I Witness

I Witness


Episode 2: Interview with CJ Milacci, YA Dystopian with Hope

July 23, 2024

In this episode of the Christian Romance Podcast, my friend and fellow author CJ Milacci shares her writing journey and mission to provide hope-filled stories for teens and young adults. She discusses the lack of books with action and hope that led her to start writing her own, along with a strong pull from God.


CJ shares details about her podcast, Read Clean YA with CJ, where she highlights authors who write clean and exciting stories for young readers.



CJ is an award-winning author who provides stories addressing hard questions and offering hope in difficult circumstances. Her writing journey with Jesus often reflects the message in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”



Listen to Episode 2 Here:



Meet CJ Milacci


Award-winning author CJ Milacci writes stories for teens and young adults with heart-pounding action and hope. 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 during seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance. 


Visit her online at www.CJMilacci.com


Follow CJ




CJ’s Kickstarter

In a world shattered by chaos and divided by the brutal reign of the Raiders, one woman longs to break free from the shackles of her family’s legacy.

Born into darkness and raised to become heir to the ruthless Raiders, Princess Catori yearns for a life beyond the violence and oppression that defines her existence. When she meets Micah, a riverboat captain with an unwavering sense of justice, she sees a glimmer of hope for a different future.



But her grandfather, founder of the Raiders, has a plan for Catori’s life that he refuses to relinquish, and he’ll stop at nothing to see her become all he has prepared her to be, whether she wants that existence or not.



Will Catori and Micah escape to the new life they long for, or will Catori become something she despises?



In this gripping companion novel set in the world of the Talionis Series, readers transport on a thrilling journey with Catori and her companions. Filled with action, suspense, and romance, Abandoned Shores is a story of survival, hope, and the power of love in the face of adversity.


Fans of dystopian fiction and epic romances will be captivated by this heart-pounding tale of adventure, danger, and the unbreakable bond between two unlikely allies.



Visit CJ’s Kickstarter campaign to get a bundle of her Talionis series, including the YA Christian romance Abandoned Shores.


You only have until July 26th, 2024. Check it out today!


You can receive her YA romance Abandoned Shores in a special bundle in her Kickstarter rewards.



Patriotic Love Book Giveaway


We’re giving away a selection of amazing Christian romance novels that honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring love found in the lives of those who serve our country. It’s our way of sharing heartfelt stories that beautifully weave together patriotism, faith, and love themes.


How to Enter:

  1. Click Here to Enter
  2. Subscribe to the Podcast: You’ll get extra entries and be the first to hear updates if you subscribe
  3. Stay tuned: We will announce the winner early next month, so make sure you’re subscribed


Kelly’s Personal Update:

My debut novel, Finding Forevermore, is coming soon to Kickstarter! I’ve been working on this book for a long time, and God has shown me so much in the process. I can’t wait to share more about it with you as it goes through the editing process.


Follow on Kickstarter for updates.


I’ve also been writing a novella set in the same world. Once that’s finished, I’ll share more details on how you can get it for free!