Let’s take a look behind another header on the Byways Books! Say, have you noticed the change that occurs from book to book depending on which brother’s adventure is featured? My illustrator and I worked out that little detail (among others) even before the first book in the series released. Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header
I’m continuing a series of posts that offer a peek behind the Byways header. On a related note, do you recognize the four creatures it features? From top left, circling clockwise, they are Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header
I love the Byways header, which features some of the magical, mythical creatures inhabiting Libery’s wild places. It adapts its hues to suit the setting. It shifts like a Changer to show which brother’s story you’re holding. (You noticed that, right?) AND, it blocks a good portion of Hannah Christenson’s cover illustrations. So I thought you might enjoy a peek at unseen things. Over the next several weeks, I’ll show you what’s going on behind the scenes. Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header
Hurlock’s long legs had no problem keeping up with the donkey cart, but Ganix had to jog. Before long, he was out of breath, so he Changed into a raccoon. Scampering up the man’s leg, he climbed onto Hurlock’s shoulder.
“I hope that’s you, Ganix.”
The young coon chirred happily and made himself comfy. Having teammates was the best!
—Byways Book #10, Back on Track: A Ganix Johns Adventure
Donkeys and Disguises. To keep his teammates safe, Ganix Johns is Continue reading COVER REVEAL: Back on Track
Jovan studied the blue line that zigzagged west. “I wonder if Grandfather had you in mind when he sketched this route across the map.”
At the heart of Liberty, towns were few and far between. Wide green land, low rolling hills, and a maze of hidden valleys—they marked the eastern boundary of a place where strange things had a way of happening. Magic thrived. Mythical beasts roamed free. No one had ever dared to map all of its mysteries. Not even the rangers who kept peace throughout the land.
“Uncle Vanek knows what I like,” said Zane, who was a great-nephew of Jovan’s grandfather. “He lived out there, didn’t he? During his ranger days.”
“Yes, but that’s a long way from here. In the deepest part of the Wilds.”
—Byways #9, Through the Notches: A Zane Johns Adventure
Wandering and Warning Signs. Zane Johns follows his nose into the sweet-smelling town of Sugar Hill. Continue reading COVER REVEAL: Through the Notches
Snow and Steam. In Ewan’s next book, he takes a wrong turn and ends up on the wrong mountain. A late spring storm strands him and the girls in Boiling Springs. The town has a fine inn, a steamy bathhouse, and a secret. When Tamaqua and Juniata disappear, Ewan has to chase the legend of a dragon. Continue reading COVER REVEAL: Down the Stairs
Progress Report. I wanted to give you a quick progress report on the Galleries of Stone print editions. Slow and steady has brought us through long weeks of preparation. We’re about a fortnight away from releasing this fantasy trilogy as “real” books. Here’s a sneak peek at the full cover for Galleries of Stone, Book Two: Harrow. Continue reading GALLERIES OF STONE: Books in Print
Gently turning the knob, Ewan opened the door to a gush of steam. He squinted into a walled room that was open to the stars. A burble-slurp brought his attention to its pool. The black water rippled as if something had ducked under.
—excerpted from Byways #8, Down the Stairs: A Ewan Johns Adventure
Local Legend. Ewan Johns takes a wrong turn, and a spring storm strands him on a mountain that’s wrapped in steam and strange stories. Continue reading SKETCH: Down the Stairs [Byways #8]
Byways, Book #7 • Across the Line: A Ganix Johns Adventure
Releases: May 26, 2015
State by State: Maryland [learn more]
Continue reading COVER REVEAL: Across the Line
Byways, Book #6 • Into the Hills: A Zane Johns Adventure
Releases: May 26, 2015
State by State: Massachusetts [learn more]
Continue reading COVER REVEAL: Into the Hills
C. J. Milbrandt 