Christa Kinde's Blog, page 66
March 11, 2014
Angel on High, Part 1: Stardust and Sneezes
The March Edition of Christian Fiction Online Magazine has released, which means the first installment of my new serial is available to readers! We’ll celebrate the kick-off with a cover reveal for Angel on High, which tells the story of Koji’s beginnings.
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 One: “Stardust and Sneezes”
Christian Fiction Online Magazine, March 2014 | Read it now >>
After you’ve read there, I hope you’ll come back here with any comments and questions. : )
March 10, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 86: Twelfth
Chapter 86: Twelfth
Loris escorted his unexpected guest into the garden. “You have God’s own timing. The boys were hoping for a twelfth.”
“Rather call me God’s own provision, for I was Sent.” Asaph extended his hands to the trio of young ones. “You have need of a Worshiper?”
The boys excitedly outlined their plans, tugging at Asaph’s sleeves until he knelt beside the Guardian sitting in the corner.
“Taweel’s our leader!” Adin exclaimed.
Tamaes added, “Weft put our names on his hand!”
“I shall trust myself to Taweel’s keeping.” With a sleepy smile, Asaph inquired, “Will you trust yourself to mine, Captain?”
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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.
March 8, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation lxxx
My week has been a delightful mix of writing, editing, and comparing notes with my illustrators. I poked around my desktop for news to share, but much of what I’m working on right now isn’t anything I can talk about. At least not yet. But after a little digging around, inspiration struck. (It always does.) So today’s accumulation is more show than tell. There be art in this here post! Take a look.
This week’s accumulation:
♦ One of the items lurking on my desktop this week is a Bible study. I still write them whenever the opportunity arises … and very much enjoy the whole process. Fun fact: when I write fiction, I usually sit in a big chair crowded into the corner of my bedroom. But if I’m writing a Bible study, curriculum, or devotional, I usually move to the bed. That way, I can spread out all the big books I use for research and reference.
♦ Have you had the chance to read “Angels on Guard” yet? Today, I’m featuring this FREE short story by sharing one of Anna Earley’s illustrations … and snippets … and art of a character who figures prominently into my future plans. First, an excerpt. Don’t forget that Miss Priss is a wee lass of three years in this story.
“No-no, Priss,” Tad said in stern tones. “You can’t take Grandma’s special flowers.”
“I founded them.”
Five-year-old Neil pointed to the delicate clumps of bleeding heart that grew around their grandmother’s birdbath. “You stole them. I saw you.”
Tad nodded. “No more.”
“But I need pink ingreejunts,” Prissie said, defending her neat row of sandcakes.
Gideon could see her point. Most of the make-believe confections were topped with yellow dandelions and lavender violets. The addition of pink to the mix was a nice touch.
“Tad, bring me apple flowers,” the three-year-old ordered.
“Apple blossoms,” her big-big brother corrected patiently.
Prissie nodded eagerly, but Neil grumbled, “We’re building a road, Priss. It’s important! Besides, if you take all the flowers, there won’t be any apples.”
“Flowers are better,” the little girl argued. “Flowers are pretty!”
Neil lined up two toy cars behind his bulldozer. “But you can eat apples.”
Tad stepped in to explain. “Without the flowers, we wouldn’t have apples. But there’s extras, and Grandpa showed me how to take them careful.”
“Good.” Prissie wrinkled her nose at Neil.
Brushing the sand off his knees, Tad offered his hand to Prissie. “Do you want light pink, or should we get some of the dark pink ones?”
She pouted thoughtfully. “Show me?”
Neil waited just long enough for Prissie to turn her back before running over the endmost sandcake with his bulldozer.
—excerpt from “Angels on Guard” by Christa Kinde
♦ I’ve been asked several times about the Guardians assigned to Prissie’s siblings. In “Angels on Guard,” I was able to introduce Gideon. He’s the one Sent go watch over Prissie’s big-big brother Tad. As it happens, I had a sketch of Gideon in my art folder.
♦ Fun Fact: Back when I first wrote “Angels on Guard,” readers were still waiting for Book 2: The Hidden Deep to release. At the time, I assumed that this story would be every reader’s first glimpse of a Caretaker. Namely, Abner.
♦ Another trivial tidbit. Back when I wrote this story, my working title was “Guarded Heart.” And by then, I already knew that I’d be following up Rough and Tumble with Tried and True. So the short story refers to things that are still to come in our current serial. (All my stories overlap in big and small ways. Have you noticed other crossing points?)
♦ This story is FREE, and even if you don’t have a fancy e-reader, it’s possible to read it on your desktop/laptop. You can also get Kindle apps if you have fancy phones, tablets, and iPods. Go figure! If you’ve already enjoyed the story, I’d like to invite you to leave a review. Those things are a big help in letting others know that my stories are worth their time. ✿
♦ Newsletter alert! I’m planning to release March’s newsletter on Friday the 14th, so if you haven’t yet subscribed to this monthly bundle of exclusive news and sneak peeks, please hop onto the mailing list. NEWSLETTER >>
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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March 7, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 85: One More
Chapter 85: One More
Adin jumped up. “I’ll go find someone!”
“Is that how it works?” Tamaes asked. “Maybe God will Send someone.”
Weft’s dozen toes wriggled. “I don’t know. This isn’t a proper Flight.”
“We’re training,” argued Adin.
Tamaes softly said, “We are playing.”
“And learning,” Weft reminded. “Taweel is teaching us.”
The boys traded uncertain glances, and Taweel’s heart ached. Even if this was only a boys’ game, they’d placed their names in his hand. He lightly touched the crooked rows of letters on his palm and wondered what God was doing.
Just then, a voice came from out front. “Anyone home?”
<< 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.
March 6, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 84: Making Do
Chapter 84: Making Do
“Only hadarim form Hedges,” Adin said. “That leaves out Weft.”
“So we will be a Flight,” explained Tamaes.
Taweel grunted. “Traditionally, cherubim serve as Flight captains.”
Adin frowned. “We don’t have a cherub.”
“And Flights have twelve angels.” Taweel wondered what Dorum would say if he knew his former apprentice dressed like a Weaver and played at Flight and Hedge with newfoundlings.
“Easy!” Weft exclaimed.
The boys soon dubbed Taweel the first-ever Guardian captain, and Weft painted their names on his palm, including Loris, Omri, and the five yahavim in Weft’s flock.
“That’s eleven,” Adin reported. “We need one more.”
<< 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.
March 5, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 83: Reap the Whirlwind
Chapter 83: Reap the Whirlwind
Tamaes’s efforts resembled the frantic fluttering of a sparrow caught in a snare. Taweel ordered, “Straighten your shoulders. Relax your knees.”
With a sheepish glance, the boy corrected his form.
“Slow your pace. Faster is not always better.”
“Like this?” Tamaes asked, settling into a steadier rhythm.
Taweel grunted. “Your training serves you well.”
Their partnership didn’t go unnoticed. From his perch overhead, Adin exclaimed, “Me, too!”
“I have two hands.”
While the boys stirred a whirlwind, Taweel felt a tug at his earring. Omri squeaked in apology, but he didn’t let go. The little angel desperately needed his handhold.
<< 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.
March 4, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 82: Testing His Wings
Chapter 82: Testing His Wings
Tamaes yearned to test his wings, but the teachers in the hadarim encampment told them over and again: feet on the ground. Training exercises were tedious, and all the newfoundlings were restless for the next things—boots, armor, weapons. But especially flight.
“Again. Rise,” urged Taweel.
Was it all right? This Guardian wasn’t one of his teachers, but Tamaes didn’t think Taweel would lead him astray. A strong hand. A faint smile. Encouragement. Permission.
‘He offers a good gift.’
Taking God at His word, Tamaes flexed his wings. Safely anchored by the big warrior, he threw himself at the sky.
<< 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.
March 3, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 81: Fledgling
Chapter 81: Fledgling
“Glide. Arrow. Slow. Pivot. Rise.” Tamaes struggled through wing positions, then sighed, “This is hard.”
“Flight takes strength,” Taweel replied. “You need more.”
The boy glanced up at his twin, who was scrambling through the candle-tree with Weft. “Adin makes it look easy.”
“We each earn our own piece of sky.”
Resuming his exercises, Tamaes lost contact with the ground when a breeze caught his rise position.
Taweel casually snagged the boy’s ankle, mooring him. “Again,” he coached. “Rise.”
Tamaes’s next wingbeat caught more air, and Taweel grunted approvingly. No harm in giving the boy a tiny taste of flight.
<< 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.
February 28, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation lxxix
You guys sure know how to make my week! : ) There were errands to run this morning, and while we were out-and-about, I had the chance to check my P. O. Box. Usually, it’s full of advertisements and fliers that I pitch straight into the recycle bins. This time? Mail! Real mail! ♫ Bless you dear hearts for your kind words, your gifts of art, and your abundant encouragement! And now to show you some of the clutter that’s accumulated on my desktop!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ One of the fun things that happened this week was a cover reveal for Tried and True. If you missed it, head on over to that serial’s index page and take a gander!
♦ Another exiting bit of news that’s cluttering up my desktop has to do with my newest serial. Those of you who subscribe to my newsletter have already seen the summary and an excerpt of Angel on High. (You do subscribe to my newsletter, yes?) As you probably know, writers have to stay a jump ahead when writing for publications. So while I’m busy writing the third installment of Koji’s story, you’ll have to wait until next week(ish) for the serial to kick off in my new column over at Christian Fiction Online Magazine. I’ll announce when their March issue is out and link you up. In the meantime, I’ll share Anna Earley’s thumbnail for this story’s cover illustration! Say hey to a very special newfoundling!
♦ One of the items new to my desktop this week is … well, it’s a To Do list, I suppose. You see, while I’m a very organized person who likes to plan ahead, I’m also a quiet little rebel. If I try to schedule myself too strictly, my contrary nature kicks in. But if I give myself a deadline, my competitive streak takes over. In other words, I can’t say, “I’ll work on this project for 45 minutes every day.” But if I tell myself, “Find a way to get this done by next Thursday,” I will.
So my To Do list is essentially a chronology of upcoming deadlines. About 18 months’ worth. And if I hit all my marks, my projects will move forward according to schedule. And because that’s exactly what I want to happen, I’ll find a way to meet those goals. How about you? What motivates you to make stuff happen? How do you stick to your goals (writing or otherwise)?
♦ It’s been a while since I shared new story art, so let’s do that! Those of you who’ve read the entire series will understand what’s up. Or who‘s up. And why. : )
Refrigerator by StellaCadente
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? (Or your refrigerator door for that matter!) Do tell!
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Tried and True, Chapter 80: Rogue Guardian
Chapter 80: Rogue Guardian
Hadarim were arriving from every district and quarter. Experienced warriors. Patient teachers. Prospective mentors.
Valerian’s conversation with the encampment’s overseer trailed off when two cherubim arrived. Without preamble the first announced, “We have news about the rogue Guardian.”
“Our mysterious recluse!” To Valerian, the overseer explained, “He cast aside armor and armaments and dresses in the manner of Weavers. Adin and Tamaes think him wonderful.”
“You are concerned for the boys’ safety?” Valerian asked.
“No. But what’s changed?”
The cherub reported, “Someone added stitching to his collar. An apprentice’s work, but legible.”
“What does it say?”
“Only a name. 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.
Additional Note: Bonus points if you actually remember who Valerian is. It’s been a looong time since Chapter 9. : )
