Read Clean YA with CJ Episode Eighteen
Bridging Realms: Exploring Identity, Belonging, and Divine Timing with YA Author Karen Grunst
Episode Show Notes:
Episode Overview:
Summary
In this episode, CJ Milacci interviews author Karen Grunst about her Sacred Fire Saga. They discuss the unique world-building and characters in the series, as well as the themes of identity, belonging, and trusting God’s timing. Karen shares her inspiration from national parks and the importance of the Bible in her writing. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Karen and explore her books.
Takeaways
- The Sacred Fire Saga explores themes of identity, belonging, and trusting God’s timing.
- The series features unique world-building and characters, including a protagonist with a peacemaker gift.
- Inspiration can come from unexpected places, such as national parks and personal experiences.
- The Bible is a valuable source of wisdom and guidance for writers and readers alike.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction
02:05
The Sacred Fire Saga
03:15
Unique Gifting and World-building
04:24
Inspiration and Timing
07:19
Themes of Identity and Belonging
10:11
Favorite Characters and Character Growth
13:38
Themes of Timing and Trusting God
18:02
Themes of Community and Mentorship
19:49
Takeaways from Sacred Fire
22:34
Inspiration from National Parks
29:11
The Importance of the Bible
29:58
Connect with Karen Grunst
Wrapping things Up: from CJ
I hope you enjoyed listening in on this conversation with Karen Grunst. Karen is so sweet, and I loved getting to chat with her and know her better.
If you’re looking for an epic fantasy adventure, with deep themes, I think you’ll enjoy Karen’s Sacred Fire Saga. Since we recorded this episode, book two, The Fourth Scroll, released, so you can grab both books and enjoy the adventure.
Next Time on Read Clean YA with CJ
If you are part of my email list, you know that I have decided to make Read Clean YA with CJ a two episode a month podcast for the next few months. That means, you can expect new episodes on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. I have more fun interviews with other wonderful young adult authors coming up, and I can’t wait for you to listen in. Next time, I’ll be talking with Karen Grunst, author of Sacred Fire. If you’re looking an exciting fantasy read, you’re going to enjoy this interview and the story.
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.
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Karen Grunst
Author
Karen’s fascination with speculative fiction began while sitting transfixed on the floor of her 3rd grade classroom listening to her teacher read A Wrinkle in Time. A love affair with The Chronicles of Narnia soon followed. As an adult, she enjoys reading most genres but fantasy holds a special place in her heart.
Epic series, especially those written from a Christian worldview, inspired Karen to create the Sacred Fire Saga for young adult readers. Aclesia, the name of the fictional land, is a play on the Greek word, ekklesia, meaning those who are called out. The characters in Sacred Fire grapple with their aspirations and fears, gifts and flaws, faith and doubts. Like us, each is called to play a role in a story much grander than they realize.
When Karen is not writing, revising, or planning her next book launch she often can be found on the tennis court taking her literary frustrations out on a little yellow ball. She also enjoys hiking with her husband and sons in the national parks. The spectacular landscapes provide rich setting ideas she can’t wait to utilize in future novels.
About Your Host
CJ Milacci is the award-winning author of The Talionis series, and she writes stories for teens and young adults with heart-pounding action and hope. As a referee, she’s always relearning the hard lesson that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and she’s discovered that stories can be found anywhere, even on a lacrosse field. She’s passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance.
CJ Milacci is the award-winning author of The Talionis Series, and she writes stories for teens and young adults with heart-pounding action and hope. As a referee, she’s always relearning the hard lesson that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and she’s discovered that stories can be found anywhere, even on a lacrosse field. She’s passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance.
Recruit of Talionis, Book 1
A teen with a dark past. A secret military force that kidnaps new soldiers. Can she survive as a Recruit of Talionis?
Fugitive of Talionis, Book 2
They kidnapped her. Trained her. And now they’re hunting her.
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