Christa Kinde's Blog, page 22
October 28, 2015
IN PRINT: Pursuing Prissie
Now Available! The long wait is finally over. My friendly neighborhood courier showed up earlier this afternoon with boxes. I unpacked them, doing the bookish equivalent of checking fingers and toes. All is as it should be!
A quick inspection of a few online venues has confirmed that print editions of Pursuing Prissie are now available for purchase. For instance, here it is on Amazon. If you’ve been waiting to nab a copy, they’re ready for readers. Enjoy!
October 24, 2015
NEWSWORTHY: Print Proof
One step closer! The print proof looks great. A boxful of books is on order. Print editions should be available wherever books are sold in the next couple of weeks! ✿
October 19, 2015
MONDAY: How do you celebrate family milestones?
Counting Blessings. This is a fun season for our family, with birthdays leading right into the holiday season. In many ways, we celebrate these milestones in true Pomeroy style. (Well, okay. The Pomeroys may have taken a few cues from the Kinde household.) Favorite meals. Special desserts. Games and movies. A few gifts and lots of stories. I’m taking a teensy break in the midst of these festivities for a bit of authorial chit-chat. Come and see!
Book Tables. I’m almost ready to host a release party for the Angels devotional. I would have thrown it earlier, but opted to wait until I had a few more titles in print. But before that, I have the SDCWG Fall Conference to look forward to. They always open up a bookstore so we can peruse books by other authors from the area. It’ll be my first chance to offer some of the fantasy titles I publish as C. J. Milbrandt. ♥
Shipping Angels. Yesterday, I had a mini book signing. These devotionals are headed to my hometown in Minnesota…
Print Editions. People at church are always asking, “Do you have books yet?” And every week, I have to say, “Not yet. But soon! We’re getting closer.” Last week, I was able to bring along a print-proof of one of my Byways books to the Bible study I lead. The ladies passed it around for show-and-tell. Some of them didn’t know I’ve been self-publishing because they don’t “do” e-books. Being able to hold one of my stories and flip through its pages is … wonderful!
Where am I in the process? Here’s a run-down:
I have paperback copies of Byways #2. They arrived today! (Hot off the presses.)
I’ve approved the e-proof of Pursuing Prissie and am awaiting a print proof, which will probably come in the mail later this week.
I’ve approved the e-proof of Meadowsweet (Galleries of Stone, Book 1) and will also be on the lookout for a print proof later this week.
Byways #1, #3, and #4 are in the system and only need one more approval stage before I can order paperbacks.
Byways #1–4 will also come out in a hardcover version. I’m waiting on a print proof of these “library editions” before those will go to press.
I’m awaiting the e-proof of Harrow (Galleries of Stone, Book 2). That should show up any day now.
And by the end of the month, I plan to typeset Rakefang (Galleries of Stone, Book 3), Byways books #5–7, and Rough and Tumble.
Here’s a peek at some of the cover designs we’ve been busy with:
Hiatus. I’m sure you’ve all noticed that I’m having trouble balancing my writing schedule with the demands of typesetting my books. Add in the impending holiday rush, and I need to be practical. So I’m going to officially place Sage and Song on hold through the holidays. Weekly updates will resume in January 2016.
So how do you celebrate family milestones?
Angel Unaware, Part 10: Team Player
The October issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine has released, which means the next installment in my ongoing Threshold-based serial is ready for readers. Follow the links below to Part Ten, “Team Player.”
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 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved.
Part Ten: “Team Player”
Christian Fiction Online Magazine, October 2015 | Read it now >>
After you’ve read there, I hope you’ll come back here with any comments and questions. : )
October 13, 2015
OUTTAKE: Her Prince
“And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call,
and they will gather His elect from the four winds,
from one end of the heavens to the other.”
MATTHEW 24:31
Her Prince
Prissie found Koji sitting in her windowseat, paging through one of her old picture books. This particular one had been her favorite. Mostly because it was about a princess, and the story’s prince looked a lot like Milo.
“I didn’t know you liked kids’ books,” she said awkwardly.
Koji gravely shook his head. “I did not know it myself.”
“So … you like this one?”
“Indeed.” The young angel showed her what page he was on. “There are even heralds with trumpets.”
It was true, though Prissie had always paid more attention to the hero on the page. With a flourish of his blue cape, the prince bowed to kiss the princess’s hand. Quickly looking away, she mumbled, “I guess.”
The boy touched her arm. “Why are you embarrassed?”
She shrugged. “I loved this book so much, but now it seems really childish.”
“Not at all!” Patting the cushion at his side, Koji said, “I will read it to you.”
“You don’t have to. I know the book by heart.”
“Good,” he replied. “Then you will understand more quickly.”
And with that, he told the story from the beginning, but not with the words that were printed on the page. He improvised, changing her childhood bedtime story into a parable. She was still the princess in a pink dress, but the prince became Someone else entirely.
“As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so
will your God rejoice over you.” –Isaiah 62:5
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and
His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright
and clean, was given her to wear.” –Revelation 19:7–8
“For your Maker is your husband—the LORD Almighty
is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
He is called the God of all the earth.” –Isaiah 54:5
When Koji finished, Prissie was amazed. “You turned my book into a love story about God?”
Koji tipped his head to one side. “Those who are called Beloved await their bridegroom.”
“I know Jesus is coming back, but I never thought of Him as a prince.”
The boy tapped the final picture, where the prince reached down to catch up his princess. She would ride with him to the castle in the distance. “The Prince of peace will return on a white horse. Trumpets will herald His arrival, and angels will attend Him.”
The more Prissie thought about it, the more she was looking forward to the happy ending God had in store. With a soft smile, she admitted, “I thought waiting for princes was getting a little too old-fashioned.”
“Your soul will always hope for that coming day.” Koji closed the book and promised, “Faith will become love at first sight.”
♦♦♦
Look into these things …
“Even angels long to look into these things.” –1 Peter 1:12
♦ What was your favorite storybook when you were little?
♦ How many different kinds of love can you name?
♦ Are there love stories in the Bible? Can you see yourself in any of them?
October 12, 2015
MONDAY: Where do you find e-book deals?
Let’s catch up! I haven’t done a proper Monday post in far too long. Lately, it’s been easier to simply do a Chit-Chat post when news happens. My days are mostly normal, taken up with errands, church stuff, reading, and writing. But adding in travel and typesetting, life’s been extra lively. Honestly, I’m having so much fun, there’s plenty to share. Come and see!
Local Authors. I’m a member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), and our local group meets once a month. Some of us are published authors, some of us are aspiring authors. And we all share a real love for storytelling. When we meet, we talk about everything from the writing process to making the most of social media. Learning from each other and encouraging one another—having writing friends is amazing.
Writer’s Conference. Speaking of local authors, I’m also a member of the SDCWG (San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild), and we’re counting down to the annual fall conference. I’m so excited to touch base with even more writing friends and to attend the main sessions and break-out workshops. These conferences are also great places to meet one-on-one with agents and editors. Have any of y’all ever attended something like this?
Our keynote speaker this year is Jerry Jenkins.
Release Day! On a personal level, my big news this week is the book birthday of my newest title from Zonderkidz. Angels: A 90-Day Devotional About God’s Messengers came out on Tuesday the 6th. Have you secured your copy yet?
#CrazyAuthorLady #amsmiling #BookSelfie
CJ’s Upcoming Releases. I’ve been a tiny bit swamped with preparations for the release of a new trio of Byways books. For those who may not know, I publish family-friendly fantasy under my maiden name—C. J. Milbrandt. Byways is a series of early chapter books for young readers. It’s a coming-of-age story times three, since it follows the adventures of three half-brothers. But the books also have an educational twist. There’s a built-in geography quest tying each story to one of the fifty states. We’re in count-down mode over at CJMilbrandt.com, with sketch peeks and cover reveals leading up to October 27, when books 8–10 release. This is a snippet of the cover for Byways #8, Down the Stairs: A Ewan Johns Adventure.
Book Deals. I don’t know about you, but I follow a handful of sites that promote e-book deals. My favorite are BookBub, The Vessel Project, and Spirit-Filled Kindle. This last week, I added a new one. I was already a member of Book Look Bloggers. Now, I subscribe to Book Look Deals, which features sales specifically on HarperCollins Christian titles (that includes Thomas Nelson & Zondervan). It’s free to subscribe, so go for it! Can you recommend other good places to find deals?
October 7, 2015
DEVOTIONAL: Did your pre-order arrive?
Buzz! Now that Angels: A 90-Day Devotional About God’s Messengers has released, I’ve seen a small stir of activity. Did your pre-ordered copy arrive? Have you downloaded it to your e-reader? Send along a picture to share! Link me to your posts! Pin the book to your boards! Tweet pics and quotes! Share the excitement! ^__^ d
Thanks for sharing a picture, Kara!
Do you have your book yet? Do tell!
October 6, 2015
RELEASE DAY: New Devotional
October 6. Today is the book birthday for a new title from Zonderkidz. This devotional is available in paperback or as an e-book from all the usual vendors.
Angels
A 90-Day Devotional About God’s Messengers
by Christa Kinde
Summary: Guardian angels. Divine messengers. Fiery spirits. Winged cherubim. The realm where these beings live is invisible to us. Most of the time, so are the angels themselves. So how do we know they’re real? How can we be sure they’re there? And what do we really know about them? Angels: a 90-Day Devotional about God’s Messengers explores over one hundred Bible passages in which angels make an appearance. In addition, there are Q and As, myths busters, hymns, Bible story retellings, pop culture references, and trivia that help you sort fact from fiction. So spend the next ninety days really exploring the world of angels, and learn more about what is taking place all around you.
October 1, 2015
POLL RESULTS: Favorite Pomeroy Brother
Just a quick note to highlight the results of our recent poll. I asked you to pick your favorite from among Prissie’s brothers, and the “landslide” winner is … Beau Pomeroy! To see how the other Pomeroys fared, you can check out the informal poll post here >>
CONGRATULATIONS: Anniversary Prize Drawing
Prize-winners! Apologies for the delay in posting the results of our celebratory giveaway. I’ve been having a doozy-level week where deadlines are concerned. But I’m nearing the end of today’s To Do list, so I’m feeling quite chipper. And it’s October today! I have always loved October. Might just be my favorite month. (Do you have a favorite time of year?)
First off, I want to thank everyone who took part in the week of fun stuff. I hope you enjoyed the extra burst of stories, art, and reminiscences. Now … with the help of Random.org and their random number generator, here are our six winners of the watercolor note card prize:
In the order your names were drawn:
Micailah
Isabella
Ariel
Arian
Emma
Priscilla
And the Grand Prize winner of the
Pursuing Prissie print edition
Skylar P.
Congratulations!
