Christa Kinde's Blog, page 80
October 24, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 288: Strangely Familiar
Chapter 288: Strangely Familiar
Ranger Prentice draped a striped towel around the boy’s shoulders and roughed up is hair. “Calm down, Zeke.”
“Fear not,” Ethan repeated. His humming gradually lapsed into his favorite lullaby for the boy.
When Zeke wiped his nose on his rescuer’s shoulder, the ranger produced a handkerchief. Sniffle. Honk. And a hard stare. Zeke asked, “How come I know that song?”
“I cannot say.”
“How come I know you?”
“Perhaps we are friends.”
“Okay.” Zeke’s brows drew down, and he announced, “You talk funny.”
Ethan blinked. “I do?”
With a little pat, Zeke generously said, “S’okay. It’s like the Bible.”
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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.
October 23, 2013
In which I rub elbows with local talent…
Authorial Endeavor #026. This past weekend marked another authorial first. Actually, there are several firsts involved. My first writer’s conference. My first spot in a panel discussion. My first time to present a writing workshop. And my first chance to participate in faculty consultations.
My husband and I were both on faculty for the San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild’s annual Fall Conference. His experience as a former publisher for Thomas Nelson made him a popular guy. Attendees flocked to his workshop on writing queries and proposals, and his consultation slots were jam-packed. My own workshop, “Stories in Miniature,” went by in a fifty-minute rush. Hard to believe I had so much to say!
Consultations are fun! People signed up for fifteen minute time slots with members of the faculty. Some writers proposed books I can’t wait to read. Others wanted suggestions for structuring their plot or shaping their premise. A few just wanted reassurance that they were going in the right direction. I was able to hear pitches, peruse one sheets, and dole out advice and encouragement in equal measures.
Saturday afternoon’s docket included the presentation of a few annual awards. Since I hadn’t entered any of my books, I wasn’t expecting my name to be called. The board was all smiles over my surprise. The San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild presented me with the Nancy Bayless Award for Excellence in Writing.
I’m the one in yellow shoes. More pictures and information on the other awards and honorees are on the SDCWG Blog!
What about you? Have you ever attended a writer’s conference?
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 287: Civvies
Chapter 287: Civvies
Blue eyes focused on Ethan’s face, and the young warrior blinked. He hadn’t been expecting an introduction. Zeke looked ready to say something, but a fit of coughing interrupted him. And the coughing turned into sobs. Ethan tried to bring his wings around in order to comfort his precious boy.
Except Ranger Prentice’s hand landed on his shoulder.
And the Guardian realized several things. His wings were gone. So was his armor. And he was barefoot. And wearing khaki shorts and a pink T-shirt.
The Caretaker offered him a pair of flip-flops and said, “I’ll do most of the talking.”
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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.
October 22, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 286: No Swimming
Chapter 286: No Swimming
“Fear not. I have you.”
Zeke’s stranglehold tightened. If it weren’t for the buoying effect of Ethan’s outspread wings, the boy would have pulled them back under.
Ethan stroked his charge’s matted hair. “You are safe. I am with you.”
“’Kay.”
Just as Ethan maneuvered to the riverbank, the younger of the two Caretakers paddled over in a yellow kayak. “Gentlemen, swimming is prohibited in the river. I thought you knew that, Zeke.”
The boy’s head popped up. “I wasn’t swimmin’ … least not too good. I fell.”
“Then it’s a good thing my friend saw you. Zeke, meet Ethan.”
<< 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 21, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 285: Undercurrents
Chapter 285: Undercurrents
Ethan flung himself down, using a quick wingbeat to lend speed to his plunge. The river was wide and deep and dark, but the young Guardian didn’t need to see. When an angel is Sent, he always knows the way.
Kicking through rushing undercurrents, Ethan reached out. His knuckles bumped a sneaker; his fingertips brushed an elbow. Righting the boy, Ethan pulled him against his chest as he carried him out of danger. Zeke’s arms locked around his neck as they broke the surface.
While choking for breath, Zeke nearly throttled his rescuer. But Ethan didn’t mind. Not at all.
<< 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 18, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 284: Torn Apart
Chapter 284: Torn Apart
With a resounding snap, the branch broke, and Zeke vanished into the river. Ethan’s whole being vibrated with a longing to follow, but God had not released him. He needed to wait.
Blight turned to him with a sly smile. “Follow, and you Fall. Stay, and your service ends. Either way, you’re free … friend.”
Zeke surfaced, floundering against the undercurrent. Ethan glanced around, but the path along the river was empty, and the Caretakers weren’t in sight. Zeke needed a miracle. But his life was in God’s hands. “I will wait,” Ethan whispered.
‘Child of light, you may go.’
<< 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 17, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 283: Frightened
Chapter 283: Frightened
Ethan’s heart clenched as Zeke ignored common sense and better judgment. Fixing his eyes on the pink Frisbee, the boy stretched for it but came up short. So he shimmied out further.
Blight’s glee lent a malicious sparkle to his eyes. He jostled the dead limb in time with his taunting. “Bend the bough, and break the bond.”
A sudden crack stole the color from Zeke’s face. The limb sagged beneath him, and he cast a wild look back toward safety. In that instant, Ethan felt certain that Zeke’s gaze locked with his.
And then his precious boy whispered, “Help?”
<< 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 16, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 282: In the Treetop
Chapter 282: In the Treetop
Zeke confidently swung up onto the branch where Blight had lodged his bait.
“Willingly, thrillingly,” the demon chanted. “Foolishly, mulishly.”
Ethan couldn’t stop what had been set into motion, but Blight wouldn’t have the last word. “Think, Zeke,” he countered. “You do not need to win this game. The prize will not be worth the price.”
The boy paused before stepping onto the barren limb. Glancing back, then down at the river below, he promised, “I’ll hold on tight.”
If only Ethan could make him understand. It doesn’t matter how tenaciously you hold onto something if it’s the wrong thing.
<< 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.
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 281: Sheathed
Chapter 281: Sheathed
Ethan was frantic to do something. Shout a warning. Grab hold and pull Zeke to safety. Or attack Blight, whose litany of encouragement accompanied the boy’s climb.
But God stayed Ethan’s hand with a word. ‘Wait.’
Although it broke his heart, the guardian angel sheathed his sword. Was this another time when his charge needed to taste the consequences of his actions? If so, he wouldn’t do it alone. Unstrapping his sword, Ethan placed it on the ground beside Zeke’s bag of scavenger hunt items and started to climb.
If Zeke went into danger, his Guardian would be with him.
<< 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 14, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 280: Something Pink
Chapter 280: Something Pink
Up the ridge. Along the trails. Into the nature center. Through the picnic grounds. Ethan’s long legs made it easy to keep up with the boy’s quest. The Guardian didn’t worry that Zeke had gone off on his own. The boy knew his way around the park almost as well as he knew his family’s farm. But Ethan’s steps faltered when Zeke reached the path running alongside the river.
Trees lined the banks, some leaning right out over the water. And from amidst the leaves of one, a dead branch jutted. That’s where Blight perched. Waving a florescent pink Frisbee.
<< 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.
