Christa Kinde's Blog, page 69
February 10, 2014
For Fun: Pick of the Litter
Questions and Answers. We’ve had a lot of fun chit-chat in the comments lately, and last Thursday’s Valentine’s Day Invitation had an interesting question. Kiara asked Prissie if she could have one of Tansy’s kittens. And Elizabeth was quick to volunteer to take one home, too! I mentioned this to my friend Terri, who promptly announced she was in the mood to doodle kittens! Thanks to her, we a litter of our own! : )
Tansy’s Kittens1) What names would you choose for these little ones? Why?
2) Would you pair any of these kitties with one of Prissie’s angel friends? What about her brothers?
3) Which kitten would you want to adopt?
4) Do you have pets at home who’d need to adjust to a little newcomer?
I can’t wait to hear which fuzzball you think is the pick of the litter! And feel free to continue the Q&A. It’s fun to hear what’s on your minds. : )
Tried and True, Chapter 66: Coaxing
Chapter 66: Coaxing
Weft exclaimed, “You can teach them to fly?”
Taweel scrutinized the other two boys standing in the circle of his wings. Adin and Tamaes shuffled their feet, and Adin said, “Before we can fly ….”
Tamaes finished, “… we must learn to unfurl.”
“Is it hard to do?” asked Weft.
“No,” assured Taweel. “Unfurling only needs a little coaxing. But flight will take lengthy practice.”
“How do you coax wings?” asked Weft, who peered closely at Adin’s arms. The boy’s furled wings lay in bold rings, like bangles of varying widths encircling his upper arms.
Taweel’s gaze dropped. “With song.”
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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.
February 7, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation lxxvi
I’m trying to remember what happened this week. Most of it was spent in a creative haze. If you’re a writer, maybe you can relate. Before I can write a story, I have to think about it. Thinking clearly is a big part of the storytelling process. Usually, I refer to this stage as “establishing the rules” of whatever universe I’m writing in at the moment. To the casual observer, this probably looks a lot like me sitting in a chair, staring out the window. Catch some hints of what’s been on my mind lately in this week’s clutter heap!
The week’s accumulation:
♦ Last weekend, my daughter and I attended the author’s reception for the San Diego Public Library’s 48th Annual Local Author Exhibit. Our city’s new central library is rather epic, a nine-story showpiece with windows aplenty to take in the views.
After the opening spiel, we bypassed the buffet line and dove into the stacks. Dozens of glass display cases were arranged throughout the first floor to show off books written by local authors during 2013. I released three major titles this past year: The Hidden Deep [Zondervan, April 2013], The Broken Window [Zondervan, August 2013], and Meadowsweet by C. J. Milbrandt [December 2013]. There’s a companion post over on my other blog if you want a little more detail about my evening.
♦ Yesterday, I made a special Valentine’s Day offer. If you’d like to receive something sweet in your mailbox, pass along your address.
♦ My next monthly newsletter will come out on Friday, February 14. If you haven’t signed up yet, please do! You won’t want to miss this one. I’ll be sharing the summary and an excerpt from the Threshold-based serial I’ll be writing for my new monthly column in Christian Fiction Online Magazine. There’ll also be a sneak peek at the postcard art for Book 4. SUBSCRIBE HERE >>
♦ Let’s share some new art! If you played along with Prissie’s birthday game, you’ve probably already had a peek at this one. Today, I’m officially adding “Cheering Up” to the story art gallery for The Garden Gate.
♦ One of the other fun things cluttering up my desktop right now is a series of thumbnails from Anna Earley. She’s creating the book cover for Tried and True! Maybe by next week, I can share a sketch. For those of you not already reading this serial, it’s 65 chapters along, and some familiar faces have joined Taweel. Give it a go! : )
♦ Again… now that The Garden Gate is officially “out there,” you can leave reviews on sites like Amazon and B&N. Thank you in advance to everyone who takes a minute or two to leave a review. Those things make my publisher really happy.
♦ Lastly, for readers of Galleries of Stone, I’ll be revealing the artist’s sketch for the cover of Book 2: Harrow this weekend. The book’s scheduled to release in April. It’s safe to say that Aurelius helps make the second installment in the trilogy look fabulous. If you like family-friendly fantasy, you can read the first several chapters as they were originally posted back in 2012 … right here! And to keep up with news about the books I publish under my maiden name, follow my blog and subscribe to the quarterly newsletter. Thanks!
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Tried and True, Chapter 65: Shield
Chapter 65: Shield
While Weft chatted to his friends about the recent arrival of seasoned Guardians in their district, Taweel wrestled for composure. Omri’s croon was the only hint at his inner turmoil, but it caught the second boy’s attention. The big warrior stared miserably into Tamaes’s reddish-brown eyes. Was training these children to be strong the only way to protect them?
Taweel’s desire to shelter them from the future took an unexpectedly practical turn. As if by their own accord, his wings unfurled in a magnificent rush.
Both hadarim gasped, and Adin exclaimed, “Teach us how!”
Tamaes nodded just as eagerly. “Please?”
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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.
February 6, 2014
Valentine’s Day Invitation
Beau tapped Prissie’s shoulder, and she turned away from a spinner of Valentine’s cards to meet his concerned gaze. “Don’t worry so much, Sis.” He poked at the furrow between her eyebrows, smiling when she swatted his hand away. “Relax. You like this kind of stuff.”
“Meaning you don’t?”
He glanced around with a pained expression at the metallic glare of heart-shaped balloons, oversized boxes of chocolates, and doily-festooned sentiments. “No lie. I’d rather be in the bookstore.”
—excerpted from The Garden Gate, Chapter 9: The Truest Love
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and I’m preparing a mailing! Those who’ve been around for a while probably already know how much I enjoy traditional mail—stationary, notes, postcards, stamps. If you join my mailing list, I drop things off at the post office from time to time. Like the art cards I have made for every story … and postcards from all over when my family travels.
Would you like a Valentine? ♦ email me your address
christa [dot] kinde [at] gmail [dot] com
Last month, I kicked off a monthly newsletter. Subscribers get first looks at book covers, excerpts from whatever I’m writing, and other exclusive stuff. (It’ll be different every time, so it’s hard to predict what’ll turn up in your inbox!) ♥ The next newsletter will be ready on Friday, February 14, so if you haven’t signed up yet … please, do! Here’s what I have planned:
♦ Postcard reveal for Book 4: The Garden Gate
♦ Excerpt from a brand new Threshold-based serial, which will debut in Christian Fiction Online Magazine in March
When you subscribe to the newsletter, you have the option to add your street address or P.O. Box. That’s just another opportunity to sign up for postcards … or in this case, Valentines! ♥
Any Valentine’s Day wishes? We can have a heart-to-heart in the comments! Any questions for the cast of the Threshold Series? They’re never far. ; )
Tried and True, Chapter 64: Terms of Affection
Chapter 64: Terms of Affection
Explanations continued as Loris ushered his young guests into the garden. “Weft is my apprentice, and Taweel is his. What could be simpler?”
Adin pointed out, “He’s not a Weaver.”
“He is like us,” repeated Tamaes.
Weft stubbornly insisted, “Taweel’s ours!”
“He’s God’s,” countered Adin.
“We all belong to God.” Loris kept his tone light, yet firm. “But when friendships take special shapes, they beg for names. We are Taweel’s family, just as you boys are brothers. Taweel is as much Weft’s apprentice as you are Tamaes’s twin. These aren’t terms of fact, but affection.”
Adin smiled shyly at Taweel. “Belonging’s nice.”
<< 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 5, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 63: Another Name
Chapter 63: Another Name
Every angel knew their own name. It was a secret they cherished, a gift from God. But somewhere along the way, newfoundlings were given another name. There was no rhyme or reason to who assigned them or when. Names had a way of happening.
The first boy tapped his chest. “The Messenger who brings our manna called me Adin.”
“A handsome name,” Loris decreed. “And you?”
The other newfoundling simply shook his head.
Adin linked arms with his friend. “How about … twin?”
Loris hummed thoughtfully. “Tamaes means twin. Will that do?”
Weft applauded the choice. “Tamaes is Adin’s twin!”
<< 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 4, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 62: Look Alike
Chapter 62: Look Alike
The newfound Guardians were head-and-shoulders taller than their friend. Long limbs. Big feet. They jostled each other, testing their inherent strength, but their gentleness with Weft distinguished them as hadarim. Even while goofing off, they hemmed him in. Playing Hedge.
“You look like brothers,” Taweel remarked, struck by their obvious similarities.
“What’s that?” asked the first boy.
Weft giggled. “Brothers are for men, not angels!”
Taweel explained, “When human boys are born into the same family, they are brothers.”
“And two born together are called twins.” Leaning through the doorway, Loris cheerfully asked, “Do my young guests have names yet?”
<< 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 3, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 61: Show Off
Chapter 61: Show Off
Weft clambered up beside the burly warrior, all smiles. “Told you I had an apprentice! This is Taweel.”
The first newfoundling elbowed his friend. “He’s big.”
“He is like us,” murmured the second.
Their matched expressions of awe flustered Taweel, but he could remember being impressed by older, more confident members of his order … and craving their acknowledgment. Unable to withhold something as simple as his attention, Taweel extended a hand. “Are you not Guardians? Where is your courage?”
The boys traded grins before accepting his challenge. Rushing into the shadowy alcove, they placed their hands trustingly into his.
<< 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.
January 31, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation lxxv
This week’s been festive, what with the release of The Garden Gate happening smack dab in the middle of it. But that’s far from the only thing going on. A brand new serial, a mammoth Q&A session, an author’s reception, and new art. This week’s clutter is downright newsworthy. Check it out!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ First off, let me remind you that there’s an e-book sale underway right now. You can still get digital versions of the first three books in the Threshold Series for $2.99 each, a significant savings. This sale ends February 3.
Book 1: The Blue Door ♦ $9.99 $2.99
Book 2: The Hidden Deep ♦ $9.99 $2.99
Book 3: The Broken Window ♦ $9.99 $2.99
♦ To celebrate The Garden Gate‘s book birthday, I hosted a Q&A session here on my blog. I’ll be honest. I was expecting maybe 8-10 questions, but you guys are amazing! Questions for me and questions for the cast came flying from all directions. Last time I checked we were over 160 comments on that post alone. Plus, one of you found my Baird interview from back when The Hidden Deep was releasing and asked more questions. ♥ Go back through and see what’s been added since you last checked in. Ask more questions if you like, or save up. I’ll host another Q&A session later this spring.
♦ Now that The Garden Gate is officially “out there,” you can leave reviews on sites like Amazon and B&N. Thank you in advance to everyone who takes a minute or two to leave a review. Those things make my publisher really happy.
♦ Something unexpected happened yesterday, and it contributed to the clutter on my desktop. Thanks to my editor and my publicist over at Zonderkidz, I was virtually introduced to the editor of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, where I’ve been given a monthly column in their Middle Reader section. Here’s where it gets extra fun! They’re letting me use the column for a serial—a story that’s released in monthly installments. Can you guess which angel’s story I plan to tell? ★
♦ Let’s share some new art! If you played along with Prissie’s birthday game, you’ve probably already had a peek at this one. Today, I’m officially adding “Blue Wings” to the story art gallery for The Garden Gate.
♦ Tonight, I’ll be attending the kick-off reception for the San Diego Public Library’s 48th Annual Local Author’s Exhibit. Every year, they put out the call to authors in the greater San Diego area to share any books they published during the year. The exhibit will run for the entire month of February in the downtown library. This year, I’ll have three books in the display: The Hidden Deep [April 2013], The Broken Window [August 2013], and Meadowsweet [December 2013]. I’ll bring my camera. : )
♦ Angels on Guard isn’t showing up yet in virtual bookstores, but I’ll let you know as soon as I catch sight of it.
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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