Full Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/ 

Links to Things Discussed in this Episode

The End of the Dream (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/47EJYCo 

RJ Conte’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BlondeRJConte 

Ultimate Christmas Giveaway: https://kingsumo.com/g/tdijpz/epic-christmas-goodies-giveaway

Introduction: An Interview with R.J. Conte

Welcome to Read Clean YA with CJ! In this captivating episode, CJ Milacci hosts the enigmatic R.J. Conte, a young adult author exploring profound human experiences through fiction.

In a thought-provoking interview, author RJ Conte reveals the depth behind her book's characters and themes. From humorous anecdotes to profound insights, this conversation uncovers the essence of her storytelling journey and the inspirations that shaped her work.

Discovering R.J. Conte's World

R.J. Conte, the crowned fairy queen of ten planets, graces our world sporadically, crafting fiction that delves into human nature's intricacies. Residing in the Pacific Northwest with a Vulcan, three magical girls, and a bird-identifying rabbit, R.J. embodies creativity and imagination.

Unveiling 'The End of the Dream'

R.J. Conte's latest creation, "The End of the Dream," captures the essence of teen-hood amidst intricate themes. This compelling story was born from a challenging phase in R.J.'s life, reflecting the uncertainties and desires we face when life veers from our expected paths.

Unpacking the Story's Essence

At the heart of this novel lies Vivian, a teen grappling with family absence and isolation, whose encounter with an enigmatic boy sparks a transformative journey. Together, they embark on a summer filled with social experiments, ministry opportunities, and personal growth.

A Unique Tale Focused on Relationships

Unlike conventional teen narratives, R.J.'s novel deviates by emphasizing the relationship between Vivian and her stepmother, challenging the 'teens versus adults' trope prevalent in young adult fiction.

Finding Inspiration and Comparisons

R.J. Conte's inspiration stems from anime storytelling and movies like "The Forest of Firefly Light," crafting a tale that intertwines faith, social experiments, and a compelling summer adventure. While unique in its approach, readers might resonate with its nod to stories like "Freaky Friday" or themes akin to "Paper Towns" or "Canon."

Elevating Faith and Relationships

Rooted in R.J.'s personal experiences and aspirations as a mother, the book resonates deeply with familial connections, inspiring teens to explore their relationships, faith, and life's uncertainties through engaging narratives.

Embracing Meaningful Relationships

Central to the narrative is the importance of intergenerational relationships, showcasing the value of parental figures and mentors in navigating life's challenges and uncertainties.

Exploring Character and Scene Favorites:

The interview continues with a discussion about favorite characters and scenes within RJ Conte's book. Conte reflects on a poignant yet comical moment in a small-town grocery store, highlighting the complexities of her characters' emotions and relationships. The tale behind the scene's creation brings a touch of reality to the narrative, reinforcing the authenticity in her writing.

Delving into Core Themes:

Conte elaborates on the central theme of her book, emphasizing the journey of reevaluating one's relationship with God. Drawing from personal experiences of growing up in a cult, she explores the deconstruction of perceptions about faith, parental influence, and the quest for a genuine connection with God, especially in the face of adversity.

Addressing Subtle Struggles:

The conversation delves deeper into the subtleties of hardship and faith struggles, particularly among Christian teens. Conte emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and validating emotional struggles that may not be overtly apparent, aiming to provide solace and guidance to individuals facing similar challenges.

Embracing Healing and Relationships:

Reflecting on the healing power of storytelling, Conte articulates her focus on relationships within her narratives. She highlights the significance of community, the impact of relationships in shaping identities, and the need for genuine connections, especially in a world recovering from the isolating effects of the pandemic.

Conclusion: Unveiling Echoes of Divine Intent

Ultimately, R.J. Conte's "The End of the Dream" isn't merely a story—it's an exploration of faith, relationships, and navigating life's unexpected turns. It echoes the yearning for deeper connections, fulfilling relationships, and the unwavering belief that life's unexpected detours might lead to extraordinary destinations.

Intrigued readers seeking compelling narratives that explore faith, relationships, and personal growth will find R.J. Conte's "The End of the Dream" a captivating journey worth exploring.

As the interview draws to a close, Conte shares her platform for connecting with readers and invites interaction through her Facebook author page. Her willingness to engage with readers and offer support and understanding underscores her commitment to providing a listening ear for teens facing challenging situations.

In essence, RJ Conte's interview resonates with the authenticity and depth of her storytelling. Through her book's themes, she navigates the complexities of faith, relationships, and personal struggles, aiming to guide and uplift her readers.

Wrapping things Up: from CJ

I hope you enjoyed the conversation with RJ Conte. RJ and I are both part of an awesome group of authors at Fayette Press, and it was wonderful to chat with her, get to know her better, and hear her heart behind her stories.

The End of the Dream is a bit different from other books in our Read Clean YA with CJ lineup. It’s more contemporary, with a sweet romance, deep conversations, and a bit of a mystery. If you’re looking for an emotional adventure, with engaging characters, a small-town setting, and conversations that make you think, you’ll love this book.

Note for Sensitive Readers

For young or sensitive readers, I recommend having a parent or trusted adult read this story first. Like RJ mentioned in our interview, she read the book out loud with her girls, but she intentionally skipped certain scenes and hard conversations. This book deals with some very difficult topics — including abuse, neglect, and more. But RJ also does a beautiful job of demonstrating how God doesn’t waste our pain. All that to say, this book is probably for a slightly older young adult reader.

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 The End of the Dream. 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

We are fully into Christmas season now, and if you’re like me you’re frantically looking for gifts for the loved ones in your life. Shopping for Christmas in advance always sounds like such a great idea, but I never do it. If that’s you too, then here’s my big tip for Christmas gifts — especially for those who are particularly difficult to buy for. Give them a book. When you do this, you’re giving them an adventure, a journey, a chance to escape into another world and discover new things. What better gift is there? 

And if you’re not sure which books to give, I recommend checking out the ones I’ve talked about in this podcast! And if you love YA dystopian, be sure to check out my Talionis Series — books one and two are available now wherever books are sold.

Next week I’ll be talking with young adult author RJ Metcalf about her exciting adventure steampunk series that begins with Renegade Skyfarer.

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.