Bookings and Bookmarks. I’m gearing up for my first school visit of the new year, hoping to inspire future authors. Since I write books, I know a thing or two about the stuff of stories. There’ll be a fair amount of stuff and nonsense, wit and world-building, and maybe even a pinch of pixie dust. All in all, I’m looking forward to a good day. And something I’m really excited to share: the brand new Byways bookmarks that arrived from the printer! Continue reading CHIT-CHAT: Byways Bookmark
Tupper basked in a sunny patch down by the stream, his face tilted to catch the occasional breezes that found their way through the trees. Training had made for several short nights over the last few weeks, so dozing came easily.
—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 2: Harrow
The third and final book in the Galleries of Stone trilogy is due out in February Continue reading ART: A Moment’s Repose [Galleries of Stone]
Laurel jumped when loud growling came from the front hall. Hooves clattered, and a howl filled the house with its high, eerie note. “There they go again,” she said.
“What now?” Ian hurried out of the kitchen. He slowed to step over the shattered pieces of a glass candle stand. “Boys? What’s the meaning of …!”
He was interrupted when a full-grown elk minced past with a young raccoon dangling from his antlers.
“Not in the house!” Ian started after them, but a snarling wolf zoomed between his legs, tripping him. For a moment, Ian was afraid the silver wolf was going to bite the elk. But the wolf only jumped and snapped at the raccoon’s ringed tail.
—excerpted from Byways, Book #1, On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins
“Not in the house!” Roughhousing takes on a whole new dimension when siblings can Change into animals. I’m excited to share brand new art for the Byways books, which was partially inspired by the above scene from Chapter 2: “Three Fine Sons.” Continue reading ART: Winter Trio [Byways]
From time to time, I’ll be sharing sketches and illustrations from Galleries of Stone on this blog. These art posts include pieces I’ve commissioned, as well as gift art. Today, I’ll share a study in contrasts. Tupper and Freydolf couldn’t be more different, but they are bond-brothers in the Pred tradition.
The sculptor’s eyes were downcast, and he looked extremely uncomfortable. Tupper was nervous that he’d inadvertently done something wrong and looked to Aurelius. The other Pred was staring hard at his brother-in-law. “Frey?” he inquired sweetly. “Did the sprat give you his name?”
—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 1: Meadowsweet
Continue reading ART: Freydolf & Tupper [Galleries of Stone]
Byways is listed on GoodReads! Now’s the perfect time to add these titles to your virtual shelves. Also see what I’ve been reading lately by following C.J. Milbrandt.
On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins
Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure
Over the Bridge: A Zane Johns Adventure
Up the Mountain: A Ganix Johns Adventure
Every Byways book is a story, but it’s also a game. There’s an educational element to this series of kids chapter books. Details in each story are borrowed from its assigned state. (As in the United States of America.) Byways will work through all fifty in order of ratification, so Book #1 covers our first state—Delaware. Sharp-eyed readers will spot cities and towns, icons and emblems, famous firsts and claims to fame. Hide and seek. Search and find. Fun and learning. Continue reading BYWAYS: Delaware
The newcomer had a neat beard and auburn hair clipped close to his head. His green tunic was notched at the bottom, and a sword hung at his side. Ganix perked up when he noticed the golden stars decorating the man’s cloak pin. “You’re a ranger!”
“True!” he replied with a bow. “Warner Robins, at your service.”
Rangers were sort of like knights. They upheld the laws of Liberty and helped people in need. The freckle-faced boy thrust out his hand and said, “Hi! I’m Ganix!”
—excerpted from Byways #4, Up the Mountain: A Ganix Johns Adventure
Rangers. Liberty’s law enforcement is given over to an order of brave and honorable folk Continue reading BYWAYS: Rangers
Who’s Who. Now that we’re through the individual introductions, I’m unveiling an index of characters. You’ll find new details about the cast on the Byways Cast Page, so Continue reading FOLKS: Byways Cast Page
Three brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race across their homeland. Three new books in the Byways series are ready for readers! You can purchase them now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Continue reading BYWAYS: Release Day
Freydolf couldn’t help comparing this quiet celebration to the citywide extravaganzas in his homeland. The quarterly festivals were a matter of pride, with those born during each season doing their best to outdo the rest. Presents were lavish and plentiful, and those who had attained another year dressed all in white. Boys grudgingly submitted to having their claws gilded with copper, and girls proudly added a new coin to jingling headdresses.
—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 2, Harrow
C. J. Milbrandt 