In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Becca Freeman, author of The Christmas Orphans Club, to explore the power of friendship, found family, and what it means to create connection during the holidays. Becca opens up about her journey to becoming an author, the creative process behind her debut novel, and how her background in podcasting shaped her approach to storytelling.

Together, they dive into the emotional complexities of adult friendships, chosen family, and the loneliness that can surface during the holiday season. Freeman offers an honest look at writing with heart, navigating personal growth through creativity, and why stories about connection resonate so deeply, especially during the holidays.

What We're Talking About...

• The Christmas Orphans Club celebrates friendship, found family, and chosen community, especially during the holidays.
• Becca Freeman’s unconventional path to becoming an author shows how creative careers don’t follow a single blueprint.
• Friendship breakups can be as emotionally painful and life-altering as romantic breakups.
• The book explores how adult friendships change and evolve over time, reflecting real-life experiences.
• Becca’s background in podcasting helped build the confidence she needed to pursue fiction writing.
• The creative writing process doesn’t have to be rigid—spontaneity and flexibility can lead to meaningful stories.
• Creating your own holiday traditions can be empowering, especially for those without traditional family structures.
• Many readers turn to comfort reads during stressful or overwhelming seasons, particularly around the holidays.
• The Christmas Orphans Club captures the emotional complexity of modern, adult friendships with honesty and depth.
• Becca shares that her next novel will move beyond Christmas themes while still embracing a winter setting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Book

04:16 Becca's Journey to Authorship

07:12 The Evolution of the Bad on Paper Podcast

10:25 The Concept Behind The Christmas Orphans Club

13:26 Themes of Friendship and Found Family

16:25 Exploring the Depths of Friendship

19:21 The Role of Technology in Friendships

22:22 The Balance of Humor and Seriousness in Writing

25:19 The Anticipation of Becca's Next Book

31:26 The Joy of Reading and Friendship

31:55 Cherishing Connections and Traditions

Links Mentioned

Becca Freeman's Substack: https://beccafreeman.substack.com/

Becca Freeman's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccamfreeman/

Bad on Paper Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-on-paper/id1364764784