Christa Kinde's Blog, page 32

ANGEL ON HIGH: More Places

Good News! Angel on High is now available in more places. I’ve added Koji’s backstory to both Barnes & Noble and Kobo. Don’t forget that when you buy the e-book, you’ll be able to read the exclusive epilogue, “The Girl in the Orchard.”

In the far reaches of the universe, in the

nurseries of galaxies, angels tread the

vastness of space, leaving clouds of color

and ribbons of light in their wake. These

shepherds of stars tend tilting planets and sing

with the suns ��� and listen for sneezes. Because

that���s how newfoundlings give themselves away.

Angel on High

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

MONDAY: Where would you begin?

I honestly enjoy puttering, fiddling, putzing, and fussing around the edges of projects, so the last week or so has been kind of fun. I’ve been tying up loose ends. As I’ve said many times before, writing a good story is only part of a writer’s job. Whether you’re traditionally published or independently published (or both, like me), there’s a fair amount of busywork: editing, research, promotion, communication, planning, and puttering. : P�� Come and see what I’ve been up to this week!

��� Last weekend, I wrapped up line edits on my upcoming angel-themed devotional���Angels: A 90-Day Devotional About God’s Messengers. The book is due out in September 2015, so once the manuscript passes muster with my sharp-eyed Zonderkidz editors, it’ll be off to a typesetter. At this stage, I start getting antsy to see the book cover. I wonder what their designers will come up with?

��� During spare moments last week, I finally had a chance to deal with more website details. My last round of shuffling left a handful of broken links, and some of the information was outdated, so it felt good to tidy things up. If you do a bit of scrolling, you’ll find that both the sidebar and the footers have changed.

��� Postcards have been going out at regular intervals for the past two weeks. Most of you should have received your prize ones by now (except Savannah and Arian, who managed to net all six designs). If you’ve received your prizes, I’d love it if you shared a snapshot! The more creative the better! Post them to Twitter or Facebook … or email them to me for a round of show-and-tell.

To my delight, three of you who joined in during our milestone celebrations hadn’t ever received the postcards before. Yay, newbies! So every few days, I drop another short stack in the mail.�� If you’re interested in receiving mail from me, all you have to do is ask! More about postcards >>

��� At the upcoming monthly meeting of my local ACFW group, we’re going to be discussing first lines and last lines in books (and chapters). To get ready, I’ve been pulling together a list, and I thought I’d share. Do you recognize these bookish firsts?

From books by Christa Kinde

A shining column erupted from the ring of stones set into the floor of a circular room, carrying with it the figure of a young man wreathed by shifting tendrils of blue light.

���Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an apple blossom?��� Ephron asked.

With a word, a single life winked into existence, warm as the flame of a brave candle suspended among the stars.

Heat shimmered off pavement, and humidity dragged at pearlescent wings.

Another scream.

���Kester Peverell, your name has come under my hand.���

When the Faithful gather, it���s usually for song, but the six angels in the Pomeroys��� hayloft stood silent.

From books by C. J. Milbrandt

No one could fault the Rakefangs.

���A race? Against your own brothers?��� asked a chatty woman in a fuzzy green coat.

Morning smelled like coffee in the big kitchen of the rooming house where Ganix was staying.

Tupper sprang lightly from rock to rock, descending from the summit at breakneck speeds, a golden lynx kitten close on his heels.

Summer leaves brushed bronze skin as Aurelius���s scuffed boots left the ground.

The air finally carried the soft, earthy scent of springtime on the morning that someone new entered Pennyflax & Quince.

I know several of you are writers. Where would you begin?

<< LAST MONDAY�� |�� NEXT MONDAY >>

Sage and Song, Chapter 16: The Golden Link

Chapter 16: The Golden Link

Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And

every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.

PROVERBS 19:6 NKJV

Kester studied Solomon���s upturned face and wondered which parent he favored. He directed a silent question at his mentor. Is he like David?

Asaph���s voice touched his mind. The captain says Solomon has his mother���s face and his father���s heart. I tend to agree.

This is the man God made wise. Yet even the wisest of men could not know everything. But Kester had the distinct impression that the king appreciated this more than most. Perhaps it was this very knowledge that fueled Solomon���s curiosity. Somewhat discomfited at having the king kneel before him, Kester sat on the floor beside him. ���I did not know those were your father���s words. He must have been skilled.���

���To tune his voice to mine?��� Solomon asked lightly.

���Yes.���

���As you will do?���

Kester inclined his head. ���If necessary.���

Solomon���s lips twitched. ���Because you are skilled.���

While this was certainly true, Kester thought it best not to admit the full extent of his abilities. ���If my mentor spoke the truth, you sing quite well. What skill I possess should suffice.���

The king���s rich laugh filled the lamplit room, and he tousled Kester���s hair. ���I wish half my governors had your composure in my presence.���

Asaph glanced up from his work. ���You have their respect. Can you blame them for a touch of awe?���

���I can. I do,��� Solomon retorted with another laugh.

Their banter went on, but Kester stared at the king���s hand���big, brown, and bejeweled. Asaph sometimes set his hand atop Kester���s head, but having his hair messed up was new. The young angel had seen fathers rough up their sons��� hair before, but he wasn���t sure how to react. Trying to fit the experience into some kind of framework, Kester blurted, ���Did your father do this to you?���

Solomon blinked. ���Do what?���

Kester touched his unruly curls.

���Come to think of it, he did!��� the king cheerfully replied, repeating the tousling.

Intrigued, Kester made another connection, ���And you are a father.���

���Many times over. Do I remind you of yours?���

���Sometimes,��� Kester replied vaguely. ���Do you mess up the hair of your children?���

Solomon���s brow creased. ���I wish half my sons had your composure in my presence. But let us turn our thoughts to more pleasant things. I promised you a gift!��� He stood and made his way through the storeroom���s jumble of treasures. Pausing before an open chest, the king said, ���I have many pretty baubles. Will you choose one?���

���I will trust your judgment.���

���Surely you have preferences. A favorite color or pattern or stone?���

After some consideration, Kester said, ���May I have something similar to my mentor���s?���

Solomon playfully complained, ���You and Asaph are truly cut from the same cloth. He pled for the plainest ornament I could find.���

Kester nodded. ���Plain, please.���

With a sigh, the king rummaged through one chest, then another. Since the boy���s arms were so thin, most of the arm bands were far too big. Not until Solomon was sifting through a third heap of jewelry did he find something that might fit. ���Try this one.���

Sliding the gold bracelet over his left hand, Kester pushed it past his elbow. It fit snugly over his bicep, staying put when he flexed his arm. ���It feels strange.���

���You���ll soon be used to it; you���ll need to wear it all the time.��� Solomon wrapped one hand around Kester���s arm, covering his gift. ���Those who see this will know that you belong here.���

���Is that what they think?��� Asaph quietly interjected.

Kester looked between them, for his mentor was back to using a scolding tone.

Solomon wryly amended his statement. ���Those who see this will know that you belong to me. Many consider this a mark of ownership. That is the price of a king���s protection.���

���Ichi called me your pet.���

A grin flashed across Solomon���s face. ���I���m sure he meant that generously. Especially since he called me ���pet��� when I was small.���

Kester fiddled with the arm band. Solomon���s soothing manner and Asaph���s distaste warned him that something wasn���t quite right. Looking between them, he calmly asked, ���Have I been enslaved?���

The king winced. ���I would prefer ��� employed.���

���I was already the servant of your servant,��� Kester pointed out.

���All the people of Israel are God���s children, myself included,��� Solomon said seriously. ���We serve the same God even as I serve as your king.���

���Fellow servants.��� Kester smiled faintly. ���I understand.���

Solomon lifted a hand. ���But Asaph is right. There will be those who call you a slave and treat you with little or no respect.���

The contradiction baffled Kester. ���Against your wishes?���

���Very much so.���

���But who would go against the will of the king?���

With a wry smile, Solomon said, ���My wives, my sons, and my daughters.���

��� Do you know anyone with perfect pitch?

��� How do your parents show you affection?

��� What are the strings attached to Solomon���s gift?

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Author���s Note: This story is a prequel to Christa Kinde���s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays). More information can be found on the Sage and Song index page.

Sage and Song, �� Copyright 2015 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.

Sage and Song, Chapter 15: The Busy Man

Chapter 15: The Busy Man

The LORD hates those who don���t keep their

word, but he delights in those who do.

PROVERBS 12:20 NLT

Evening sacrifices and evensong came and went. The two Worshipers grafted into Solomon���s household gathered up their afternoon���s work and made their way to the archive. While Asaph filed away their day���s work, Kester lingered near the door, ears straining for any hint of the king���s arrival.

Footsteps came and went. Voices drew closer, then passed by. Minutes became an hour.

���The king has many demands on his time and attention.��� Asaph���s smile had a sympathetic twist. ���He might disappoint you.���

Kester fidgeted. ���He told us to meet him here.���

���And here we are. And here we���ll wait.���

The boy���s eyes widened. ���He might not come?���

His mentor sighed. ���Any man���s good intentions can be undone in a moment.���

���Has he left you waiting before?���

���Many times.���

Kester���s jaw dropped. ���Why would he do that?���

���Many reasons.���

���Did he lie?��� the young angel asked softly.

Asaph searched his young apprentice���s face. ���Solomon may be wise, but he���s far from perfect. I can only assure you that his lapses in memory or manners are always accompanied by earnest apologies. He���ll be here if he can.���

Since his contact with people was so limited, Kester was new to this aspect of life as a Graft. Solomon was human, so Kester couldn���t expect him to be like angels. After a lengthy pause, Kester echoed, ���If he can. What might prevent him?���

���Solomon is not simply the king; he���s a son, a brother, a husband, and a father. He manages many servants, makes many plans, indulges in many hobbies, and tames many pets. Even Solomon���s trusted friends must wait their turn.���

���I can be patient,��� said Kester.

���For the sake of the king? Or for the sake of his harp?���

His mentor was only teasing again, but Kester faced the question squarely. He finally admitted, ���Between the two, I understand the harp better.���

Asaph blinked, then chuckled. ���He���ll be here if he can,��� he repeated.

Moments later, a series of thin notes caught Kester���s attention. The careless melody was so far off-key, it put his teeth on edge.

���He���s doing it on purpose,��� Asaph remarked in bland tones.

���Who is doing what?��� Kester felt as if his hair was standing on end, and he patted at it to check.

Solomon strolled through the door, dressed in light robes, wafting expensive scents, and whistling between his teeth.

Asaph ignored the king in favor of answering Kester���s question. ���He has an excellent sense of pitch, yet he pretends to be tone deaf.���

���More scolding?��� Solomon carried the lion���s head harp in his hands. Lifting it along with his eyebrows, he said, ���I���m willing to yield to those with sweeter voices.���

Kester took a half-step forward and went up on tiptoe. ���If it would please the king, I will play.���

Solomon knelt before him, proffering the harp. ���Please do, Kester. I���ve been waiting all day for this.���

Had the king also experienced a slowing of time? Hugging the precious instrument to his chest, Kester asked, ���Will you sing with me?���

���What if my singing is as bad as my whistling?���

���Fear not. I will tune my voice to yours.���

The king���s face went slack. ���How did you know?���

Kester looked to Asaph for help, but his mentor only shook his head.

Solomon collected himself enough to explain, ���Father used to say that to me.���

��� Would you say you���re a busy person?

��� Which do you look forward to more: getting together with friends or getting away by yourself?

��� How important is faithfulness in keeping one���s promises?

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Author���s Note: This story is a prequel to Christa Kinde���s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays). More information can be found on the Sage and Song index page.

Sage and Song, �� Copyright 2015 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.

GALLERIES OF STONE: Rakefang

One author. Two pennames. It can be a little confusing for some, but I’m very much me whether I’m writing under my maiden name (C. J. Milbrandt) or my married name (Christa Kinde). Just a quick note to invite you to celebrate a book release. Yesterday, I published Rakefang, the third book in my Galleries of Stone trilogy. If you enjoy family friendly fantasy, I hope you’ll take a look.

More at CJMilbrandt.com >>

OUTTAKE: Walking and Leaping and Praising

���May my prayer be set before you

like incense; may the lifting up of my

hands be like the evening sacrifice.���

PSALM 141:2 NIV

Walking and Leaping and Praising

Jayce Pomeroy was a stickler for family devotions, but the range of ages in their household forced him and Naomi to be flexible. Prissie could remember when her parents first opted to divide and conquer their lot. Back then, being sorted with the ���big kids��� had been extra special because it meant a later bedtime.

Koji strolled into the family room and sat on the big chair Prissie leaned against. Bending down, he whispered in her ear. ���I am pleased to learn that your family observes evensong.���

���Not really. I mean, we don���t sing anymore.��� She pointed to the ceiling, because Zeke and Jude were going through their bedtime routine upstairs. Her younger brothers��� voices could be heard right through the floor. ���Momma sings Bible songs with them and reviews memory verses while they���re in the tub.���

���Silver and gold have I none, but that which I have give I thee ���.���

���Zeke���s participation is particularly enthusiastic,��� Koji remarked.

Tad ambled in, humming along with the upstairs chorus. With sly look at his sister, he joined in, singing, ���Splashing and streaking and praising God!���

Prissie wrinkled her nose. ���That���s not how the song goes.���

���It was when Zeke was three.��� Her big-big brother stretched out on one of the couches, hands behind his head, ankles crossed. ���Wake me up once Dad���s done with their bedtime story.���

Koji piped up. ���Is song a part of your devotion?���

Tad opened one eye. ���Used to be when Aunt Ida lived next door. Remember that, Priss?���

She kept her attention firmly fixed on the lapful of socks she was sorting. ���I remember. It was nice.���

Her brother murmured, ���You miss her.���

���Obviously.���

The eighteen-year-old turned his attention back to Koji. ���We do normal stuff to wind down in the evenings. Mom���ll read a chapter or two in this missionary biography we���re going through. Everyone���ll swap news. Dad���ll pray. That���s pretty much it.���

���Normal,��� Koji echoed with a soft smile. ���Talking and sitting and walking and lying down.���

Tad chuckled. ���Borrowing lyrics from Deuteronomy?���

���Indeed.��� At Prissie���s confused look, the boy recited the full verse. ���Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up��� (Deut. 11:19).

���Sure,��� Tad said, yawning hugely. ���Evening works best for us since Dad leaves for the bakery so early.���

Koji said, ���Evening prayers and evening sacrifices often brought angels nearer to God���s people.���

���That so?���

Tad���s eyes might have been closed, but Prissie���s were wide open.

���There are examples in the Bible,��� Koji explained.

The older boy hummed vaguely, then murmured, ���If any turn up, you can wake me for that, too.���

With a small shake of his head, the young angel recited two passages. By the time he finished, Tad was sound asleep.

While I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen

in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight

about the time of the evening sacrifice. ���Daniel 9:21

��And when the time for the burning of incense came,

all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing

at the right side of the altar of incense. ���Luke 1:10���11

���������

Look into these things ���

���Even angels long to look into these things.��� ���1 Peter 1:12

��� What���s your usual evening routine?

��� Does your family have their own version of devotions? What about your personal quiet time? How do you spend time with God?

��� Are you familiar with the song Zeke and Jude are singing (and Tad is adapting)? [YouTube – Cedarmont Kids, “Silver and Gold Have I None”] Share a favorite childhood Bible song!

OUTTAKES INDEX >>

Sage and Song, Chapter 14: The Slow Day

Chapter 14: The Slow Day

All Israel knows that your father is a mighty man,

and those who are with him are valiant men.

2 SAMUEL 17:10 NKJV

Kester���s hiccups eventually lapsed, which gave him a measure of peace; however, a different set of symptoms soon took their place.

���My dear apprentice!��� Asaph looked up from the record he was carefully transcribing. ���Who taught you to fidget?���

Caught mid-wriggle, Kester ducked his head. ���Sorry.���

���Nonsense.��� His mentor propped his chin on his fist and smiled. ���It���s exactly the sort of thing an ordinary boy in your position would do.���

Kester perked up. ���It is?���

���The confines of a cluttered room on a day with fine weather. Piles of tedious work awaiting your full attention.��� Asaph���s eyes took on a teasing shine. ���The promise of a far more enjoyable pastime, if only the sun would hurry along.���

But I am not trying to emulate a human boy. The fidgeting had stolen over him as effortlessly as the hiccups had earlier. Kester asked, ���Am I being ungrateful?���

���In what sense?���

���To be Sent into Time is a rare privilege. I was told to consider every moment a precious gift from God Most High.��� Kester rubbed his fingertips together, searching for words to describe his yearning. ���But it is as you say. The passage of time has slowed. It is as if the sun has forgotten its way to the sea.���

Asaph said, ���This is what it���s like to wait. Time is constant, but the heart is contrary. Some hours must be endured, for they hobble along. Others end long before we are ready to move on.���

���Yes. I want to play for the king. And sing with him.���

���Anticipation.��� Asaph smiled. ���It���s nice to have something to look forward to. Enjoy this kind of waiting.���

���I will try.���

His mentor inclined his head and returned to his ink and scrolls.

And Kester determined that trying and succeeding weren���t the same. As minutes crept past, he longed for distraction. When it came, the boy gasped in delight. Shooting to his feet, he exclaimed, ���I am Sent!���

���Chasing down a melody?���

���Yes!��� Kester shot out the door, bare feet skipping across smooth wood, then cool stone. Because he was Sent, the way was plain before him. He could run with confidence, even though he wasn���t sure where he would end up. At a stall in the market. At the stairs leading onto the walls. At a garden wall in a crowded neighborhood. But always, he would find someone singing.

At times like this, Kester often met someone who had known the former king. Old-timers would find themselves with a half-forgotten melody on their lips. Kester usually came upon them while they were singing, and it was simplicity itself to ask them to teach him the song. Each time, he���d learned the lyrics and returned home with a new treasure to add to Asaph���s collection.

For once, he wasn���t Sent out of the palace. Kester jogged along a winding passage that looked increasingly familiar. A narrow path. A thicket of palms. And two voices.

Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints!

For the LORD preserves the faithful,

And fully repays the proud person.

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart,

All you who hope in the LORD.*

The men sang quietly, as if sharing a secret. Their harmony was flawless, a blending of baritones. One lighter, the other shaped by an interesting accent. As the final note left a lull, a familiar voice called, ���Did you need something, newbie?���

Kester shuffled into the open. Both the captain and the foreign guardsman lounged in the small pocket of privacy surrounding the hidden entrance to the throne room.

���You certainly get around.��� Benaiah smirked. ���Slacking off?���

The second man���s expression betrayed nothing, but he beckoned him forward. ���What is your question?���

���Was that one of David���s songs?���

���Yeah, it���s his,��� replied the captain. ���I learned it from him.���

Kester eased closer. ���Will you sing it again from the beginning?���

The men exchanged a glance, and Benaiah said, ���It���s a long one.���

���I do not mind. Teach me?���

The captain offered a careless shrug. ���We could teach you both the song and the story behind it. If ���!���

A condition? Kester cautiously echoed, ���If ���?���

���This guy wants to be on friendlier terms.��� He cuffed his companion���s shoulder and said, ���Call him Ichi. Like I do. It���s sort of a nickname.���

���May I?��� Kester asked, searching the man���s face.

���Go for it,��� said Benaiah. ���Ichi has a soft spot for kids. Befriending you will make his day.���

The guardsman made a soft noise of protest, but his expression gentled. Moving over, he patted the spot between him and his captain. ���Join our ranks. Add your voice to David���s song.���

���Gladly!��� Kester scooted into the offered place, then shyly added, ���Thank you, Ichi.���

He responded with a murmured phrase in a different language.

Before Kester could ask what he���d said, Benaiah drew breath and launched into the promised song. ���In you, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed!���

*Psalm 31

��� What���s the nice part of anticipation? Why can it drive you crazy?

���When does time fly for you?

���Have you ever run up against a language barrier? Were you able to get around it?

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Author���s Note: This story is a prequel to Christa Kinde���s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays). More information can be found on the Sage and Song index page.

Sage and Song, �� Copyright 2015 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.

Sage and Song, Chapter 13: The New Idea

Chapter 13: The New Idea

Whoever listens to me will dwell safely,

And will be secure, without fear of evil.

PROVERBS 1:33 NKJV

Kester was still learning how to live as a human boy, so new experiences were plentiful. Most of the time, he enjoyed his little discoveries, epiphanies, and paradigm shifts. But not all of his firsts were pleasant.

Asaph patted his back and said, ���Deep breaths.���

When he tried to obey, Kester was interrupted by another hiccup. He hung his head miserably. ���The will not stop. Is there no cure?���

���I���m aware of several remedies, but they���re mostly useless.���

How was he supposed to sing with an earthly malady stealing the breath he needed for vocal support? He was supposed to play and sing for Solomon that very evening. ���Will a Caretaker be Sent?���

���No, Kester. You���ll simply have to wait them out.��� Asaph rubbed soothing circles between the boy���s shoulder blades. ���They���re a perfectly normal reaction. The fruit juice made you sneeze. The hiccups are probably from something you ate.���

���Perhaps I should not eat human foodstuffs.���

His mentor laughed softly. ���We can���t refuse the king���s generosity. He wouldn���t understand.���

Kester peeked at Asaph out of the corner of his eye. ���I did not know you were close to the king.���

���There was no reason to mention something that would become obvious.���

���How long have you known him?���

���Ever since he was a young man, not much older than you appear.��� Asaph���s gaze turned inward, and his smile grew wistful. ���Solomon was a child of David���s harem, a prince with too many mothers and brothers. But no friends.���

���You have been here for many years.���

���Yes.���

Kester hiccuped two more times while he pondered this revelation. ���Were you Sent to be Solomon���s friend?���

���No.��� Asaph offered a small shrug. ���Although the answer could as easily be yes, since God surely knew we would meet.���

���So you were surprised?���

���Very.��� His mentor asked, ���Were you surprised to meet the king?���

���Very.��� Four more hiccups brought a fresh dawning. ���We can do more than the thing we were Sent to do?���

���Intriguing, isn���t it?���

Kester squirmed as his options added up, then multiplied. Obedience was simple, but choosing felt ��� risky. How was he supposed to deal with the sudden array of possibilities? What if I make a mistake?

Asaph frowned. ���Kester, what is it?���

���I ��� I thought my duties were simple and few.���

���They are.���

���And I thought that yours would be the only face before my eyes, the only voice in my ears.���

His mentor hummed. ���Because of our secrets, we hold a unique, even precarious position within a human community. But Grafts aren���t supposed to isolate themselves. We don���t shed invisibility only to hide.���

This new idea forced a shift in Kester���s understanding. Avoiding discovery does not mean avoiding people. His world wasn���t limited to the workshop he shared with Asaph. Even so, he wanted to hide. Needing to confess, Kester whispered, ���I thought I would be safe here.���

Asaph took him by the shoulders. ���You no longer feel safe?���

Kester slowly shook his head. ���The enemy is close. There are Fallen nearby.���

���Ah. The captain mentioned finding you in a questionable area. And yes, our enemy has a foothold here in the palace. But our allies are many and mighty.��� Asaph remained calm in the face of potential danger. ���Let us call today���s discovery a mixed blessing, for some good has come of it.���

���How can anything good come from the Fallen?��� asked Kester.

Asaph counted off his reasons on three fingers. ���You know where the danger lies. You know who your allies are. And the enemy appears to have frightened away your hiccups.���

��� Kester likes the simplicity of straightforward obedience. Why can choices be scary?

��� What kinds of things do you avoid?

��� Okay, I gotta ask! How do you get rid of hiccups? : P

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Author���s Note: This story is a prequel to Christa Kinde���s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays). More information can be found on the Sage and Song index page.

Sage and Song, �� Copyright 2015 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.

OUTTAKE: Finding the Words

“I charge you in the sight of God and Christ Jesus

and the elect angels, to keep these instructions

without partiality, and do nothing out of favoritism.”

1 TIMOTHY 5:21 NIV

Finding the Words

At Loafing Around, Valentine���s Day meant chocolate. Mr. Pomeroy was improvising this year, using his home kitchen to give his part-timer a lesson in tempering. Despite all the lame jokes about bad tempers and the mood-enhancing qualities of chocolate, Ransom was intent on learning a new skill. He was even taking notes.

Prissie mostly tried to tune them out while she and Koji sat at the kitchen table, stringing together a conversation using the candy hearts she���d bought. The young angel kept rearranging the order, turning disjointed ideas and phrases into a kind of poetry.

���Here���s a new one,��� she murmured, pushing over an orange heart that said, MY PAL.

With a small smile, Koji slid a yellow candy her way. IT���S TRUE.

After a little searching, Prissie was pleased to find ME & YOU.

EVER AFTER, responded her friend.

The purple heart felt like a promise. It was fun, giving these little love messages a heavenly spin. Opening another box, Prissie flipped and sorted, then stopped short. With a curious glance, she slipped Koji a heart that said, HOMESICK.

Dark eyes took on a shine. Shaking his head, Koji responded with UR KIND.

She pushed over a yellow heart that read, MY TREAT.

MY GIRL, he responded, clearly pleased with his find.

Prissie blushed, then beamed when she was able to respond with ANGEL. Wasn���t he hers? She loved having an angel for a friend. She shyly offered one of her reasons. SURE LOVE, declared a lime-flavored sweet.

BE TRUE was Koji���s next choice.

Prissie hummed and singled out a white heart that read, SOUL MATE. Tapping his arm, she asked, ���Is there such a thing?���

The young angel shrugged, then showed her CUTIE PIE. ���Is there a recipe for such a pie?���

Prissie had no idea how long Ransom had been eavesdropping on their silent conversation, but he interrupted then. Leaning over from behind, he pulled forward a pink heart that said HOT STUFF. ���There���s mine.���

Prissie snorted and dropped a green heart next to his. WHATEVER.

���C���mon, Miss Priss. Don���t be so stingy!���

Koji caught her eye and slipped her a heart that urged, SMILE.

Her sigh ended with a weak one. Really, it was impossible to disappoint Koji. He was only asking her to do what was right. It didn���t take her long to find the right words in their pile. WHY NOT?

Ransom grinned and grabbed a chair.

��� Do you remember what Prissie thought a conversation heart from God would say?

��� What would be printed on the heart you‘d choose for Prissie, Koji, Ransom … or any of the Threshold Series cast?

OUTTAKES INDEX >>

MONDAY: Don’t you love the cello?

Lots of excitement this past week, with the promise of more in the month ahead! Our giveaway for The Garden Gate concluded. I was able to unveil the cover for Rakefang, the third book in the Galleries of Stone trilogy. My schedule finally allowed me to attend the meeting of my local ACFW chapter. And my inbox has been full to bursting with plans and sketches from my illustrator. Lots of writerly chit-chat and encouragement. Come and see!

Winners List. If you missed the congratulatory announcement, the folks who won either glossies or postcards are listed here. I still need to hear from several people about which print they’d like. A couple of you also need to pass along a mailing address so I can send your prize. And to answer a FAQ (frequently asked question), nope. You don’t get to choose which postcard you’ll be getting. There are a limited number of each design, so what you’ll receive is pretty much luck of the draw. ; )

American Christian Fiction Writers. I’m a member of the ACFW, which has proven to be a wonderful source of inspiration and encouragement. Some of the ladies in our group are long-published. Some are newbies. Some are still in the aspiring category. And all of us are learning as we go. This month, the theme was revision, so we swapped tips and recommended tools, books, websites, and editors. Good stuff!

Symphony Concert. One of the highlights of my weekend was attending my daughter’s first performance with the youth symphony she joined a couple months ago. (She’s a cellist.) The event was held in a historic niche near San Diego’s Old Town. Temple Beth Israel is our city’s very first Jewish Synagogue, built back in the 1800s. Much to my delight, the building boasted several stained glass windows. And Baird would have totally approved of the acoustics.

Cover Reveal. Last Friday, I did a cover reveal for Rakefang, the third and final book in my Galleries of Stone trilogy. It’s due to release on February 24, which is right around the corner. If you haven’t introduced yourself to Tupper and Freydolf yet, please consider giving my family-friendly fantasy series a whirl. [I publish these books as C. J. Milbrandt, which is my maiden name.]

The story begins with Book 1: Meadowsweet. A couple weeks ago, I made a couple of review copies available readers. This involves my “gifting” the e-book to you via Amazon in exchange for an honest review. I know for sure that Savannah zipped through the book and gave a glowing report.������� I’ll make two more copies available today. Email me at christa [dot] kinde [at] gmail [dot] com if you’re ready, willing, and able to help me out!

Valentine’s Outtake. And as you may have noticed, I’m sometimes incredibly absent-minded. I was so wrapped up in writing Pursuing Prissie on Valentine’s Day that I completely forgot about posting a Threshold Series Outtake. OTL�� Fear not! It’ll post shortly. ^__^ d

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