C.J. Milbrandt's Blog, page 84
February 7, 2015
NEWSWORTHY: Local Author Exhibit
Last weekend, I attended the reception for the San Diego Public Library’s 49th Annual Local Author Exhibit. To take part, you contribute a book written during the previous year, which is then included in a huge display on the downtown library’s first floor. To my knowledge, this was the first year they limited authors to one title. Which meant I had to pick and choose. I published five titles during 2014—Galleries of Stone, Book 2: Harrow and the first four Byways books.
In the end, I went...
February 3, 2015
BYWAYS: Pennsylvania
Every Byways book is a story, but it’s also a game. There’s an educational element to this series of kids chapter books. Details in each story are borrowed from its assigned state. (As in the United States of America.) Byways will work through all fifty in order of ratification, so Book #2 covers our second state—Pennsylvania. Sharp-eyed readers will spot cities and towns, icons and emblems, famous firsts and claims to fame. Hide and seek. Search and find. Fun and learning.
Let’s give a quick...
February 1, 2015
Deuce, Chapter 4: Seasons, Reasons
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Seasons, Reasons
Ulrica braced herself for disdain or disbelief, but something else entirely flashed through the idiot boy’s eyes. He believes me. And suddenly, Ulrica was torn between relief and regret. Few accepted her at her word. Except Brother, who is too trusting by far. But she’d blurted private matters to some no-account lackwit. If Mother found out, there would be blood.
“When is your thirteenth festival?” asked the boy.
“The next,” she admitted. “Autumn.”
In peevish tones, the boy sai...
January 23, 2015
Deuce, Chapter 3: Feat, Footing
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Feat, Footing
“Cower more,” Ulrica muttered.
“Oh, aye. I shall cringe and grovel at your bejeweled feet.” The infuriating boy’s gaze flicked briefly to the dagger in her hand. “When you need me less.”
She bared her fangs.
He smirked and went back to ignoring the threat she posed in favor of carefully removing rubble.
Ulrica’s rage simmered just below the surface, but on an entirely different level, she was pleased. He noticed. The pedicure had taken her hours, but she considered time well spent....
January 16, 2015
Deuce, Chapter 2: Advantage, Disadvantage
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Advantage, Disadvantage
Aurelius was halfway down the pit wall, swinging from a rope that wasn’t going to be long enough. A few minutes won’t matter one way or the other during a test I could have passed when I was nine. He let go of the rope, dropping into a crouch not far from the unconscious girl. Pebbles hadn’t roused her, so he was risking a closer look.
All Pred hunted with their hair knotted, but the accident had knocked hers loose. Aurelius stole closer and plucked a comb from amidst m...
January 12, 2015
CHIT-CHAT: Byways Bookmark
Bookings and Bookmarks. I’m gearing up for my first school visit of the new year, hoping to inspire future authors. Since I write books, I know a thing or two about the stuff of stories. There’ll be a fair amount of stuff and nonsense, wit and world-building, and maybe even a pinch of pixie dust. All in all, I’m looking forward to a good day. And something I’m really excited to share: the brand new Byways bookmarks that arrived from the printer!
The featured art is “Fairy Kestrels” by Katie Ho...
January 9, 2015
Deuce, Chapter 1: Pit, Fall
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Pit, Fall
Summer leaves brushed bronze skin as Aurelius’s scuffed boots left the ground. Lean arms flexed. Claws bit bark. Curling in on himself, the boy swung onto an overhanging bough with all the effortless grace of his kind. After an entire winter’s voyage spent clambering through the rigging on his uncle’s ship, a tree was nothing.
He made it to the fourth limb without disturbing so much as a sparkfly. Gratifying, but not as satisfying as an audience. Not that his regular hunting partners...
December 31, 2014
COVER REVEAL: Deuce
A Serialized Story. On Friday, January 9, I’ll be posting the first installment in a new story set in the Galleries of Stone universe. This prequel offers insight into Harrow history, beginning with the day Aurelius Harrow and Ulrica Rakefang met. As a New Year’s Eve treat, I’m unveiling Deuce‘s book cover, which features the art of Hannah Christenson.
Story Summary: A single misstep during a test of skill could have cost Ulrica Rakefang all her highborn pride. Instead, it lands her at the mer...
December 28, 2014
ART: A Moment’s Repose [Galleries of Stone]
Tupper basked in a sunny patch down by the stream, his face tilted to catch the occasional breezes that found their way through the trees. Training had made for several short nights over the last few weeks, so dozing came easily.
—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 2: Harrow
The third and final book in the Galleries of Stone trilogy is due out in February, putting us mere weeks away from the release of Rakefang. Lots of things are happening behind the scenes—cover art, rereads, final edits...
December 6, 2014
COMING SOON: Deuce
Deuce. Readers of my fantasy trilogy may be interested to know that I’ll soon be telling a new story in the Galleries of Stone universe. Deuce is a series prequel that will deepen your appreciation for Aurelius Harrow’s courage as he courts danger in the form of Ulrica Rakefang.
COMING IN JANUARY
The story begins right here at CJMilbrandt.com, with a new chapter posting every Friday. Cover Sketch. This is a sneak peek at an early stage of the book cover—a rough sketch with test colors—by artis...
