Christa Kinde's Blog, page 100
April 1, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 140: Bakery Boys
Chapter 140: Bakery Boys
“There are times when I think he’s still a child,” Jomei said. “At least at heart.”
“Is that not good?” Ethan checked. “God cherishes a child-like faith.”
“There’s faith,” conceded Jayce’s Guardian. “And then, there’s play.”
The man had brought his two-and-a-half-year-old son into work with him, and Zeke had spotted the gingerbread house in the bakery window. His fascination was immediate. Rather than risk its destruction, Jayce was helping his son build a smaller version. Icing, crumbs, candy, and patience dribbled everywhere.
“A solid tactic,” Ethan opined.
Jomei’s gaze was on his charge’s face. “A masterpiece in the making.”
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Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
March 31, 2013
Happy Easter!
Sing for joy a song of life! I’ve been saving back this watercolor for a few weeks in order to share it for Easter. Spring Song will be added to the gallery for Rough and Tumble, for it features two of Ethan’s teammates. Verrill is the green-haired fellow with the harp, and Raz is his apprentice. Malakim are heaven’s Messengers, and on a day like today, the news was—and still is—good!
Spring Song, a watercolor by chernotrav
March 29, 2013
The Week’s Accumulation xxxiii
This is one of those weeks when I can look back and smile. The last several days have been a nice balance of busy and restful, with a burst of creative energy that brought three new characters into focus. I’m not even sure how many people are rattling around inside my head, but like the shepherd, I can say that I know my flock. Distinct voices. Unique opinions. Diverse motivations. I don’t have any trouble keeping them straight, but sometimes I wonder if I’m entirely sane. I like this F. Scott Fitzgerald quote: “Writers aren’t exactly people … they’re a whole bunch of people trying to be one person.” And on that encouraging note, let’s take a look at this week’s batch of clutter!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ Thanks to some research for this new story I’m writing, I have an inordinate number of photo references on my desktop, most of which are of men in turbans. And maps. And the initial sketch of a decidedly grumpy sixteen-year-old. Oh, and camels.
♦ One corner of my desktop has a jumble of documents that are for media purposes. There’s been a small uptick in interviews, and I have a couple of short pieces to write for magazines. And a blog post. And confirmation for an upcoming radio interview! Busy, busy!
♦ Much of my week has been spent “with” Prissie and Book 4 in the Threshold Series… so I’m sharing a selection of braids. This may sound strange, but I’m quite interested to see how everything will play out. While I’ve been aiming toward certain things since the very beginning, the characters keep surprising me with how they want to make their way there.
♦ In case you missed it, there’s a giveaway going on right now. Lynda Freeman is doing a drawing on her blog Grandma’s Cookie Jar, and you could win a signed copy of The Blue Door. The drawing will take place on April 9, so get your name in! You can also read her thoughts on my series… and look forward to a review of The Hidden Deep next week!
♦ With the upcoming release of The Hidden Deep and Angels All Around, I’ve been steadily adding new art to my galleries. Here are thumbnails of the most recent additions, which include Baird from the Threshold Series. Did you catch the funsy little interview that accompanied the unveiling of Nice Togs? And there are sketches of two of the Guardians from Rough and Tumble. Jomei and Lucan watch over Jayce and Naomi Pomeroy (Prissie’s parents).
♦ Last but not least, I have a new watercolor waiting on my desktop. It has a lovely springtime feel, so I decided to save it back for an Easter unveiling. Look for it on Sunday afternoon! ♥
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 139: Cuddle Buddy
Chapter 139: Cuddle Buddy
Jude was a born cuddler. He couldn’t be happier than when he was nestled in the crook of someone’s arm, and he was happiest if they were smiling back at him. This kept Naomi’s hands full in a new way, making Jayce chief Zeke-wrangler.
Zeke was a born climber. The moment his father came into view, he was running, reaching, and clambering his way onto the man’s shoulders. Jomei remarked, “That boy wants nothing more or less than to be smack dab in the middle of Jayce’s life.”
Ethan looked on approvingly. “Giving full attention, and demanding it in return.”
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Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
Fridays: I’ll keep comments open on Fridays in case you’d like to say hello.
March 28, 2013
In which I find myself in a cookie jar…
Authorial Endeavor #017. I’m feeling a little nostalgic this morning. When we moved into our first little house in Western Michigan, I was expecting my third child. Time flies, and boys grow. He’s a lanky teen of 6’5″ now, and our years of country living are fond memories that helped shape Prissie’s world. Very much to my delight, a friend from those years reconnected with me this week. Lynda Freeman hosts a family-friendly blog called Grandma’s Cookie Jar, and this week, she reviewed The Blue Door!
Just as grandma’s cookie jar should always be full of good things,
this blog will be full of good ideas, information, activities, and reviews
of things to help grandma—and grandpa, mom, and dad, too—
pass on a heritage of faith to the children in their lives!
Lynda’s blog is truly a celebration of the kinds of things that are dear to my heart: faith, family, and friendship. This week, she shares thoughts about me and my series, kicking things off with the tricky business of finding suitable stories for Christian children. She asks, “What options do you have to give them stories which are well written? Stories which will capture their imagination? Stories which they will want to read? Stories which will challenge and encourage their walk with God—which of course, is the most important thing?”
“Children will be challenged and encouraged…”
Grandma’s Cookie Jar is hosting a giveaway of signed copies of The Blue Door, and those who enter the drawing can also sign up to receive postcards of story art! Make sure to head over and read the whole article. And look forward to next week, when she’ll be reviewing The Hidden Deep and sharing an authorial interview! Look forward to it!
Grandma’s Cookie Jar – Book Review of The Blue Door >>
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 138: Parental Stake-Out
Chapter 138: Parental Stake-Out
Someone had been snitching from the old-fashioned pie safe where Naomi kept Christmas goodies. The older kids protested their innocence, leaving one impossibility. “He’s two.” Jayce whispered. “There’s no way!”
Naomi shushed him as Zeke showed up in footie pajamas.
A stockpot for a step stool. A rat tail comb for a lock-pick. When the boy trotted from the room munching a gingerbread man, Ethan was startled by a low chuckle. Jayce exclaimed, “My son’s an evil genius!”
Naomi thumped his arm. “Don’t sound so proud!”
Still grinning, Jayce helped his wife up. “Let’s go end Zeke’s life of crime.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
March 27, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 137: Little Bird
Chapter 137: Little Bird
Alpheus’s hands tightened into fists as he hovered next to the table, wings aflutter. “What should we do?”
Ethan admitted, “I am uncertain. Lucan, will this harm him?”
“He seems to be enjoying the attention,” the silver-eyed Guardian remarked.
“B-but …!” Alpheus stammered.
Applesauce had been a staple of Zeke’s diet for quite some time. But it was a little early for it to be part of Jude’s. Short of direct intervention, Ethan had no idea how to stop Zeke from spooning more into his baby brother’s mouth.
Lucan chuckled. “Jude is content. Zeke is entertained. Let them … bond.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
March 26, 2013
COUNTDOWN: 4 Weeks
COMING SOON! There are only 4 weeks left before Book 2 in the Threshold Series releases. The Hidden Deep will be in bookstores on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. To count down, I’m doing a weekly post to share newsy tidbits, sneak peeks at sketches, and brand new story art. This week, I thought it’d be fun to do a little Q&A session with an angel.
Harvesttime is in full swing when Prissie Pomeroy learns that something terrible happened in her family’s orchard. With school back in session, the rift between Prissie and her friends widens while Ransom and his friends keep getting on her nerves. As Koji and Milo introduce Prissie to the rest of Jedrick’s Flight, she’s drawn increasingly deeper into their world and closer to its dangers. A kidnapped apprentice suffers. A chained door bodes ill. A tiny angel makes a big difference. A battle line is drawn. Everything Prissie thought she knew is about to change… again!
PRE-ORDER! Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Zondervan
Q&A Session. This week, I thought you might enjoy getting to know one of the Threshold Series characters a little better. Most folks seem to take a shine to Baird, and I just happen to have a new piece of art with him to add to the gallery. So let’s do this!
Christa: Let’s start with your name. Even my editors were thrown off because you’re “the only angel to have two.”
Baird: I did not mean to mess with their heads. Totally sorry about that. It’s not really a big deal. All the Grafts have at least two names—first and last. Milo Leggett. Harken Mercer. Kester Peverell. Like that. On paper, my full name is Myron Baird. But I go by my last name. Everyone calls me Baird.
Christa: Except Jedrick?
Baird: The Captain’s a stubborn one. He’ll come around eventually!
Christa: Your age keeps coming up. Just how old are you?
Baird: I stopped counting a long time ago.
Christa: Fess up!
Baird: How about … young at heart!
Christa: Just answer the question, Myron.
Baird: Not gonna dignify. But yeah. It’s not exactly a secret. I’m a First One, and that means I’ve been around since the angelic get-go, singin’ with the stars while God spoke a whole universe into existence. Older than dirt. Literally.
Christa: How long have you been a mentor?
Baird: I’ve had apprentices on and off since way back. But if you’re talking about Kester, he’s only been hangin’ out with me since midsummer.
Christa: Do you guys live together?
Baird: Nope, but we’re in the same building. I used to ninja into Kester’s place using the fire escapes, but he started locking his window after he found me jumping on his couch. Still kinda feel bad about that.
Christa: You’re both part of the worship team at the DeeVee in Harper. Is that an official job?
Baird: Yep. Real deal. The church hired me to lead worship and goof off with the youth group. Kester’s a volunteer, just like everyone else in the band. Not sure what they think his day job is. Probably a piano teacher or something.
Christa: One last question. About your wings… they’re not quite the same as the other guys’?
Baird: Hey, you noticed! Yep. Totally different.
Christa: Hard to miss. Kester put on quite a display in Book One! So can you fly with those things?
Baird: Actually, no! Angels of my order are like … penguins! Except not really. Since they have a seriously limited vocal range. And webbed feet. It’s an imperfect analogy. But I can totally do the walk. Wanna see?
Moving right along….
If you have other questions for Mr. Baird, drop a comment! Otherwise, simply enjoy the newest artwork. Nice Togs is by artist Katie Hofgard, who also created Prissie’s Treasure. Here are links to that piece … and other Baird-ish renderings:
<< LAST WEEK | More next week!
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 136: Day of Rest
Chapter 136: Day of Rest
On an autumn Sunday that was summer-warm, Jayce packed a lunch and led his lot into the orchard. The children ran ahead, shouting suggestions for picnic spots, and their Guardians followed, sketching lazy circles over the treetops.
Climbing trees. Running races. Playing catch. Telling stories.
Later, Ethan knelt beside Alpheus, who watched over naptime. Naomi snoozed on a soft, plaid blanket, Zeke tucked against one side, Jude on the other. Alpheus’s expression was peaceful, and he kept his voice low. “I like this kind of lull.”
“So do they,” Ethan replied, gazing fondly at Zeke’s rumpled repose. “We all do.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
March 25, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 135: Parody of Songs
Chapter 135: Parody of Songs
Ethan enjoyed the busyness of harvest, when so many Flights converged on the Pomeroys’ farm. With so many Guardians on hand, you’d think there was no safer place. But Ethan couldn’t lapse into a false sense of security. One enemy was too close for any comfort.
He couldn’t fathom why the rest were deaf to Blight’s hissing whispers. They came at all hours, drifting from odd corners, slinking from the shadows. Stray comments. Little jokes. Random asides. Litanies of grievances that reminded Ethan uncomfortably of evensong.
If such a thing was possible, Ethan would have guessed that Blight was lonely.
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
