In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with bestselling author Ellen Baker to discuss her captivating novel, Summerland Cove. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maine coast, the conversation explores family dynamics, long-buried secrets, mental health, healing, and the bonds that connect generations.

Ellen shares the inspiration behind Summerland Cove, her approach to crafting complex multi-generational characters, and the research and writing process that brought the story to life. Whether you're a fan of family sagas, women's fiction, or character-driven novels, this episode offers an inside look at the themes and storytelling techniques that make Summerland Cove such a compelling read.

Tune in to discover how Ellen Baker weaves together family secrets, emotional resilience, and the beauty of coastal Maine in a novel that explores what it means to truly come home.

What We're Talking About...

• Exploring family secrets, mental health, and healing in contemporary fiction

• How the Maine coast inspired the setting of Summerland Cove

• Crafting compelling multi-generational family stories

• Addressing mental health and other complex topics with authenticity and sensitivity

• Creating realistic characters, relationships, and immersive settings

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ellen Baker and Summerland Cove

04:12 Exploring Generational Dynamics and Identity

07:17 The Weight of Secrets and Mental Health

10:20 The Inspiration Behind Summerland Cove

13:43 Ellen Baker's Journey as a Writer

16:41 Themes of Family and Relationships

19:30 The Role of Setting in Storytelling

22:26 Character Development and Complexity

25:41 Looking Ahead: Future Projects

Links Mentioned

Ellen Baker's website: www.ellenbakernovels.com

Ellen Baker's Instagram: @ellenbakernovels

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle : sits down with author and journalist Elizabeth Svoboda to discuss her new book, The Art of Pacing. They explore the power of pacing in everyday life and how managing energy, embracing rest, and creating intentional pauses can improve well-being, support activism, and help prevent burnout. Elizabeth shares practical strategies, including breath work and sustainable productivity techniques, that empower individuals to make meaningful contributions without sacrificing their mental and physical health. Tune in for an insightful conversation about balance, resilience, and the art of thriving in a fast-paced world.

What We're Talking About...

• The importance of pacing for sustainable activism, personal growth, and long-term well-being
• Breath work techniques and heart rate variability strategies for stress management and resilience
• The power of meaningful connections and the "brief candles" philosophy for creating lasting impact
• Why pauses, retreats, and intentional rest are essential tools for self-care and burnout prevention
• How delegation, community support, and strong networks help activists avoid burnout and sustain change

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:14 The Science of Giving and Activism

07:03 Pacing in Activism and Personal Well-being

10:23 Breath Work and Mindfulness Practices

13:08 The Power of “Brief Candle Moments”

25:21 The Journey of Scientific Writing and Future Perspectives

35:31 Pacing and Burnout

36:01 The Importance of Breathing Techniques

Links Mentioned

Elizabeth Svoboda's website: www.Elizabethsvoboda.com

Elizabeth Svoboda's newsletter: elizabeth-svoboda.beehiiv.com

Order your copy of The Art of Pacing: https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781668022412

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, bestselling author Amanda Eyre Ward discusses her latest novel, Arrivals and Departures, a moving story set in Greece that explores love, family, second chances, and mental health. Amanda shares the inspiration behind the novel, how travel influences her storytelling, and the research that shaped its emotional depth.

The conversation dives into the realities of mental illness, the impact of online scams and digital deception, and the complexities of family relationships. Amanda also offers an inside look at her writing process, character development, and the journey of bringing an internationally inspired novel to life.

Whether you're a fan of contemporary fiction, women's fiction, books set in Greece, or conversations about mental health and human connection, this episode offers valuable insights for readers and writers alike.

What We're Talking About...

• Amanda Eyre Ward's writing process, storytelling approach, and novel structure

• The inspiration behind Arrivals and Departures and Amanda's travel experiences in Greece

• Exploring themes of love, family relationships, and second chances in contemporary fiction

• Writing authentic portrayals of mental health and emotional resilience

• How setting and travel influence character development and narrative depth

• The role of family dynamics in shaping compelling fiction

• Behind-the-scenes insights into Amanda Eyre Ward's creative process and research

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Travel Inspirations

04:04 Living in Greece: A Personal Journey

07:12 Themes of Love and Family in Literature

10:18 Exploring Romance Scams and Online Relationships

13:17 Understanding Mental Health Through Fiction

19:14 Character Development and Personal Connections

22:23 Transitioning to TV Writing and New Challenges

25:28 Balancing Multiple Creative Projects

28:24 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

Links Mentioned

Order your copy of Arrivals and Departures: https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9780593500323

Amanda Eyre Ward's website: www.amandaward.com