“I did hear a rumor about a blacksmith down in Old Bridge who’s been wanting to travel to the western colonies. I thought we could check it out in the morning.”
“Guess so,” Zane replied. “But I don’t want them if they’re annoying.”
“What kind of person are we looking for?” Jovan asked.
“Someone quiet, who’ll do as they’re told.”
“Like me?”
Zane rolled his eyes. “You never do as you’re told.”
—Byways #3, Over the Bridge: A Zane Johns Adventure
Coming Soon. This fall, I’ll be releasing the next three books in the Byways series, one for each brother. Between now and then, I’m offering peeks at some of the details that are falling into place. Story snippets. Character introductions. Cover reveals. Today, I bring more of Hannah Christenson’s sketches, this time for Byways Book #3. Over the Bridge is Zane‘s first solo adventure. Continue reading BYWAYS: Sketches for Book #3
Report! A nice, big box of Hometown Challenge postcards arrived from the printer. I’ll show you the backs of these gorgeous postcards, which were designed by my illustrator, Hannah Christenson. I’m keeping the illustration on the other side—which is called “Banner Boys”—a surprise for now.
Remember, the only way you can receive one of these postcards is to take part in the Hometown Challenge. And if you tell me which of the brothers you’re cheering for, I’ll have them stamp in on your postcard. Continue reading BYWAYS: “Banner Boys” are here!
The little girls huddled together, shivering from cold and possibly from fear. Both of them had deep brown skin and glossy black hair. The smaller girl hid her eyes with her hands, and Ewan smiled. Did she think it would make her invisible?
—Byways #2, Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure
Coming Soon. This fall, I’ll be releasing the next three books in the Byways series, one for each brother. Between now and then, I thought I’d give you a peek at some of the details that are falling into place. Story snippets. Character introductions. Cover reveals. Today, I’m sharing a preview of Hannah Christenson’s cover art. Her illustrations are what make my books look amazing. Continue reading BYWAYS: Sketches for Book #2
One of my favorite things to give and get is mail, and I’m not talking about the virtual variety. “Real” mail is a joy, which may be why I gave Ian Johns of the Byways books the role of Postmaster. As the brothers race across their homeland, their waypoints are located in post offices. At each stop along the way, they must use their personal seals to confirm their progress. Readers will get to see the postcards Ewan, Zane, and Ganix send home. And the stamp images that serve as official signatures in Liberty.
This series detail is the basis for the Hometown Challenge. Readers who send CJ a postcard from their hometown will receive one in return … from the brothers! Complete with the signature stamp from their personal seals:
CJ has always loved sending and receiving mail, so she’s issued a special challenge to Byways readers everywhere. When you mail her a postcard from your hometown, she’ll send back a postcard from the brothers. Continue reading BYWAYS: Hometown Challenge
“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
“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
C. J. Milbrandt 