Christa Kinde's Blog, page 79
November 5, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 295: Too Short
Chapter 295: Too Short
Dark brought out the fireflies … and the marshmallows. Zeke presented his latest creation. “I can’t bake a cake here, but I make good s’mores.”
A nibble. A smile. “It is sweet.”
Zeke explained, “The names a mush of some and more. Because once you have one, you always want s’more!”
Ethan smile wobbled.
The boy noticed and whispered, “Whassa matter?”
“I will miss this.”
Zeke’s brows drew together. “Are you goin’ away?”
“Not far,” Ethan promised.
“Can you visit?”
“I cannot say.”
“That usually means no,” Zeke grumbled.
Ethan gently mussed the boy’s hair. “It only means be patient.”
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Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 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.
November 3, 2013
The Week’s Accumulation lxii
I’m a couple days late with my usual week’s wrap-up post, but here we are! November is a notoriously busy month for writers, especially those embarking on NaNoWriMo. Maybe because of the authorial hubbub, I adore this pre-winter push. It launches my under-blankets, by-candlelight writing season. So … for news and clutter, keep reading!
♦ NaNoWriMo is underway. As of this afternoon, Elza and I met the five-digit milestone. We have 10,000+ words on Day 3 of this annual creative frenzy. If you haven’t heard about National Novel Writing Month before, do check out the wiki and their website. It’s lots of fun, and it’s not too late to join up!
The above widget is on my website’s sidebar, and if you check out my home page, you’ll see a breakdown of the month by calendar days. If the current day is blocked red, that means we haven’t updated our word count yet. If it’s yellow, that means we’ve been writing, but we haven’t hit our daily goal. And if it’s green, we’ve made the daily minimum (1,666 words). Thanks to everyone who’s been cheering us on!
♦ Some of you may have noticed a few updates and additions to my website. Feel free to snoop around. There are some hints and peeks scattered throughout, but just as many of the pages only ask for your patience. “Details coming soon….” Here are a few shortcuts to the highlights:
♦ The cover reveal for the Christmas short story “Angels in Harmony“
♦ A page for Tried and True, which begins November 11, when Rough and Tumble ends
♦ The addition of the cover for The Garden Gate, the fourth and final book in the Threshold Series
♦ There are only a handful of chapters left in Rough and Tumble, which means Ethan and Zeke will have to get along without us (at least for a little while). But storytelling will continue on its weekdaily basis. On November 11, we’ll embark on a new mini-epic. Tried and True delves into the back story of Taweel and Tamaes, two of the guardian angels from the Threshold Series.
Taweel by Lord Dubu
Story Summary: In the wake of his young charge’s death, Taweel’s faith dims. Bitterness, anger, and despair leave him vulnerable. The grieving Guardian’s need is great, but the one who notices is the least of all. Sometimes it’s the little things that remind us of what’s most important. Genres: Adventure, Friendship, Drama Rating: G, appropriate for all ages
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Rough and Tumble, Chapter 294: The Food of Angels
Chapter 294: The Food of Angels
At her mother’s prompting, Zeke’s sister invited Ethan to join them for dinner.
“May I?” he asked, glancing to Conrad for reassurance. His mentor’s smirk widened into a smile.
Prissie nodded. “Zeke wants you to stay. Obviously.”
The boy insisted on being Ethan’s personal chef for the evening. Neil joked, “Hope you have a taste for char!”
Tad smiled sympathetically. “Don’t worry. Zeke hasn’t fully incinerated anything since last summer.”
“Marked improvement,” agreed Jayce.
And so later on, Ethan graciously accepted a hot dog with flaking black skin, smothered in mustard. His first taste of human food burned his tongue.
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Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 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.
November 2, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 293: The More the Merrier
Chapter 293: The More the Merrier
“Can I keep him?”
Jayce chuckled. “Sure, sure. If your Momma says so.”
Zeke grinned up at Ethan, whose lap he’d claimed as his throne. One he willingly shared with Jude. “Momma says more’s merry!”
Ethan wasn’t used to this much attention. His whole Flight had arrived, and Garrick and Yannis were making faces. Alpheus looked on with a tender expression. Conrad smirked. Verrill plucked “Kumbaya” on his harp. Only Tycho remained alert and restless.
When the Flight captain realized Ethan was staring, he strode over and leaned down to murmur, “Things are stirring, and I am Sent. To you.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 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.
October 31, 2013
In which I hint at Christmas plans…
Authorial Endeavor #027. Since this is a day for treats, let’s have ourselves a little cover reveal! I’ve been hinting at a new short story for weeks now. Angels in Harmony will be available for download in December—a Christmas gift from me and Zonderkidz! ♥ Anna Earley illustrated this playful seasonal tale, which neatly overlaps the events in Book 3 of the Threshold Series, The Broken Window. Readers will be able to enjoy seasonal hijinks from the perspectives of Misters Myron Baird and Kester Peverell.
So without further ado…
Cover Reveal!
Watch for more details as soon as they’re finalized.
October 30, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 292: Our Hero
Chapter 292: Our Hero
The Pomeroys provided their hero with a seat by the campfire, and Jayce began a round of wholly unnecessary introductions. Ethan wished he could relay clever little messages as Milo had once done, but he was entirely tongue-tied.
Tad shook his hand.
Neil bluntly asked, “Did you save my little brother’s life?”
“I did my part.”
The teen hurried off and brought his own blanket. Wrapping it around Ethan’s shoulders, Neil murmured, “Thanks.”
Next came Beau. The tenderhearted boy’s pale face and shy hug made Ethan miss his wings. Sharing the warmth of his blanket, the Guardian whispered, “Fear not.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 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.
October 29, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 291: A Miracle Named Ethan
Chapter 291: A Miracle Named Ethan
“ … but thankfully, Ethan was in the right place at the right time,” Ranger Prentice explained.
The young warrior relinquished his charge into Naomi’s arms, then shuffled his feet self-consciously. Jayce shook his stunned expression first and offered a firm handshake. “Thank you, Ethan.”
“Fear not,” he murmured, gazing down at the man. “Your son is safe.”
Naomi passed Zeke to Jayce before throwing her arms around Ethan, hugging him fiercely. “Thank God you were there!”
He glanced at Lucan, who waved encouragingly. Swallowing hard, Ethan touched her shoulder and said, “I also thank God. His timing was good.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 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.
October 28, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 290: Generosity
Chapter 290: Generosity
Ethan had been frantic, yet now he was in a state of flustered bliss. Zeke was in his arms. Seeing him. Talking to him. Nonstop.
“It’s like a treasure hunt,” the boy rambled. “But a race, too. Neil mostly wins. ’Cept I think Tad lets him. The prize is a whole cake. You like cake?”
“I am uncertain.”
“How come?”
Ethan had no idea how to answer.
“Aint’cha tasted cake?”
“No, but it smells good.”
“Yep! ’Specially mine. Want me to make you one?”
With a sheepish glance at Ranger Prentice, Ethan admitted, “That would only add to my joy.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 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.
October 25, 2013
The Week’s Accumulation lxi
Ah, I skipped a week. Can’t go back and remedy that, but that’s the way it goes. Last weekend was taken up with the SDCWG’s fall conference, which I reported on the other day. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole endeavor … and met so many nice people. In the aftermath, I’ve been writing like crazy, trying to tie up some loose ends before NaNoWriMo gets underway. You’re welcome to inspect my odd bits of clutter.
♦ Several people have contacted me over the last few weeks to request postcards, and that makes me so happy! I’ll remind you that anyone can sign up to have a bit of story art appear in their mailbox. I do love sending off mail! ♥ These are the images featured on the postcards currently available:
♦ Speaking of freebies, this is a good time to remind you that Angels All Around, the Threshold Series prequel that crosses over with Rough and Tumble, is free to download. Story Summary: This story takes readers back seven years to that providential summer day when West Edinton’s brand new mailman introduces himself to the little lady sitting in the gazebo alongside Main Street. What Prissie sees and what’s actually happening are two very different things. For Milo, the newly-grafted Messenger, it’s a lesson in trust that’s shared by Ethan, the beleaguered Guardian who’s Sent to their defense. ♦ FREE DOWNLOAD ♦
♦ A second short story is in the works. I’m given to understand that Zonderkidz will be making Angels in Harmony available in early December. In the next week or two, I’ll do a cover reveal. I’m really excited to share this bit of seasonal mischief. Baird will be in fine form for the holidays. ♫
♦ Thank you to everyone who’s taken time to post a review or feature of the various titles in the Threshold Series in a blog post. A few of those who received review copies of The Broken Window have posted their responses. Naturally, it’s nice to hear that readers are enjoying the stories I write. But I also appreciate the support. Publishers and readers alike look at numbers and stars and likes. Apparently, they make the world go ’round. : )
Christian Fiction Reviews: The Blue Door
Christian Fiction Reviews: The Hidden Deep
Christian Fiction Reviews: The Broken Window
Books, Reviews, Etc: The Blue Door
Books, Reviews, Etc: The Hidden Deep
Books, Reviews, Etc: The Broken Window
♦ NaNoWriMo is right around the corner. During National Novel Writing Month, thousands of writers accept the challenge to tap out 50,000 in just 30 days. A glance at the calendar puts the start date at one week away. As I’ve mentioned before, my daughter and I will be colluding on a story this year. Expect the odd report on our progress over the next four weeks. Also, we invite you to watch our NaNoWriMo 2013 Pinterest board, where there’s a fun little battle/challenge underway.
♦ In going through my piles this week, I noticed that I have a few pieces of art that I shared in these weekly posts but didn’t actually add to the art galleries. Since a few focus on Koji, let’s make this a feature of the young Observer. It’s fun to see him portrayed in so many different artists’ styles.
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Rough and Tumble, Chapter 289: Still Game
Chapter 289: Still Game
“We’ll bring you to your family,” Padgett offered.
Zeke squirmed. “I want Daddy, but ….”
“But?” prompted the ranger.
Zeke wrinkled his nose. “I think I’m in trouble.”
“No,” soothed Ethan. “Your father will welcome you with gladness.”
A sidelong glance. A sigh. A nod. But as soon as Ethan took a step toward the Pomeroys’ campsite, Zeke blurted, “Wait! My scavenger stuff!”
Ranger Prentice glanced questioningly at Ethan, who chuckled. “Is the game still important?”
“If I get back first, imma win. On account of I found something pink!”
Ethan plucked self-consciously at his sodden T-shirt. “So you did.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 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.
