Read Clean YA with CJ

CJ Milacci
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Read Clean YA with CJ

Read Clean YA with CJ is the podcast for teen and young adult readers who want to explore exciting worlds, deep themes, and epic stories -- without the objectionable content. Hosted by award-winning young adult author CJ Milacci

  1. Beyond the Strong Queen: Community and Emotion in Rayleigh Setser's Fantasy

    HACE 1 DÍA

    Beyond the Strong Queen: Community and Emotion in Rayleigh Setser's Fantasy

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    26 min

  2. 7 NOV

    Adventure, Family, and Fantasy: Inside Jenelle Schmidt's "The Orb and the Airship"

    Welcome to another exciting episode of Read Clean YA with C.J.! Today, we're exploring the fantastical world of The Orb and the Airship with author Jenelle Schmidt, whose love for storytelling began with her father's nightly reading sessions. A rogue airship captain.An ambitious youth.A clash of powers beyond their imagination. Find the full episode show notes at readcleanya.com. Links to Things Discussed in this Episode The Orb and the Airship (affiliate link)  Jenelle’s Website

    29 min

  3. 23 OCT

    Stories That Wake Us Up: S.D. Smith on Writing Truth Through Fiction

    Welcome to the Read Clean YA with C.J. podcast! In this episode, we dive into an enlightening interview with S.D. Smith, author of the million-plus selling Green Ember series and co-author of Jack Zulu and The Waylander’s Key.  A world in the balance.A boy with a fateful choice.A girl with golden wings. Jack Zulu explores a new realm in this fantastic adventure that stretches beyond Earth and into a world on the edge of destruction. Jack must search for answers about his fallen father’s story and risk everything to save the cause at the lost city of gold. Find the episode Show Notes here  Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key S.D. Smith’s Website Follow Sam on Instagram: @sdsmithereens

    40 min

  4. 10 JUL

    Finding Light in the Darkness with YA Author Nadine Brandes

    Links to Things Discussed in this Episode The Nightmare Virus (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3zwJDoZ  Nadine’s Instagram: @Nadinebrandes Nadine Brandes’s Website: https://nadinebrandes.com CJ’s Upcoming Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cjmilacci/enemy-of-talionis-a-young-adult-sci-fi-dystopian-novel  Welcome to Read Clean YA with CJ, the podcast for teens and young adults who want to explore exciting worlds, deep themes, and epic stories without the objectionable content. In today's episode, award-winning young adult author CJ Milacci welcomes back her friend and fellow young adult author, Nadine Brandes, to discuss her latest novel, "The Nightmare Virus". The Nightmare Virus: A Journey Through Parallel Worlds Nadine Brandes’ new novel, "The Nightmare Virus", delves into the harrowing concept of a virus that targets the mind, creating a parallel universe within dreams. The protagonist, Cain, embarks on a quest to find a cure for this nightmarish affliction. "When people fall asleep, they enter an alternate universe of sorts in their mind called the nightmare virus. And so everyone who falls asleep wakes up in there and it's a different world." A Spiritual Exploration At its core, "The Nightmare Virus" is a profound exploration of spiritual themes, drawing a parallel between our earthly existence and the eternal kingdom. This concept is deeply rooted in Nadine’s personal experiences and her faith. "The parallel world aspect is what really got me excited about this story. Looking at, you know, from a spiritual standpoint, that this world is not our home and we're meant for a kingdom above." CJ and Nadine reflect on the transient nature of our world and the eternal desires that point us towards a higher purpose. This theme resonates with one of C.S. Lewis’s famous quotes: "If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy, I can only conclude that I was not made for this world." The Battle Within the Mind Nadine shares how her own struggles with nightmares during college influenced the story. These personal battles provided a unique perspective on the spiritual warfare that occurs within our minds. "I had horrible, horrible nightmares all the time, multiple times a night. I tried all of the things to get rid of them... and just, I tried so much to make them stop and they wouldn't stop." This theme of overcoming internal darkness through faith and trust in God’s purpose is central to the narrative. Purpose and Fulfillment The novel also explores the idea of finding purpose in a seemingly chaotic world. As Cain navigates the nightmare universe, he grapples with the reality of his existence and the ultimate fulfillment of his desires. "The deepest longings in our heart are all connected to our creator, right? And so we can't have them completely fulfilled until we have perfect union with him in heaven one day." Character and Theme Integration Nadine’s character development is closely tied to the themes of the story. Cain’s journey reflects the struggle of remembering our higher purpose amid life's distractions and challenges. "Cain really felt like he took on a personality of his own as I was writing him... He was very snarky. And he definitely had his own voice." Bringing Light to Darkness One of the most powerful aspects of "The Nightmare Virus" is its message of hope and redemption. Nadine emphasizes how God can transform our darkest moments into opportunities for growth and revelation. CJ comments: "Isn't it fascinating how sometimes God takes the darkest things in our life and He's like, 'I'm going to actually use that to show my light and my truth in a new way.'" Final Thoughts "The Nightmare Virus" is a compelling narrative that intertwines adventure with deep spiritual insights. Nadine Brandes masterfully uses her personal experiences and faith to create a story that not only entertains but also inspires readers to reflect on their own s

    35 min

  5. 26 JUN

    How to Have Courage and Faith in a Broken World with YA Author Megan Schaulis

    Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/  Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Protector (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4ez7F2N  Purchase Protector from White Crown Publishing   Purchase a Signed Copy of Protector  Megan Schaulis’s Website: https://meganschaulis.com   Welcome to the Read Clean YA with CJ podcast! In this episode, we dive into an exciting interview with young adult author Megan Schaulis, whose debut novel Protector is a YA dystopian retelling of Esther. Join us as we explore her inspirations, the unique twists in her story, and the deeper themes she weaves into her narrative. Meet Megan Schaulis After a year of traveling the country in a 100 square foot camper, Megan Schaulis returned home and wrote her first novel. With a BA in journalism from Arizona State University and experience as a special education teacher, Megan has always been passionate about helping young people fall in love with reading and writing. Now, she channels her creativity into her branding agency and her writing. Her debut novel Protector released in April 2024 with White Crown Publishing. It’s a fresh take on the biblical story of Esther, set in a near-future dystopian world. Reimagining Esther in a Dystopian World Megan Schaulis' Protector takes the historical account of Esther from the Old Testament and reinvents it in a near-future dystopian society driven by solar technology, nanotechnology, and genetic engineering. "I completely reinvented a world, real world. It's not a magical story. It's not a fantasy, but it's so it's in a near future dystopian world that's a little bit broken and a little bit off." - Megan Schaulis This unique setting allows for a fresh exploration of the themes and questions that arise from Esther's story, particularly the intriguing aspect that the biblical book of Esther does not mention God. The Birth of "Protector" Like many authors, Megan’s debut novel is not the first book she ever wrote. She shared how the idea for Protector came from a random note she jotted down in her phone: "Esther Ninja Warrior". "Basically something along the lines of like, what if the competition sort of old world beauty pageant to be queen, what if it was a physical competition to become the king's bodyguard?" - Megan Schaulis This idea sparked the creation of a story where the protagonist, Novalise (or Astra), competes in a physical competition against genetically enhanced rivals to become the king’s bodyguard. A Unique Protagonist in Novalise Novalise, the protagonist of Protector, is an athletic yet normal human competing against opponents enhanced with nanotechnology. This dynamic creates an intense narrative where Novalise must constantly prove herself. "She's in a situation where she's the only one who has a standard body and she can't let anyone know that." - Megan Schaulis Her journey is not just physical but also deeply emotional and mental, challenging her to push beyond her limits. Themes in "Protector" One of the major themes in Protector is the power of a relationship with God. Despite the futuristic and dystopian setting, the story emphasizes that this relationship is the greatest advantage one can have. "A relationship with God is the greatest advantage that you will ever have or ever need." - Megan Schaulis Novalise's hidden conversations with a higher power, referred to as Alpha, add a profound layer to the narrative, highlighting the internal struggle of maintaining faith in a challenging environment. Comparisons and Influences Megan Schaulis’ Protector has drawn comparisons to other popular YA dystopian series. She pitched her book as "The Selection meets American Ninja Warrior". Other comparable works include: Matched by Ali Condie Divergent by Veronica Roth These comparisons give readers an idea of the exciting and intense world they can expect in Protector. Conclusion Megan Schaulis' Protector prom

    32 min

  6. 12 JUN

    How Loyalty, Courage, and Faithfulness Can Transform Your Life with YA Author James R. Hannibal

    Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/  Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Wolf Soldier (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3RIQKkL  Bear Knight (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3RkDClj Lion Warrior (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4cbrCuD  The Lightraiders Website: https://lightraiders.com  James R. Hannibal’s Website: https://jamesrhannibal.com Exploring Deeper Themes in the Light Raider Academy Series with Author James R. Hannibal Welcome to Read Clean YA with CJ, the podcast dedicated to teens and young adults eager to explore thrilling worlds, profound themes, and epic stories—minus the objectionable content. I'm your host, award-winning young adult author CJ Milacci. In this episode, we dive into an enlightening interview with James R. Hannibal, a former stealth pilot turned multi-award-winning author of suspense and fantasy novels for both adults and children. Meet James R. Hannibal James R. Hannibal has a remarkable background. He's been shot at, locked up with missiles, and even pursued by an armed terrorist on a winding German road. These experiences have undoubtedly shaped his gripping storytelling. Today, he's the esteemed author behind the Light Raider Academy series, which is perfect for teen boys looking for adventurous and meaningful reads. "James writes books for teen boys and really has a heart to see them get lost in great stories, but also have incredible content that they're discovering through those as well." The Light Raider Academy Series: A Journey of Faith and Adventure The Light Raider Academy series is not just a collection of books; it's a mission to equip the next generation with profound lessons and biblical truths. The series currently has three books, with the latest one just released. The stories are deeply interconnected with a game, providing an interactive layer to the reading experience. The Inspiration and Legacy Hannibal shared the fascinating backstory of the Light Raider Academy series: "This world was created for a youth discipleship program in the 1980s by a man named Dick Wolf, a navigator's author and Christian counselor. This world had a big effect on me as a teenager." The series evolved from an old boxed set of a game called Dragon Raid, which Hannibal experienced firsthand. When his own children reached their teen years, Hannibal was inspired to revive and expand this world into a full-fledged literary series and game. Unveiling the Deeper Themes The Light Raider Academy trilogy is about young cadets rekindling the fires of Light Raider Academy to combat the encroaching evil from the Dragon Lands. Each book in the series carries a significant theme: Wolf Soldier: Loyalty to the mission Bear Knight: Physical and moral courage Lion Warrior: Faithfulness "Each book in the series also has a theme. The theme in Wolf Soldier is loyalty to the mission. The theme in Bear Knight is both physical and moral courage. And the theme in Lion Warrior that just came out today is faithfulness." Loyalty to the Mission In Wolf Soldier, readers are introduced to the concept of loyalty, particularly to the mission of the "Rescuer," a Christ-like figure in the series. This theme underscores the importance of prioritizing the Rescuer's mission over personal desires. Physical and Moral Courage Bear Knight delves into the essence of courage. Hannibal explores both physical courage and moral fortitude, encouraging readers to stand up for their beliefs and act bravely in the face of challenges. Faithfulness The latest release, Lion Warrior, emphasizes the virtue of faithfulness. This theme highlights the significance of remaining steadfast and loyal to one's beliefs and commitments, even when faced with adversity. Connecting Stories and Games The Light Raider Academy series offers a unique blend of storytelling and interactive gameplay. The books and the game share a cohesive universe,

    28 min

  7. 15 MAY

    Exploring Themes of Forgiveness and Faith in "The Chaos Grid"

    Episode Show Notes: Introduction In this episode of the Read Clean YA podcast, host CJ Milacci interviews young adult author Lyndsey Lewellen about her debut dystopian novel, The Chaos Grid. Set in a futuristic Texas wasteland filled with monsters and storms, the story follows a girl who joins a crew of truckers to avoid becoming the savior of the dome city that murdered her parents. Inspiration Behind "The Chaos Grid" Lyndsey shares that the initial spark for the story came while she was stuck in traffic, wondering "what if all of these cars weren't here?" This led her to imagine a world where people stayed inside their cities, with truckers braving the dangerous wastelands to transport essential supplies. She also cites influences like Mad Max, Dune, Tremors, and Blade Runner. Key Themes: Forgiveness and Faith While discussing the book, Lewellen and Milacci dove into some of the powerful themes woven throughout the story. One of the central themes Lyndsey explores in The Chaos Grid is the far-reaching impact of our choices. "Sometimes we think we live in a vacuum and that whatever we do is just going to affect us and that's it. And it's not the case," she explains. The story also wrestles with the challenge of forgiving others, even when it seems unthinkable. As Lewellen explained: "I think the core theme for this story is what happens to us when we choose our own way over God's way and how does that affect other people around us? Sometimes we think we live in a vacuum and that whatever we do is just going to affect us and that's it. And it's not the case." She went on to pose the question: "How can you forgive someone when you have every reason not to? ... What if they kill someone in your family? Like, what are you going to do then if God calls you to forgive that person?" This is the struggle the protagonist Juniper wrestles with. As Milacci pointed out, forgiveness like this feels beyond human capacity: "I really don't know how it's possible without God's grace in our own lives. Because I think when we hit those moments, it is like, how do you overcome and forgive and show love to somebody who's harmed you so much and so intentionally, you know, that's, I think that's something that's beyond us as humans on our own, in our own strength and in our own power." They emphasize the importance of distinguishing forgiveness from trust, and acknowledge that while God calls us to forgive, that doesn't mean allowing harmful people unrestricted access to our lives. There is a place for boundaries. Ultimately, forgiveness is about our own hearts and relationship with God, and harboring bitterness ultimately harms yourself more than the other person. Lewellen shared how she knew this theme of forgiveness would be central to the story from the very first line she wrote: "The day Plex City burns to ash will be the best day of my life." She could see Juniper's character arc and the situations she would need to go through to get past this bitter unforgiveness. While not always an easy or comfortable theme to grapple with, it's one that is deeply resonant, as we all face moments where we must choose whether or not to forgive the seemingly unforgivable. "The Chaos Grid" promises a gripping exploration of this powerful theme through Juniper's journey in a gritty, action-packed dystopian world. Lyndsey's Author Journey Unlike many authors who have been writing since childhood, Lyndsey originally aspired to be a comic book illustrator. She struggled with mild dyslexia growing up, which made reading difficult. It wasn't until after having children that Lyndsey began writing. She was inspired by the lack of clean content in young adult fiction and her desire to write the kind of books she wanted her kids to read. The Chaos Grid is Lyndsey Lewellen's compelling debut novel that transports readers to a gritty future while exploring timeless themes of forgiveness, faith, and the far-reaching consequences of our choices. To

    30 min

  8. 17 ABR

    Discovering Hope in the Midst of Darkness and Exploring Difficult Themes in Stories with author Karyne Norton

    Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/  Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Blood of the Stars (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3Jj74E4  Karyne Norton’s Website: https://www.karynenorton.com Finding Fantasy Reads Podcast: https://www.findingfantasyreads.com Exploring Themes of Choice and Consequences in Karyne Norton's Epic Fantasy Debut "Blood of the Stars" In this episode of the Read Clean YA with CJ podcast, host CJ Milacci interviews fellow author Karyne Norton about her debut epic fantasy novel, "Blood of the Stars". The book, which launched on Kickstarter in September 2023 and is now available with retailers as of March 2024, is a story about descendants from stars, reluctant royalty, slow-burn romance, dragons, and unique creatures across over 600 pages. The Evolution of "Blood of the Stars" Karyne shares that the idea for "Blood of the Stars" started nearly 20 years ago, evolving significantly over time. She wrote snippets and scenes over the years but didn't have the discipline to write a full novel until about 10 years later. The version she rewrote two years ago differs greatly from her initial concept. Themes of Choice, Consequences, and Redemption One of the main themes in "Blood of the Stars" is the idea that we can choose between right and wrong, good and evil. The story explores whether intentions behind actions can change outcomes and if good intentions can still lead to negative consequences. Karyne wanted to present different perspectives on this topic, as she believes it's true to life and encourages valuable discussion. This theme resonates with Karyne personally, as she tends to put a lot of weight on her choices, sometimes leading to anxiety about decision-making. She believes that everyone struggles with making good choices and dealing with the outcomes of their decisions. Is "Blood of the Stars" Appropriate for Young Adults? While marketed as an adult epic fantasy, "Blood of the Stars" features a protagonist who is 17-18 years old, making it relatable to older young adults. Karyne defines "clean" in her book as having no language (G rating), PG-level romance (kissing), and PG-13 fantasy violence that is not gratuitous. The book does address some darker themes, such as self-harm and abuse, which may require conversations with younger teenagers. However, Karyne and CJ believe it's important for Christian authors to address difficult topics in their stories, as it acknowledges the reality of the world and can lead to powerful redemption arcs. Conclusion "Blood of the Stars" offers an immersive epic fantasy experience that explores deep themes of choice, consequences, and redemption. While suitable for older young adults, younger or sensitive readers may benefit from guidance when engaging with the book's darker elements. Karyne Norton's debut novel promises to captivate readers with its rich world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. Wrapping things Up: from CJ I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Karyne Norton. As I mentioned, Karyne is a dear friend, and I loved getting to do a deep dive into her debut novel with her. If you’re looking for an epic fantasy adventure, with rich world-building, a large cast of characters, slow-burn romance, and deep themes, you’re going to love Blood of the Stars.  Note for Sensitive Readers As Karyne and I addressed in this interview, there are some themes in this book that might be difficult for young or sensitive readers, so I recommend having a parent or trusted adult read the story first. Next Time on Read Clean YA with CJ Next time on Read Clean YA with CJ, I’ll be talking with young adult author Lyndsey Lewellen about her debut young adult novel, The Chaos Grid. Mad-Max comes to Texas in this futuristic story of a girl who joins a crew of truckers across a monster infested wasteland to keep from becoming t

    30 min
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Read Clean YA with CJ is the podcast for teen and young adult readers who want to explore exciting worlds, deep themes, and epic stories -- without the objectionable content. Hosted by award-winning young adult author CJ Milacci

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  • Creador
    CJ Milacci
  • Años de actividad
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodios
    34
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
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    Read Clean YA with CJ

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