Christa Kinde's Blog, page 86
August 20, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 241: Trial and Error
Chapter 241: Trial and Error
Ethan looked on with apprehension the day his charge decided to try lying. It was all very deliberate … like an experiment Zeke was running. “He does not flee from evil,” Ethan murmured.
“He prods it to see what it’ll do.” There was an odd resignation in Conrad’s gaze. “Then makes up his mind accordingly.”
Up until now, Zeke had been truthful; this newest ploy spelled disaster. Ethan’s wings wilted. “He has no idea how fragile trust can be.”
“He’ll learn.”
“Why must it always be the hard way?”
Conrad shook his head. “At least he learns. Some never do.”
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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.
August 19, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 240: To Each Their Own
Chapter 240: To Each Their Own
Ethan sat at the far end of the kitchen table, where Zeke and Jude were engaged in a silly game of Thanksgiving one-upmanship. The three-year-old chose, “Momma.”
His older brother countered with, “Daddy.”
Prissie rolled her eyes. “We’re all thankful for them. Obviously.”
“Chickens,” said Jude.
Zeke’s glare dared Prissie to argue. “Brothers.”
With a shy look, Jude offered, “Sister.”
Prissie’s expression softened, and she stopped meddling. Her Guardian chuckled, and when Ethan caught Tamaes’s eye, the older warrior joined the game. “Prissie.”
Alpheus’s deep voice quickly answered, “Jude.”
Laughing, Ethan offered his first, best reason to give thanks. “Zeke.”
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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.
August 16, 2013
The Week’s Accumulation lii
The clock is ticking toward Late, but I’m geared up to pull an all-nighter. I don’t do this often, but I have a good excuse. An artist friend will be streaming a piece of artwork I commissioned, and I’ll be there to ogle and advise. I’ll also be putting myself through several word sprint sessions. Creativity will be doubled and redoubling! But first … let’s poke through my week’s clutter.
This week’s accumulation:
♦ First things first. We’ve shifted from counting down the weeks to counting down the days before The Broken Window releases. This coming Thursday will be a book birthday, and I’m looking forward to the accompanying celebrations. Don’t forget the Twitter Q&A session that’s planned. And I’ll be dropping a small mountain of postcards into the mail. (Are you on my list? Join up! The postcards are free.)
PRE-ORDER! Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Zondervan
♦ Some of the clutter on my desktop is very related to Book 3. You see, I’ve written another short story, which is in the process of being illustrated right now by the lovely Anna Earley. She did the art for Angels All Around, and she’s back for a fun, free seasonal story that’s scheduled to be out in time for the holiday season. It’ll be a Threshold-based Christmas gift from me and Zonderkidz to readers! But right now, it’s a pile of preliminary sketches lined up on the right side of my screen … and several photo references. Because Kester knots his scarf just so. And words fail at describing Baird’s fashion sense. And Milo isn’t always in uniform. ♥ More about this story later!
♦ It’s seems appropriate to remind you that if you don’t yet have Angels All Around on your e-reader, it’s a free illustrated short story. Summary: Go 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 ♦
♦ I’ll update you a little on my writing progress. My new story has reached Chapter 30, and it’s ticking along nicely. I’m very excited for what’s next, which is always a good sign when writing a book. I’m also in the midst of a non-fiction writing project. Hitting the deadline for that one has me pushing myself a little more than usual, but so far, so good.
♦ With the countdown posts, a lot of new art has been added to the story art gallery recently. Did you catch all of these? Click the thumbnails to see the full images:
♦ There’s still time to enter the giveaway being hosted by Lynda Freeman, who maintains the Grandma’s Cookie Jar blog. A signed copy of The Broken Window is up for grabs! Read her review and sign up for the giveaway >>
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Rough and Tumble, Chapter 239: Ladies First
Chapter 239: Ladies First
Zeke was good at the games they played in class, but musical chairs were his undoing. Both his father and grandfather expected the Pomeroy boys to behave as gentlemen. Ethan smiled at the boy tried to reconcile his competitive streak with basic courtesies.
The music stopped. There was a mad scramble for seats. And Zeke hesitated. Which was all the opening little Meredith needed to claim the last seat.
When Zeke sat on the sidelines, Timothy whispered, “You were closer.”
“Yep.”
Jasper demanded, “Why’d you let her win?”
Zeke grumbled, “I gotta ask Daddy if manners change for musical chairs.”
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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.
August 15, 2013
COUNTDOWN: 1 Week
COMING SOON! Book 3 in the Threshold Series releases next week, on Thursday, August 22, 2013. We’re counting down with newsy tidbits, sneak peeks at sketches, and brand new story art. There’s plenty to show-and-tell.
This week, there’s an early review + giveaway, another excerpt, a call for gift ideas, and new art!
Jedrick can’t say for sure if Prissie met the members of his Flight because she was in danger, or if she’s in danger because she knows them. Either way, she’s being singled out by a cunning foe. While Prissie throws herself into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Koji takes his promise seriously and stays close by her side. Prissie can’t wait to share her Christmas traditions with him. Including Ransom and Marcus in the festivities is harder to take. A new enemy turns out to be an old friend. A demonic horde boils up from the Deep. A light is sent into the darkness. Prissie’s about to discover that some gifts are greater than others, and some triumphs come at great price. [Available in hardcover and e-book editions from Zondervan/Zonderkidz.]
PRE-ORDER! Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Zondervan
♦ Giveaway! Lynda Freeman, who maintains the Grandma’s Cookie Jar blog, received her review copy of The Broken Window on Monday. Not only did she review the new book the very next day, she’s giving away an autographed copy!
“There is a lot going on in The Broken Window so you can be sure whoever reads it will not be able to put it down as they re-enter the world of the Threshold Series, where a young girl finds she is neighbors with real angels!”
Read her review and sign up for the giveaway >>
♦ Making her list and checking it twice… The Broken Window unfolds during the holiday season, and Prissie’s gift list has expanded to include the members of Jedrick’s Flight. Which brings up an interesting thought. What would you buy an angel for Christmas? If you could give a present to any of the angels from the Threshold Series, who would it be, and what would you give them?
♦ Twitter Q&A! Let me remind you that I’ve been invited to take part in a Q&A Session on Twitter as a part of the release day celebrations for The Broken Window. How does it work? I’ll be at my keyboard at 2 p.m. (EST), ready to satisfy your curiosity. The chat will be hosted by @DJC_comm, and I’m of course at @ChristaKinde. Tweet your Qs using the #Threshold hashtag, and I’ll tweet back! Mark your calendars:
Thursday, August 22, 2013 ♦ 2:00 p.m. (Eastern)
♦ Prissie and Koji have a unique friendship. They approach life so very differently, yet they manage a sweet harmony between earth and heaven. Here’s a snippet from the first chapter of The Broken Window…
♦ New Art! This week, I’ll share one of Anna Earley’s pieces, called Snow Angel.
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Rough and Tumble, Chapter 238: Shared Blame
Chapter 238: Shared Blame
“Jude started it,” Ethan accused, his tone light.
Alpheus couldn’t deny it, but he rushed to his charge’s defense. “Accidentally.”
“His aim was accidentally excellent.” Ducking, Ethan added, “And Beau’s has improved considerably.”
“Zeke was too quick to retaliate.” Alpheus leaned to one side, evading Neil’s volley.
Ethan nodded. “And the others should not have followed suit, but even Tad …!” Ten minutes ago, he wouldn’t have guessed that slices of warm pumpkin pie and spoons were the ingredients for a full-scale food fight.
Moments later, Lucan arrived. Taking in the spattered kitchen and splattered brothers, he responded predictably. “Ah.”
<< 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.
August 14, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 237: Thy Word Have I Hid…
Chapter 237: Thy Word Have I Hid…
At the sound of tearing paper, Prissie gasped, “Zeke! What are you doing!”
Ethan glanced sheepishly at his mentor, whose black eyes glinted. “I’m curious, too.”
Zeke held up a page from his Bible. “This.”
“That’s terrible!”
Zeke frowned. “Nuh-uh. It’s not a library book.”
“But why …?”
“To keep it with me.” Carefully folding the page, he explained, “Milo said.”
“Milo couldn’t have told you to rip up your Bible.”
Stuffing it inside his shirt, Zeke explained, “He said to hide it next to my heart.”
Prissie groaned. Ethan covered his eyes. Conrad smirked and said, “Close. Very close.”
<< 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 236: See For Yourself
Chapter 236: See For Yourself
“Is it sticky?”
“Very,” his father replied. “And also very hot. That’s why we keep that ice water close.”
“Oh yeah?”
Ethan found Zeke’s approach to life baffling. Even when he was told the truth in the simplest possible terms, he didn’t always accept the facts. The boy wanted to taste for himself, see for himself, know for himself. Oftentimes, that meant learning the hard way, but Ethan was beginning to think that this wasn’t necessarily bad. When Zeke grasped something, he understood it all the way down to his toes.
“Careful, Zeke!” Jayce exclaimed.
Ice water splashed. “Yep. Hot.”
<< 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.
August 12, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 235: Truckloads and Galaxies
Chapter 235: Truckloads and Galaxies
“My ’Lo! Teach me something good!”
Milo chuckled. “What do you want to learn, my ’Eke?”
“Something big!”
Ethan smiled sheepishly at the Messenger, who winked his way before asking, “How many apples did you harvest this year?”
“Dunno. Lots.”
“How many stars are in the sky each night?”
“Too many to count?”
“For anyone?” prompted Milo.
Zeke’s face scrunched up. “God might know.”
“Yep. He knows them all. So! How many people does God love?”
“Truckloads and galaxies?”
“That’s right,” Milo replied. “Yet He knows every single one. Including you.”
Zeke’s whole countenance brightened. “That’s good. I like that.”
<< 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.
August 11, 2013
The Week’s Accumulation li
The last few days found me scrambling, so my wrap-up post for the week is a little late. Getting ready for the release of Book 3 in the Threshold Series certainly contributed to the delay. But the rest is simple to explain. I’ve had more emails and errands than usual this week. Both those things have a way of soaking up spare time. So instead of a Friday post, we’re at Sunday evening. Care for a look at my week’s clutter?
This week’s accumulation:
♦ After a solid planning session last weekend, the final section of my WIP has been rough-mapped. One of the nicest parts of writing is getting to know the characters whose stories I tell. They’re quite real … quite opinionated … and quite sure of the direction they want to take. Now that the end is in sight, I’m rushing to keep up with their plans! ♥ I thought it’d be fun to share more references for the story, namely a glimpse at part of the setting.
♦ I shipped out a first batch of review copies of The Broken Window, which releases in less than a fortnight! You can pre-order the book. Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Zondervan Or if you’re interested in receiving a review copy, check out my explanation in last Thursday’s post, then drop me a line!
♦ New pins are being added every so often to my Pinterest boards. It’s always fun when one of my readers looks me up and follows me there. Especially when those readers are aspiring young writers! Just as a teaser, here’s some snippets from my board for Prissie Pomeroy. She has such a distinctive, feminine style. And those braids! ♥
♦ Half our family is gearing up for a trip, so I’m going to give a nudge toward my postcard page. If you like receiving odd bits of mail from quirky authors, be sure to sign up. I’d really enjoy dropping you a line.
♦ And lastly, I’m going to share new art for Rough and Tumble. That’s the story of Zeke Pomeroy’s guardian angel. That mini-epic updates each weekday (Monday through Friday) with chapters that are just 100 words long. Sometimes sweet. Often silly. And heading into a home stretch since the tale will wrap up in November with its 300th chapter. Here’s young Ethan…
Footnote: If you haven’t yet downloaded Angels All Around, please do!
Ethan has a major role to play in that FREE illustrated short story!
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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