Christa Kinde's Blog, page 18
April 14, 2016
CHIT-CHAT: My Desk
Show and Tell. A couple of months ago, I shared this picture in my newsletter. This is what my desk looks like.
Do you have a creative space?
April 11, 2016
IN PRINT: Angel on High
I’m so excited to share the latest news! Koji’s story is now available in print. Angel on High came out so cute …
The print edition is slimmer than the other two companion stores currently available. However, Koji’s book includes both the exclusive epilogue, “The Girl in the Orchard,” and full-color illustrations. You’ll find the title everywhere books are sold. ★
April 7, 2016
Sage and Song, Chapter 38: The Two Goals
Chapter 38: The Two Goals
“Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
PROVERBS 3:9–10 NKJV
“What is lost may be found,” said Ichi, who smoothly ascended one of the staircases that led onto the walls.
Lemuel thumped the guard’s back with tight fists. “Let go! No fair! I didn’t do anything wrong!”
Kester endured their retreat in silence, but his inverted view of the gardens below made him more than a little giddy. At least on Solomon’s horse, he’d been facing forward. Ichi’s hold left him upside down and backward.
“Fear not.” Ichi patted Kester’s legs. “I know where a song awaits.”
“One of the old king’s songs?”
“His song, his psalm, his heart.”
Going limp, Lemuel sulked. “I’m a prince, you know. Stupid Ichi.”
“Son of the son of David, I know you. Earn my respect, and it is yours. Until then, you are under my guard.”
Lemuel lapsed into grumbles.
Pausing atop a guard tower, Ichi set the boys down and held up a finger. “Follow Ichi—swift as sunbeams, sure as stars. None shall stop us.”
“Where are we going?” asked Kester.
“To a manger.”
With a small frown, Lemuel asked, “In the stables?”
Ichi nodded. “Where a newborn awaits.”
The prince’s whole expression changed to something awed and eager. “Is there a foal?”
“As new as today’s sunrise.”
“Show us!”
Kester marveled at the boy’s change in mood. “Do you like horses?”
“More than anything!” Grabbing Kester’s arm, Lemuel pushed Ichi ahead of them. “We’re coming.”
Lemuel’s sandals smacked purposefully against stone as he marched after their guide, but Kester drifted after him, caught up in his own thoughts. More than anything? Can one thing be more than any other thing? He nodded to himself, for One existed above all others. But no matter how Kester turned the matter around in his mind, he couldn’t understand Lemuel’s rash statement.
“Too slow!” grumbled Lemuel, who made a grab for Kester’s hand. “Walk faster!”
“More than your father?” asked Kester.
The prince’s expression creased in confusion. “What about Father?”
“If you like horses more than anything, do you like them more than your father?”
Lemuel’s eyes narrowed.
“Or more than Magdiel?”
“Are you teasing?” asked the boy.
Kester shook his head. “I am trying to understand why you value an animal above all else.” In hushed tones, he dared to add. “More than God Most High?”
Lemuel stopped short. “That’s wrong. You’re wrong.”
A sigh of relief escaped Kester’s lips, and he smiled weakly. “Good.”
“And you’re strange.” Lemuel checked to make sure Ichi wasn’t getting away from them, then leaned close. “Don’t you like horses?”
Kester’s experience with them was limited, but vivid. “I do not like to ride them.”
“Just because you don’t like them doesn’t mean I can’t like them.”
That made sense. With each passing day, Kester was developing preferences, interests, and tastes. Some were like his mentor’s, but some were all his own. He offered a small nod.
Pulling at Kester’s arm, the prince continued after Ichi. “I like horses the way you like songs, and Ichi promised both.”
With two goals in mind, the boys ran after Ichi, who grinned and set a higher pace—swift as sunbeams, sure as stars.
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz]. More information can be found on the Sage and Song index page. Sage and Song, © Copyright 2015–2016 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, subscribe to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
Have you found all the other Threshold-based companion stories?
March 16, 2016
Angel Unaware, Part 15: Songwriter
The March issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine has released, which means the next installment of Angel Unaware is ready for readers. Follow the links below to Part Fifteen, “Songwriter.”
He was the new kid, and he needed a friend.
Story Summary: Marcus had never been a typical cherub. Raised on earth instead of in enclaves, he blended right in with humanity. The perfect Graft. But what Marcus wanted more than anything else was to become a warrior. So he asked God for a mentor. Marcus gets his armor fittings and swordsmanship lessons. But he also ends up with a couple of well-meaning foster parents, three nosy siblings, a lonesome landlord, and a new best friend.
Angel Unaware, © Copyright 2015–2016 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved.
Part Fifteen: “Songwriter”
Christian Fiction Online Magazine, March 2016 | Read it now >>
After you’ve read there, I hope you’ll come back here with any comments and questions. : )
March 8, 2016
Sage and Song, Chapter 37: The Obedient Servant
Chapter 37: The Obedient Servant
“Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while
wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise”
PROVERBS 10:23 NLT
Ichi extended a hand, and Kester automatically let his palm rest atop the guardsman’s. Belatedly, the young Worshiper remembered that the gesture was more in keeping with angels than men, and he blushed. But Ichi simply clasped his hand and stood, lifting Kester to his feet.
The man spoke, but the dance of syllables was foreign to Kester’s ears. He asked, “What does that mean, please?”
“Peace,” Ichi said. “May peace be yours, young friend.”
Lemuel make a face at their companion. “You say peace, but you’re here to chase us out.”
“I will lead you onto a correct path.”
“I don’t need you to show me the way. We were doing fine without you.” To Kester, Lemuel said, “I know what I’m talking about. This is the best way through.”
Kester shook his head. “I am not allowed to enter this part of the palace.”
“It’s okay if you’re with me!”
“No. My mentor told me not to enter the harem.”
Snappish in his frustration, Lemuel asked, “What’s the big deal? I’m here all the time.”
“Even so, I cannot enter.”
The prince chewed his lip. “What if I commanded you? You’re a servant. It’s your job to obey.”
Did Lemuel even understand the words he’d just spoken? Kester said, “Most assuredly. I will obey my mentor.”
“But this way is fastest,” wheedled Lemuel. “And Asaph wouldn’t even know. I won’t tell.”
“God knows,” said Kester.
Ichi, whose gaze had been bouncing back and forth between the boys, lifted a hand and repeated, “I will lead you onto a correct path.”
Lemuel thrust out his lower lip. “I’m not following you anywhere!”
The guardsman made a soft clicking sound with his tongue. “Foolish.”
Scowling, the prince turned his back and struck a haughty pose. But Ichi nabbed Lemuel and tossed him over his shoulder, saying, “Then I will set your feet on higher ground.”
“Hey!” the boy exclaimed.
Kester gasped when he, too, was lifted.
With a boy in each arm, Ichi darted through the garden, up a stair, along a wall, and away. Lemuel squawked and hollered, but the guard’s stride only lengthened. Kester clung tightly to the man’s black robes, safe but sad.
“Too fast?” asked Ichi.
“Too late. The song has ended.” Kester’s heart ached over his lost chance. “I missed it.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates on Mondays. More information can be found on the Sage and Song index page. Sage and Song, © Copyright 2015–2016 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, subscribe to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
Have you found all the other Threshold-based companion stories?
GoodReads Giveaways
Enter to Win! If you do the GoodReads thing, I currently have five books set up in their Giveaways program. Enter for your chance at a signed copy. And while you’re at it, follow me as a GoodReads author … friend me so we can swap recs … and add my books to your shelves. : ) I’m grateful for every rating and review. ♥
Links:
Ending April 10 – Pursuing Prissie
Ending April 15 – Rough and Tumble
Ending April 30 – Angels: A 90-Day Devotional About God’s Messengers
Ending April 30 – The Blue Door
Ending April 30 – Tried and True
My author profile: Christa Kinde on GoodReads
March 2, 2016
Sage and Song, Chapter 36: The Palace Brat
Chapter 36: The Palace Brat
“Wise planning will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.”
PROVERBS 2:11 NLT
“Where are you going?” Lemuel lengthened his stride to keep up with Kester’s longer legs.
“I am uncertain.”
“If you don’t know, how come we have to run?”
With a small shake of his head, Kester explained, “I must find the song before it ends.”
“We’re chasing a song?”
“Yes.”
The prince veered off the garden path in order to grab a stick. “You really like music.”
“I do.”
“Is that why they call you little David?” Lemuel caught up and swung his new weapon at passing flowers.
“I do not know.” Kester was only half paying attention. His ears sifted through the usual morning hustle-bustle around the palace, straining for any hint of a melody. “I have no say in the names people use for me.”
“Me either.”
Kester drew up short, partly because he found himself facing a wall, but also because of Lemuel’s tone. Although the prince still batted carelessly at a shrub, his voice was tight. Is he angry? Or is this frustration? The young angel couldn’t tell, but he could listen.
“The guards call me a brat and a troublemaker.” The stick rose and fell in a steady rhythm, and the air took on the bright green smell of bruised leaves. “They’re kinder than the others.”
“Others?” Kester asked softly.
Lemuel stared fixedly at nothing. “My brothers, the princes. Other sons of my father. They call me a crybaby.”
Kester held his peace about his new friend’s nighttime whimpers.
“And the women.” Several emotions passed swiftly across the boy’s face, settling into a grim sort of resolve. Meeting Kester’s gaze, Lemuel said, “They say I’m a killer. Because my mother is dead.”
“What would you like me to call you?” Kester asked.
Lemuel blinked.
The young angel tried again. “What does Magdiel call you?”
“You know about my sister?”
“Only her name.” Kester lowered his voice. “You spoke in your sleep.”
“Oh.” Lemuel eyed him warily and changed the subject. “I thought you were in a hurry.”
Kester touched the cool stone barring his path. “I am supposed to continue in this direction, but I cannot pass through a wall.”
“Is that all?” Lemuel rolled his eyes and ran to the right. “This way!”
The Sending gently shifted. Kester’s destination hadn’t changed, but the way had.
Along a garden path. Behind a row of columns. Down a short flight of stairs. Lemuel ran without a backward glance, and Kester did his best to keep up. They dove into a narrow passage and clambered out a window partway through, landing in a hedge. Crawling through was a battle against knobbly roots and catching branches. Kester had to backtrack more than once to rescue his sandal and emerged in a walled garden with wild hair and dirty knees. But he could hear the singing now. A woman’s voice—rusty with age, rich with feeling.
So caught up in the faint lyrics coming from beyond the next gate, Kester didn’t notice that he and the price weren’t alone until a black-robed figure landed lightly in front of them.
Lemuel yelped, and Kester jerked backward, sprawling awkwardly amidst fragrant herbs.
Distantly recalling the captain’s frequent reminders, the young angel drew breath to holler. But a hand appeared before him, palm up in a peaceable offer of assistance.
“Kester.”
His name sounded strange on the man’s tongue, the syllables blurred by accent. But Kester recognized the old guardsman who crouched on his toes, perfectly balanced, clearly amused. With a rush of grateful relief, Kester glanced at the prince who was once more using him as a shield. “Fear not. Ichi is a friend.”
But Lemuel glared sulkily at the white-haired man. “He’s no friend of mine.”
Ichi seemed to be hiding a smile. “This mouse finds many ways in. I am the cat who corners him.”
Looking around Kester lowered his voice to a whisper. “Are we somewhere we do not belong?”
“He is home.” Ichi’s pointing finger swung from Lemuel to Kester and gently poked his chest. “You are out of bounds.”
“Where …?” But there was only one place Asaph had forbidden Kester to go.
Ichi inclined his head. “You are nearing the king’s harem.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates on Mondays. More information can be found on the Sage and Song index page. Sage and Song, © Copyright 2015–2016 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, subscribe to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
Have you found all the other Threshold-based companion stories?
February 25, 2016
NEWSLETTER: Next Week
Monthly Newsletter. Quick notice that I’ll be sending out the February 2016 newsletter next Monday, February 29, 2016. So if you aren’t already subscribed, now’s a good time to sign up. Newsletters include story excerpts, first peeks at art & book covers, giveaways, snapshots, and whatever else is going on. Don’t miss ’em! SIGN UP NOW >>
February 22, 2016
RELEASE DAY: Tried and True (print edition)
2.22.16 As of today, you can order print editions of Tried and True, the second Threshold Series companion story that you can hold in your hands. ♥ The 4×6″ book includes the exclusive epilogue, “Flights and Hedges” and looks very sweet next to Rough and Tumble.
We’re currently working on typesetting Angel on High, so that story’s in the ‘Coming Soon’ category of print editions. (Eventually, Angel Unaware, Sage and Song, and Herald Angels will join the collection.)
February 17, 2016
IN PRINT: Tried and True
Threshold Serials. While I was publishing the Threshold Series, I created serial stories to “tide readers over” between book releases. Those mini epics updated weekdaily with 100-word installments. While I was able to release the finished stories as e-books, it’s been my pleasure to bring those stories into print. Rough and Tumble showed up in bookstores back in December, and Tried and True is next.
My first copies came in, and they’re adorable!
Print editions will be available this coming Monday, February 22.
You can pre-order a copy now! ♥
Coming into Print Next: Angel on High
