C.J. Milbrandt's Blog, page 88

Just a quick note to let you know that Galleries of Stone, Book 2: Harrow is now listed alongside Meadowsweet on YA Books Central. If you’ve read and enjoyed this second book in the trilogy, I would greatly appreciate your support. Taking the time to read, rate, and review each of my stories is quite possibly the best way you can help me out.

You can also find Harrow on GoodReads. Have you added it to your virtual bookshelf yet? Now’s your chance!

As soon as the boys were gone, Ian turned to his uncle. “What just happened?”

Vanek chuckled. “Did you really think cramming those boys into a carriage would fix things?”

“But to send them out alone? Laurel won’t like it.” Ian fiddled with the buttons on his cuff. “I don’t like it.”

—excerpted from Byways, Book 1: On Your Marks

Ian’s overly optimistic plan was doomed from the start, but thanks to Uncle Vanek, the brothers will each have a chance to prove themselves. This big bear of a man is the...

Born on the Fourth of July. Because of the patriotic underpinnings I mentioned in the Byways: State by State post, it only made sense for Byways to make its debut on July 4. The first book in this series of early chapter books is now available, so go introduce yourself to Ewan, Zane, and Ganix!

I’ve set the price for the first book at $ .99 as incentive for folks to give this series starter a try. On Your Mark...

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...

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!

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...

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...

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...

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.

Series Summary: Ian Johns is the founder of the postal system in the land of Liberty. Twice widowed, he...

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...