida, where I graduated from the College of Journalism and Communications (Go Gators!). After graduation, I commissioned in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a logistics officer and war planner. After my military service, I worked in defense and tech before writing full time. I’ve had the opportunity to live abroad and see a large part of the world, thanks to my time in the military, and that’s certainly informed my writing. I currently live in Washington, DC, with my wife and daughters. read more...

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Monisha Longacre is coming to Elaine's Literary Salon in Alexandria, VA on Jan. 11.

Join us for her interview with our podcast/video host Jeffrey James Higgins and enjoy a delicous brunch. Order Monisha's Author's Choice: French toast with a mimosa OR the Egyptian Omelet with a Bloody Mary, and receive a $5 coupon redeemable on your next visit to Elaine's.

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Meet Monisha Longacre: A seasoned operations executive, entrepreneur, in author of "Practical Productivity: A Guide to Surviving Life's Juggling Act." With over three decades of experience scaling and optimizing technology businesses, she brings a uniquely practical approach to both organizational and personal effectiveness. As COO of multiple technology companies, she has consistently driven innovation and growth while maintaining operational excellence. read more...

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Check out our commercial (above) with author Jonathan Payne: A British-American writer based in New York City, Jonathan's first novel, CITIZEN ORLOV, was named a Book of the Month by Apple Books. It won the 2024 IBPA Silver Medal for Mystery/Thriller and the 2024 IPPY Bronze Medal for Suspense/Thriller. Payne previously worked in national security for the British government. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Novel Writing from Middlesex University, London. His short fiction has been featured at the North London Story Festival and in magazines including Turnpike, Twist In Time, and Fiction Kitchen Berlin. Learn more: jonathanpayne.org read more...

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About My Clavicle: And Other Massive Misalignments — On an international flight to a conference, the author Marta Sanz notices a tiny bump beneath her skin, just below her clavicle, near her breastbone. So begins an inquiry that is at turns a satirical detective story, a philosophical inquiry, a memoir, and pure poetry. In Spanish, the title is Clavícula, which refers to the collarbone, but also makes a direct pun on the word clavé or key. In the aftermath of Marta’s discovery, we realize that something fundamental has changed for her, and that whatever has happened, however elusive, it is something very real. At the same time, the mystery is reflected in everything the author encounters, but especially in the bodies of women, and particularly in those of a certain age. read more...

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Meet our guest: Be the change you wish to see is the mantra for author and HR exec Andrea Walton, MBA, Founder & CEO, The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation, Alexandria, VA & Cape Town, South Africa

Who she is: Andrea Walton is a seasoned HR executive, published author, and purpose-driven philanthropist committed to building pathways to education for Black and Brown girls around the world. As Founder and CEO of The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation, Andrea leads with a deeply personal mission-having once been a teen mom who earned her GED before climbing the ranks to become a Chief People Officer in the biotech and education sectors. read more...

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Meet the Author: Judy Murray is a real estate broker with a not-so-secret passion for deals, divas, and danger. Her passion for mysteries began with smart girls like Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden, grew deeper with not-to-be-ignored women like Miss Marple and Nora Charles, and finally evolved into her own gutsy heroine - Helen Morrisey.

Judy incorporates her extensive knowledge of all things real estate with a passion for the Chesapeake Bay where she now lives at Buoy Two with her husband, fellow real estate agent, and landscape architect John. Their daughter Meghan is a beauty and home design expert and her twin brother John is an attorney working in law enforcement. Learn more: judylmurraymysteries.com read more...

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Meet the Author: Called a hard-boiled poet by NPR’s Maureen Corrigan and the noir poet laureate in the Huffington Post, Reed Farrel Coleman is the New York Times-bestselling author of thirty-one novels—including the Nick Ryan seriesand six in Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone series—short stories, poetry, and essays. In addition to his acclaimed series characters, Moe Prager and Gus Murphy, he has written the stand-alone novel Gun Church and collaborated with decorated Irish crime writer Ken Bruen on the novel Tower. read more...

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Meet the Author: Mark Thielman writes primarily crime fiction and serves as a magistrate judge in Ft Worth, Texas. His debut novel, The Devil’s Kitchen, was released in April 2025. His second novel, The Hidden River, is scheduled for October 2025. Both books are part of the Johnson and Nance series, published by Severn River Publishing.

Mark’s short fiction pieces have been named to the honor roll of America’s best mysteries on multiple occasions. The Wolfe Pack, the Nero Wolfe Literary Society, has twice named him the recipient of the Black Orchid Novella Award. His story, “A Meter of Murder,” received the award in December 2015. It appeared in the July/August 2016 issue of Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and became Mark’s first published work of fiction. His second Black Orchid Novella Award came in 2017 for “The Black Drop of Venus.” Since then, his many short stories have been published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, and several anthologies. read more...

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Meet the Author: Mike Slavin loves to write exciting and fast stories. It’s a new passion since he sold his oil and gas exploration company in 2024. A West Pointer and self-made millionaire, Mike has written seven award-winning business books, including One Million in the Bank: How To Make $1,000,000 With Your Own Business, Even If You Have No Money Or Experience. His fiction titles include Life Changing Money, Spike, Wrong Kill, and Kill Crime. He lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife of almost 40 years; they have two children. Mike also loves to play poker and do anything exciting. Learn more at mikeslavinauthor.com. read more...

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