Christa Kinde's Blog, page 53
July 16, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 178: Unyielding
Chapter 178: Unyielding
Tamaes managed to drive his opponent into a corner, but Valerian had lectured them over and over. The Fallen had nothing left to lose. In their desperation, they became doubly dangerous.
“Yield!” Tamaes snapped, leveling his sword at the demon’s throat.
With a scratchy laugh, he countered, “Why? To impress your mentor?”
“To … to end the test.”
“Did no one tell you?” jeered the demon. “Nothing ends here.” And he sprang.
Tamaes’s blade sliced the Fallen’s shoulder, but his enemy pushed forward, heedless of his wound. He didn’t stop until his teeth were buried in the young Guardian’s arm.
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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.
July 15, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 177: Verbal Assault
Chapter 177: Verbal Assault
Taweel longed to draw his sword, but he held back. This was Tamaes’s fight.
The Fallen sized up his cornered opponent and sneered. “Do the stars still excrete innocents for us to mangle?”
To Taweel’s relief, Tamaes didn’t answer. Nothing good ever came of reasoning with demons.
“Foolish pup.” Hate echoed against the pit’s bleak walls. “Your mentor casts you at my feet. I can help you Fall further.”
Taweel’s jaw tightened, but with every oozing suggestion, he could see Tamaes’s resolve strengthen. Then the boy gave the only correct answer to the bilge of lies. He swung his sword.
<< 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 14, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 176: Facing the Fallen
Chapter 176: Facing the Fallen
Tamaes followed his mentor through a narrow crevice into a rocky pit. Its sheer sides were like black mirrors, scarred by deep slashes. Light pooled in the center of this prison, but shadows wreathed the perimeter. And from their depths came grinding noises, strange mutters, and the reek of death.
“Wings up,” reminded Taweel.
Tightening both hands on his sword hilt, Tamaes arched his wings defensively. They trembled along with his heart. What would the Fallen be like?
He glanced at Taweel, who calmly said, “When you are ready.”
But Tamaes never made it to ready. The demon attacked first.
<< 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 11, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation xcvi
This has been a very productive writing week, and I’m pleased with progress on several fronts. My desk is full of sketches and editing drafts, and my inbox has seen a small rush of comments. Plans are underway for some fun events. And … am I the only person who gets joy from changing out the stuff that’s pinned to a bulletin board? Assorted updates and some new art await the curious. Come and see!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ I’m nearly finished with Realms of Glory, the 90-day devotional that’s coming out from Zonderkidz next year. Tying off all the loose ends is very satisfying. Readers should enjoy all the little outtakes and missing scenes that are sprinkled throughout the book. Realms of Glory will bring back Prissie & Koji, Zeke & Milo, and two “new” angels. Those of you who subscribe to my newsletter will have already seen this sketch. Who knows who these guys are?
♦ Thank you to everyone who took part in the Byways Q&A. Everyone who commented on that post will be receiving a little something in the mail very soon. I dropped a tidy stack of cards through the mail slot this morning. Also, if you’re interested in receiving a digital review copy of Byways, Book 1: On Your Marks, drop me an email at christa [dot] kinde [at] gmail [dot] com.
♦ In case you missed the announcement, the fifth installment of Angel on High went live this week in Christian Fiction Online Magazine. “Pen and Paper” continues the story of Koji’s beginnings. I’m always glad to hear that people are reading this serial. Even happier to know that folks are eagerly waiting for each addition. I’m just a little ahead of you guys with writing my story. I turned in Part 6 to the editor last week. Fun stuff ahead! ★
♦ Travel plans are in the works! I’ll be returning to Minnesota during the last week of August, this time with my daughters. There are some author chats in the works, which is bound to be fun. And we’ll be there during the Minnesota State Fair. Kettle corn, Ferris wheels, mini-doughnuts, and bumper cars are all on my to-do list! And postcards! Be sure to join my mailing list if you’d like to receive a postcard from my home town.
♦ And lastly, I’ll share another Tried and True chibi by Terri Delgado!
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Tried and True, Chapter 175: Testing
Chapter 175: Testing
When the dream ended, Tamaes stayed where he was. Tucking his hands behind his head he gazed quietly toward the white tower rising above from the flowers that grew up all around them.
Taweel sat up, glancing around until he spotted Omri. The little angel was flying circles around a honeybee.
“Adin was ….”
Purple eyes slanted his way. Taweel asked, “Sad?”
Tamaes hummed.
“Facing a Fallen will test your skills, not the bond you share with Adin.”
“Yes, I understand. And I am prepared.”
Taweel sighed. “But?”
With an apologetic glance, Tamaes said, “I do not think Adin agrees.”
<< 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 10, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 174: Ready or Not
Chapter 174: Ready or Not
Adin demanded, “What are you ready for?”
“A test.” Tamaes couldn’t dredge up a smile. “I must face our enemy.”
“A Fallen?” Adin’s voice skipped an octave.
Valerian reacted more calmly. “This is the natural progression of training.”
“But …!”
“His is ready,” Taweel repeated, gripping Adin’s shoulder. “And I will be with him.”
Adin squirmed under the warrior’s hand. “If you say Tamaes is ready, then he is, but …!”
The mentors exchanged a long look before Valerian asked, “Did you have something to say, apprentice?”
Linking arms with Tamaes, Adin exclaimed, “Shouldn’t twins face their first demon together?”
<< 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 9, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 173: At the Archive
Chapter 173: At the Archive
Adin frowned. “Why Observers?”
“They wished to hear our stories,” Tamaes said.
His friend laughed. “Taweel tells stories?”
“Short ones.” Tamaes peeked at his stoic mentor, who took a seat beside Valerian. “This place is beautiful. The Observers’ tower is surrounded by golden flowers.”
“Flowers?” Adin rounded on Taweel. “This is how you train my brother? By throwing flower petals at him?”
“No. Tamaes is resting.”
“An injury?” Concern flitted across Adin’s face. “Were you winged or wounded?”
“Nothing like that.” Tamaes lifted his hands. “I am quite well.”
“Then wh– ?”
Valerian interrupted. “Already?”
Taweel nodded. “He is ready.”
<< 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.
Angel on High, Part 5: Pen and Paper
The July 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 Five? ★
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 Five: “Pen and Paper”
Christian Fiction Online Magazine, July 2014 | Read it now >>
After you’ve read there, I hope you’ll come back here with any comments and questions. : )
July 8, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 172: Long Distance Relationship
Chapter 172: Long Distance Relationship
“Ready?” asked Taweel.
“Yes.” Tamaes closed his eyes and joined the dream. The sound of a harp drew them in, and Valerian came into focus.
He left off strumming. “I was beginning to think you lost your way.”
“Not at a–”
Tamaes didn’t get to finish, for Adin tackled him. “I thought you were coming home!”
Grinning over the way his best friend’s voice cracked, Tamaes said, “We are. But Taweel is taking the long way.”
“So where are you?”
“Somewhere in the fringes,” said Taweel.
“Training?”
“Not exactly.” Tamaes traded smiles with his mentor. “Our hosts are Observers.”
<< 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.
FINAL REMINDER: Byways Q&A
One last reminder that On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins celebrated its book birthday on July 4. I’m offering review copies and a Q&A session for the curious. (There are already 40+ comments!) For the rest of today, I’m open to questions about Ewan, Zane, and Ganix … their crazy plans to race across their homeland … the magical talents they inherited from their father … and other Byways stuff.
Q&A, Review Copies, and a Prize Drawing >>
