“Have you seen Zane?” asked Ian.
Laurel nodded to a blue bottle with a long neck on the windowsill. It held a cluster of winter roses. “He snuck those in earlier.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t Jovan? He strikes me as the thoughtful one.”
—excerpted from Byways, Book 1: On Your Marks
Jovan Johns is mild-mannered, bookish, peace-loving, and musical. Nobody understands why Jovan is best friends with Zane, but these cousins have been inseparable since childhood. Continue reading FOLKS: Jovan Johns
Here’s Hank: Bookmarks Are People Too!
by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver
Grosset & Dunlap (Penguin)
ages 6-8
Continue reading REVIEW: Here’s Hank: Bookmarks Are People Too
“Were you checking on your couriers?”
“I do like to keep an eye on things.” Ian was the founder of all of Liberty’s post offices. His couriers delivered letters and packages throughout the land. As often as he could, he flew far and wide to visit them.
Laurel laughed. “Liberty’s couriers watch the sky, checking to see if the Postmaster is watching.”
“My friends love it when I drop in for a chat!”
“You’re lucky Uncle Vanek keeps things running smoothly around here whenever your wings are restless.”
—excerpted from Byways, Book 1: On Your Marks
Laurel Johns is Ian’s third wife. She’s sweet and petite, gentle and generous … and much stronger than she looks. Her life took an unexpected turn when Ian’s family hired her to cook, clean, and look after Zane, who was just a tiny baby when his mother died. Continue reading FOLKS: Laurel Johns
I’m happy to announce that Byways Book 1: On Your Marks is now listed on YA Books Central, a site that features both kids’ stories and books for young adults. This is a great place to browse for books, and you can rate and review stories.
On Your Marks is also listed on GoodReads, so don’t hesitate to add this series starter to your virtual bookshelf. Help spread the word that there’s a race on! CJ
This post falls under the category of authorial chit-chat. Which means it’s story-related, but doesn’t really fit in the glossary. We’ll call it … anecdotal. Or in plain-speak, a quaint story about an author, an artist, and an old German cuckoo clock. Continue reading CHIT-CHAT: The Byways Header
Just a quick note to let you know that Galleries of Stone, Book 2: Harrow is now listed alongside Meadowsweet on YA Books Central. If you’ve read and enjoyed this second book in the trilogy, I would greatly appreciate your support. Taking the time to read, rate, and review each of my stories is quite possibly the best way you can help me out.
You can also find Harrow on GoodReads. Have you added it to your virtual bookshelf yet? Now’s your chance!
As soon as the boys were gone, Ian turned to his uncle. “What just happened?”
Vanek chuckled. “Did you really think cramming those boys into a carriage would fix things?”
“But to send them out alone? Laurel won’t like it.” Ian fiddled with the buttons on his cuff. “I don’t like it.”
—excerpted from Byways, Book 1: On Your Marks
Ian’s overly optimistic plan was doomed from the start, but thanks to Uncle Vanek, the brothers will each have a chance to prove themselves. This big bear of a man is the Postmaster’s business partner, his trusted friend, and his uncle. Continue reading FOLKS: Vanek Johns
Born on the Fourth of July. Because of the patriotic underpinnings I mentioned in the Byways: State by State post, it only made sense for Byways to make its debut on July 4. The first book in this series of early chapter books is now available, so go introduce yourself to Ewan, Zane, and Ganix!
Continue reading RELEASE: On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins
Countdown: 1 Week. We’re counting down to the release the first book in my new children’s series. Each week, I’ve brought out sketches, character introductions, and explanations of the adventure ahead. Today, I’m unveiling the game that’s woven through the series. Continue reading BYWAYS: State by State
You can now follow C. J. Milbrandt on Twitter. Tweets will include brief behind-the-scenes peeks at what I #amwriting and #amediting. Pictures, publishing news, fun facts, peeks into my mail bag, and public appearances. Twitter is also a great place to chat, so let’s connect. You can find C. J. Milbrandt @Elymnifoquent!
