C.J. Milbrandt's Blog, page 85

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...

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...

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)...

COVER REVEAL: Over the Bridge

Byways, Book #3 • Over the Bridge: A Zane Johns Adventure

ISBN:978-1-63123-005-9 (e-book)

Releases: October 20, 2014

State by State: New Jersey [learn more]

When Zane Johns reaches his first waypoint, he and his best friend Jovan still need one more person for their travel party. A promising rumor leads them to Trenton Forge, where a young blacksmith has been preparing to journey west.

This title is available for pre-order on Amazon >>

Next Friday (10/10), I’ll do a cover reveal for Byways, Book #4...

COVER REVEAL: Aboard the Train

Byways, Book #2• Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure

ISBN: 978-1-63123-004-2 (e-book)

Releases: October 20, 2014

State by State: Pennsylvania [learn more]

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 stumbles upon two stowaways, they force him to change his plans.

This title is available for pre-order on Amazon >>

Next Friday (10/3), I’ll do a cover reveal for Byways, Book #3,

Over the Bridge: A Za...

REVIEW: Captain Underpants

It’s Banned Book Week, and I’m celebrating in my own way. Fun Fact: Captain Underpants is currently America’s “most banned” book series.

Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 1: The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets

by Dav Pilkey

The Blue Sky Press (Scholastic)

ages 7-10

The Premise: George and Harold are a couple of fourth graders who don’t enjoy school. These friends use their creative energies to produce their own comics (which are included in the book, elev...

REVIEW: Better Nate Than Ever

It’s Banned Book Week, and I’m celebrating in my own way. Two titles I read over the summer made the list, and I can tell you why.

Better Nate Than Ever

by Tim Federle

Simon & Schuster

ages 10+

The Premise: In a carefully-crafted, half-crazy scheme, thirteen-year-old Nate Foster runs away from his rural Pennsylvania hometown with fake ID, his mother’s ATM card, a couple dozen doughnuts, and a dream. He’s headed for New York City, where he plans to audition for a part in a Broadway musical.

Personal...

COMING SOON: Friday Cover Reveals

I’ve been sitting on secrets for far too long, but patience has its reward. Tomorrow, I’ll do a cover reveal for Book #2, Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure. Zane and Ganix will have their covers unveiled over the next two Fridays. Watch for the addition of cover art to this site. I’ll have pre-order information available soon. ~CJ

Byways Books 2-4 are scheduled for

e-release on October 20, 2014.

FOLKS: Zane’s Team

“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

Zane Johns is the second son of Liberty’s Postmaster, a y...

BYWAYS: Sketches for Book #3

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.

As you’ve probably noticed, Hannah does more than the cover illustrations. Her art also appears at the head of...