Christa Kinde's Blog, page 33

Sage and Song, Chapter 12: The Big Heart

Chapter 12: The Big Heart

And God gave Solomon wisdom

and exceedingly great understanding, and

largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.

1 KINGS 4:29 NKJV

A servant interrupted, reminding the king of his duties. Solomon���s lunch break was over. ���I must return to my throne, and you must return to your desk.��� He turned to Asaph with mournful eyes and a piteous tone. ���Even though I have yet to give Kester the gift I promised.���

Asaph���s eyebrows arched. ���It���s unusual for you to show such lack of foresight.���

The captain said, ���Which means it is foresight.���

Scooping the monkey from Kester���s shoulder, Solomon returned his pet to its cage. ���Let us instead call it opportunity.���

���You���ll see the boy in two ���.���

���Tonight!��� interrupted Solomon.

Kester studied his mentor���s face, trying to figure out if Asaph was truly displeased with the king ��� or only teasing. He had so many questions. About how long Asaph known Solomon. How they���d become friends. And about David, since Kester was suddenly sure that his mentor had known the old king. Or at the very least, heard him sing.

Thoughts of David drew Kester���s attention back to the lion���s head harp. Asaph had taken it from him earlier and placed it on a low table before their meal. Whenever Kester played the instrument, his heart soared in ways he could only describe as worshipful. With the help of an instrument, he could multiply his praise and bring a better offering to God Most High. Is it wrong to want more so that I might give more?

Distantly, Kester was aware of the conversation happening over his head, but he tuned it out. I should ask Asaph for a harp of my own. This one belonged to David. It now belongs to Solomon. Their treasure cannot pass to me.

���Tonight,��� Solomon repeated. ���For his sake.���

���Riiight,��� drawled Benaiah. ���It���s all for the boy.���

���Excellent. I knew you���d see things my way.���

���I was kidding.���

Solomon���s voice came softly. ���I wasn���t. Look at him.���

A prolonged silence pulled Kester from his ponderings, and he found three sets of eyes on him. Had they asked a question? How long had they been watching him tapping out melodies against his chest, as if playing the harp that remained out of reach? Tucking his hands behind his back, Kester looked to Asaph for help.

His mentor smiled faintly. ���Does the king���s exceedingly great understanding extend to my apprentice?���

Solomon drew himself up and spoke with the same confidence he used when passing down judgments in the throne room. ���This child may write more neatly than any scribe in my employ, but he lives to make music. That is his joy. Let me give him the means to pursue happiness.���

The captain���s face was unreadable. ���You want to collar him.���

���Must you use such analogies?��� Solomon grumbled, giving Asaph a pointed look. ���Most are honored to wear my tokens.���

Asaph sighed and drew back the sleeve that half-hid a golden armband. ���Your favor has been my protection on many occasions.���

���Good.��� Solomon embraced his friend and sternly repeated, ���Tonight.���

This time, Asaph relented. ���We���ll meet you in the archive after the evening sacrifices.���

The king winked at Kester over Asaph���s shoulder and promised, ���I���ll bring the harp!���

��� Do you have a ���soft spot��� for something or someone?

��� In 1 Kings 4:29, it says God gave Solomon largeness of heart. How would you define or describe such a quality?

��� What are the pros and cons of being ���collared��� by a king?

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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.

CONGRATULATIONS: The Garden Gate Giveaway

Thank you! I’m so very grateful for all of the enthusiastic support and rampant curiosity y’all showed during the milestone celebrations surrounding The Garden Gate‘s first birthday. ��� The Q&A post generated 275 comments (whoa!), and the review drive helped nudge a little more attention in the Threshold Series’s direction. The prizes pictured below are a small token of my thanks.

After running the big list (more than 100 valid entires) through the number-crunching Random.org, here’s how everything shook down.

5×7 GLOSSIES

[Choose a favorite picture from the galleries, and I’ll have

a print made up! Email me to let me know your pick!]

Megan

Ariel

Soleil

Esther

Abbey

Elayna

Micailah

Sheay

Priscilla

Grace

PRIZE POSTCARDS

Grace – 2

Marie – 2

Emma – 2

Esther – 2

Sarah – 2

Savannah – 6

Elizabeth – 1

Tyme – 2

Soleil – 2

Arian – 6

Jesslyn – 3

Abbey – 1

Sheay – 1

Jaidyn – 2

Ariel – 1

Sky – 2

Priscilla – 1

Connie – 1

Elayna – 2

Micailah – 2

Beth – 1

If your name is on this list and you know I don’t have your mailing address yet, I’d love to hear from you via email: christa [dot] kinde [at] gmail [dot] com.

congratulations, everyone! ���

Sage and Song, Chapter 11: The Old Friend

Chapter 11: The Old Friend

He who loves purity of heart

And has grace on his lips,

The king will be his friend.

PROVERBS 22:11 NKJV

���Friends?��� Solomon stroked his beard, half-hiding a smile that matched the sparkle in his eyes. ���I suppose they do have that claim on me.���

���Suppose?��� echoed Asaph. ���Would you deny us?���

���He can���t.��� The captain claimed the last skewer of meat and shook it at the king. ���We���re irreplaceable.���

���Don���t be too sure,��� Asaph said mildly. ���He has his eye on Kester.���

���Isn���t the kid a little young for the role of usurper?���

Disbelief painted Solomon���s face. ���You know more than most the dangers of underestimating youth. How old were you when you met my father?���

���That was a long time ago. And this kid doesn���t have a slingshot.���

���He���s handier with the harp,��� said Asaph.

���Deft and disarming.��� The captain smirked. ���Hard to say who���s at the mercy of whom.���

Do they misunderstand? Kester clambered to his feet and blurted, ���I will not impose on your friendship!���

Asaph propped his chin on his hand and smiled. ���Nor should the king impose upon ours.���

���Here it comes,��� sighed Solomon.

The captain reached across the table to slap the king���s shoulder. ���That���s the way. Take it like a man.���

���Let���s take it outside.��� Solomon stood and stretched, then strolled out into the garden. He poked a finger between the bars of one of the many suspended cages. Clucking his tongue, he murmured compliments to a brightly-plumed bird before addressing Kester. ���Don���t worry about your welcome. I already told you. You have your king���s favor.���

Executing a small bow, Kester said, ���I am grateful for your forbearance.���

The king���s lips quirked, and he fixed Asaph with a bland look. ���You knew I���d want him.���

���I know you very well, my king.���

���Then why withhold him?��� Solomon grumbled.

Asaph placed his hand on Kester���s shoulder. ���Must I say it again? My apprentice has been a great help in collecting your honored father���s songs. If you steal Kester, you���ll undermine my ability to carry out your own command.���

The captain spoke up then, his voice heavy with warning. ���Those with everything shouldn���t take from those who only have one thing to cherish.���

Solomon���s gaze snapped to the old man���s face. ���Nathan���s tale?���

���A rough paraphrase.���

���I���m surprised you���d bring that up.���

A careless shrug. A careful tone. ���You���re a lot like your father.���

���Is that meant for a compliment?���

���Usually.���

Solomon���s smile faded. ���Asaph and his apprentice are safe.���

Kester tried to follow the conversation, which wasn���t as friendly now. A strange tension vibrated between the king and the captain. And Asaph���s grip on his shoulder was tighter than it needed to be. Sighing softly over his loss, Kester asked, ���Am I to return to my desk?���

���Every afternoon, without fail,��� Asaph replied, his gaze fixed upon the king���s face. ���And every other morning, except the Sabbath.���

The king immediately brightened. ���You���ll share?���

���Within boundaries.���

Solomon said, ���Name them.���

Asaph inclined his head. ���This child has been set apart. He worships God Most High and Him alone. Do not press Kester into service in the shrines to foreign gods.���

���So be it.���

���Also, this child is a child,��� said Asaph. ���To protect Kester���s innocence, he will not sing or play in or around your harem.���

���So be it,��� Solomon repeated. Taking a few steps to another cage, the king reached inside and withdrew a monkey no bigger than Kester���s hand. The tiny animal wrapped its ringed tail around Solomon���s fingers and hugged his thumb.

Kester was fascinated by the tiny perfection of its fingers. They look nimble enough to play a harp ��� if one could be made small enough. Before his imagination could wander too far, Solomon surprised Kester by placing the little monkey on his shoulder. It immediately rubbed its cheek against his, then tried to curl its tail around his nose.

���Will you visit me, Kester?��� Solomon coaxed.

���You���re wasting your time with critters,��� the captain drawled. ���You had the kid with the harp.���

Asaph remarked, ���A set of pipes or a tumbrel might be just as effective.���

���Oh?��� Solomon peered interestedly at Kester. ���Do you play other instruments?���

���I would like that. And ���.���

The king���s expression sharpened. ���And?���

Kester ventured a question that had been on his mind since the previous night. ���If I sang, would you sing with me?���

All the keenness melted from Solomon���s eyes. ���Yes.���

���And ���.���

���There���s more?��� the king asked in teasing tones.

���Yes, please.��� Kester had been transcribing songs since his arrival, but he���d never met David. ���I want to hear more about the father you love.���

���In that case, you should pester Benaiah to join us. Even I haven���t heard all the stories he could tell about my father���s exploits.���

Kester shifted from foot to foot. ���Who?���

Solomon glanced quizzically at the other men. ���Weren���t you properly introduced?���

The captain rubbed at the palm of his hand with one thumb. ���It never came up.���

���Why am I not surprised? Kester, this doddering relic is actually quite famous,��� Solomon revealed. ���He���s not just any captain. He���s the captain.���

Which probably would have meant something if Kester was an ordinary boy. He looked between the captain and his mentor, hoping for further enlightenment.

���Benaiah commanded David���s personal guard,��� explained Asaph. ���The mighty men.���

��� Do you know what story the captain alludes to as ���Nathan���s tale���?

��� How are you at remembering people���s names?

��� Why are boundaries so important ��� both in Kester���s case and ours?

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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.

Angel Unaware, Part 2: New Kid

The February issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine has released, which means you can now read the second installment in this year���s Threshold-based serial! Are you ready for Angel Unaware, Part 2?

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 Two: ���New Kid���

Christian Fiction Online Magazine, February 2015 | Read it now >>

After you���ve read there, I hope you���ll come back here with any comments and questions. : )

MONDAY: Will you be my Valentine?

This is one of those Mondays when I glance at the calendar and think, “Wow! Time flies when you’re having fun!” (Seriously, how is it February already?) Five weeks into the new year, and I think I’m finally adjusting to my new writing schedule. With a little fine-tuning, I may even achieve punctuality with my serial posts. Sage and Song (theoretically) sees new installments on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and Deuce updates Fridays (give or take). We’re wrapping up the celebrations surrounding The Garden Gate‘s book birthday today, and I have some sneak peeks to share. Come and see!

Art Peek. Let’s start with an art peek. It’s been a long while since we had one of these, so this is fun. Do you recognize this fellow?

I have a watercolorist working her way through some cast pictures. You may remember Othniel from Rough and Tumble. He’s mentor to Lucan.

Pursuing Prissie. I know all y’all are anxiously awaiting news on the release of my Threshold Series sequel. A ways back, we were saying how nice it would be to have the book come out on Valentine’s Day, but that’s not gonna happen. However, the book should still be good to go this spring. I’m currently writing Chapter 18: “The Golden Flowers.” How many chapters will there be? I’m not entirely sure. Just last week, the silly thing sprouted an extra chapter because … well, because. It’ll be somewhere around twenty-five, I think. Plus an epilogue. Looks like Pursuing Prissie will be twice as long as The Blue Door, and a story like this takes time to tell. Patience, please! ���

Valentine’s Day. I just happen to have a Threshold Series Outtake that fits Valentine’s Day, so watch for a little something special on February 14.

Galleries of Stone. A very different book will be releasing this month under my other penname. Rakefang is the third and final book in the Galleries of Stone trilogy, and for those of you who are longing for a little romance in February … well! This may be the perfect time to introduce yourself to Tupper, the brave little boy whose whole world changes the day he accepts the position as servant to the solitary Keeper of the legendary Moonlit Mountain. In Book 1: Meadowsweet, he’s a newly nubbed boy of ten. In Book 2: Harrow, Tupper turns thirteen. In Book 3: Rakefang, Tupper is sixteen, and …

After years of searching for someone brave enough,

Tupper Meadowsweet finds her at Pennyflax & Quince.

Rakefang‘s cover reveal is coming up later this week over on CJMilbrandt.com, but here’s a peek at one of Hannah Christenson’s sketches for the book’s interior illustrations:

Milestone Celebrations. We’re approaching last call for participation in the giveaway for The Garden Gate‘s book birthday. It’ll take me a little while to pull everyone onto a master list and do the drawing, so expect a congratulatory post later this evening. I’ll also be calling a halt to this round of Q&A, so if you have any last minute questions for the Threshold series cast, get them in now! : )

Do you have any special plans for Valentine’s Day?

<< LAST MONDAY�� |�� NEXT MONDAY >>

REMINDER: Milestone & Giveaway

You only have a couple more days to take part in the book birthday celebrations for The Garden Gate. Review the list one the initial post to see how you can take part. And be sure to let me know all the ways you participated in a comment on that post. That’ll help me make sure everyone gets their fair chance in Monday’s drawing!

Your deadline is noon (PST) on Monday, February 9, 2015.

Sage and Song, Chapter 10: The King’s Table

Chapter 10: The King���s Table

Do not forsake your own friend

or your father���s friend.

PROVERBS 27:10 NKJV

���Try these,��� Solomon said, pushing a dish closer to Kester. ���Or don���t you like sour things?���

The boy peeked at Asaph, who gave a small shake of his head.

���You saw the face he made with the cheese,��� said the captain. ���Those have an even stronger flavor.���

���Perhaps they are an acquired taste,��� the king conceded.

Kester sat on a plump cushion, trying to keep up with a conversation that skipped from one inconsequential thing to the next. Giving his mentor a searching look, the boy pushed a puzzled thought in his direction. He thought you would scold him.

Not during a meal, Asaph replied, amusement touching his unspoken answer. That would be rude. I���ll scold him afterward.

Why would a king accept a scribe���s scolding?

His mentor���s eyebrows lifted. Why do you think?

One swallow of a pulpy fruit juice was enough to send Kester into a fit of sneezes that left his eyes watering. Asaph whisked away the offending cup, replacing it with a goblet of cool water. The boy whispered his thanks, then stared at the flower petals floating on its surface. Am I meant to consume them?

Subtle sniffs. Small sips. Cautious nibbles. Kester did his best, but human nourishment was nothing like manna. Olives were salty. Preserved lemons were bitter. Meat smelled strongly of smoke. When Kester carefully set aside a skewer of lamb, the captain casually nicked it. At least it wouldn���t go to waste.

���What do you feed the boy?��� Solomon asked. ���He acts like he���s never seen an olive before.���

���Kester���s needs are adequately met, my king.��� Asaph smoothly slid a piece of honeycomb onto his apprentice���s plate. ���Pass the bread?���

Solomon held back his sleeve to keep it from dragging through sauced dishes as he passed Kester half a round of warm flatbread.

The captain nudged over a dish of something white and whispered, ���Fish. Poached. Very mild.���

Guided by their choices, Kester sampled enough dishes to satisfy the king���s insistent generosity. And all the while, he listened closely. They are different from the rest. The boy had spent the entire morning in the throne room, watching men bow and scrape. But Asaph clearly didn���t hold the king in awe, and the captain���s remarks were barely respectful. And Solomon acted as if their behavior was perfectly normal. Understanding stirred in Kester���s soul. ���I see!���

All eyes turned to him, and he grimaced apologetically.

���A moment of clarity?��� asked Solomon. ���Please, share your newfound wisdom!���

Asaph cheerfully posed the very same question Kester had asked him earlier. ���Why would a king accept a scribe���s scolding?���

���Is that the riddle of the hour?��� Solomon chuckled. ���I do love riddles.���

���Go on, newbie,��� urged the captain. ���Tell us why.���

���He should not. And a servant has no place at the king���s table.���

Solomon and the captain traded a look, and Asaph prompted, ���Unless ���?���

Kester���s certainty increased tenfold, and he confidently answered, ���Unless he is the king���s friend.���

��� If you could give Kester his first taste of a new food, what would you serve him?

��� Can you imagine being a Graft and experiencing all those flavors for the first time? What new foods have you tried lately?

��� Who would you say knows you best?

<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER�� |�� NEXT CHAPTER >>

START AT THE BEGINNING

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 9: The Private Audience

Chapter 9: The Private Audience

Happy are your men and happy are these

your servants, who stand continually

before you and hear your wisdom!

1 KINGS 10:8 NKJV

Kester found himself numbering the ways that playing for men was different from worshiping his Maker. I cannot lose myself in songs. These melodies are not my own. Neither was the harp, but the boy was growing increasingly comfortable with its weight and its voice. The carved wood smelled faintly of beeswax and spiced oils, and the strings vibrated under his fingertips. Resonating with his soul. Sending tremors through wings he wasn���t allowed to unfurl.

Resisting the urge to improvise around one of David���s themes, Kester played them faithfully. And inadvertently caused a stir among Solomon���s many servants.

���The child! Why does he have that harp?���

���Such skill for one so young!���

���He is David all over again.���

As surprise and speculation rippled through the throne room, Kester sought Asaph���s gaze. Am I causing trouble?

His mentor offered a sleepy smile and a mental nudge. They���re right. That instrument suits you.

Reassured, Kester relaxed enough to play the songs as they were meant to be played. His throat ached slightly from holding in David���s words, but he knew better than to interrupt the proceedings. Men had come from far and wide, both to see the splendor of Solomon���s courts and to hear his opinion on matters.

What fascinated Kester was that none of them came empty-handed. Why do they give and give to one who needs no more? A set of golden goblets. Bolts of shimmering silk. Spice-drenched perfumes. Gleaming shields bearing Judah���s lion. A group of three men even led in a spirited stallion, who pranced and reared at the sight of Solomon���s lions.

All through the commotion, Kester watched and played and wondered. God favors this king. This king wishes to favor me. I have never received a gift. After further consideration, Kester struck upon a new notion. Am I a gift?

When Kester reached the final chords of ���The Deer of the Dawn,��� Solomon leaned down to squeeze the boy���s shoulder. ���Well done,��� he whispered. ���But hours have passed, and the morning is gone. Shall we take a break?���

Kester���s glanced over to where Asaph waited. The captain stood by his side, and both were watching him closely.

Solomon followed his gaze, then chuckled. ���I am in for a scolding.���

���From the captain?���

���And your good friend Asaph.���

Can servants scold their king? The question felt disrespectful, so Kester held his tongue. He hugged David���s harp to his chest and followed Solomon down the six steps as servants took their cue. Refreshments arrived on silver platters. A small choir took their positions just outside the throne room���s doors. While the king took his respite, his guests were offered every comfort and courtesy.

In the private room behind the throne, more servants had been busy. It was as if luxuries sprang into existence to suit the king���s every whim. Basins of water with flower petals floating on them. Covered dishes from under which steam escaped. Bowls of honeyed fruit.

Solomon waved away the soft-eyed women who hovered expectantly, then nudged Kester toward one of the low couches near the food. ���Sit at my table. Eat and drink to your heart���s content. I shall withhold nothing from one who brings me joy.���

Kester was at a loss, but he obediently sank to a seat. And wilted with relief when the captain strode in with Asaph at his heels.

The old guardsman bowed with careless courtesy before announcing, ���Kester���s keeper wants a word. Will you grant a private audience?���

���Certainly, Captain.��� Beckoning for both men to join him at the table, Solomon spoke to Asaph. ���Come, let us reason together.���

���I can be reasonable,��� Kester���s mentor replied with a bow.

The captain dropped to a seat and peeked under lids until he found skewered meat. ���Careful, Asaph. He���s going to try to talk you around to his way of thinking.���

Asaph���s smile was as lazy as ever. ���That would be unwise.���

��� How does your family usually show hospitality to guests?

��� Hey, did you know that ���The Deer of the Dawn��� really is the title of one of David���s melodies? (Check out Psalm 22.)

��� Kester���s never received a gift before. What would you give him, given the chance?

<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER�� |�� NEXT CHAPTER >>

START AT THE BEGINNING

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: God Alone

“For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD?

Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?”

PSALM 89:6 NIV

���������

God Alone

As Baird led worship for the DeeVee���s Wednesday night service, admiration fluttered in Prissie���s heart. His lyrics made her heart clench. His vocals soared. He was so ��� perfect. But the moment the thought entered her mind, his guitar twanged with an off-key note.

The song didn���t cease, but Prissie���s breath caught because Baird was looking right at her. And not in that friendly glad-you���re-here way. The Worshiper seemed to be staring straight into her soul, and with such a stern expression. Shame washed over Prissie, although she wasn���t sure why. Quickly taking a seat, she stared at the floor.

���What was that?��� she whispered.

After service the red-haired worship leader made his way over. ���Prissie, can we talk?���

His serious expression further flustered Prissie. She blurted, ���I���m sorry!���

Baird nodded, but he also asked, ���Why?���

���I���m not sure, but something���s wrong. And it���s my fault.��� Prissie���s fingers knotted together. ���And I don���t want you to be mad at me.���

With a soft groan, Baird said, ���I���m not angry. But I do want to make sure we���re on the same page in your hymnal.���

Prissie glanced around, looking for Koji or Kester. But she doubted they���d come to her rescue. They���d be on Baird���s side, and she was already embarrassed enough.

���Don���t be afraid.��� Baird offered both his hand and a smile. ���Just listen for a sec.���

Slipping her hand into his, Prissie held on tight.

���Good girl.��� With a friendly squeeze, he said, ���I���m probably the biggest burst of heaven you���ve ever seen or heard, and while that���s great, don���t doubt for one second that I���m a teensy bit of nubbins compared to God.���

���Obviously,��� she mumbled.

The redhead continued, ���He���s the one with all the amazingness. My songs were never meant to snatch up all the room in your heart.���

���Is that what happened?���

���Close enough to fumble my fingers.��� Baird leaned in and quietly begged, ���Am I making sense? Because if I flubbed up, Kester could probably say it ten times better.���

Prissie shook her head. She didn���t need anyone else knowing how foolish she���d been. ���Don���t worship the Worshiper.���

���That���s the stuff.��� He spread his arms wide and said, ���Who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? He is more awesome than all who surround him��� (Ps.89:6���7).

The dramatic recitation coaxed a smile back onto Prissie���s face. Confrontation and correction weren���t her favorite things. But she didn���t want to lose Baird as a friend. And he didn���t want to obscure her view of the God he���d been created to praise.

���We okay?��� he checked.

She sighed her way to a smile, then asked, ���Nubbins?���

���������

Look into these things ���

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

��� Do you ever struggle with jealousy?

��� According to Exodus 34:14, what is one of God���s names? Does this seem to fit?

��� How do you react to confrontation? Do you like being corrected? When does it go oh, so wrong? What can happen when it goes right?

OUTTAKES INDEX >>

MONDAY: What’s your favorite kind of pie?

Since we’re in the midst of a milestone celebration, this week’s been especially busy in the inbox. I’ve enjoyed seeing what directions your assorted curiosities have taken us in the Threshold Q&A. Since all of my serial posts were delayed this past week, you may have guessed (correctly) that I had a busy week in other ways. Photos to share. Lots to tell. Come and see!

Writing Assembly. This past week, I was able to speak in a school assembly at a charter school here in Southern California. Nearly 200 kids from 3rd���8th grade came together to hear me talk about “Hatching Plots.”

After the big group chat, I met with each class separately for Q&A sessions, and I provided teachers with worksheets to use for hands-on writing workshops for the rest of the afternoon.

��� What Makes a Good Story?

��� Assemble your Cast

��� Plot Starters

��� Design Your Book Cover

After weeks of preparation, it was fun to don my “traveling shoes” and meet the kids! Several asked for my autograph, and I was able to shake many hands. A few of the students told me about their own dreams for becoming authors. It was such a good time. And now that all my materials are ready, I’m ready and willing to visit other schools.

Here are the bookmarks and art cards I was able to leave with each of the students:

Milestone Party. You have one more week to take part in our celebrations for The Garden Gate‘s book birthday. If you’re able to take part in my review drive, I’d be ever so grateful. But there are plenty of other ways to have fun … and win fabulous prizes. You can leave questions for the Threshold Series cast on the Threshold Q&A post. (Can you believe there are already over 100 comments on that post? Wow!) And it’s been fun to see more votes trickle in on the favorite angel poll. Once I catch up on comments, I do believe that Baird will have edged out Koji for first place! Find out how you can take part >>

Central Library. Last Friday evening, the San Diego Public Library kicked off their 49th annual Local Author Exhibit with a big to-do. Live music. Dessert buffet. Red carpet. Roving photographers. The central library is practically brand new, and it’s a gorgeous place with multiple levels, beautiful views, and open-air courtyards. It was lovely to stroll around, snap some pictures, chat with other writers, and hunt for my books in the numerous display cases dedicated to San Diego county authors. Here’s another snapshot from the evening, taken in front of a wall completely covered in open books:

My 2014 title was The Garden Gate [Threshold Series, Book 4]

Reader Participation. It’s always heart-warming when readers let me know that they’ve been thinking of me or the Threshold Series. I love getting surprises in my mailbox (like this book that Elizabeth sent me for Christmas) and pictures in my inbox (Like this one from Esther, whose family decided to try their hand at Prissie’s secret recipe for Candy Apple Pie.)

Which brings me to the question … what’s your favorite kind of pie?�� : )

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