Fighting for Faith and Battling Machines with author Clint Hall

Episode Show Notes:

Introduction:

Welcome to another exciting episode of “Read Clean YA with CJ,” the podcast for teens and young adults who want to explore exciting worlds, deep themes, and epic stories without the objectionable content. I’m your host, CJ Milacci, an award-winning young adult author. In this episode, we’re thrilled to have a special guest, fellow author Clint Hall. Clint is not only a storyteller but also a speaker and a podcast host. He holds a degree in communications from the University of Georgia. With seven books under his belt, “Steel Fire of the Gods” marks his debut novel.

Introducing Clint Hall

Clint Hall’s journey as a writer began in middle school, where he spent countless hours crafting comic books during English class. Remarkably, his teacher not only allowed it but supported his creative endeavors by purchasing every issue. Clint’s storytelling is known for infusing readers with a sense of hope, wonder, and adventure. His work has been published in multiple anthologies and magazines, and he was honored as a double finalist for short fiction in the 2021 Realm Awards.

In addition to his creative writing, Clint is a tech writer and has authored numerous pieces for IBM and The Weather Company. He has also contributed articles in collaboration with prestigious entities such as the Masters, Adweek, and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing.

Clint Hall’s Debut Novel: “Steal Fire of the Gods”

In this episode, we’ll delve into Clint’s debut novel, “Steal Fire of the Gods.” This exciting book incorporates elements such as artificial intelligence, elemental magic, and high-stakes action, creating a unique blend that captivates readers. The story revolves around the concept of AI analyzing natural variables and interactions, leading to the potential discovery of real magic. Imagine if machines could harness the power of elemental forces like fire, lightning, water, air, and earth. How would humanity respond to such a formidable adversary?

Clint’s inspiration for this novel came from his career as a tech writer, where he explored the use of AI in agriculture. He realized that if magic truly existed, AI would be the key to understanding its intricate workings. This revelation set the stage for “Steal Fire of the Gods.”

Clint’s protagonist, Gunner Graves, finds himself facing a crisis of faith. He’s a member of the Human Alliance, a resistance group fighting against machines armed with godlike elemental powers. Gunner’s upbringing emphasized faith and virtue, but his world is shattered when these machines, devoid of morality, wield the very forces of nature. This moral and existential conflict drives the core of the story.

Gunner’s primary motivation is not the salvation of humanity but his thirst for vengeance. He seeks to harness the same elemental power that destroyed his life to exact retribution. Although he harbors the seeds of hope, he is trapped in a cycle of despair.

The book explores the question of why a benevolent God allows suffering and tragedy in the world. Gunner’s journey is one of self-discovery, faith, and hope in a seemingly hopeless world.

Themes of Transformation

“Steal Fire of the Gods” also explores the transformation of the self. The story reveals that our deepest wounds and darkest secrets can become our greatest strengths when used to help others. Clint emphasizes how our personal struggles and vulnerabilities can serve a larger purpose.

The novel is not just a contemplative exploration of faith and philosophy; it is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that pits various magic-wielding factions against each other. The narrative is filled with dueling magic systems, magic-wielding robots, and intriguing factions that add layers of complexity to this chaotic world.

CJ Milacci’s Perspective

As a reader of “Steal Fire of the Gods,” CJ commends Clint for blending deeper themes with a thrilling storyline. She acknowledges that the book’s central theme revolves around questions of faith and suffering and how these are interwoven with the challenges of everyday life. The characters’ struggles with loss, grief, and doubt make the story relatable to readers facing similar dilemmas.

CJ also appreciates how the narrative keeps readers engaged, ensuring that the story never stalls but constantly pushes forward. The author’s ability to seamlessly intertwine Gunner’s internal journey with the external events reflects Clint’s writing skills.

The Influence of Faith and Inspiration

The conversation shifts to the topic of inspiration and faith in writing. Clint Hall shares his belief that the best elements of a story often emerge unexpectedly during the writing process. He describes it as a form of divine inspiration. Clint emphasizes that these moments of inspiration can lead to some of the most powerful and impactful aspects of a story. These aspects may not be planned but come forth organically during the writing process.

Clint Hall’s faith plays a significant role in his writing, guiding his storytelling and the themes he explores. He appreciates the idea that divine inspiration, the muse, or the subconscious all contribute to the creative process. He believes these elements are not mutually exclusive but often interwoven in the creation of a compelling narrative.

Writing with the Reader in Mind

The podcast continues with a discussion on writing with the reader in mind. CJ Milacci shares her approach, which involves considering what her readers, primarily young adults, are experiencing and the questions they are asking in a turbulent world. She aims to address these concerns through her storytelling and offers readers the opportunity to escape into a new world while finding valuable truths to carry back into their own lives.

Clint Hall, on the other hand, confesses that he doesn’t always write with a specific reader in mind. He is more focused on letting his creativity flow and writing what feels right in the moment. However, he acknowledges the value of considering the reader and their expectations in his future works.

Themes for Young Readers:

During the interview, Clint discusses how his book, “Steal Fire from the Gods,” contains elements that will resonate with younger readers, particularly teens and young adults. The central theme of faith and the struggle to maintain it, even in the face of life’s challenges, is a universal experience, making this book relevant and engaging for younger audiences. CJ and Clint discuss how these questions are coming up more and more in young readers as they seek to find answers in a turbulent world.

The Complexity of Faith:

Clint and CJ explore the complex nature of faith, especially when things go wrong and life takes unexpected turns. The discussion touches on the idea that it’s easier to convince one’s mind of the truth than one’s heart. This internal conflict is something many people experience, and Clint’s book delves into this emotional and spiritual struggle.

Clint opens up about his own journey of faith, sharing how he didn’t grow up in a religious environment. His faith evolved later in life when he started attending church, albeit initially for reasons unrelated to spirituality. This personal revelation highlights the transformative power of faith, which can emerge from unexpected circumstances.

Biblical References:

The interview also explores the use of biblical references in Clint’s book. One notable example is the story of Joseph, who faced adversity but found that God could use even the evil intentions of others for a greater purpose. Clint’s interpretation of this story adds depth and insight to his novel. He and CJ also talk about various other biblical examples of faith including Daniel and Peter.

Walking by Faith:

The conversation emphasizes the importance of making one’s faith personal, especially during the late teens and early 20s when individuals are figuring out who they want to be. Clint and CJ discuss how during dark nights of the soul, when everything seems to fall apart, it becomes crucial to choose faith even when circumstances challenge it. This message offers hope and guidance to readers facing similar struggles.

Learning from Stories:

Clint and CJ express their shared love for using stories to convey deeper truths. They believe that stories have a unique way of reaching people’s hearts and minds, making difficult topics more accessible. Stories can be a powerful medium for discussing faith, loss, and resilience, which are central themes in Clint’s book.

Conclusion

“Steal Fire from the Gods” is a thought-provoking and action-packed debut novel that challenges conventional boundaries in the young adult genre. Clint Hall’s unique approach to blending AI, elemental magic, and themes of faith creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. The unexpected twists and personal transformations of the characters make this a must-read for those seeking an exhilarating and philosophical journey. Clint Hall and CJ Milacci’s insightful discussion sheds light on the creative process and the profound impact that faith and inspiration have on storytelling. The conversation explores the complexities of faith, the lessons learned from personal experiences, and the power of storytelling. Readers seeking a thought-provoking and faith-centered narrative will find Clint’s work engaging and inspiring. To learn more about Clint Hall and his book, you can visit his website, where you’ll find links to his social media and information on how to purchase “Steal Fire from the Gods.”

Wrapping things Up: from CJ

I hope you enjoyed the conversation with Clint Hall. Clint and I met at a writer’s conference and it was fun to get to know him better and chat about his book in this interview.

Since recording this interview I have finished reading Steal Fire from the Gods, and I must say — I really enjoyed this story! As Clint and I discussed, the protagonist is a little older than traditional Young Adult protagonists, but he’s still young and the questions explored throughout the story are truly powerful. This book is a page turner and loaded with adventure and a lot of action.

If you’re looking for a high-action, thrilling read, with AI and elemental magic, you are going to love this story.

Note for Sensitive Readers

As already mentioned, the protagonist in this story is a little older, and this book deals with death, difficult questions, and some scary moments. If you or a young friend or family member are more sensitive or possibly not quite ready to address some of these questions, it would be a good idea to have a trusted friend or parent or guardian read the book first.

Don’t forget the giveaway!

Clint has also graciously agreed to be part of our Epic Christmas giveaway, he’s including a copy of Steal Fire from the Gods. 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

Next week I’ll be talking with young adult author Victoria Lynn, author of Once I Knew.

If you’re looking for a sweet cottage core fantasy without magic, then be sure to tune in for our interview. Even if this isn’t your typical genre, I think you’ll really enjoy my conversation with Victoria.

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.