Christa Kinde's Blog, page 45
September 26, 2014
The Blue Door: Milestone Celebration
Today is the second birthday of The Blue Door, the book that kicked off the Threshold Series! Our celebration will certainly make Koji happy because there’ll be “much song.”
Like many writers, I listen to music while I work. I have different shuffles to suit different storytelling “moods,” and I have playlists for each series I write. And naturally, there are songs that remind me of specific cast members. A quick peek just confirmed that I have more than eight hours of music on my Threshold shuffle!
Throughout the weekend, I’ll be sharing songs that are on my personal “sound track” for the Threshold Series. And I’m inviting you to add to my list. Know an angel-themed song? Is there a tune that reminds you of Prissie … Ransom … Ethan … Baird … Ephron … Tamaes? Tell us why! And don’t be surprised if the cast members respond to your comments and suggestions. ; )
Angels in the Lyrics
Whom Shall I Fear [God of Angel Armies] • Chris Tomlin
Angels [Acoustic Version] • Bethel Music
Angels Long to Look into These Things • Acapella
Angels • Owl City
Angel By Your Side • Francesca Battistelli
MORE SOON!
Threshold Shuffle
You’re Not From Here • Lara Fabian | For the moment when everything changed.
Listen! They’re Singing! • Evan Wickham | “The darkness is banished by light…”
I Am Understood • Relient k | For Prissie, who’s easily embarrassed.
Arms Around Me • Hawk Nelson | “You’re always near me.”
Begin • The Send | “Meet me where I am, just so I can begin again.”
Made for You • Chris Taylor | This always makes me think of Guardians.
Jesus Loves You • Stellar Kart | For Prissie, with Ransom in mind…
We Need Each Other • Sanctus Real | For the study buddies
Blink • Revive | “I try to hold on tight, but there’s no stopping time.”
Scared • Above the Golden State | “If you go, I’ll be forsaken.”
Speak to Me • Evan Wickham | This brings Messengers to mind, especially Gabriel.
Little Wonders • Rob Thomas | For Prissie, who’ll never forget.
Still Here • Superchick | For all who are Faithful.
MORE SOON!
Character Songs
We Shine • Steve Fee | Baird
By Your Side • Tenth Avenue North | Prissie
Pale • Within Temptation | Tamaes
Avalanche • Manafest | Ransom
Fallen • Delerium | Adin
Sing Through Me • Jason Gray | Baird in “Angels in Harmony”
Unseen Warriors • Michael Card | Ethan
Somewhere • Within Temptation | Ephron
Nothing Like You • Chasen | Abner
Halo • Manic Drive | Baird
Faithful • Hawk Nelson | Taweel
Fireflies • Owl City | Omri
MORE SOON!
These lists will update regularly over the next week, so check back!
September 25, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 229: Interruption
Chapter 229: Interruption
“No need to shout.” The amiable voice in Tamaes’s mind held laughter. “Your mentor is here. As am I.”
Hands that had been desperately seeking a seam in Taweel’s wings stilled. A Messenger?
Stepping back, Tamaes murmured, “I apologize for interrupting.”
Folds parted, and Omri zipped out to circle Tamaes’s head. Taweel’s other companion beckoned. “Join us.”
Tamaes hadn’t seen this particular Messenger in ages, so he was momentarily distracted by the fact that he’d grown taller than the archangel.
Gabriel laughed and took him by the elbow, drawing him in. “Fear not, Tamaes. I’m here to deliver an invitation.”
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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.
September 24, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 228: Hang Time
Chapter 228: Hang Time
Tamaes had done well enough with the crossbow while his boots were on the ground, but handling the weapon midair was challenging. He studied the cherubim closely, imitating their wing positions. Full extension. Rising breezes. Small adjustments.
Adin shouted, “Now you’re getting it!”
Tamaes’s heart soared, and he checked to see if Taweel was watching. But his mentor’s wings were wrapped tight as a flower bud. Was one of the newfoundlings injured? Tamaes dropped from the sky. Bright as flames. Swift as light. Sure as Sending. Because Taweel needed him.
Calling out with his thoughts, Tamaes exclaimed, “I am here!”
<< 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 23, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 227: Private Audience
Chapter 227: Private Audience
What was one of heaven’s princes doing on an archery range? Feet bare. Wings furled. Vulnerable to stray arrows. Taweel quickly stepped between his unannounced guest and a potential misfire. “You should take more care, Gabriel” he said gruffly. “Our apprentices are inexperienced with the bow.”
“Lend me the shelter of your wings, Taweel.”
He lifted his wings higher, creating a canopy.
“This would be a good time to enfold.” Gabriel smiled and stepped closer. “We need to talk.”
Without question, Taweel stretched up and out, then twisted his wings together, cocooning the archangel in a swirl of purple light.
<< 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 22, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 226: Think the Best
Chapter 226: Think the Best
A fresh volley of arrows sent Bern, Taji, and Jacinto scurrying, and Taweel kept half an eye on them. So Adin was their leader? Hardly surprising. Playing at Flights and Hedges was a normal part of a warrior’s early years. Taweel was grateful to Adin for taking the newfoundlings under his wing. Was this why he’d been chosen as Valerian’s apprentice?
To help the overseer nurture young ones?
‘No.’
Taweel went still at the solemnity in that one syllable.
God’s answer was reinforced by a soft, “No.”
He turned to find a Messenger standing by. Some might say the Messenger.
<< 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 19, 2014
This Week’s Accumulation ciii
Fall has traditionally been one of my most productive times when it comes to writing. The change of seasons gives me an excuse to curl up under a blanket, brew endless pots of tea, and light spice-scented candles. All of which helps me slip into writing mode. I’m really looking forward to the next few months. There are stories I’m eager to share, and NaNoWriMo is right around the corner. The possibilities put me in a creative whirl. And leave me with piles on my desktop. Come and see this week’s clutter!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ I’m on Facebook for the first time in … ever. But I now have an author page over there, and it’s quite likeable. True Facts: the stuff I post there is usually a little different than what I post here, so you may want to follow me in both places. (It’d be a shame to miss out on some tidbit or other, right?) I’m grateful for every like and share! ♥
♦ People sometimes tell me they’re confused by all the stories that are available in the Threshold universe. I do have a Threshold Index here. But let me give you a quick run-down:
There’s the main series, which is complete in four books:
The Blue Door
The Hidden Deep
The Broken Window
The Garden Gate
There are the weekdaily serials, which update here on the blog:
Rough and Tumble [complete, also available as an e-book]
Tried and True [ongoing, will wrap up on December 31]
COMING SOON: [January 5, a new serial starring young Kester]
There are the serials I write for my magazine column:
Angel on High [ongoing, will wrap up in December]
Angel Unaware [upcoming, will debut in January]
♦ Here’s a fun peek. Anna Earley, who’s been the illustrator for all the Threshold Series short stories and serials, has started work on the cover for Angel Unaware, which will debut in my column over at Christian Fiction Online Magazine in January 2015 (after Angel on High wraps up). It’s a very sketchy sketch, but you know who those two fellows are … right? ; )
♦ I received a package this week from Micailah, and she said it was okay to share a picture. Just look at this charm bracelet she made! Readers will recognize the significance in all the details. Baird gets his calliope. Prissie’s kitten is adorable. That pie has pink filling. The purple stained glass diamond (which is edged in translucent beads) even has a single yellow bead for Omri! I’ve had extra reasons to smile this week! : )
♦ REMINDER! Next week, Friday, September 26 is the book birthday for The Blue Door, and I have some special things planned. One of them is a cover reveal for the Threshold Series sequel, which is slated to release later this fall. Look forward to it!
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Tried and True, Chapter 225: Hierarchies
Chapter 225: Hierarchies
While the newfoundlings collected stray arrows, Taweel showed them how to position their wings to shield their backs. Tamaes’s trio stuck closest, which reminded Taweel of something. “Did you give up your game of Fourfold with Tamaes?”
“No,” the boys chorused.
Taweel pointed out, “You were with Adin instead.”
Jacinto said, “Tamaes is our Fourfold brother.”
Taji nodded. “He will return to us.”
Something prompted Taweel to ask, “What about Adin?”
Bern patiently explained, “Adin is our leader.”
“Is he?” Taweel frowned thoughtfully. “Is he a good leader?”
“He tells us stories.”
“He hears our songs.”
“He takes us along.”
<< 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 18, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 224: Appointment
Chapter 224: Appointment
A soft sound sent a tremor through Taweel’s wings, and he turned to find Tamaes standing slightly apart, speaking softly to Omri. Extricating himself from the others, Taweel hurried over. “Something is amiss.”
“I agree.”
Taweel’s mouth turned down, and his wings came up. “Where?”
Tamaes relaxed into a smile. “I am uninjured.”
“You are distressed.”
“Not here. Not now.” Tamaes glanced in the direction of the weapons master, who was organizing Flights for a skirmish. “Later?”
“Can it keep that long? The cherubim will be with us through several watches.”
Tamaes nodded. “I will be waiting.”
“As will I.”
<< 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 223: Great and Small
Chapter 223: Great and Small
Taweel’s conference with Dorum and Valerian was interrupted by Adin. “These newfoundlings are eager to learn!”
Bern nodded. “To get stronger.”
“Can we?” asked Taji.
Jacinto caught the trailing edge of Taweel’s wing. “Am I too little?”
Taweel dropped to one knee. “It was not so long ago that Adin and Tamaes were your size.”
Dorum added, “And I remember when Taweel was Adin’s size.”
The newfoundlings ogled their overseer’s impressive physique, and Bern finally asked, “Will I be as big as you?”
“Probably, but there are more important matters than stature.”
Dorum nodded. “Be faithful as God is faithful.”
<< 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 17, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 222: Lead Me Not
Chapter 222: Lead Me Not
Tamaes felt a tug on his little finger and found Jacinto at his side. The boy asked, “Protectors?”
“Yes.” Nodding toward the warriors who were unpacking quivers of arrows, various bows, and targets, he explained, “We older ones will train with them.”
“What about me?”
Tamaes ruffled Jacinto’s lavender curls. “When you are taller.”
Going up on tiptoe, the boy asked, “How much taller?”
Adin sauntered past, Taji riding on his shoulders. “Only one way to find out! Let’s ask!”
“Follow us!” urged Bern, who loved dares.
As Jacinto chased after them, Tamaes pressed his hand over an uneasy heart.
<< 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.
