MINNESOTA TRIP: Spotting a Harrow

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Hello from my hometown! Those familiar with this blog may remember that while I currently make my home in Southern California, I’m originally from a small town in Minnesota. From time to time, I come back to the north country to visit my folks, who still live in the same old farmhouse where I grew up. Many aspects of the Galleries of Stone trilogy find their roots in my rural upbringing—rolling pastures, garden fare, and flocks of chickens. On past trips, I spotted another tie-in. Something I’d forgotten even though I’m sure we drove past it a few times each week. Today, we stopped to snap a picture! Continue reading MINNESOTA TRIP: Spotting a Harrow

MINNESOTA TRIP: Mini-Challenge

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My Hometown. I’ve mentioned before that I’m originally from a small town in Minnesota. My folks still live in the big old farmhouse where I grew up, and I adore revisiting it and them. I’ll be hopping on a northbound plane on Saturday (7/4), and I’ll spend several summer days re-exploring places that are dear to my heart. While I’m away, I’m issuing a special challenge to all Byways readers. Continue reading MINNESOTA TRIP: Mini-Challenge

INTERVIEW: Born on the 4th of July

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Byways. Vanessa just posted an interview and excerpts from the Byways series over on the Scriblerians blog. You may remember her earlier post and giveaway for the Galleries of Stone trilogy. The Scriblerians are a group of nine writers who’ve banded together because they write “for non-adults of all ages.” Do follow them!

“I homeschooled my children and they would have loved Byways. The books are a fun way for parents and kids to learn about history and geography, not to mention appreciation of the intricate, whimsical art.” —Vanessa

Continue reading INTERVIEW: Born on the 4th of July

SALE: Ewan’s Second Adventure!

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Anniversary Sale! The special deals continue with today’s special price on Byways Book #5, Inside the Tree: A Ewan Johns Adventure. For one week, this title will be a Kindle Countdown Deal, which means the sooner you buy, the lower the price. If you go over to Amazon and take a look, you’ll find a ticker counting down the seconds to the next price jump. Right now, you can get this new release for only $1.99 (regularly priced $4.99).

ON AMAZON >>

This year’s anniversary deals will allow you to really get to know Ewan, the eldest of the Johns brothers. Is it okay to skip from Book #2 all the way to Book #5 in a series? Yep! I release the books in batches of three, one for each brother, so you’ll simply be “playing favorites” by following Ewan’s course.

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ART: Byways Brothers

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FanArt is fun! There’s nothing quite like opening mail and finding a reader’s creative outburst. Last week, I received another piece of Byways art from Skylee, who’s been reading through the series. This’un is titled “Byways Brothers” and features all three boys plus Ewan’s girls.  Continue reading ART: Byways Brothers

SALE! Byways Books

Free eBooks! In celebration of the kick-off of the Byways series on July 4, 2014, I’m offering an Anniversary Sale. For the next few days, the first two titles are FREE! Nab them for yourself. Tell a friend about the sale. Bonus points to anyone who brings the series to the attention of a school teacher. More festivities to follow soon!

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ON AMAZON >>

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ON AMAZON >>

FOLKS: Ganix’s Team

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“What’s going on?” asked Ganix.

“A show. That’s Hurlock. He’s famous around here because of his magic.” Luke shook his head. “It’s sad.”

While Ganix watched, purple fire bloomed in the magician’s bare hands, and he sent it whirling over his head. The flames turned into a dragon that twisted through the air. Shoppers stopped to stare. Some clapped. And a few tossed coins into a basket at the edge of the stage. Hurlock thanked them with a gentle smile.

“Sad? He’s amazing!”

“He is. But purple fire means a sad day for Hurlock. Can you see his feet?”

Standing up to get a better look, Ganix asked, “Are those chains?”

—Byways #7: Across the Line: A Ganix Johns Adventure

Ganix Johns is the youngest son of Liberty’s Postmaster. Up until this point in the storyline, he’s been changing traveling partners at every waypoint. But when he meets Continue reading FOLKS: Ganix’s Team