Christa Kinde's Blog, page 58
May 27, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 142: Four Cots
Chapter 142: Four Cots
“This way! Hurry up!” urged Adin, who hauled on Taweel’s arm.
“Lead on.”
The boy darted ahead, then stopped before the centermost structure. “This is ours!”
Hadarim were raised in tents, but not because they needed sleep or shelter. Thanks to humanity, Taweel better understood how these retreats gave a mentor and his apprentice time and space to bond.
At Valerian’s invitation, Taweel entered. Tamaes slipped inside and stuck by his side as they peered around. “For us?” he asked eagerly.
“All of us,” Adin confirmed.
Taweel was pleased with the arrangement. The boys and their brotherhood would remain intact.
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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.
May 26, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 141: Most Welcome
Chapter 141: Most Welcome
Adin charged Taweel, who huffed in amusement at the boy’s enthusiastic greeting. Ruffling up sleek hair, he said, “Yes, I am gotten. Though usually apprentices are said to belong to their mentors.”
“Belonging goes both ways,” Adin retorted. “That’s what Valerian says.”
“That saying is older than Time,” countered a lean Guardian with a shock of light brown hair and a pair of practice spears propped against his shoulder.
“Overseer,” Taweel greeted. “We interrupted your lesson.”
“In a way most welcome.” Valerian rested a hand on Tamaes’s shoulder and said, “Everything is in readiness. Our tents will be your shelter.”
<< 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.
May 24, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation xci
Yesterday was a little crazy, so I’m sneaking in my weekly post this afternoon. I’m amazed how much can happen in seven little days. My desktop is packed with odds and ends, and I brought out my camera this week, so I have plenty to show and tell. Come and see!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ This past spring, the San Diego Public Library hosted a Local Author’s Exhibit. The turn-out was amazing, and I was so happy to be part of the event. I had two Threshold Series titles release in 2013, and they were part of the downtown library’s display during February 2014. Last week, we were notified that our medals were finally available for pick-up, so my husband and I zoomed downtown to claim mine. Don’t you love the SDPL’s motto? “Discover Your Next Chapter”
♦ I also had one title release under my maiden name last year. Meadowsweet is the first book in the Galleries of Stone trilogy, so I received a second medal for Freydolf & Tupper’s story. I don’t gab too much about my fantasy books over here, but my desktop is jam-packed with Byways stuff this week. Thumbnails for cover art. Interior illustrations. Character portraits. Color comparisons. Manuscript revisions. And a big ol’ To Do List of last minute details.
We’re in the middle of a countdown over at CJMilbrandt.com because the first of the Byways books will release in July. I’ve been introducing the cast, beginning with the brothers who are the series’s three main characters. If you want to learn more about Ewan, Zane, and Ganix, scoot on over to my other website’s Byways page! : )
♦ I sometimes mention my forays into local coffee and tea shops, where I scribble in notebooks or tap on my tiny laptop. This week, I decided to bring along a camera so you can see not only what my favorite treat looks like … but how my portable family has grown.
Olexi is the laptop, and its mini-companion is my Mother’s Day gift from my kids. Because every cool mom needs a Nintendo. >__> My daughter Elza and I often hang out at the Boba Bar and write. This week’s fruit smoothie flavors of choice were strawberry (for her) and passion fruit (for me). ♥
♦ Okay, one more picture. I had to share this quick snapshot from my proverbial mailbag. I keep the things y’all send me in a box inscribed with the words “Family, Friends, Faith.” I love getting your notes, gifts, art, and postcards!
Christa Kinde
P. O. Box 23053 ♦ San Diego, CA 92193
♦ And finally, I have a travel report. One week from today, I’ll be in Minnesota! My boys and I will be bound for my hometown, where they’ll lend their Grandpa a hand in the garden … and pack in plenty of their Grandma’s home cooking. I’m looking forward to spending a couple of weeks in the house where I grew up. It’s an old farmhouse in a small town.
An extra fun part of the visit will be a chance to talk to the local book club. They’re going to be reading the entire Threshold Series over the summer and invited me in to do an author chat. In case any of you are local, I’ll post more about place and times once I have the final details.
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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May 23, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 140: Thrice Blessed
Chapter 140: Thrice Blessed
Taweel had dawdled so Tamaes could gain confidence. But in the process, the pierced warrior found his own. By the time they strode into the encampment, he was ready. And Tamaes was more than ready.
“Adin!”
Dropping his spear, Adin abandoned his sparring partner and crashed into Tamaes, half-throttling his twin in an affectionate head-lock. “You left!”
“I was Sent.” Pulling loose, Tamaes straightened. “But I came back.”
Adin exclaimed, “You have armor!”
“Yes.”
“And boots!”
Tamaes shyly boasted, “My mentor took me to meet the Forgers.”
At this, Adin’s attention swung, and happiness suffused his face. “You got Taweel!”
<< 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.
May 22, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 139: For Keeps
Chapter 139: For Keeps
Training was essential, so the return journey became a practical lesson in evasive maneuvers. In other words, a game of chase. Taweel rushed his apprentice, who squeaked like a yahavim before tucking his wings and dropping out of reach.
‘He loves you.’
Purple wings shivered, and Taweel’s pursuit pattern faltered. “I know it.”
‘And are known.’
And there it was. Taweel could devote himself to another young life, but not at a distance, unseen and unrequited. Tamaes sought his gaze, heard his voice … and loved him back. God had given Taweel a child who could never be taken away.
<< 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.
May 21, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 138: Adaptation
Chapter 138: Adaptation
For Tamaes’s first flight in his new armor, Taweel was prepared to take it slow. “Can you manage?”
“Fear not!” His apprentice flung himself off the rim, quickly gaining air.
To Taweel’s surprise, the boy used the weight of his boots to sling through a twisting flip. “Clearly, my concerns were unfounded.”
Omri chittered indulgently.
Taweel swept upward and soared into the lead, modeling the correct wing position to take them higher. Tamaes followed without a wobble, zinging along in the carefree manner of Messengers.
“Watch for more young malakim,” Taweel murmured to Omri. “They have been a good influence.”
<< 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.
May 20, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 137: Aptitude
Chapter 137: Aptitude
“The opanim do not forge weapons for the untested,” Taweel cautioned. “It may be some time before your strengths emerge.”
“I want a sword,” Tamaes said immediately.
His mentor’s eyebrows lifted. “Did the encampment’s weapons master already pinpoint your aptitude?”
The boy shuffled his heavy boots. “No, but you have a sword.”
“As did my mentor.” Resting his hand atop auburn hair, Taweel gently urged, “Patience. I wish to see for myself how you fare with ax, bow, spear, and sling. But if a sword is to be your ally, you will receive it from my hands in this place.”
<< 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.
May 19, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 136: Selective Hearing
Chapter 136: Selective Hearing
Walking and talking. It reminded Tamaes of his beginning, when God took him by the hand and taught him what it meant to love and be loved. Now, he needed to learn how to guard one precious life. Then he could love as he was loved.
Taweel squeezed his hand. “Are you listening?”
“Sorry,” Tamaes mumbled. “Say it again?”
With a quizzical look, his mentor returned to his rambling lecture. “Raiment and manna are supplied by heaven. They were and are and will be. But armor and weapons are part of creation. They will pass away.”
Tamaes’s heart leapt. “Weapon?”
<< 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.
May 16, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation xc
Southern California has been experiencing a heat wave, so this past week was mostly spent holed up in a cool, shady corner with a pitcher of ice water close to hand. I’ve put myself on a tight deadline, so cramming in enough writing time’s been a challenge. But with summer right around the corner, the sun’s been rising earlier … and so have I. This week’s clutter has something new. You won’t want to miss it! ; )
This week’s accumulation:
♦ I’m happy to report that Part 3 of Angel on High went live this week. You can read “Silver and Gold” in the May issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine. Were any of you surprised to see a familiar face? Many of my stories have some kind of overlap. This one was a pleasant surprise, even to me! ★
♦ It may interest you to know that as I go along, I’m prepping Angel on High for release in e-book format. You’ll be able to add the whole story to your virtual library in December, when the final installment releases. Will there be changes? Yep! Some scenes may be expanded. (I’m working with a strict word limit for the column.) And I strongly suspect there’ll be an exclusive epilogue to tie forward to The Blue Door.
One detail I can share right now is a peek at some sketches for the little illustrations Anna Earley made for scene dividers…
♦ I’ve been writing devotionals all week. As I’ve mentioned before, Realms of Glory will be angel-themed, so I’m exploring all kinds of passages in the Bible where people encountered members of the heavenly host. Questions are answered. Myths are debunked. Traditions are grounded in Scripture. And I’ve incorporated several of the questions about angels that you guys have asked me here. What do you think might be a good question for me to address? I still have a little wiggle room in my outline. Maybe I can fit yours in!
♦ We’re about due for a newsletter! I’ll be sending out the next issue on Tuesday, May 20, so if you aren’t yet a subscriber … join up! I’ll be sharing a Realms of Glory devotional excerpt and a sneak peek at new character art. SUBSCRIBE >>
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Tried and True, Chapter 135: Pushing Limits
Chapter 135: Pushing Limits
Tamaes couldn’t ever remember feeling clumsy. When he was newly made, he’d skipped after his Maker without a thought to his feet. But boots were heavy. Scuff and clunk. Tromp and trip. Why had something so simple become such a chore?
When the boy dragged to a stop, Taweel turned. “A little further.”
Frustrated tears sprang to Tamaes’s eyes. “They are uncomfortable.”
Taweel didn’t scold. He only repeated, “A little further.”
“I will try.”
His mentor grunted approvingly, which helped a little. But then Taweel offered his hand. That was even better. Holding tight, Tamaes found enough grit to persevere.
<< 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.
