Christa Kinde's Blog, page 83
September 19, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 263: Countable
Chapter 263: Countable
Hooking his elbows over another branch, Milo asked, “Why would you be worried about a secret like this?”
“I heard Daddy talking about being countable,” Zeke explained. “So I been thinking. If I gotta be countable for my secrets, my ’Lo is best.”
Garrick elbowed Ethan. “Your charge is almost as cute as you.”
“Uh. Dorable,” agreed Yannis. “But asking an angel to keep you accountable? He has no idea what he’s in for.”
Milo favored them with a wink.
Ethan couldn’t bring himself to join in on their laughter. Not when the wind carried hints of Blight’s hissing amusement.
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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.
September 18, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 262: A Tree for All Seasons
Chapter 262: A Tree for All Seasons
Zeke’s mitten thumped against bark. “This is my special tree.”
Milo contemplated the apple tree. “You found the perfect hiding place, right in the middle of a bunch of ordinary trees.”
The boy was beaming as he clambered up to his favorite seat. “This is where I like to sit.”
“I see. And what do you do out here, all by yourself?”
“Mostly depends on my tree,” Zeke said seriously. “If it’s blossom time, I watch the honeybees. If it’s summertime, I watch light between the leaves. If it’s harvesttime, I eat apples.”
“Is that all?”
Zeke shrugged. “I think.”
<< 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 261: Trust Rewarded
Chapter 261: Trust Rewarded
Milo tromped along, giving his full attention to Zeke. “Is this the scenic route, or are we lost?”
Zeke’s eyes rolled. “How could I get lost at home?”
“Then I’ll place my trust in you.”
The Messenger’s casual reminder deepened Ethan’s resolve. Weren’t these lessons they’d learned together? Trust your teammates. Trust God.
Moments later, a swish of purple caught his eye. High overhead, two cherubim spiraled, their aerial dance accompanied by a carefree song of praise. Yannis and Garrick spotted him and swung low. Arm raised in greeting, Ethan murmured, “Thanks be to God, who knows our every need.”
<< 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 260: Cover Your Tracks
Chapter 260: Cover Your Tracks
“Won’t our tracks give away your hiding place?”
Zeke grinned. “I thought of that. This is the wrong way.”
Milo chuckled. “Not bad.”
“Who decides if something is bad … or if it’s good?” asked Zeke. “Because Prissie thinks muddy footprints is bad, even if I got the mud from doing what Grandpa called good work.”
“By any chance, does your mother have a rule about taking off your shoes before going inside?”
Ethan smiled at Zeke’s sheepish nod.
Milo said, “Then you just gave an excellent example of how doing good work won’t cancel out the messes we make.”
<< 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.
September 13, 2013
The Week’s Accumulation lvi
This week was crazy enough to mess with my usual weekdaily schedule for Rough and Tumble, but it’s been a good week. Having crossed off several things from my never-ending To Do List, I was able to dive back into that new series I’ve been writing since the beginning of summer. So, so, so happy to be back at it! ♥ I have exciting news, new art, and assorted clutter waiting for you. Come and see!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ Big news! My husband and I are both on faculty for the San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild’s annual Fall Conference. The two-day event is sure to be heaps of fun, and I’ve been quietly prepping my material. It’s an interesting exercise, trying to explain how and why you do what you do! Here’s the blurb for my spiel.
Stories in Miniature—Lop off the excess. Heighten the tension. Pull in the reader. These basics are the same no matter the size of your story, but they’re easier to pinpoint on a small scale. Stories with 100-word chapters force an author to hone in on the essentials, push their pacing, and tighten a story’s focus. YA author Christa Kinde will help you boil down your plot, balance its structure, and boost the impact.
My husband will be talking from a former publisher’s perspective about writing book proposals. For more about the SDCWG, here’s there website. You should also take a look at the faculty listing, conference schedule, and registration page. Hope to see some of you there!
♦ From my perspective, Rough and Tumble is rushing along to its finish. As I’ve mentioned before, the record of Ethan’s and Zeke’s adventures will be ending at Chapter 300. On the same day I close their story, a new one will begin. Tried and True will bring you the tale of how Taweel and Omri meet … and why they’re such an inseparable duo.
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.
Along they way, you’ll also meet a newly formed Guardian in need of a mentor. Isn’t little Tamaes just the cutest thing ever?
♦ Quick reminder that the first three books in the Threshold Series are all available now. Also, there’s a free series prequel. Angels All Around is an illustrated short story that takes place seven years before the events of The Blue Door.
♦ And let’s finish with new art. Since Milo and Zeke are currently spending some time together in Rough and Tumble, here’s my irascible boy and his favorite Sunday school teacher/mailman/divine Messenger.
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Rough and Tumble, Chapter 259: Afternoon Tromp
Chapter 259: Afternoon Tromp
While Milo strapped on a pair of snowshoes, he sought Ethan’s gaze and silently remarked, “I sincerely doubt Zeke is harboring any dark secrets. But you look worried. Anything I should know?”
Ethan could only promise, “I will be with you.”
Zeke stomped in a circle, testing his own footgear. “Let’s go!”
Once the pair turned past the chicken coop and headed into the orchard, Ethan was sure. Zeke was taking Milo to his secret place, the special tree where he spent his free time plotting new mischief. It was also one of the spots where Blight loved to loiter.
<< 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 258: Come and See
Chapter 258: Come and See
Ethan wondered how Milo would answer, since the mailman carried an amazing secret of his own. But the Messenger seemed more interested in finding out what was behind Zeke’s question. “Do you have a secret that’s worrying you?”
“Yep.”
“Is it something you can tell me about?”
The boy glanced around the crowded room. “I’d mostly rather not. But since it’s you … I could show you.”
Milo’s expression shifted, and Ethan was sure it was a Sending. “Sure, Zeke. Where and when?”
“Can you come over after church?”
He offered a reprise. “If your parents don’t mind, my ’Eke.”
<< 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 257: Loading Questions
Chapter 257: Loading Questions
“Does that mean yes?” demanded Zeke, a spoonful of mashed potatoes halfway to his mouth.
“No,” Milo replied with gentle firmness. “You’ll move up to my class when the time’s right.”
“Two years, plus a half.”
The mailman smiled. “Have you been counting down?”
“My whole life!”
Ethan chuckled.
“Meanwhile, you know where to find me. Not everything you learn about God comes from Sunday school.”
Zeke chewed on that … and his potato roll. “I can ask questions?”
“Any time.”
“I got one.” All seriousness, the boy asked, “According to God, is a secret the same as a lie?”
<< 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.
Chapter 258: Come and See
Ethan wondered how Milo would answer, since the mailman carried an amazing secret of his own. But the Messenger seemed more interested in finding out what was behind Zeke’s question. “Do you have a secret that’s worrying you?”
“Yep.”
“Is it something you can tell me about?”
The boy glanced around the crowded room. “I’d mostly rather not. But since it’s you … I could show you.”
Milo’s expression shifted, and Ethan was sure it was a Sending. “Sure, Zeke. Where and when?”
“Can you come over after church?”
He offered a reprise. “If your parents don’t mind, my ’Eke.”
September 11, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 256: Potluck Sunday
Chapter 256: Potluck Sunday
Ethan slipped into the fellowship hall in time to see Zeke corner Milo. “Can I sit with you, my ’Lo?”
“If your parents don’t mind, my ’Eke.”
Halfway through lunch, Zeke got down to business. “Can I come to your class now?”
“Why would you skip grades?”
“On account of I’m a Christian.”
Milo wrapped his arm around the boy’s shoulders. “I’m glad.”
Zeke scrutinized his face. “That’s what everyone says, but you mean it most. How come?”
Cutting a glance Ethan’s way, Milo repeated a message he’d delivered once before. “Do you have any idea how much you’re loved?”
<< 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 255: Tenacity
Chapter 255: Tenacity
Ethan felt oddly alone, and his songs suffered. Concentrating on anything was tough. “Unlike Zeke.” Solving a puzzle. Building a tower. Shoveling the porch. If the boy began a task, he followed it through to the end. “Is resolve enough?”
He was still shaking his head when his view of Zeke was swathed in green. “Guess who?”
When Raz lowered his wings, there stood Verrill, arms open. The young Guardian was so very relieved to see his confidants that he pulled the slender Messenger into a fierce hug.
Resolve was good. Friends were better. And God would receive Ethan’s best.
<< 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.
