Christa Kinde's Blog, page 108
January 13, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 84: January Thaw
Chapter 84: January Thaw
The following day brought a thaw. Clear skies. Warm sun. Soft breezes. Snowdrifts sank into slush, and birds made a cheerful racket at the feeders. The Pomeroy women conspired to open windows and air bedding. Ethan shared the clothesline post with a whole row of chickadees while watching over Zeke, who sat in a blanket-filled basket next to his grandmother.
Zeke rocked determinedly back and forth, toppling the laundry basket and gaining his prize—a handful of snow. Grandma Nell rescued and righted the boy, and Ethan chuckled as his little mister grinned, showing off two sharp, little, white teeth.
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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.
January 11, 2013
The Week’s Accumulation xxii
Life is falling back into familiar patterns, and this last week has been filled with putsy little pastimes that I’d been putting off “until Galleries of Stone is done.” I have news and links, show and tell, and a week’s worth of clutter to put on display. Come and see!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ I’ve been considering the many sites and social networks where authors seem to gravitate, and I’ve settled on those that are best suited to my needs and interests. In addition to my Amazon author page, I’ll be maintaining profiles on both GoodReads and Novel Crossing. And my love for art and visual resources make both Pinterest and tumblr useful additions to my networking queue. If any of these places are your places, look me up!
♦ I’m excited to announce that I’ll be interviewed on Jean Book Nerd next week. In addition to the Q&A session, there’ll be a giveaway of copies of The Blue Door. Mark your calendar so you can take part! I’ll do an additional post on the 15th as a reminder.
♦ Memberships were on this week’s docket. I’m now a member of both the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and the San Diego Christian Writers Guild.
♦ I added pages to my website this week. After a bit of shuffling, I placed the Media Page for the Threshold Series under the Media tab and added a page for Book Two: The Hidden Deep under the Threshold Series tab, which is now a hub for the various storylines in the Threshold universe. This’ll be handy since I have short stories and more serials like Rough and Tumble planned. There’s also new art in the gallery:
♦ Amidst all this organizational stuff, I’m also fitting in plenty of writing time. I’m entrenched in the final book of the Threshold Series, and I’ve been creating writing samples for upcoming projects. All very exciting. Always very busy.
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
January 10, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 83: Sleep Sweet
Chapter 83: Sleep Sweet
“Whaddya say we sack out down here?” Jayce mumbled huskily as he carried his fussing son to the couch. He murmured encouragement and prayers while Zeke clung and cried, and Ethan extended his wings over them until they dozed. When Zeke began to squirm again, Ethan gingerly picked up where Jayce left off, massaging the baby’s tender gums.
The Guardian’s heart lurched when Zeke grabbed onto his finger, holding tightly while he blinked up at his angel. Caught off guard, Ethan blinked back. Gradually, Zeke’s eyes drifted shut. On this night, sleep was a miracle that tasted faintly of manna.
<< 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.
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 82: Daddy’s Boy
Chapter 82: Daddy’s Boy
“They’re inseparable.”
“It was love at first sight,” Naomi assured her friend. “For both of them.”
Ethan followed her gaze across the church’s fellowship hall, where her husband stood with Zeke cradled in the crook of his arm.
“It’s good for boys to love their daddies. And Jayce is a pro.”
“You’d think so.” Naomi laughed at her husband’s expression when he finally realized his young son was gumming his necktie. Extracting the wreckage of sodden silk from the boy’s grip, Jayce contemplated it, shrugged, and gave it back. Shaking her head, Naomi confessed, “Zeke’s made rookies of us both.”
<< 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.
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 81: Make a Joyful Noise
Chapter 81: Make a Joyful Noise
On Sunday morning, the senior member of the Hedge surrounding the Pomeroys’ church beckoned to Ethan, urging, “Go inside. Your young charge is causing a stir.”
He quickly entered, scanning the sanctuary for Zeke. Several other Guardians flanked the room, including Lucan, who smiled broadly. Then Ethan heard one voice clashing with the chords of the opening hymn. Boisterous la-la-las drew indulgent looks from those nearby. Even the worship director was grinning. And when the music stopped… Zeke enjoyed a prolonged solo.
Ethan followed Naomi out the side door, humming a soft counterpoint to the baby’s exuberant song of praise.
<< 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.
January 8, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 80: Steady Stream
Chapter 80: Steady Stream
Ethan quietly asked, “Is he ill?”
Amusement flashed in Conrad’s dark eyes. “What gives you that impression?”
The young Guardian couldn’t quite tear his eyes away from the long strand of saliva trembling from Zeke’s bottom lip. “There is an excess of….”
“Drool,” his mentor finished. “I remember this part. He’s teething.”
As the little boy cheerfully blew spit bubbles, Ethan resisted the urge to reach out and wipe his chin. “So there is no danger?”
“He’ll experience some discomfort.”
Zeke gnawed on a block, adding a slick of saliva to its brightly-colored surface. Ethan wryly added, “And much dampness.”
<< 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.
January 7, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 79: Death Rattle
Chapter 79: Death Rattle
The boys’ voices neared, so Ethan quickly retraced his steps. Sword in hand, he followed the tracks until they ended several rows over. Dirty snow. Clawed earth. Scattered stones. Mangled bark. Blood streaked the angry gashes, which meant that the creature who’d fought to hide amidst this apple tree’s roots had injured itself.
“Come out,” Ethan ordered.
A feeble growl. A rush of wind. A deathly silence.
Jayce took one look and borrowed Neil’s scarf to mark the tree, then hurried the boys away, lecturing them on the dangers of approaching wounded animals.
Ethan knew better. The coon was dead.
<< 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.
Last Day for the eBook Sale
LAST DAY TO SAVE! Zondervan has more than 70 digital titles on sale for a limited time, and The Blue Door is one of them. This is your chance to pick up the first book in the Threshold Series for just $3.99. Of course there are lots more titles, so make sure you follow this link and browse through the e-books. The Load Your eReader Sale runs through January 7, 2013. Today’s your last day to take advantage!
January 6, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 78: Hearing Things
Chapter 78: Hearing Things
Trumble dropped down to walk with Jomei while Ethan rushed ahead, anxious to confirm that their trespasser was nothing more than an animal. Sense insisted that it must be. Slowing to a standstill, he paused to consider. If angels left no sign of their passing, wouldn’t it be the same for the Fallen?
Suddenly, the hint of a sound reached his ears. A hissing. A creaking. Wait… was that laughter?
Drawing his sword, Ethan slowly turned in a circle, trying to pinpoint its source.
“Spoil the fruit, spoils of war.”
The grating sing-song sent a chill down the Guardian’s spine.
<< 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.
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 77: Hunting We Will Go
Chapter 77: Hunting We Will Go
With a quick wingbeat, Ethan landed in front of the boys. Neil crouched before the tracks that angled across their path. “Betcha it’s a wolf!”
Tad snickered. “Probably a barn cat.”
Jayce leaned forward, causing the baby in the carrier on his back to squeal happily. “Actually, I think it’s a coon.”
“Here?” Tad asked, frowning.
“Raccoons like apples,” Beau reported. “Maybe he was hungry.”
Jayce shook his head. “Plenty of apples to be had without wandering this far into your grandpa’s orchard.”
“Can we follow ’em?” Neil wheedled.
“Sure, sure,” their father replied amiably. “Let’s hunt down our trespasser.”
<< 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.
