C.J. Milbrandt's Blog, page 85
November 25, 2014
ART: Winter Trio [Byways]
Laurel jumped when loud growling came from the front hall. Hooves clattered, and a howl filled the house with its high, eerie note. “There they go again,” she said.
“What now?” Ian hurried out of the kitchen. He slowed to step over the shattered pieces of a glass candle stand. “Boys? What’s the meaning of …!”
He was interrupted when a full-grown elk minced past with a young raccoon dangling from his antlers.
“Not in the house!” Ian started after them, but a snarling wolf zoomed between his legs,...
November 20, 2014
ART: Freydolf & Tupper [Galleries of Stone]
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’ll share a study in contrasts. Tupper and Freydolf couldn’t be more different, but they are bond-brothers in the Pred tradition.
The sculptor’s eyes were downcast, and he looked extremely uncomfortable. Tupper was nervous that he’d inadvertently done something wrong and looked to Aurelius. The other Pred was staring...
LISTINGS: Byways on GoodReads
Byways is listed on GoodReads! Now’s the perfect time to add these titles to your virtual shelves. Also see what I’ve been reading lately by following C.J. Milbrandt.
On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins
Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure
Over the Bridge: A Zane Johns Adventure
Up the Mountain: A Ganix Johns Adventure
November 2, 2014
BYWAYS: Delaware
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 #1 covers our first state—Delaware. 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 sampl...
October 27, 2014
BYWAYS: Rangers
The newcomer had a neat beard and auburn hair clipped close to his head. His green tunic was notched at the bottom, and a sword hung at his side. Ganix perked up when he noticed the golden stars decorating the man’s cloak pin. “You’re a ranger!”
“True!” he replied with a bow. “Warner Robins, at your service.”
Rangers were sort of like knights. They upheld the laws of Liberty and helped people in need. The freckle-faced boy thrust out his hand and said, “Hi! I’m Ganix!”
—excerpted from Byways #4,...
October 22, 2014
FOLKS: Byways Cast Page
Who’s Who. Now that we’re through the individual introductions, I’m unveiling an index of characters. You’ll find new details about the cast on the Byways Cast Page, so go give it a read-through. When Books 5-7 ready for release in Spring 2015, I’ll add Ganix’s long-term travel buddies. And naturally, we’ll meet other recurring characters along the way, so we’ll keep that page updated. All character portraits are by my cover illustrator, Hannah Christenson. Like them? Like her at Hannah Chris...
October 20, 2014
BYWAYS: Release Day
Three brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race across their homeland. Three new books in the Byways series are ready for readers! You can purchase them now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
Book #2 • Aboard the Train • A Ewan Johns Adventure • ISBN 978-1-63123-004-2
On the first leg of his journey, Ewan Johns takes the train north into the snowy woodlands. He’s sure he has a great head start, but when Ewan discovers two stowaways, they force him to change his plans.
NOW AV...
October 18, 2014
CHIT-CHAT: Birthday Traditions
Freydolf couldn’t help comparing this quiet celebration to the citywide extravaganzas in his homeland. The quarterly festivals were a matter of pride, with those born during each season doing their best to outdo the rest. Presents were lavish and plentiful, and those who had attained another year dressed all in white. Boys grudgingly submitted to having their claws gilded with copper, and girls proudly added a new coin to jingling headdresses.
—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 2, Harrow...
October 15, 2014
BYWAYS: Three Ways
Pointing to the map, Uncle Vanek said, “North through the forests and mountains. South through rolling hills and rocky coves. Or the central route across the plains and desert. Which path will you choose?”
—excerpted from Byways, Book #1, On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins
FAQ. When it comes to Frequently Asked Questions, the one I’m asked the most lately is … “Three books? Why are you releasing three?”
Kids are voracious readers, especially when it comes to a series. Books in batches means mo...
October 10, 2014
COVER REVEAL: Up the Mountain
Byways, Book #4 • Up the Mountain: A Ganix Johns Adventure
ISBN:978-1-63123-006-6 (e-book)
Releases: October 20, 2014
State by State: Georgia [learn more]
Ganix Johns is already at his fourth waypoint, and he’s making himself at home in Peachtree City. Their upcoming peach blossom festival sounds like fun, so he decides to stick around. But one little accident leads to big trouble, and it’s up to Ganix to make things right.
This title is available for pre-order on Amazon >>
In just ten days (10/20)...
