Author Rocky Callen: YA Novel “A Breath Too Late” and Mental Health Awareness

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features acclaimed YA author Rocky Callen discussing her powerful and deeply personal novel, "A Breath Too Late." Inspired by her own struggles with depression and suicide ideation, Rocky shares how storytelling, art, friendship, and community can help foster healing, hope, and connection.

Re-released through Sunderhaus Press and timed to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 8, 2026), "A Breath Too Late" follows seventeen-year-old Ellie as she navigates an emotional out-of-body journey after her death by suicide, piecing together memories, relationships, trauma, and the moments that shaped her life. Told in an epistolary-like style, the novel sensitively explores mental health, generational trauma, grief, love, and the possibility of hope even in the darkest moments.

During the conversation, Rocky discusses the cathartic process of writing, the importance of creating safe spaces for honest conversations about mental health, and how art can serve as both expression and survival. She also talks about her advocacy work through HoldOn2Hope, a project uniting creatives in suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

Learn more about Rocky Callen: https://rockycallen.com/ 
Pre-order A Breath Too Late: https://abreathtoolate.com/ 
Learn more about HoldOn2Hope: https://www.holdon2hope.org/