C.J. Milbrandt's Blog, page 89
June 28, 2014
BYWAYS: State by State
Countdown: 1 Week. We’re counting down to the release the first book in my new children’s series. Each week, I’ve brought out sketches, character introductions, and explanations of the adventure ahead. Today, I’m unveiling the game that’s woven through the series.
The Byways books take you on a cross-country road trip. You’ll follow each of the brothers as they race across Liberty. But the series isn’t just a story. This is one long game, and you can play. Hide and seek! Search and find! Each...
June 27, 2014
TWITTER: @Elymnifoquent
You can now follow C. J. Milbrandt on Twitter. Tweets will include brief behind-the-scenes peeks at what I #amwriting and #amediting. Pictures, publishing news, fun facts, peeks into my mail bag, and public appearances. Twitter is also a great place to chat, so let’s connect. You can find C. J. Milbrandt @Elymnifoquent!
June 20, 2014
BYWAYS: Magic
Countdown: 2 Weeks. We’re counting down to the release the first book in my new children’s series. Each week, I’ve brought out sketches, character introductions, and explanations of the adventure ahead. Today, I’m unveiling the element of magic that’s found in the Byways books.
The Johns family tree was truly magical. Some said it was because Ian’s great-great-great-grandfather had married a woodland fairy. Since then, men and women in their clan sometimes showed signs of magic. Those with dy...
June 12, 2014
FOLKS: Ian Johns
Countdown: 3 Weeks. We’re counting down to the release the first book in my new children’s series. Each Thursday, I’ll bring out sketches, excerpts, and explanations of the adventure ahead.You’ve already met Ewan, Zane, and Ganix, whose race across Liberty takes sibling rivalry to new lengths. Today, I’ll introduce their father, Ian Johns.
Ian Johns is the founder of the postal system in the land of Liberty. Twice widowed, the Postmaster has three sons, all half-brothers, and the boys don’t ge...
June 5, 2014
PREVIEW: Byways Spot Illustrations
Countdown: 4 Weeks. We’re counting down to the release the first book in my new children’s series. Each Thursday, I’ll bring out sketches, excerpts, and explanations of the adventure ahead.Yesterday, I revealed the cover for Byways, Book 1: On Your Marks. Today, I’m offering a peek at the story’s interior illustrations.
The digital versions of all the Byways books will feature color illustrations by cover artist Hannah Christenson. Little details from the story add a splash of color for reader...
June 4, 2014
COVER REVEAL: On Your Marks
We’re one month away from the release of Byways, Book 1: On Your Marks, which will kick off the cross-country race that takes sibling rivalry to new lengths. Today, I’m revealing this first book cover, which features Ian Johns and his three sons. From left to right, you’ll find Zane the Rebel, Ganix the Scamp, Ian Johns, and Ewan the Eldest.
Byways, Book #1: On Your Marks
releases July 4, 2014
Series Summary: Ian Johns is the founder of the postal system in the land of Liberty. Twice widowed, he...
May 30, 2014
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.
In 2013, I had three qualifying titles on display in the library’s exhibit. Galleries of Stone, Book One: Meadowsweet released in December 2013. And under th...
May 29, 2014
PLACES: Liberty
Countdown: 5 Weeks. We’re counting down to the release the first of the Byways books, which is my new children’s series. Each Thursday, I’ll bring out sketches, excerpts, and explanations of the adventure ahead. Today, I’ll give you a peek at the story’s setting, a land called Liberty.
A vast continent.Mountains to the north, which are bounded by a frigid sea. A cross-country railroad connects coast to coast in this forested part of the country. Open plains and plateaus through the midland. Pe...
May 22, 2014
FOLKS: Zane the Rebel
Countdown: 6 Weeks. We’re counting down to the release the first of the Byways books, my new children’s series. Each week, I’ll bring out sketches, excerpts, and explanations of the adventure ahead. Today, I’ve added a Byways page to the website. Look for the tab and see where it leads. More pages will be added in the weeks ahead! And … it’s also my pleasure to introduce the Johns family’s middle son—Zane.
Zane Johns has a short temper, a love for excitement, and a surprisingly noble ancestry...
May 15, 2014
FOLKS: Ewan the Eldest
Countdown: 7 Weeks. We’re counting down to the release the first of the Byways books, my new children’s series. Each week, there’ll be sketches, excerpts, and explanations. Today, it’s my pleasure to introduce the Johns’ family’s eldest son—Ewan.
Ewan Johns is a slow and steady young man—law-abiding, honorable, and polite. He works as a bookkeeper in his father’s company and is called boring by his youngest brother.
■ Ewan inherited his father’s looks—tall and slender, with a beaky nose. He al...
