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

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