Episodes

  • Adventure and Hope - Tim Shoemaker on Writing Authentic Stories for Young Readers

    Adventure and Hope - Tim Shoemaker on Writing Authentic Stories for Young Readers
    Jul 23 2025
    In this compelling episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, award-winning author Tim Shoemaker discusses his High Water series, the importance of authentic research, and finding light in darkness. Find the full show notes at readcleanya.com
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    38 mins
  • Piecing Together The Broken - Candace Kade's Augmented Finds Beauty in Brokenness

    Piecing Together The Broken - Candace Kade's Augmented Finds Beauty in Brokenness
    Jul 9 2025
    In this compelling episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, author Candace Kade discusses her Hybrid trilogy, the power of cultural authenticity in storytelling, and how brokenness can become beauty. For the full show notes visit: readcleanya.com
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    30 mins
  • Monsters and Mercy Collide in Lyndsey Lewellen's The Crier Stone

    Monsters and Mercy Collide in Lyndsey Lewellen's The Crier Stone
    Jun 25 2025
    In this compelling episode of Read Clean YA with C.J. Milacci, author Lyndsey Lewellen discusses her upcoming novel The Crier Stone, the power of storytelling to address deep spiritual themes, and her journey from reluctant reader to published author. Find the full show notes at readcleanya.com
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    26 mins
  • Forgiveness, Faith, and Fire-Breathing Dragons - Inside Bryan Davis's "The Sacred Scales"

    Forgiveness, Faith, and Fire-Breathing Dragons - Inside Bryan Davis's "The Sacred Scales"
    Jun 11 2025
    In this compelling episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, bestselling author Bryan Davis discusses his new novel The Sacred Scales, the power of sacrificial love in storytelling, and his journey from computer programmer to a novelist who has sold over a million books. Find the full notes at readcleanya.com
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    26 mins
  • Breaking Barriers Through Story - Bradley Caffee on Prejudice, Healing, Captive

    Breaking Barriers Through Story - Bradley Caffee on Prejudice, Healing, Captive
    May 28 2025
    In this compelling episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, bestselling author Bradley Caffee discusses his groundbreaking new science fiction novel Captive and how speculative fiction can tackle deep societal issues in unique ways. Go to readcleanya.com for the full show notes!
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    27 mins
  • A Game-Changing Adventure - S.D. Smith's Kickstarter Brings Readers Into the Green Ember Universe

    A Game-Changing Adventure - S.D. Smith's Kickstarter Brings Readers Into the Green Ember Universe
    May 14 2025
    S.D. Smith, the bestselling author beloved for his Green Ember series, is back with an exciting new project that is nothing short of game-changing...literally. Through his latest Kickstarter campaign, Smith is bringing fans into the world of Helmer in the Dragon Tomb, a thrilling new novel that also marks the first-ever gamization of the Green Ember universe. This unique project is making waves not just for its creativity but for its bold vision of combining storytelling and gaming in a way that’s family-friendly, inspiring, and deeply meaningful. Find the full episode show notes at readcleanya.com.
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    37 mins
  • Dragons, Virtues, and Epic Adventures - Katherine Briggs on Writing Speculative Fiction

    Dragons, Virtues, and Epic Adventures - Katherine Briggs on Writing Speculative Fiction
    Apr 30 2025
    Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, where we explore clean, engaging books for teens and young adults. Today, we're diving into a conversation with Katherine Briggs about her latest fantasy novel and the power of speculative fiction. Find the full show notes at readcleanya.com.
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    30 mins
  • Dystopian Intrigue and Biblical Retellings - A Conversation with L.E. Richmond

    Dystopian Intrigue and Biblical Retellings - A Conversation with L.E. Richmond
    Apr 16 2025
    Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, where we explore clean, engaging books for teens and young adults. Today, we're diving into a conversation with L.E. Richmond about her latest dystopian novel.
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    Less than 1 minute