Exploring Space, Identity, and Adventure with Young Adult Author EA Hendryx

Episode Show Notes:

Introduction:

In this exciting episode of “Read Clean YA with CJ,” award-winning young adult author CJ Milacci dives into a captivating interview with EA Hendryx, a talented author who loves creating exciting worlds in space. Join them as they discuss her newest book, “Suspended in the Stars,” a thrilling blend of science fantasy that takes readers on an epic adventure across the galaxy.

Exploring the Story:

“Suspended in the Stars” is a must-read for young adults and teens who crave epic adventure and sweet romance. It’s a story that blends the excitement of “The Greatest Showman” with the grandeur of “Star Wars.” The tale revolves around a girl in hiding and a rogue soldier on the run, brought together by fate to save the galaxy. The story unfolds on a space circus ship, the Spaceship Midway, adding an exciting twist to the adventure.

Meet the Author:

EA Hendryx, a talented author, graphic designer, photographer, and podcaster, shares her creative journey and inspiration behind her first young adult novel. She describes her story as a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy, incorporating advanced technology while leaving room for unexplained phenomena, adding a touch of the unknown to the narrative.

Story Origins:

EA Hendryx takes us back to the moment when the idea for “Suspended in the Stars” first sparked. A walk through an Ohio forest was the catalyst, leading her to imagine a traveling circus in space with a mysterious spy. As she explains, this idea evolved over the years and eventually became the foundation for the book we now know. It’s a testament to the power of imagination and how stories can take on a life of their own.

Characters and Transformation:

CJ and Emilie discuss the characters in the story, particularly Renner, the male protagonist, who undergoes a significant transformation throughout the narrative. Renner starts as a carefree character but matures as the story progresses, all while maintaining his love for muffins. EA also highlights Tally, who grapples with issues of identity and the pressure to fulfill certain expectations, making her a relatable character for young readers.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Elements:

The conversation takes an intriguing turn as EA shares some Easter eggs hidden within the story. She mentions the phrase “sweet muffins,” which almost got removed from the book but was preserved due to its quirky charm. Additionally, the planet Maloran from another story idea is subtly connected to “Suspended in the Stars,” providing a fascinating link between different aspects of her fictional universe.

Deeper Themes:

While EA initially set out to write “Suspended in the Stars” for pure entertainment, she acknowledges that deeper themes emerged during the writing process. The story subtly addresses themes of identity and the struggle to be true to oneself, particularly relevant to young readers navigating the complexities of adolescence. EA believes that, in the end, good should always triumph over evil, and her stories reflect this belief.

Emilie discusses the deeper layers in her book, where entertaining storytelling is interwoven with themes of personal growth and identity. “Suspended in the Stars” is not just a romance but a story that encourages readers to embrace who they are while providing an opportunity to escape into a captivating world.

Emilie’s desire is for readers, particularly teens, to be able to relate to and root for the characters in the story. The book presents a clean and enjoyable romance suitable for a wide audience, and it’s ultimately a story that resonates with those who seek both entertainment and meaningful messages.

Emilie’s Writing Journey

The conversation delves into the creative process behind the novel and explores Emilie’s journey as a writer.

Emilie also touches on her love for writing, which began at a young age when she would craft stories and play with her imagination. Her passion for reading was ignited by books on tape, and the “Harry Potter” series played a significant role in her journey as a reader.

The interview provides insights into Emilie’s writing process, her preferences, and her diverse creative interests, including graphic design and playing the guitar. Additionally, she shares her experiences of moving to Indiana and her love for exploring new places with her husband.

CJ Milacci, the podcast host, reveals that Emilie is not only a talented author but also the designer of the remarkable covers for her books. They discuss the importance of book covers in capturing readers’ attention and setting the right expectations for the story.

Where to find EA Hendryx

In closing, Emilie shares where readers and listeners can find her and her books. She is most active on Instagram under the handle @createexploreread, where she engages with her audience and discusses her books. For her romantic suspense and cozy mystery novels, readers can visit EmilieHaney.com.

Conclusion:

“Suspended in the Stars” is a captivating blend of science fantasy, adventure, and deeper themes, making it a must-read for teens and young adults. EA Hendryx’s imaginative storytelling offers readers a thrilling escape into a world filled with intriguing characters, exciting technology, and a dash of the unknown. As you immerse yourself in this fantastic story, be prepared to explore the depths of identity and the triumph of good over evil.

Wrapping things Up: from CJ

I hope you enjoyed the conversation with EA Hendryx. Emilie is a truly wonderful human being and I am thankful to have her as my friend, cover designer, and a fellow author on this journey. It was a delight for me to get to have this conversation with her and share it with you.

I had the privilege of writing an endorsement for Suspended in the Stars, and I thought I would share it here: From the soaring heights of a circus spaceship, to the depths of political intrigue and corruption, Suspended in the Stars will bring you to the edge of your seat and careen you through epic twists and turns. Hendryx delivers an adventure of galactic measures that will leave readers desperate for more.

If you’re looking for an intergalactic adventure, with a sweet romance, and a fun sci-fi fantasy escape, you’ll love Suspended in the Stars

Note for Sensitive Readers

I will reiterate what Emilie and I talked about during the episode: this is a kissing book, and the romance is a larger part of the plot. So if you’re not quite sure if you’re ready for a more romance-heavy story, I would have a trusted parent, guardian or friend read it first. There are also some intense action scenes and moments in the story, but nothing at all graphic.

Don’t forget the giveaway!

Emilie has also graciously agreed to be part of our Epic Christmas giveaway, and she’s participating in two different ways! She’s included a copy of Suspended in the Stars and we will also have two additional prizes from her shop: a bookish mug and t-shirt, winners choice. All of her mugs and t-shirts are AMAZING, so be sure to head over to the giveaway page and enter.

Here’s the link: https://kingsumo.com/g/tdijpz/epic-christmas-goodies-giveaway

Coming Next Week

Next week I’ll be talking with my friend and fellow young adult author Clint Hall, author of Steal Fire from the Gods.

This sci-fi story is an adventure, and my chat with Clint was a lot of fun. He’s also a podcast host, so we had some funny moments throughout the interview where it felt like we switched places and he was interviewing me instead of the other way around. So I think you’ll have fun hearing that episode and if you’re looking for an exciting sci-fi read, you’re gonna love Clint’s book.

Thank you so much for listening to Read Clean YA with CJ. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend so they can discover exciting, clean young adult books too.