Christa Kinde's Blog, page 62
April 18, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation lxxxvi
We’ve reached Good Friday, and I’m assembling my weekly post in small batches between rounds of kitchen stuff. This has been a fun week in the authorial department, and I have some family traditions to share … and a report about an Easter Sunday e-book sale. Come and see!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ Today’s mostly about cleaning and kitchening. I have eggs to peel, salads to assemble, chicken to fry. My daughter just slid an apple crisp into the oven, and we have the cutest new ramekins that are begging to be filled with baked custards. We’ll have those on Sunday.
But in the midst of the busyness, I’ve been thinking about the events of this past week during Jesus’ time. Passion Week had very little to do with bunnies, daffodils, and chocolate eggs. Our family has some little traditions to remind us of why this weekend is worth celebrating.
✿ One of my little traditions is belting out my favorite Easter hymn to wake the kids on Sunday morning. ♫ “Up from the grave He arose! With a mighty triumph o’er his foes!” (For those curious, I found the hymn on YouTube.)
✿ Like the Pomeroy family, we skip the cheap chocolate of hollow bunnies at Easter … and go straight for boxes of truffles. (Well okay. AND Cadbury Cream Eggs, which are a personal favorite. >_> )
✿ One tradition we don’t do every Easter (but plan to embrace again this year) is a ban on lights. The inconvenience is small, but the change in routine makes a lasting impression. From sunset on Good Friday until sunrise on Sunday, we rely on candles for light to remind ourselves that these were dark days for the disciples.
What about you? What are your family’s traditions?
♦ The folks at Zondervan gave me a heads up that two of my books were selected by Amazon for their kids/teen books Daily Deal on Easter Sunday! For one day only (4/20), you’ll be able to purchase these e-books for $1.99 each.
Easter Sunday
one-day only ♦ $1.99 for the e-books
♦ One of my weekend plans is a re-read of The Hidden Deep, the second book in the Threshold Series. And I’ll be reading with pen in hand. One of you will have the chance to win this annotated first edition when we celebrate The Hidden Deep‘s book birthday on April 23. That’s this coming Wednesday. I hope you’ll be re-reading, too. Come prepared with your questions for characters and with favorite quotes/moments. Folks who leave a review for my books on assorted sites (Amazon, B&N, YABCentral, GoodReads, NovelCrossings, etc.) will have more chances to win art prints, limited edition postcards, and that book! : )
♦ For closers today, I’ll include an excerpt from the Easter chapter in Book 4: The Garden Gate…
Koji and Beau were embroiled in a discussion of the whys and wherefores of dying Easter eggs. Something they’d done the day before. It was no surprise that the artistic Observer had enjoyed the procedure. In fact, once they finished coloring the hard-boiled eggs, Momma had given the go-ahead to dye the uncooked ones. Zeke had even run out to check for duck eggs so Koji could continue experimenting with patterns and colors.
“And the marshmallow hatchlings?” the young angel asked.
Beau shrugged. “Just a spring thing. Eggs and chicks, lambs and bunnies.”
“Does this also account for the chocolate eggs?”
“Hard to go wrong with chocolate anything,” Prissie’s younger brother replied. “Momma doesn’t go in for the whole Easter bunny and jelly bean thing, but Dad always makes ridiculously good truffles. He’ll break them out after dinner.”
Koji frowned in a puzzled way. “Jelly … beans …?”
Beau snickered. “Face it. All that stuff has nothing to do with anything that really matters. Where we’re headed now. What we’re doing next. That’s the real deal.”
“Indeed.”
When Koji turned his head to check on her, Prissie gave him a sleepy smile and murmured, “There will be much song.”
“And truffles,” he replied solemnly.
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Tried and True, Chapter 115: Little Messengers, Little Messages
Chapter 115: Little Messengers, Little Messages
“Focus!” exclaimed the boys’ leader. “What messages do you bring?”
In a twinkling, Taweel stood in a circle of newfoundlings. One announced, “This is the place!”
Taweel glanced around the empty courtyard where they’d set down. “For what?”
A second boy said, “A surprise.”
More messages came in quick succession.
“A purpose.”
“Your future.”
“One that has always been waiting.”
“It’s a good gift.”
The seventh boy urged, “Accept it.”
Taweel began, “I do not ….”
All the boys touched their fingers to their lips, and in the relative hush, a new sound reached Taweel’s ears. Metal scraping against stone.
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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.
April 17, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 114: Flock
Chapter 114: Flock
Seven boys careened upward. “Wait for us!”
“We have a message!”
“Remember us?”
Taweel recognized the young malakim who’d welcomed Tamaes into their training session. “Should you be so high?”
“Fear not!”
“Watch what I can do!”
Their escort caught up, and Taweel offered a bewildered greeting. “Am I part of your lesson?”
“Not exactly,” the Messenger replied. “This is a Sending. Their first.”
“Their excitement is understandable.” Taweel huffed in amusement at their capering. “Have they forgotten the message?”
Whistling sharply, the Messenger signaled for descent, then beckoned for Taweel to follow. “This might be easier on solid ground.”
<< 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.
April 16, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 113: Into the Light
Chapter 113: Into the Light
Even in eternity, where neither sun nor moon hold sway, times come. And a moment drew near. Selection.
Anticipation crackled around the yahavim as the final note of Asaph’s song faded. While the hadarim herded their newfoundlings back to the encampment, Taweel turned his back. Last time he’d walked away; this time, he used his wings.
He drove himself higher than he’d ever flown. Awash in pure light, Omri crooned blissfully, and Taweel chuckled. “God is near, and we are welcome.”
Not until he coasted into a slow spiral did Taweel catch the sound of voices calling his name.
<< 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.
April 15, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 112: Stuff of Legends
Chapter 112: Stuff of Legends
Taweel eased through the crowd. Once his former mentor realized where he was aiming, Dorum met him partway.
“I have been thoughtless,” Taweel began.
Dorum’s expression softened. “What gave you that idea?”
“I have been … thinking.”
With a low chuckle, Dorum gripped his shoulder, chasing Omri from his perch. “Who is this?”
“Omri is my ….”
“… flightmate?” finished Dorum, his eyes sparkling. “Friend of yahavim! Guardian of Weavers! Captain of newfoundlings! Your exploits are legendary.”
Taweel groaned. “How did you find out?”
“Adin and Tamaes. There are no secrets when your admirers sing your praises at every evensong.”
<< 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.
April 14, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 111: Wisdom Born of Experience
Chapter 111: Wisdom Born of Experience
“Come with me,” Asaph urged.
Taweel had difficulty meeting the Worshiper’s gaze. “Why?”
“Last chances only come once.”
With a curt nod, the Guardian fell in step behind the blue-haired angel. One last watch to herald. One last song before selection sent the encampment’s newfoundlings in a dozen different directions.
In the circle, Asaph ascended the squat pedestal and spread his wings. Taweel easily picked out Adin and Tamaes from the crowd. Valerian was there. And Dorum stood by.
Taweel’s former mentor met his gaze and smiled faintly. Melancholy laced his expression, and for once, Taweel understood. Dorum missed him.
<< 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.
April 11, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation lxxxv
This has been a fascinating week. On the one hand, I’ve been extra busy with Mrs. Pastor and Mama duties. But on the other hand … authorial stuff got done! Little windows of opportunity opened up, and when they do, I’m right there with either a notebook or my little white laptop (Fun Fact: his name’s Olexi, just like Tupper’s little ram in Galleries of Stone.) So during those scraps of time, I scribble and tap for all I’m worth. And it’s progress. : ) I have some nifty stuff to share this week—news, art, and links. Take a gander!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ I linked everyone earlier this morning to an article on SimplyFaithful.com. Marketta Gregory interviewed me as a part of a series of articles on Christian fiction for teens. The best books remind teens the Bible isn’t boring >>
Marketta: What Christian books for teens would you recommend?
Christa: In my opinion, the best books remind us that the Bible isn’t boring, church isn’t a chore, prayer connects us to our Maker, and Christians will stand out.
To see which titles I recommended, go read the whole article. And while you’re there, leave some comments, check out the other articles in “The Importance of Teen Literature” series, and take part in a Threshold giveaway!
♦ The next installment of Angel on High appeared this week in Christian Fiction Online Magazine‘s April issue. On a semi-random note, I was so excited to see Susan Meissner on this month’s cover. I met her last fall because she’s a member of the San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild, and she was so sweet to chat with. Hooray for local author friends!
M’kay. Back to Koji and the story of his beginnings. ★ I’m so encouraged to know that y’all are enjoying his story. This is part 2 of 10, so there’s still plenty of story ahead, but “Milk and Honey” began this way…
On the fringes of heaven are secret places.
Storehouses of rainbows. The birthplaces of dew and dawn.
In these safe havens stand towers of milk-white stone,
where records are kept. From on high, angelic archivists
gaze into creation, watching to see what God will do.
♦ A quick reminder that we’ll be doing a milestone celebration on Wednesday, April 23 in honor of The Hidden Deep’s book birthday. There’ll be a special character Q&A session, an invitation to talk about your favorite parts and/or quotes from Book 2, a review challenge, and special giveaways. The grand prize will be an annotated copy of Threshold Series, Book 2: The Hidden Deep … which means I’ll be rereading the book and making notes and comments in the margins. If you want to be ready, I’d encourage you to do a re-read now! Refresh your memory and highlight your favorite lines/moments.
♦ It’s been a while since I mentioned the FREE short stories that are companions to the Threshold Series. They’re illustrated by Anna Earley and tell the stories behind the main story. Are these titles in your virtual library?
♦ And finally, I’m sharing new art! Those of you who’ve read the entire series will likely recall the scene that inspired “Out of Season.”
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Tried and True, Chapter 110: Cut to the Quick
Chapter 110: Cut to the Quick
Weft’s expression crumpled, and he darted off in the direction of the alcove.
Taweel had been too wrapped up to notice Weft’s struggle. And the boy’s choice cut deeply. Was this the example he’d set? Springing after the boy, Taweel slammed to his knees in front of the cot and gruffly begged, “Do not retreat into shadows.”
“They’ll be sad to see me sad,” Weft explained. “And they should be happy. I was when Loris chose me.”
Despite his brave words, tears soon dampened the Guardian’s shoulder. And Taweel sang softly of eternal things, like the faithfulness of true friends.
<< 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 good books are recommended…
Authorial Endeavor #35. A few weeks ago, I was interviewed by Marketta Gregory for a special blog series on books for tweens/teens at SimplyFaithful.com. My contribution went live yesterday, and I’m inviting y’all to check it out. Marketta says:
When my oldest son says he can’t wait for the next book in a series, I pay attention. And this series by Christa Kinde? Well, my loves-to-read boy loved every book and wanted more. So, I asked the author how she got her ideas and what books she would recommend.
The best books remind teens the Bible isn’t boring >>
Give the interview a read. Leave Marketta some comments. Check out the other articles in this special blog series. And you can always chat with me here. What about you? What Christian books would you recommend?
April 10, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 109: Temporary Things
Chapter 109: Temporary Things
Taweel’s Flight was assembled.
Asaph and Loris chatted in the garden, where Adin and Tamaes did their best to impress them with their sparring. In the airy workshop, Weft trotted back and forth, hanging up the skeins of delicate thread he pulled from the dye pots Taweel was stirring.
Although most of the big Guardian’s attention was caught by the series of ringing notes coming from the boys’ practice swords, he noticed two things. Weft was quieter than usual, and all the threads coming from the pots were the same color.“Why does Loris need so much bronze thread?”
Weft flinched.
<< 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.
