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

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, author Emma Grey joins the show to discuss her powerful new novel, Start at the End. Emma shares the inspiration behind the story, exploring themes of grief, resilience, second chances, and the life-changing impact of asking "what if?"

During this heartfelt conversation, Emma opens up about her personal experiences with loss, the healing power of creativity, and the importance of strong support networks during life's most difficult moments. She also discusses how music influences her writing, offers a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, and shares what's next in her journey as an author.

Whether you're a fan of contemporary fiction, emotional storytelling, or aspiring writers looking for insight into the publishing world, this episode delivers inspiration, hope, and practical wisdom about turning life's challenges into meaningful stories.

What We're Talking About...

• Exploring the themes of grief, loss, healing, and second chances in Start at the End
• How music, creativity, and storytelling can help process trauma and navigate life's most difficult moments
• Emma Grey's author journey, writing process, and the inspiration behind her emotionally resonant fiction
• Crafting authentic characters and emotionally impactful contemporary fiction

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Emma Grey and Start at the End

03:54 Exploring the Theme of Loss and 'What Ifs'

07:29 The Role of Music in Healing and Storytelling

10:46 The Joy of Camping and Vintage Vans

14:50 Dreams Realized: From Books to TV Adaptations

19:02 Resilience and the Journey of Healing

21:43 The Complexity of Life's Emotions

24:26 Character Development and the Editing Process

28:05 The Writing Process: Drafts and Discoveries

29:24 New Ideas and Future Projects

33:32 The Impact of Vulnerability in Writing

Links Mentioned

Order your copy of Start at the End: https://www.amazon.com/Start-at-End-Emma-Grey/dp/1968506012/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, bestselling author Kim Holden shares her inspiring journey from discovering her love of storytelling to becoming an internationally recognized author. Kim dives into the creative process behind her latest novel, Eye for an I, discussing how music, emotion, and personal experiences shape her unforgettable characters and stories.

The conversation explores Kim’s approach to self-publishing, her writing habits, and the powerful connection she’s built with readers around the world. She also opens up about balancing creativity with the business side of publishing, staying authentic as a writer, and finding inspiration in everyday life. Whether you’re an aspiring author, avid reader, or fan of contemporary fiction, this episode offers valuable insights into writing, publishing, and the impact of storytelling.

What We're Talking About...

• Kim Holden’s journey from aspiring writer to internationally bestselling author
• The inspiration behind Eye for an I and Kim Holden’s storytelling process
• How music influences character development, emotions, and scene creation in fiction writing
• Building a global fanbase with readers in Poland, the United States, and beyond
• Self-publishing strategies, indie author success, and worldwide book distribution
• Kim Holden’s writing habits, outlining techniques, and non-linear storytelling approach
• Behind-the-scenes insights into the contemporary fiction publishing industry
• Advice for aspiring authors on creativity, writing consistency, and connecting with readers
• The balance between artistic passion and the business side of being an author
• How emotional storytelling creates lasting reader connections

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kim Holden

03:12 The Role of Music in Writing

07:11 The Journey of Becoming an Author

13:18 The Impact of Readers and Community

17:21 Tattoos and Personal Expression

21:30 Writing Process and Challenges

27:33 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts

32:29 Eye for an I and Its Themes

32:56 The Author's Journey and Inspiration

Links Mentioned

Website: kimholdenbooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimholdenauthor

Kim Holden's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kim-Holden/author/B00J88LUC2?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=351e0dd9-f757-4071-890a-9601fa923e66

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, author Sarah Damoff joins host Michelle to discuss her latest novel, The Burning Side. Together, they explore powerful themes of family dynamics, generational trauma, love, grief, and the lasting impact of personal history. Sarah shares the inspiration behind the novel, how her own life experiences shaped the story, and her approach to writing emotionally resonant multi-generational fiction. Listeners will also get an inside look at her creative process, character development, and the art of crafting deeply human stories that connect with readers long after the final page.

What We're Talking About...

• Themes of family, love, grief, and generational trauma in The Burning Side
• Sarah Damoff on the inspiration behind her emotionally layered literary fiction
• The writing process behind crafting compelling multi-generational family stories
• How personal experiences and real-life relationships shape authentic storytelling
• Why storytelling is a powerful tool for exploring human emotion and connection
• The role of fiction in uncovering deeper human truths and shared experiences
• Character development and creating emotionally resonant contemporary fiction
• Insights into writing literary fiction that connects deeply with readers

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating a New Release

04:06 Exploring The Burning Side

07:28 The Evolution of Love

11:30 Personal Inspirations Behind the Story

16:00 Transitioning from Social Work to Writing

19:45 The Art of Writing and Storytelling

22:04 The Writing Process and Drafting

24:26 Creating Authentic Characters

29:27 Addressing Foster Care in Literature

Links Mentioned

Order your copy of The Burning Side: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Burning-Side/Sarah-Damoff/9781668085011

Sara Damoff's website: https://www.sarahdamoff.com/

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, bestselling thriller author and returning guest Lisa Unger joins Michelle Glogovac to discuss her latest novel Served Him Right. They dive into Unger’s writing process, her research on natural poisons, and the powerful themes of female empowerment and sisterhood woven throughout the story. Unger also shares insight into character development, storytelling craft, and the inspiration behind her gripping psychological fiction.

What We're Talking About...

1. Lisa Unger’s process writing Served Him Right
2. Female empowerment and sisterhood themes in psychological thrillers
3. Researching natural poisons and toxic plants for fiction writing
4. Character development techniques and storytelling inspiration

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Author Background

04:11 Themes of Female Empowerment and Social Issues

07:24 The Role of Nature and Research in Writing

10:07 Exploring Female Power and Sisterhood

13:01 Character Development and Personal Connections

16:28 The Writing Process and Future Works

28:59 Passion for Literature

29:23 Anticipation for Future Works

Links Mentioned

Lisa Unger's website: lisaunger.com

Instagram: instagram.com/launger

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with writer Courtney Kocak to discuss her powerful memoir Girl Gone Wild. Courtney opens up about her personal journey through exploitation, identity, and healing, offering an unfiltered look at the challenges of navigating societal expectations and reclaiming her voice. Together, they explore themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and self-discovery, as well as the transformative power of sharing your story.

What We're Talking About...

1. Courtney's 15-year journey of writing a memoir and the challenges of long-term storytelling
2. Exploring themes of exploitation, misogyny, and societal pressure on women
3. The role of authenticity and vulnerability in powerful memoir writing
4. Healing, self-discovery, and reclaiming your voice through personal storytelling

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Courtney Kocak

04:07 The Journey of Writing a Memoir

07:07 Exploring Personal Experiences and Growth

13:13 Cultural Reflections on Misogyny and Exploitation

16:40 Navigating Relationships and Personal Choices

19:28 Facing Judgment and Embracing Authenticity

22:39 Finding Love and Support

25:18 The Importance of Therapy and Healing

28:41 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Links Mentioned

Order your copy of Girl Gone Wild: https://bookshop.org/p/books/girl-gone-wild-courtney-kocak/f3c06a53692352f1?ean=9781949487541&next=t

Courtney Kocak's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneykocak/

Courtney Kocak's Substack: http://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome