Free Days! I was one of those bookish kids who couldn’t wait for September and back-to-school time. So to celebrate one of my favorite times of year, I’m kicking off some FREE days for the Byways Books. Continue reading BYWAYS: September Sale
Hey, y’all! Today’s the last day to take part in my mini-challenge & receive a postcard from Nashville, TN. (Because I fly home later today!) For more information >>
WAYPOINT LOG: Stamp In
Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard. —excerpted from the series summary that’s printed in the front of new Byways books
This blog’s Waypoint Log is inspired by the Byways Books, in which Ewan, Zane, and Ganix have to stop at post offices and stamp in. Their postcards home keep them in touch with Mr. and Mrs. Johns. Our log is more like a guest book, and it’s simple to stamp in. Continue reading WAYPOINT LOG: Stamp In
FREE DAYS: Up the Mountain [Byways #4]
Free Day! Just a quick note to let you know that one of the Byways e-books is currently FREE! This series tells the stories of three brothers who take sibling rivalry to new lengths by racing each other across their homeland. Geared for young readers, the books are full of the sorts of things I enjoy: mythical creatures, quirky folks, kind deeds, loyal friends, and a touch of magic. If you homeschool (like we do), you’ll also appreciate the educational twist. Each book is tied to a state, and I make a game of weaving people, places, icons, and claims to fame from that state throughout the story.
Today, you can nab Byways Book #4, which is tied to the fourth state to be ratified—Georgia! Continue reading FREE DAYS: Up the Mountain [Byways #4]
MAILBAG: Gonzales, Texas
One of the reasons I issued the Byways Hometown Challenge was so I could get a peek at the different corners of the world where readers are from. Every place is special for one reason or another. And many towns have a claim to fame. Lately, my post office box has been bursting with good things. And so today, I’ll show you the lovely pile of postcards sent from Megan in Gonzales, Texas. Continue reading MAILBAG: Gonzales, Texas
TENNESSEE TRIP: Mini-Challenge
Nashville. Once upon a time, I lived roundabout Nashville, Tennessee, and next week I have the chance to go back for a visit. Since travel is one of the best excuses for sending postcards, I’m issuing another mini-challenge. Continue reading TENNESSEE TRIP: Mini-Challenge
ART: Tupper [Galleries of Stone]
Tupper followed his daytime guardian, taking care not to let his hair get caught in overhanging branches. His last haircut had been near the end of the previous summer, so his white-blond curls were becoming difficult to manage. He often wondered if he could buck Flox tradition and let his hair grow out as long as Freydolf’s.
—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 2: Harrow
Tupper Meadowsweet’s whole perspective shifts when he joins Freydolf in the Statuary. The rush of new information would throw anyone off balance, but the boy proves nimbler than most. Distant mountains. Vast oceans. Diverse races. Strange lands. And a whisper of magic that lures him deep into Morven’s galleries. Today, I’m sharing a watercolor of a Tupper whose hair has gone a bit shaggier than is respectable for Flox boys. Continue reading ART: Tupper [Galleries of Stone]
MAILBAG: Stone Mountain, GA
I love getting postcards from readers, especially when they come from places featured in the Byways books. Yesterday, I came home to a pile of mail from several different states. (I’ll share more about that later.) And I wanted to feature one that figures prominently into Byways, Book #4 Up the Mountain: A Ganix Johns Adventure. Continue reading MAILBAG: Stone Mountain, GA
FANART: Galleries of Stone
Sometimes magic triggered strong emotional responses, especially when moonstone was involved. Old Master Platt used to say Morven was greedy for tears, influencing their ebb and flow as surely as the moon ruled over the tides.
—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 2: Harrow
Show and Tell. Surprises in my inbox are just as fun as surprises in my post office box. You guys are so generous! I’m back with new fanart of Freydolf and Tupper from the Galleries of Stone trilogy. This time, Skylee sent along a piece called “Stone’s Tears.” Continue reading FANART: Galleries of Stone
BYWAYS: Postcards for 5-7
There’s a formidable stack of stamped-and-addressed postcards sitting next to my coffee cup. Tomorrow, I’ll drop them in the mailbox up town. I love sharing these art peeks with readers. Are you on my mailing list? Continue reading BYWAYS: Postcards for 5-7
C. J. Milbrandt 