In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with bestselling author Claire Swinarski to discuss her latest novel, The Supper Club Saints. Claire shares the inspiration behind the book, her experience writing both middle grade and adult fiction, and how Wisconsin's rich culture and traditions shape her storytelling. They also explore family dynamics, character development, the creative writing process, and what makes stories resonate with readers across generations.

What We're Talking About...

• Wisconsin culture and supper club traditions in contemporary fiction
• Writing middle grade vs. adult novels: Claire Swinarski's creative process
• Family secrets, generational relationships, and emotional storytelling
• The inspiration behind the "mommune" concept and modern motherhood
• Crafting authentic, character-driven realistic fiction

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Claire Swinarski

03:25 Exploring The Supper Club Saints

09:42 Understanding Character Depth and Backstories

13:59 The Art of Writing for Different Age Groups

19:12 The Inspiration Behind The Supper Club Saints

24:37 Balancing Multiple Writing Projects

Links Mentioned

Claire Swinarski's website: http://www.claireswinarski.com

CLaire Swinarski's Substack: http://www.claireswinarski.com/newsletter