C.J. Milacci Short Bio

Speaker, award-winning author, and host of the Read Clean YA with CJ podcast, CJ Milacci is passionate about empowering teens and young adults through her inspiring stories and engaging speaking events. With over a decade of experience in youth and young adult ministry, CJ has witnessed firsthand the struggles and pain they face. Her stories and talks seek to bring hope, healing, and the message that each person has a unique, God-given purpose. As the podcast host for Read Clean YA with CJ, she loves talking about books and the deeper themes woven into the pages of each novel. She’s passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance. Always willing to get real about hard issues, C.J. also enjoys the cheesiest of puns. She chats about writing, her faith, bubble tea, and other fun adventures online (@cjmilacci) and at cjmilacci.com.

C.J. Milacci Long Bio

C.J. Milacci is the award-winning author of the Talionis Series, and the host for the Read Clean YA with CJ podcast. With each story she writes, she seeks to take her readers on a grand adventure, where good overcomes evil, hope pierces the darkest of places, and unlikely heroes emerge as they embrace who God created them to be. After spending over a decade in youth and young adult ministry, CJ has witnessed the struggles and pain teens and young adults experience and the wounds that cut so deep. She’s passionate about letting the next generation know they were created for a purpose and there can be healing from the pain they’ve faced in their lives.

CJ loves engaging with students and encouraging them in the art of writing and pursuing what God has called them to, no matter what that may look like. She’s spoken in a variety of places from homeschool co-ops to elementary school classrooms and even to university students. Additionally, she’s spoken at a ministry helping homeless women and children in the inner-city of Philadelphia, one-on-one with students, and in workshops for young writers.

Always willing to get real about hard issues, C.J. also enjoys the cheesiest of puns. She chats about writing, her faith, bubble tea, and other fun adventures online (@cjmilacci) and at cjmilacci.com.

CJ Milacci is also the Podcast Host for Read Clean YA with CJ

The podcast for teen and young adult readers who want to explore exciting worlds, deep themes, and epic stories — without the objectionable content.

Each week, CJ sits down with different authors to discuss their stories and the deep themes behind them. You can find out more about her podcast here.

Some Past Speaking Engagements

Novel Marketing Conference 2025 (Keynote Speaker)
Teach Them Dilligently, Pigeon Forge (2024)
CHAP Convention (2024)
CJ has also spoken:
- At Church Youth Groups
- As a Special Speaker for Various Ministries
- At Homeschool Co-ops

Speaking Topics

The Power of Stories to Teach Life Lessons…When a Sermon Just Isn’t Cutting It

Join award-winning author C.J. Milacci to discover how stories can be powerful tools for discipling the next generation. Drawing from beloved classics like Cinderella to biblical narratives, learn practical ways to use storytelling to communicate eternal truths and develop biblical discernment in your children and teens. This session explores how to:

Identify biblical themes and eternal truths hidden in familiar tales
Guide children and teens in analyzing stories through a Christian worldview
Use storytelling and analogies to make spiritual concepts relatable
Develop discernment skills for evaluating media and literature
Connect everyday stories to God’s grand narrative of redemption

Perfect for parents seeking creative ways to weave biblical teaching into their children’s lives through the timeless power of story.

The Inciting Incident is Just the Beginning: Living Out Your Calling

Think your faith story isn’t dramatic enough? Join author CJ Milacci to discover how God is crafting an extraordinary purpose through your life right now. Through the lens of storytelling, learn:

The incredible power of a faithful testimony
How today’s choices become tomorrow’s turning points
The powerful ways God redeems our struggles
How your unique gifts fit His master plan
Ways to live intentionally for Christ right now
Tools for living with eternal perspective

Perfect for parents and teens seeking to understand their role in God’s greater story and live purposefully for Him.

Thriving in the Chaos: Finding Strength and Purpose in a Turbulent World

CJ equips participants with the mindset and tools necessary to navigate and thrive in a chaotic world. This workshop focuses on discovering one’s God-given purpose and building resilience amidst adversity. CJ encourages parents to continue nurturing their children’s faith and potential, recognizing that they are preparing the future generation God will use to draw hearts to Himself. This session aids in equipping the next generation to find strength and purpose through their faith.

The Building Blocks of Becoming an Author

Join award-winning author CJ Milacci as she shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author. In this encouraging and practical session, CJ breaks down the essential building blocks every writer needs, including: discovering your “why,” mastering the craft, embracing different seasons of growth, and building meaningful connections in the writing community. Whether your student dreams of writing novels or simply wants to improve their storytelling skills, they’ll learn valuable insights about the writing and publishing process. CJ shares hard-won wisdom about balancing creative passion with practical steps, the importance of perseverance, and how to maintain vision through challenges.

How to Kickstart Your Debut Novel

Learn how to successfully launch your first book using Kickstarter’s crowdfunding platform. This practical session covers essential strategies for engaging readers, funding publishing costs, and building a supportive community before your book hits the shelves. Perfect for aspiring teen and adult authors, you’ll discover:

How to determine if Kickstarter is right for your project
Critical preparation steps for a successful campaign
Ways to build your audience before launch
Tips for creating compelling rewards
Common pitfalls to avoid

Led by award-winning author, C.J. Milacci who has run several successful Kickstarters for her books and mentored other writers through successful Kickstarter campaigns ranging from $1,000 to $16,000+.