Read The Damn Book

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Meg Anderson to discuss her debut novel, The Memory of Borrowed Books. Anderson shares the inspiration behind the novel and her journey as a writer while exploring themes of libraries, community, trauma, memory, and magical realism. The conversation delves into the powerful role libraries can play in bringing people together, the emotional impact of storytelling, and how personal experiences can shape a writer’s work. Anderson also discusses the creative process behind The Memory of Borrowed Books and what drew her to blend contemporary themes with elements of magical realism.

What We're Talking About...

• Themes of trauma, grief, healing, and emotional resilience in The Memory of Borrowed Books
• The role of libraries and community in storytelling and connection
• How magical realism can explore trauma, grief, and other difficult subjects
• Meg Anderson’s writing journey and path to publication
• The importance of supporting independent bookstores and local libraries

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Meg Anderson and her debut novel

01:02 The inspiration behind The Memory of Borrowed Books

02:36 The significance of the book's holographic cover

04:12 Magical realism as a tool to address trauma

06:44 The library as a metaphor for the mind

08:02 The importance of libraries in community and healing

13:28 Meg Anderson's writing journey and personal story

16:24 Upcoming projects and themes in Meg's next book

22:49 The vital role of librarians and libraries today

25:03 The story of how the library in the novel was created

28:28 Encouragement for aspiring writers and readers

32:29 Where to find Meg Anderson and support her work

Links Mentioned

Sourcebooks link: https://www.sourcebooks.com/the-memory-of-borrowed-books.html#9781464295164

Order from Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-memory-of-borrowed-books/bc0007d314ac530a?ean=9781464295164

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with television host, film historian, and author Alicia Malone to discuss her cozy mystery novel, Murder at the Movies. Alicia shares her passion for classic films, her journey from television host to novelist, and the inspiration behind her transition into fiction writing. The conversation explores the intersection of film history and storytelling, the charm of small-town life, and the creative process of crafting a cozy mystery. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema, mystery novels, or behind-the-scenes insights into the writing process, this episode offers a closer look at Alicia Malone's literary debut and the stories that inspire her.

What We're Talking About...

• Alicia Malone’s transition from television host to novelist and author
• The influence of classic movies and Hollywood on Alicia Malone’s writing
• The inspiration and creative process behind Murder at the Movies
• Writing a cozy mystery set around a small-town movie theater
• The role of independent and small-town theaters in building community
• Researching film history for fiction and storytelling
• Hitchcock’s influence and the legacy of classic Hollywood stars
• The importance of preserving film history and classic cinema
• Balancing a creative career, personal life, and writing ambitions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alicia Malone and her new book

02:05 Alicia Malone's background and love for classic films

05:26 Inspiration behind writing Murder at the Movies

11:08 Setting up for the second book and future plans

16:20 The magic of watching classic films today

20:21 Research process for film scripts at TCM

26:22 The importance of small-town theaters and community

30:37 Personal influences and family relationships in the book

31:38 Closing thoughts and where to find Alicia Malone

Links Mentioned

Alicia Malone’s website: http://aliciamalone.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Kelly McWilliams discusses her powerful historical novel American Nightmare, a compelling story that explores the history of lynching, racial injustice, and civil rights activism in America. Inspired by real historical events and figures, including civil rights activist Walter White, the book examines the impact of racial violence and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. Kelly shares the inspiration behind the novel and discusses why confronting difficult chapters of American history is essential to understanding the present, fostering meaningful change, and empowering future generations.

What We're Talking About...

• Walter White’s undercover work investigating and fighting lynching and racial violence
• The historical and modern connections between racial injustice and systemic racism
• The NAACP’s role in civil rights activism, anti-lynching efforts, and organizing strategies
• The importance of confronting difficult and uncomfortable truths in American history
• Kelly McWilliams’ approach to blending historical fiction with horror and supernatural elements
• The importance of representation and stories of wealth, power, and resilience in Black communities
• The historical and ongoing influence of hate groups, including the Ku Klux Klan and Proud Boys
• The courage, resilience, and activism of civil rights leaders like Walter White
• The role of education and historical awareness in social justice and civil rights movements
• Kelly McWilliams’ personal journey, inspiration, and creative process behind American Nightmare

Chapters

00:00 — Meet Kelly McWilliams and American Nightmare

01:05 — The Real-Life Walter White

04:43 — Investigating Lynching at Great Personal Risk

07:49 — Why We Must Get Uncomfortable

12:37 — The NAACP’s Strategy of Resistance

23:13 — Writing a Hero Who Fights from Within

29:01 — Gloria Bell, Bishop, and the Humanity Behind the History

Links Mentioned

Order your copy of American Nightmare: https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penguinrandomhouse.com%2Fbooks%2F795671%2Famerican-nightmare-by-kelly-mcwilliams%2F&user_uuid=da80a4a6-14ef-4180-9551-8081e29a9c36&stage=1&hmac=77b1a4515f507b3472da74d2f4166e6f78994865d1ed424292c89028d7e1a9a5

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Michelle Glogovac sits down with Anna Holmes, author of The Power of No, to explore the importance of saying no, setting boundaries, and reclaiming your time and energy. Anna shares the inspiration and personal journey behind her book, along with insights into how gender socialization can make it difficult for women to say no and prioritize their own needs. They discuss women’s empowerment, personal boundaries, self-advocacy, and practical ways to become more comfortable with saying no at any age. Whether you're learning to set healthier boundaries or looking to feel more confident advocating for yourself, this conversation offers thoughtful advice on the power of saying no.

What We're Talking About...

• The power of saying no as a form of boundary-setting and self-empowerment
• How women are socialized from childhood to say yes and prioritize others
• The evolution of The Power of No from an academic concept to accessible storytelling
• How intuition can guide decision-making and help with setting healthy boundaries
• The impact of media representation on women’s self-perception and confidence
• How age and life experience can make it easier to embrace the power of no
• The connection between power, gender, and women’s ability to say no
• Anna Holmes’ personal stories and insights from her career and life experiences
• How childhood experiences can influence adult relationships, boundaries, and people-pleasing
• Practical advice for parents and women on building confidence, setting boundaries, and empowering others

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Anna Holmes

02:00 Anna Holmes' background and career journey

04:01 The significance of saying no and its celebration

06:01 Childhood socialization and the early lessons of no

08:01 The role of media and representation in women's boundaries

09:59 Personal stories and experiences with boundary-setting

11:46 The evolution of the book and its core message

14:00 The importance of intuition and self-trust in saying no

16:00 The impact of age, experience, and confidence in boundary-setting

17:54 Practical advice for parents and women to empower themselves

19:56 The influence of media, culture, and societal expectations

21:56 Future ideas: children's edition and early boundary education

24:03 Closing thoughts and encouragement to embrace the power of no

Links Mentioned

Anna Holmes's website: http://www.annaholmes.com

Anna Holmes's Instagram: https://instagram.com/annaholmes

Order your copy of The Power of No: https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9780593444573

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Emily Galvin Almanza, a former public defender and author of the children’s mystery novel Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt. Emily shares her journey from practicing law as a public defender to becoming a published author and discusses how her legal career inspired her writing.

The conversation explores justice, legal rights, the criminal justice system, and the importance of teaching children about the law. Emily explains how Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt empowers young readers to understand their rights, ask questions, and think critically about the legal system while enjoying an engaging mystery story. This episode offers a fascinating look at children’s literature, legal education, social justice, and the power of storytelling to educate and empower young readers.

What We're Talking About...

• Emily Galvin Almanza’s journey from public defender to children’s book author
• The inspiration behind Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt
• Teaching children about legal rights, justice, and the legal system
• Representation of Bolivian culture and identity in children’s literature
• The role of public defenders in community empowerment and social justice
• Addressing systemic issues within the juvenile justice system
• The importance and impact of early legal education for children
• Raising awareness about juvenile detention and youth justice
• What’s next for the Andromeda Diaz book series

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emily Galvin Almanza and her work

01:20 Emily's background as a public defender

03:10 Synopsis of Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt

05:11 Legal issues faced by children and systemic challenges

08:21 Teaching children their legal rights and powers

14:43 Real-life cases and holistic defense approach

18:51 Origin of the character Andromeda and cultural influences

28:03 Next book in the series and raising the stakes

30:45 Representation of juvenile detention and systemic change

31:13 Where to find Emily and her books

Links Mentioned

Emily Galvin Almanza's website: https://www.emilygalvinalmanza.com

Order your copy of Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/816163/andromeda-diaz-and-the-reasonable-doubt-by-emily-galvin-almanza/

Emily Galvin Almanza's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galvinalmanza/

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Michelle Glogovac interviews David Conrad Perez about his new book, Fire in the Heart of the City. They explore the history of New York City through the lens of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, examining its lasting impact on labor rights, workplace safety, philanthropy, and social reform. Perez shares the historical inspiration behind his work and discusses how this pivotal moment continues to shape conversations about workers, inequality, and the responsibility of communities to create meaningful change.

What We're Talking About...

• The history and lasting impact of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
• The rise of modern philanthropy and charitable giving in New York City
• How media manipulation and public relations shape public perception
• The influence of wealthy elites and philanthropy on social policy
• The contributions of immigrant women to the labor movement and workers’ rights
• The evolution of labor unions, workers’ rights, and social activism in America

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:04 Overview of the Book and Its Significance

03:29 The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: What Happened

04:55 The Aftermath and Public Reaction to the Fire

06:20 The Rise of Philanthropy and Its Complexities

07:02 The Connection to New York Times and Media

12:43 Why the Author Chose to Tell This Story

14:51 Research Process and Archival Work

24:23 Lessons and Legacy of the Fire and Social Movements

29:10 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Links Mentioned

David Conrad-Perez's website: www.davidconradperez.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, author J.K. MacLaren discusses her debut novel Full Throttle, a steamy Formula One sports romance blending high-octane racing with amorous tension. She talks about her writing process and research into the F1 world, and dives into the novel's themes of family, feminism, and the balance of masculinity and femininity in modern romance.

What We're Talking About...

• Writing "Full Throttle": J.K. MacLaren's process for crafting a debut Formula One sports romance novel
• F1 Racing Research: Behind-the-scenes research into motorsport details and authenticity in racing fiction
• Family & Gender Roles: Exploring family dynamics and gender expectations in modern romance
• Personal & Cultural Inspiration: How J.K. MacLaren's background shaped the novel's voice and story
• Feminism & Masculinity: Balancing feminist themes with representations of masculinity in romance writing

Chapters

0:00 Welcome to Full Throttle

1:20 Falling for Formula One

2:25 Writing a Racing Novel Without Being a Racer

6:36 Shakespeare, Family, and Easter Eggs

9:42 Family Pressure and Opposites Attract

18:18 Cowboy Boots and Feminine Power

27:49 What’s Next for the Series

Links Mentioned

J.K. MacLaren's website: https://jkmaclaren.com

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

Order your copy of Full Throttle: https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9798217095476

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, author Ashley Winstead returns to the podcast to talk with Michelle about her latest thriller, Hot Girl Murder Club. Ashley shares insights into her writing process, the research behind her books, and what it’s like to write across multiple genres. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry, discusses her evolution as a multi-genre author, and shares practical research and writing tips for aspiring writers. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, mystery novels, or Ashley Winstead’s work, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the craft and business of writing.

What We're Talking About...

• The inspiration behind Ashley Winstead’s Hot Girl Murder Club and its central themes
• Crime research, police procedural details, and writing realistic thriller scenes
• The challenges and creative benefits of writing across multiple genres
• Ashley Winstead’s insights into the publishing industry, book trends, and market preferences
• Feminism, social issues, and cultural commentary in contemporary thriller and mystery fiction

Chapters

00:00 Ashley Winstead Instroduction

01:03 Overview of Hot Girl Murder Club

02:26 The Origin and Themes of the Book

04:02 Market Trends and Genre Preferences

08:01 Writing with Escapism and Social Commentary

12:02 Research Process for Crime and Police Details

27:42 Character Development and Surprises

34:32 Future Projects and Genre Exploration

Links Mentioned

Ashley Winstead's website: https://www.ashleywinstead.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac welcomes debut author Lina Patton to discuss her novel The Lake Club. Lina shares the inspiration behind her first book, how living abroad shaped her perspective as a writer, and the role that travel and personal experiences played in crafting the novel's setting and characters.

The conversation explores Lina's creative process, from developing compelling, emotionally resonant characters to balancing authentic settings with fictional storytelling. She also offers an honest look at the publishing journey as a debut author, the challenges of bringing a first novel to life, and the lessons she learned along the way.

What We're Talking About...

• Lina Patton's journey to writing her debut novel, The Lake Club
• How living in Kosovo inspired her storytelling and creative perspective
• Choosing authentic character names and crafting immersive fictional settings
• The six-year journey of writing, revising, and publishing a debut novel
• Exploring themes of home, belonging, friendship, and social dynamics in contemporary fiction
• Weaving personal experiences and real-life inspiration into fictional stories
• Behind the scenes of the novel writing, editing, and publishing process
• How publishing trends and market timing influence book deals and releases
• Lina Patton's creative hobbies, including doodling, stationery, and artistic inspiration

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lina Patton and The Lake Club

04:02 Making up characters based on real life

08:55 The Kosovo connection and personal experiences

10:25 Incorporating hockey into the story

12:37 Cover design and visual details

16:23 Sponsorship message and agency

26:17 Surprise plot twist and reader reactions

30:37 Where to find Lina and her book

Links Mentioned

Lina Patton's website: www.linapatton.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Kathryn Nicolai, creator of the hit sleep podcast Nothing Much Happens and author of the audio novel On the Street Where You Live. Kathryn shares how she transformed the simple act of storytelling into a global community centered on rest, mindfulness, and human connection.

Together, they discuss the power of everyday stories, the role of sensory details in creating calming narratives, and why slowing down can help us reconnect with ourselves and others. Kathryn also offers insight into her creative process, the inspiration behind her audio novel, and how intentional storytelling can foster empathy, comfort, and a greater appreciation for the ordinary moments that shape our lives.

Whether you're interested in mindfulness, storytelling, sleep, creativity, or discovering your next favorite book, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into the healing power of stories and the importance of finding connection in everyday life.

What We're Talking About...

• The power of sensory details in immersive storytelling
• How storytelling builds community and meaningful human connection
• Why cozy, wholesome stories resonate with readers and listeners
• Behind the scenes of writing books and producing audiobooks
• Mindfulness, presence, and finding beauty in everyday moments
• World-building techniques for fiction, podcasts, and audio storytelling
• The connection between storytelling, emotional well-being, and mental health

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kathryn Nicolai and her work

01:00 The origins of the Nothing Much Happens podcast

02:12 The power of storytelling for sleep and relaxation

02:53 Creating a genre: narrative sleep stories

03:50 Expanding into books and world-building

04:48 The process of writing the book On the Street Where You Live

06:02 Sensory details and emotional depth in storytelling

06:57 The importance of community and connection

08:02 The role of cozy stories in a chaotic world

08:56 Balancing multiple projects and creative energy

09:46 The future of storytelling and community building

11:03 How stories shape our understanding of the world

12:06 Closing thoughts and where to find Kathryn's work

Links Mentioned

Nothing Much Happens Podcast: https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com

Listen to On the Street Where You Live: https://www.audible.com/pd/On-the-Street-Where-You-Live-Audiobook/B0GF9RRVRR?source_code=GO1PP30DTRIAL54703142491H0&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1261256&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16881025087&gclid=Cj0KCQjwo_PRBhDNARIsAEcVALV13XH_IDZ7LYIEwNty6YRMFWKNjY2i-4JWLF7EbtDzrE5n0h4WmkMaAteZEALw_wcB