Christa Kinde's Blog, page 44
October 7, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 236: Little Boy Lost
Chapter 236: Little Boy Lost
Taweel hit the ground running.
Jeers littered the heavy stillness of the old woods, which reeked of demons. The burly warrior battered his way past a few stragglers, homing in on the clamor of battle. “Adin!”
“Fear not, Taweel! I am here!”
Adin made an arresting sight. Fearless. Flawless. Ferocious. He fought with a smile on his face, as if daring his enemies to approach the crumpled bundle of gold between his feet. Taji.
Valerian dropped through the canopy of trees in a rush of green wings, spear flashing.
Adin made room, and they formed their Hedge. Three against twenty.
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Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
October 6, 2014
Angel on High, Part 8: Give and Take
The October issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine has released, which means the next installment of my serial is available to readers! Are you ready for Part Eight? ★
Koji was always reaching for stars.
Story Summary: As the newest member of his order, Koji is eager to learn what it means to be an Observer. But looking and listening lead to trouble when he spots danger and overhears secrets. Heaven’s archivists weren’t made for battle, but Koji will need a warrior’s courage to be ready for the unusual plans God has for him. This serial in ten parts is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz].
Angel on High, © Copyright 2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved.
Part Eight: “Give and Take”
Christian Fiction Online Magazine, October 2014 | Read it now >>
After you’ve read there, I hope you’ll come back here with any comments and questions. : )
October 4, 2014
This Week’s Accumulation civ
Whew! This week was so crowded with new things, I fell behind. As some of you may recall from past posts, I’m a Mrs. Pastor. This week, our church was able to move their staff into new office space, so the last few days have been mostly occupied with hauling books and office furniture around. But Tried and True is now caught up (yay!), and I have an interesting accumulation of authorial clutter on my desktop. Let’s go through it together!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ First off, thank you to everyone who suggested music during last week’s milestone celebration for The Blue Door. I’ve been slowly working my way through the stash, listening to each. You guys are introducing me to some awesome artists and songs! I’ve purchased a handful already because they Needed to be on my writing shuffle. : )
♦ I heard back from Zondervan about Realms of Glory! After a meeting about the angel-themed devotional coming out next year, they finalized the title. And changed it! According to people who know what they’re doing, straightforward titles are the trend, so my devotional will be called Angels of the Bible: a 90-Day Devotional. The book is due to release in September 2015.
♦ Newsletter subscribers! I have something special planned for the October issue, so make sure you’re on the list! SUBSCRIBE NOW >>
♦ I’ve been sharing peeks at the sketches for Angel Unaware, the new serial that’ll debut in my column at Christian Fiction Online Magazine in January. Well, here’s another wee sample of Anna Earley’s art…
♦ Speaking of book covers, here’s an interesting fact. The art I showed you for Pursuing Prissie is like a first draft. While that’s the gist of what the final cover will look like, it’s going to change a bit. When the cover’s FINAL, I’ll let you see. ; )
♦ October means it’s almost time for the San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild‘s fall conference. This will be my second year in attendance, and I’m really looking forward to the various speakers and workshops that are lined up. These events bring opportunities to talk with editors and agents, publishers and experts, experienced authors and newcomers with big aspirations. And we’re all standing on common ground because we’re Christians. I’ll be spending the next two weeks making sure I have everything ready for the two-day event. More information here. Do you have a local chapter of the Christian Writer’s Guild in your neck of the woods? Find out!
♦ Do you have a moment to jot off a review? Many of you have read Rough and Tumble right here on the blog, and I’m grateful! Not many months ago, I e-published the story because some of you said you’d like to add the book to your virtual libraries. Yay! However, I noticed this morning that the story has zero reviews. I’d be most grateful if you could show your appreciation for Ethan & Zeke with a few kind words. Rough and Tumble on Amazon >>
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Tried and True, Chapter 235: Daybreak
Chapter 235: Daybreak
The newfoundlings found their confidence and unfurled their wings, and Taweel set a pace they could match. Tamaes swooped and rolled like a Messenger, making Bern laugh.
“Why are the stars fading?” the boy asked.
“We have been flying east. Night will end with morning.”
Suddenly, Adin pointed, then dove lower, and Taji chased after him.
“Adin!” shouted Taweel. “Rise! Now!”
Black darts sprayed upward, and Taji’s wings crumpled. As the boy tumbled, Adin lunged after him, catching his outstretched hand. Tamaes’s stomach dropped as Adin hastily wrapped his wings around Taji before they crashed into the dense forest below.
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Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
Tried and True, Chapter 234: Thousands upon Thousands
Chapter 234: Thousands upon Thousands
The Guardians of Taweel’s encampment flew in such tight formation, the edges of their wings brushed together.
“Is this night?” asked Bern.
Tamaes chuckled. “Not in the usual sense. Taweel, can we fly higher?”
“This way.” Taweel led them on rising currents through the ranks of cherubim and seraphim, malakim and hadarim who flooded the sky. Their weaving course carried them steadily higher, until they crested the dazzling multitude, giving their newfoundlings their first glimpse of a sky strewn with countless stars.
Bern gasped, and Tamaes whispered, “See the work of His hands. Day and night—God called them good.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
October 1, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 233: Weight of Responsibility
Chapter 233: Weight of Responsibility
Tamaes slipped to his mentor’s side. “Why has your face turned to stone? Is the danger so great?”
“Who can say?”
Touching Taweel’s arm, he said, “Only God. And you recently entertained His Messenger.”
“Not here. Not now.”
“Later,” he agreed, hoping for soon.
A purple wing drew around Tamaes’s shoulders. “Who will you guide this night?”
“I am with Bern; Adin has Taji.”
Taweel said, “I have much to oversee. Keep an eye on Adin for me.”
“Valerian will be with us.”
“Even so. Stay close to your brother.”
Tamaes whispered, “Why?”
Shaking his head, Taweel gruffly answered, “Please.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
Tried and True, Chapter 232: Prepare for Departure
Chapter 232: Prepare for Departure
Taweel didn’t realize he was glowering until a newfoundling’s wings curled defensively. “Peace, Jacinto. Did I frighten you?”
“You are … fierce.”
“My ferocity is for those who might try to harm you.”
“I know it.” Yet the boy’s wings trembled.
Taweel shot a pleading look in Tamaes’s direction, but Dorum intercepted it and hurried over. Kneeling before Jacinto, Taweel’s former mentor said, “Demons and darkness are not the only things beyond heaven’s threshold.”
“I know it, but …”
Dorum opened his arms. “We are Sent into the same sky. Stay with me.”
Taweel turned to the whole group. “Pair off!”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
September 30, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 231: Master’s Call
Chapter 231: Master’s Call
Tamaes clearly remembered his first Sending. Called by a name known only to God. Entrusted with a part in His plans. Allowed to share something precious with his twin.
Under cover of song, Tamaes whispered, “Soon?”
Taweel’s gaze slanted his way, and his lips quirked.
The moment came as the last notes of evensong faded. Bern leapt to his feet. Jacinto gasped, and Taji’s his eyes took on a telltale shine. As every newfoundling reacted, their teachers traded knowing looks.
Tamaes nudged his mentor. “My first Sending was to you.”
Taweel’s big hand dropped comfortably onto his head. “I remember.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
September 26, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 230: A Taste of Time
Chapter 230: A Taste of Time
“Every so often, heaven opens, and angels fill the skies.” In the enclosed space created by Taweel’s wings, Gabriel gestured broadly. “For many young angels, it’s their first glimpse of Creation.”
Taweel grunted. “I have neither seen nor heard of this … event.”
“Until now, only cherubim and seraphim were Sent.”
“But now?” asked Tamaes.
“Hadarim and malakim will join the chorus.”
Tamaes glanced uncertainly at his mentor. If every Guardian was included, why would Gabriel issue a personal invitation.
“When?” asked Taweel.
“The interval is upon us; prepare your newfoundlings.” Gabriel beamed. “They will soon receive their first Sending!”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
COVER REVEAL: Pursuing Prissie
I haven’t forgotten my promise to do a cover reveal as part of today’s festivities. ♥ There’s a Threshold Series sequel in the works, slated for release later this fall. Pursuing Prissie takes place ten years after The Blue Door, when Prissie experiences an angelic reprise.
Before I reveal the cover, how about another little snippet? This is excerpted from Chapter 1: The Usual Things.
♦♦♦
“Jasper Reece, are you crazy?” Prissie asked, eyeing the small mountain of baked goods heaped beside the register.
“Just hungry, ma’am.”
“Don’t you ma’am me.” Twenty-four wasn’t old enough to be ma’am-ed. Especially by one of her little brother’s best friends.
“Grandmama taught me manners, and I’m not afraid to use ’em!” Jasper replied, all sass and sweet talk. “You wouldn’t turn away a hungry customer, now, would you?”
Jasper’s whole family was close as kin to the Pomeroys. Pearl Matthews, who worked the register every morning at Loafing Around, was Jasper’s aunt. And Jasper had been friends with Prissie’s brother Zeke ever since they were both in diapers in First Baptist Church’s nursery. She supposed that made these two high school seniors lifelong friends. Although normally they were a dynamic trio. “Where’s Timothy?”
“He’s got lessons,” Jasper replied, miming a trombone. “Which definitely works up an appetite.” Leaning over to inspect the contents of the glass bakery case, he pointed. “I’ll take those last two cupcakes. And all the cookies, too.”
“Did Zeke put you up to this?”
“Yep. Pitched in, too. Three-way split.” Jasper drew himself up to his full height, which was impressive. He’d be the West Edinton Warriors’ best linebacker this season. “It’s simple, Prissie. If you sell out, you lock up. Don’t you want to call it a day?”
She smiled wearily. “Yes.”
Jasper knew he’d won. “Don’t fuss with boxes. We’ll eat straight out of the case. Won’t leave a crumb. I swear.”
♦♦♦
If you’ve read Rough and Tumble, you’ll remember Jasper and Timothy, Zeke’s two best friends. They’re just a few of the familiar faces from the Threshold Series who have a role to play in the new adventure.
♦♦♦
And now… a look at the cover for Pursuing Prissie… which will be the first of (at least) three Pomeroy Family Legacy stories.
Curious? It never hurts to ask! I’m willing to part with teaser-like tidbits. But no spoilers. If I can’t say, I’ll throw flowers at you. ✿
