First Look. This week, my print proof of Meadowsweet came in the mail. It’s so exciting to finally hold this story in my own hands. Continue reading MEADOWSWEET: Print Proof
Tag Archives: Book 1: Meadowsweet
NEWSWORTHY: Print Editions
Coming Soon. For those of you who’ve expressed a deep and abiding fondness for print books, I have good news. The Galleries of Stone trilogy is making steady progress in that direction. Continue reading NEWSWORTHY: Print Editions
FANART: Meadowsweet
Tupper & Freydolf are making a good first impression on Skylee. Last week, I received an art-packed email with quick sketches of some of her favorite scenes from the first book in the Galleries of Stone trilogy. With her permission, I’m sharing a couple of them with you! Continue reading FANART: Meadowsweet
NEWSWORTHY: San Diego Local Author
Meadowsweet. In February, I talked about my trek downtown to take part in the San Diego Public Library‘s 48th Annual Local Author Exhibit. At that time, we were informed that they’d had medals made up for us, but they weren’t ready yet. Last week, authors throughout the county were contacted and encouraged to stop in to claim our prizes. Continue reading NEWSWORTHY: San Diego Local Author
FOLKS: Rimbles
“So you haven’t seen him?” Aurelius prodded.
“Maybe he’s hiding from you.” Giving the other man a stern look, he added, “You could have been more polite at breakfast.”
“I was!” he insisted. “For me.”
Freydolf snorted and said, “If you don’t bridle your tongue, you’ll never win the lad over.”
“I’ll bridle my tongue when you collar your pet,” Aurelius muttered. “He’d be easier to find if you kept him on a leash.”
“Have you tried behind the rimbles in the upper loggia?”
The other Pred blinked. “The what in the where?”
—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 1: Meadowsweet
What the deuce is a rimbles? Since much of the Galleries of Stone trilogy is set in the Statuary, there should be little surprise that many of the characters are statues. Those who bear a master’s mark can “come to life” under the right conditions. Young Tupper Meadowsweet has two such stone guardians—one for day, one for night. He names his daytime guardian Rimbles. Continue reading FOLKS: Rimbles
RACES: Grif
After his arrival atop Morven, Tupper befriends statues throughout the stone galleries, but one of his first and best is a fire-bearer named Brand.
Tupper liked the way his master’s eyes were sparkling. Something good was going to happen. Quick to do as he was told, the boy approached the statue of a man dressed in strange armor; there was a sword at his side, and a helm upon his head. The soldier wasn’t like any person he’d ever seen before, for he had a large, hooked nose, and there were feathers where his hair should be.
“He’s my favorite,” Freydolf announced from his seat. “According to the notation on his heel, his name’s Brand.”
“Redstone needs fire.” Tupper looked hopefully at his master for further instruction.
“Aye, so turn up your lantern flame.”
Tupper did so, and the circle of its glow widened to include the red statue.
“Hang it from Brand’s hand so he can carry it for you.” Once Tupper had accomplished this step, Freydolf prompted, “Now, pull the pin at the top.”
Tupper located the slender rod, which was attached to the lantern’s handle by a fine chain. It came away smoothly, and the top part of the lantern opened like the petals of a flower. The exposed flame licked at the fire-bearer’s hand, and his long fingers immediately folded around the lantern’s handle as he lifted it higher.
The statue glanced first at Freydolf before peering down his impressive nose at Tupper. Then, Brand smiled and lifted his brows in silent inquiry, as if awaiting instructions. The expression was so real, Tupper reached out, wanting to see if he was truly made of stone. When he hesitated, the statue reached back, offering the palm of his free hand. To the boy’s surprise, Brand had curving talons on each finger, but the predatory feature worried him less and less. Placing his hand upon the cool red stone of the man’s palm, he said, “I’m Tupper.”
—excerpt from Meadowsweet, Chapter 13
Heart of a lion. The Grif people are the so-called dominant race on the Far Continent. Their territory encompasses the magical mountain that yields redstone, which calls for flame. Continue reading RACES: Grif
FOLKS: The Meadowsweet Family
“Do you know what that is?” inquired the big man, pointing towards something in the foothills.
For several moments, Tupper simply stared at Freydolf’s finger, wondering how sharp its claw was, but when the man repeated his question, the boy looked down. Far below, there were rows of what looked like drab stacks of hay. “No,” he answered honestly.
“That’s Hayward, your home town,” Freydolf explained. With a searching look, he added, “You won’t be able to see it once we go around this bend, so make your last look a good one.”
Was this really the last time he would see his home? Carden and Ewert had jobs, too, but they had home days. Tupper wouldn’t. As the Keeper’s servant, he would live on top of the mountain … maybe forever. Addy had said he’d be lucky to earn the Keeper’s gold, but Aggie had cried.
—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 1: Meadowsweet
The Meadowsweets of Hayward. Like most Flox children, Tupper’s one of many. Big families are the norm in the rural communities that fill Morven’s foothills. Throughout the story, Tupper will refer to this brother and that sister, and it’s nearly impossible for outsiders to keep track of who’s who. But they’re his, and he’s theirs. And I made a list. ; ) Continue reading FOLKS: The Meadowsweet Family
ART: Meadowsweet [004]
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’m featuring Aurelius Harrow, a Pred who makes a lasting impression on young Tupper. Continue reading ART: Meadowsweet [004]
NEWSWORTHY: San Diego Local Author Exhibit
Local Author Exhibit
This past weekend, I attended the reception for the San Diego Public Library‘s 48th Annual Local Author Exhibit. The event took place in the brand new central library, which is located downtown. Since this was my first visit to this towering repository of books, I gawked and chattered like a tourist. The place is impressive on several levels. (Nine, if I remember correctly.) Continue reading NEWSWORTHY: San Diego Local Author Exhibit
ART: Meadowsweet [003]
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’m featuring Tupper Meadowsweet, a boy with little to say and lots to do. When Meadowsweet opens, our Tupp’s just ten years old, but he has the nubs to accept a job “up top” in the Statuary. Continue reading ART: Meadowsweet [003]
C. J. Milbrandt 