Christa Kinde's Blog, page 63
April 10, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 108: Heads Up
Chapter 108: Heads Up
“Be ready!” warned the Messenger who’d befriended Taweel. “Their lesson’s ending.”
The Guardian grunted as one by one, the malakim newfoundlings followed their instructor’s command and dropped from the sky. Tamaes hesitated longer than the others, but he also furled his wings.
Omri squeaked, and Taweel surged upward, arms ready.
When he pulled the boy snugly into his chest, Tamaes gasped, “Thank you.”
“Testing my resolve?”
“Or mine,” Tamaes replied with a shaky smile.
“I promised not to let you fall.” As he winged homeward, Taweel remarked, “Omri pulled that stunt once.”
“Why?”
Taweel finally answered, “Because I needed 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 8, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 107: Mixing with Messengers
Chapter 107: Mixing with Messengers
All of Taweel’s lessons in flying had focused on the need to build strength, to fly in formation, and to confront enemies in midair. Teamwork was paramount. Battle was inevitable.
Not so for malakim.
Messengers weren’t warriors, so their priorities were vastly different. Speed. Maneuverability. And fun.
“Watch me!” Tamaes called.
From where he waited with those acting as spotters, Taweel lifted his hand. “His confidence grows,” he remarked as Tamaes tucked and rolled.
“And his daring!” agreed their host.
The looping, spinning boy was no longer worried about how well he could fly. This was joy … and enjoyment.
<< 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.
Galleries of Stone: Harrow
Book Birthday! Just a quick note to let y’all know that April 8, 2014 is the official release day for Galleries of Stone, Book 2: Harrow. For those of you who began reading the story when I was posting it here on my blog, I have a special treat. There are four brand new chapters at the end of the book. You won’t want to miss the new developments!
Book 1: Meadowsweet is available at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Book 2: Harrow is ready to buy on Amazon and available for pre-order on Kobo.
To keep up with stories I publish under my maiden name, follow CJMilbrandt.com.
April 7, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 106: Aerobatics
Chapter 106: Aerobatics
With strong wingbeats, Taweel carried Tamaes aloft, where they encountered a group of malakim. Young Messengers were in the midst of their own training exercises.
Before Taweel could veer around them, Tamaes blurted, “Are they also newfoundlings?”
One of the Messengers wheeled. All smiles, he cheerfully shared, “We have seven youngsters up here with us. They’re getting a feel for wind under their wings.”
Taweel expertly caught the breezes he needed to hold his position. “Our goal is similar.”
Offering both hands, the Messenger invited, “Why don’t you join us? We’d be glad to teach you a trick or two!”
<< 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 6, 2014
Angel on High, Part 2: Milk and Honey
The April Edition of Christian Fiction Online Magazine has released, which means the next installment of my new serial is available to readers! Are you ready for Part Two? ★
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 Two: “Milk and Honey”
Christian Fiction Online Magazine, April 2014 | Read it now >>
After you’ve read there, I hope you’ll come back here with any comments and questions. : )
April 4, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation lxxxiv
Some weeks fly by with an audible whoosh! Is it really Friday already? Fair enough. Let’s see …. I spent most of my week reading and/or editing my stories. Very relaxing. Very satisfying. I’ve always liked settling down for a slow read-through and doing a little last-minute pruning. Making sure all the details are in place. Prepping a story to share with readers. Sending it off with a smile. : ) I’ve a little clutter to share. Come and see.
This week’s accumulation:
♦ As you probably already know, I kicked off a new serial in March. Angel on High debuted in my column with Christian Fiction Online Magazine with an installment called “Stardust and Sneezes.” The second part of Koji’s story—”Milk and Honey”—will be in the April 2014 edition. (Soon!) And because magazines work ahead, I’ve already turned in May’s serial installment. I’m very excited about what’s coming up for y’all in the story. Are you following along? ★
♦ Quick reminder. As I mentioned last week, we’re coming up on a special one-year anniversary later this month. The Hidden Deep‘s book birthday is on April 23, and I’ll be celebrating the milestone with 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. Sound fun? Then get ready by starting your own re-read now! : )
♦ I’m about halfway through my stack of postcards, so some of you should have mail. The rest of you will need to be patient for a few more days because this is a hectic weekend/week for me. But fear not! Fun stuff will find its way to your mailboxes soon! ♥ Not signed up for postcards yet? Don’t dawdle! More information >>
♦ I turned in two different short interviews this past week. I’ll do a special post when the articles they’ll be a part of are published. One is about writing for teens, a special YA feature with lots of authors chiming in. The other is an article on genres. Look forward to link-ups in the near future!
♦ Thank you to everyone who jumped onto the newsletter mailing list over at CJMilbrandt.com. Those of you who were in time to catch the inaugural issue got a sneak peek at the first chapter of Harrow, which releases on Tuesday, April 8. If you enjoy family-friendly fantasy, I’d encourage you to give Book 1: Meadowsweet a try. It’s readily available in your e-format of choice. Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Tried and True, Chapter 105: Seize the Sky
Chapter 105: Seize the Sky
“I cannot fly well.”
Setting Tamaes down, Taweel promised, “I will not let you fall.”
He still hesitated. “Loris said that once a newfoundling finds his wings, he is given to a mentor.”
“True.”
“If you teach me to fly, I will be Sent away sooner,” Tamaes reasoned.
“True,” Taweel repeated.
Scuffing the floor with his toe, the boy said, “Maybe we should wait.”
The big Guardian crouched. “We were made to fly. Your wings must be restless.”
“Yes,” Tamaes whispered.
Taweel gruffly declared, “I would never withhold this joy from you. Much better to share it while we can.”
<< 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 3, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 104: Meet, Part, Wait
Chapter 104: Meet, Part, Wait
Swords. Taweel remembered his excitement over finally holding one.
They were the weapon of choice for most hadarim, which was probably why they were left until last. If the newfoundlings were testing swords, their selection was imminent.
This meeting would soon end in parting, and Taweel couldn’t be grateful. But maybe he could help Tamaes. Give the boy a good memory. A parting gift.
Making up his mind, Taweel announced, “I want to stretch my wings.”
“Oh.” Tamaes’s flame-hued wings trembled, and he tried to retreat.
“Wait.” Tightening his embrace, Taweel gruffly asked, “Do you want to come with me?”
<< 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 2, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 103: No Fault, No Blame
Chapter 103: No Fault, No Blame
“Where is Adin?”
Tamaes flexed his injured hand. “They began with swords today.”
Taweel grunted. “Missing out?”
“Yes.” After a thoughtful pause, he added, “And no. I was Sent.”
“To me?”
Tamaes nodded.
“Why?”
The boy shrugged.
With another grunt, Taweel said, “We could have our own lesson.”
Looking up, Tamaes asked, “Is it my fault you are lonely?”
The Guardian’s eyes widened. “Apprentices usually ask when they can have boots and a breastplate.”
“You told Adin before. I know those answers.”
Taweel sighed. “Guardians wait, meet, and part more than most. Try to be grateful, Tamaes. Regrets are unkind.”
<< 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 1, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 102: Offering Shelter
Chapter 102: Offering Shelter
“Tamaes?”
“I am here.”
“I can see that.” Taweel beckoned. “Show me your hand. Have you been using your wings?”
“My exercises?”
“Wings offer shelter for healing. Move over, Omri.” Taweel unfurled his wings, then hauled Tamaes under them.
Wriggling into a comfortable position, he asked, “Wings heal?”
“I am surprised no one told you. Rest here awhile.”
Tamaes pressed his ear to Taweel’s broad chest. Was his heart broken? Was it lonely? On impulse, he unfurled his own wings, clumsily draping them over Taweel and Omri.
“Yours will work, but a friend’s are better,” Taweel lectured.
Tamaes smiled. “Good.”
<< 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.
