Christa Kinde's Blog, page 51
August 5, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 192: On the Walls
Chapter 192: On the Walls
Tamaes found humanity fascinating. From Jerusalem’s walls, he watched their lives unfold. Families and faith. Priests and prayers. Songs and sacrifices. Laughter and lessons. Taweel attempted to turn their loitering into practical training on the formation and flexibility of Hedges, but Tamaes interrupted. “Are you sad?”
“In part,” Taweel replied. “Is that what has distracted you?”
“I want to understand.”
“You will … when your own Sending comes.”
Tamaes dared to ask, “Can you show me where she lived?”
His mentor looked away. “Centuries have passed. Much will have changed.”
“Please?”
With a sigh, Taweel unfurled his wings. “Follow me.”
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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.
August 4, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 191: Keeper of Songs
Chapter 191: Keeper of Songs
When evening brought an end to Asaph’s duties, he slipped out of Time and guise. Tamaes felt more at ease with Worshiper now that his hair was blue again.
Asaph explained, “I was chosen by King Solomon to compile a treasury of psalms. David’s words shall not pass from memory.”
Tamaes tweaked the sleeve of Asaph’s apprentice, who seemed to be more or less his own age. “Could you teach me one?”
The young Worshiper, whose dark eyes and black ringlets remained even without his disguise, scooted closer and offered a single nod. “Most assuredly. As many as you like.”
<< 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.
In which I see station wagons…
Authorial Endeavor #039. I’m pleased to direct your attention to a new interview, which is all over the pages of ChildressInk. Kim Childress talked to me about my writing process, how long it took to develop the Threshold Series, how my perspectives on publishing are unique because my husband was in the business, and the oft amusing little debates I had with my editors behind the scenes. For instance:
Editor: “You can’t have Grandma Nell drive a station wagon. They’re completely outdated.”
Me: So I grudgingly changed Nell Pomeroy’s vehicle to a mini-van, but my kids can testify. Ever since then, I mark the passing of every station wagon on the road in a sing-song voice. “Sta~tion Wa~gon!” ♫ One of my poor, baffled sons finally asked, “What’s a station wagon?” (Case in point that my editor may have been right.) My daughter just shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. Mama’s the only one who can see them.”
“As editor for the Threshold Series, Christa’s manuscript was on my desk when I first arrived at Zondervan.”You’ll find Kim’s name in the fine print on the copyright pages of the Threshold Series books because she was my editor at Zonderkidz. She’s since resigned and is winging it as a magazine editor, book reviewer, life blogger, and freelance editor extraordinaire. Indeed, she’s one of my editors for the Byways series, so we’re in and out of each others’ inboxes on a regular basis.
Kim has relaunched her website, ChildressInk, and I have a part in the kick-off. You’ll find I’m her featured author this month, and content from our interview is spread across four pages:
Featured Author, Christa Kinde
Christa Kinde on Writing
Slushpile Stories, Threshold Series
Writing Tips from Christa Kinde
ChildressInk is also hosting a Threshold Series giveaway. Part 2 of Kim’s interview, which talks more about my self-publishing adventures as C. J. Milbrandt, is due to appear by the end of the month. So look forward to more!
August 2, 2014
This Week’s Accumulation xcix
I’m a smidge behind schedule with my usual Friday post, but it’s been a crowded week. I can go for days and days without much turning up in my e-mail inbox, then all of a sudden, everyone’s talking at once! This was one of those Grand Central Station weeks, and I have to admit, the hubbub was nice for a change. Stuff’s happening, and that’s good! If you’d like a peek at what I’ve been up to, keep on reading.
This week’s accumulation:
♦ First off, I’m excessively pleased to have been e-introduced to the Zonderkidz editors I’ll be working with on Realms of Glory. Sara let me know that she took the time to read The Blue Door, so she’s met Prissie, Koji, and company. And Jacque was able to tell me the official release date for the new devotional—September 7, 2015. We may have to do something fun to celebrate that book birthday a year early! : )
♦ Has anyone had anything fun turn up this week? If you’re not on my postcard mailing list, drop me a quick email and I’ll put something fun in your mailbox!
♦ Shhh! Next Friday, we’re throwing a surprise party for Baird! Interesting stuff comes up whenever I host a Threshold Series Q&A session, and this last time around, Baird’s on-paper birthday was revealed as August 8. Plan to join us for festivities that will include fun, games, and fabulous prizes.
♦ Another celebratory reminder. August 22 is the one year anniversary of the release of Book 3: The Broken Window, and we’ll be celebrating the milestone in much the same way we did The Hidden Deep‘s anniversary back in April. There’ll be multiple ways to enter a prize drawing for limited edition art cards. The grand prize will be an author annotated copy of The Broken Window. And I’ll host another Threshold Series Q&A session, where you can chat with the cast about whatever’s on your mind. To be ready with favorite scenes and quotes, start your reread now!
P. S. Since the events of “Angels in Harmony” overlap what happens in The Broken Window, I’ll also be chatting about that free short story on August 22. Give that companion a reread, too … because I’ll be asking you to share your favorite moments! ♫
♦ In case you missed yesterday’s announcement, I have a spot in the August issue of Family Fiction Edge Magazine. Managing Editor Deidra Romero posed a challenging question. “What are your top three picks of all time for YA Christian fiction?” (That’s almost as bad as when you guys ask me who my favorite character is! How can anyone possibly name the best books of All Time?) But I somehow managed to narrow down my list to three personal favorites. Go see for yourself in Family Fiction Edge – August 2014
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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August 1, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 190: King Solomon
Chapter 190: King Solomon
They slipped into a room filled with natural beauty and grand extravagances. Potted palms. Caged birds. Ripe fruit. Hammered gold. Busy men. Lovely women. And in their midst reclined Israel’s king.
Tamaes quietly asked, “Is that David?”
“No, Solomon is David’s son.” Asaph smiled indulgently. “He calls my apprentice ‘little David’.”
Despite the buzz of conversation, the king’s attention was clearly fixed upon the sweet notes coming in an endless cascade from the boy who cradled a lap harp with the distinctive carving of a lion’s head upon its base.
Asaph added, “Solomon trusts his father’s instrument to no other.”
<< 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.
In which I pick some favorites…
Authorial Endeavor #038. A few weeks ago, I was asked by Deidra Romero of Family Fiction Edge magazine to answer a tough question. What are my three top YA picks of all time for Christian readers? As I told her, it’s rather intimidating to say any story is a “top book of all time,” but the three titles I chose are ones that forever changed my perspectives. And in that sense, they helped grow my faith. My own teens have read (and reread) them as well. I recommend them without hesitation!
Curious? Go see! : )
Family Fiction Edge – August 2014
July 31, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 189: Psalms of Ascent
Chapter 189: Psalms of Ascent
Tamaes blurted, “Can I meet him?”
“If we can find him.” Asaph explained, “He chases down melodies for me, and with the city filling up for Passover, songs are everywhere.”
As they strolled through a columned hallway, Tamaes hummed along with a group of singers somewhere beyond the palace walls.
“Catchy, isn’t it? King David’s psalms are truly inspired.”
Taweel’s fingers tapped his thigh, and he hummed a harmony line.
When a new sound reached them, Asaph’s pace quickened. “There! He’s in the throne room again. That boy’s become very attached.”
“To the king?” Taweel asked.
“To the king’s harp.”
<< 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.
July 30, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 188: In Remembrance
Chapter 188: In Remembrance
For a long time, Tamaes had thought of the heavy silver ring piercing Taweel’s ear as Omri’s handhold. But that wasn’t why it hung there. The true reason still flitted through his mentor’s eyes, the shadow of a memory. A lost love.
Tamaes whispered, “Does it still hurt?”
“Only when I remember.”
Asaph smiled bemusedly. “That often?”
Taweel’s low voice held deep conviction. “I will never forget.”
“Tonight will be for remembering,” promised Asaph. “Join us for evensong.”
“Us?”
Pushing aside once-blue hair, the disguised Worshiper revealed an ear cuff. “My new apprentice and I will lead you into worship.”
<< 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.
July 29, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 187: Disguised
Chapter 187: Disguised
Tamaes didn’t realize that he was looking at Asaph until Taweel made a soft noise of surprise.
Omri shed light on the situation by buzzing over to a man bent over a scroll. His hair was black, and his eyes were brown, but there was no mistaking his sleepy smile.
Asaph embraced Tamaes, then placed his hand over Taweel’s heart. “I’m surprised you didn’t wait until after the festival. How are you faring?”
Taweel sighed.
“What do you mean?” asked Tamaes.
“This is Passover,” Asaph explained. “The celebration of Israel’s deliverance falls up on the day your mentor was pierced.”
<< 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 186: To Walk Unseen
Chapter 186: To Walk Unseen
Taweel set aside his inner turmoil in order to guide his apprentice in the correct direction. Their path was as sure as Sending, but Tamaes dawdled.
“They are building a temple?”
“For many years,” Taweel replied. “The task was given to Israel’s king by his father.”
Tamaes paused on a staircase. “They cannot see us.”
“No.”
“Humans are smaller than I expected.”
Taweel huffed. “They are weak, so we are strong.”
They reached a wide courtyard before Tamaes finally asked, “Why is Asaph here?”
“He was Sent to live as a man among men. Our friend has become a Graft.”
<< 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.
