Embracing Found Family and Redemption in a Steampunk Fantasy World with RJ Metcalf

Episode Show Notes:

Introduction:

Welcome to Read Clean YA with CJ! In a candid and illuminating podcast interview with CJ Milacci, RJ Metcalf unveils the multifaceted world of the Stones of Terrene Chronicles. From favorite characters to the unexpected evolution of themes, this discussion provides an enthralling peek into the mind behind this enchanting saga.

Embark on a journey through RJ Metcalf’s Stones of Terrene Chronicles, a realm where steampunk innovation intersects with fantastical elements and dragons.

Exploring the Fusion: Steampunk, Fantasy, and the Stones of Terrene Chronicles

Metcalf introduces the Stones of Terrene Chronicles, a vibrant world that seamlessly merges elements of steampunk with fantastical themes. This concoction, featuring airships, dragons, and magical artifacts alongside familiar technological elements, captivates listeners, inviting them to envision this exciting universe.

Plot and Themes: Diving Deep into Renegade Skyfarer

Delving into Renegade Skyfarer’s core essence, Metcalf tantalizes the audience with glimpses into the multifaceted plot. With characters grappling with amnesia, buried secrets, found family dynamics, and moral dilemmas, the narrative weaves a rich tapestry of introspection and transformation.

Collaborative Creation: The Genesis of the Series

Metcalf unfolds the collaborative process with her husband, Mike, revealing how his initial concept birthed the series. From comprehensive world-building sessions to leveraging family expertise for intricate story elements, the interview highlights the familial and collaborative essence fueling the series’ creation.

Contextualizing Inspirations: Echoes of Beloved Works

Drawing parallels with iconic works like Dragonlance, Jamie Foley’s Sentinel trilogy, and the immersive universe of Final Fantasy, Metcalf elucidates how these influences resonate within the Stones of Terrene Chronicles. These connections offer potential readers a glimpse into the eclectic blend of inspirations driving the series.

Favorite Character Insights: Crafting Depth and Complexity

When asked about her favorite character, Metcalf’s response unfolds into a mosaic of perspectives. From Blade’s unorthodox charm to Jade’s emotional depth, and even Weston’s surprising transformation, she reveals the intricacies of characters she enjoyed bringing to life.

Themes Explored: Found Family, Perseverance, and Redemption Arcs

Delving into the thematic undercurrents, Metcalf elaborates on the emergence of themes like found family, perseverance, and redemption arcs within the series. From initially unconscious inclusion to recognizing their personal resonance, she shares how these themes organically intertwined with her life experiences, adding depth and relatability to her narratives.

Found Family and Redemption: Personal Echoes in the Story

Found family emerges as a pivotal theme, paralleling Metcalf’s own life experiences of adopting close connections beyond blood relations. She reflects on the serendipity of how themes like redemption found their way into the series, portraying characters’ journeys mirroring universal human struggles and the hope for personal growth.

The Writing Journey Unveiled: From Reluctance to Revelation

Metcalf reminisces on her unexpected foray into writing. Initially, the idea of becoming an author wasn’t part of her ambitions. However, inspired by her husband’s story concept and prompted by a chance encounter with author Jamie Foley, she embarked on a transformative journey, ultimately becoming an acclaimed author with multiple books published.

Upcoming Endeavors and Creative Pursuits: Minecraft and Future Worlds

Beyond crafting epic narratives, Metcalf shares her present-day creative pursuits. Amidst the homeschooling responsibilities and directorial duties, she enjoys hosting her Minecraft YouTube channel, a creative outlet allowing for a different form of expression. Moreover, she hints at forthcoming ideas for a new world and stories waiting to be penned down.

Where to Find RJ Metcalf’s Works: Exploring the Renegade Skyfarer Universe

Readers seeking adventure in the Stones of Terrene Chronicles can find Metcalf’s books on Fayette Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kindle. Links to her Minecraft channel will also be provided for enthusiasts eager to join her digital endeavors.

Conclusion: A Revelatory Voyage through Renegade Skyfarer

The interview serves as a portal into the intricate and captivating world crafted by RJ Metcalf. From character revelations to thematic insights and glimpses into her writing odyssey, the conversation offers a compelling invitation to explore the diverse landscapes of her imaginative universe.

Metcalf’s revelations about the fusion of steampunk, fantasy, and collaborative creativity promise readers an immersive reading experience. The interview stands as a beacon, beckoning audiences into an enchanting world of adventure.

Wrapping things Up: from CJ

I hope you enjoyed the conversation with RJ Metcalf.

If you’re looking for an epic adventure, with steampunk elements, dragons, magic, and intrigue, you’ll love Renegade Skyfarer and the other books in this series.

Note for Sensitive Readers

For young or sensitive readers, I recommend having a parent or trusted adult read this series first. There are some difficult themes addressed throughout the series that may be a little too much for a younger reader, and there are moments of violence throughout.

Don’t forget the giveaway!

RJ has also graciously agreed to be part of our Epic Christmas giveaway, and she’s including a copy of Renegade Skyfarer. So be sure to head over to the giveaway page and enter for your chance to win this book along with all the other amazing goodies in the Christmas Giveaway.

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

Coming Next Week

Last week I recommended giving books for Christmas this year, and I have put together a blog post with links to all the different books we’ve talked about on this podcast. You can find the link in the show notes.

Since Christmas is right around the corner, I’ll be doing something a little different (and much shorter) for next week’s episode, so be sure to tune in.

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.