Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang
Guest: Elicia Johnson
Description:
In this episode, Jude sits down with author, artist, farmer, and educator Elicia Johnson to discuss her new novel Endling, a high-concept steampunk adventure that explores hope, purpose, imagination, and the power of story. Together they examine why content-appropriate epic fiction matters, how great literature inspires new adult readers (17-30), and why stories that illuminate beauty, truth, and wonder are needed now more than ever.
We talk about:
• The importance of fostering literacy and a love of reading in children
• Finding books that spark a child’s imagination and curiosity
• Why rich literature challenges young readers in meaningful ways
• The difference between Young Adult and New Adult fiction
• The inspiration behind Endling and the meaning of the title
• Steampunk storytelling and creating immersive fictional worlds
• Writing stories with values and moral themes without becoming preachy
• Literary influences including classic fiction, mythology, and epic fantasy
• Alicia’s serial fiction project, The Shanty Man
• The connection between farming, creativity, and storytelling
• The importance of nature, wonder, and hands-on experiences in shaping imagination
• Making “the unseen seen” through stories of hope, beauty, redemption, and human connection
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’ve seen the “gift of need” show up in your life. Share your story in the comments or leave a review. Please follow this podcast and rate it. Subscribe to my free newsletter to get future episodes and newsletters sent right to your inbox.
Connect with Elicia: withloveelli.substack.com
Music Credit: Gabe Kubanda / Damn Plans (Instrumental) © 2021 Kubanda Music
Engineer: Ray Ingegneri, Third Street Productions, Tucson, AZ
Producer: Jude DiMeglio Trang
