Every one of the Byways Books includes beautiful full-color art by my illustrator, Hannah Christenson. Here’s a sampling from Book #2, Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure.
Category Archives: Art Gallery
BYWAYS: Galena
Little Details
■ Galena is expecting a baby. If she and her husband can stay ahead of the Chasers until their child is born, they’ll become free citizens of Liberty.
■ She was brought as a child from Arundel, an empire far to the south. Memories of her former home sometimes make her sad.
■ Her personal seal is an oyster with a pearl, hinting at the precious life she’s carrying.
■ Galena’s marriage to Hurlock was arranged by their owner.
BYWAYS: Behind the Header
We’re taking a look behind the header on Byways cover illustrations. The series title often hides pretty scenes or special secrets. This week, it’s Zane’s turn. On Book #6, we get a dramatic first look at one of the many creatures who call the Wilds their home. Since Zane’s half-wild himself, he gets along well with everything from firebirds to fairy kestrels.
White stone littered the landscape. Round boulders came in every size, and smooth spikes jutted out of the grass like the ribs of a huge skeleton. All the green and white might have been pretty on a sunny day, but with dark clouds boiling across the sky, it was spooky.
—Byways #6, Into the Hills: A Zane Johns Adventure
Here’s what’s behind the header on the cover of Byways Book #6, Into the Hills: A Zane Johns Adventure. Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header
BYWAYS: Vanek Johns
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 wise 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. Vanek Johns is the person who helped Ian establish the postal system that serves Liberty’s people. He has a booming voice and a deep laugh. The father of six grown children, he’s wise when it comes to helping young ones grow up.
GALLERIES OF STONE: Illustrations
Did you know that the digital editions of Meadowsweet are filled with full-color illustrations by Hannah Christenson, who also does my cover art? Worth!
BYWAYS: Illustrations
Every one of the Byways Books includes beautiful full-color art by my illustrator, Hannah Christenson. Here’s a sampling from Book #10, Back on Track: A Ganix Johns Adventure.
BYWAYS: Behind the Header
I’m back with another peek behind the scenes on the Byways book covers. One of the unchanging features on the header is the circle of stars that surrounds the volume number. If you take a quick tally, you’ll find there are thirteen stars. It’s a nod to the original thirteen colonies. The thirteen stars also show up on the cloak pins worn by Liberty’s rangers.
This time around, I’m letting you see more of the huge griffin that’s partly obscured by the header on Byways #4, Up the Mountain: A Ganix Johns Adventure. Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header
BYWAYS: Behind the Header
When Zane’s nose leads him to a sweet-smelling town, he, Jovan, and Brielle encounter WARNING signs everywhere. Something Wild is in the woods. We’ve taken a peek behind the Byways header on several of books in the series. In the case of Byways Book #9, Through the Notches: A Zane Johns Adventure, the header hides a special secret. Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header
BYWAYS: Illustrations
Every one of the Byways Books includes beautiful full-color art by my illustrator, Hannah Christenson. Here’s a sampling from Book #1, On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins.
BYWAYS: Signature Seals
Personal Touch. In the land of Liberty, citizens add their seal to official documents. A design’s seal is unique … and usually of personal significance to the person who carries it. Do you recognize this seal?
C. J. Milbrandt 