Christa Kinde's Blog, page 96
May 8, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 167: Rite of Passage
Chapter 167: Rite of Passage
Ethan remembered the Armorers presenting him with his first boots. Conrad nudged him, remarking, “Zeke’s as bad as you were with lacing.”
“He will master the task.”
Jayce patiently demonstrated the crossing of loops. Neil followed suit too quickly to follow, but Tad and Beau slowly formed respectable double-knots.
With scrunchy-faced concentration, Zeke did his best. “Like this?”
“Sure, sure,” his father agreed. “Don’t the rest of you agree?”
“Fair’s fair,” Neil said. “He can come along.”
Ethan blinked. “Where are they going?”
Conrad smirked as Zeke tromped inside, showing off his hand-me-down hiking boots. “Look, Momma! I’m goin’ camping!”
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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.
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 166: Zeke and Jasper
Chapter 166: Zeke and Jasper
During the usual hubbub of a potluck Sunday, Ethan trailed after Zeke and fellow four-year-old, Jasper Reece, a sturdy boy with dark skin and big, brown eyes. They snuck into the hushed sanctuary; muffled giggles soon accompanied a convoluted—and rule-bending—game of chase.
When Jayce found them, they were a mess. Shirts untucked. Shoes missing. But he didn’t scold.
“I’m not in trouble?” Zeke asked bluntly.
“Church isn’t just for sermons and songs. It’s fellowship, and that means having fun with friends.” Grinning boyishly, he invited, “How about second desserts?”
On their way out, Jasper whispered, “Your dad’s cool.”
<< 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.
May 7, 2013
In which I create a free crossover prequel…
Authorial Endeavor #020. Today, it’s my pleasure to announce that Zonderkidz is giving away one of my stories! Angels All Around is both a prequel and a crossover, since it brings in several characters from Rough and Tumble. I have to admit, it was fun to write about the guardian angels in the Pomeroys’ Hedge without word constraints. No 100-word snippets here! And … I mentioned that it’s free, right?
Angels All Around takes readers back seven years before The Blue Door 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. A longer summary, cast list, and art gallery are available.
♦ FREE DOWNLOAD ♦
This is an illustrated story! There are several full-color illustrations sprinkled throughout, and I hope you’ll enjoy the game of hide-and-seek waiting for you. If you have a sharp eye, you’ll spot a yahavim in each one. In the Threshold Series, these little guys are heaven’s manna-makers … and cute to boot!
Illustrated by Anna Earley ♦ Anna Earley Illustration
So off you go! Secure your copy of Angels All Around. Enjoy your read. And if you can spare a moment to leave a review, it’d brighten my day. (And Anna’s, too, if you rave over her artwork as much as I do!)
May 6, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 165: Guilty Conscience
Chapter 165: Guilty Conscience
Ethan stood by with a pained expression as Zeke conducted an experiment. He dropped eggs one after another onto the barn’s cement floor, where they landed with a satisfying splat. “Not good,” his Guardian sighed.
It wasn’t something the boy had been specifically told not to do, but Zeke checked the barn door at intervals. His conscience was pricking. But not hard enough to keep him from climbing into the loft for some extreme egg-dropping.
Everything came to a screeching halt when Prissie arrived While she ran to tattle, Zeke considered the works of his hands and sighed, “Not 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.
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 164: Little Red Hen
Chapter 164: Little Red Hen
“Zeke has far more courage than I,” Ethan said with a sigh. “I fled from Blight; he faces Bertha.”
Raz leaned through the chicken coop door, then whistled. “Fourth showdown!”
Bertha was a mean, old biddie with a comb that flopped to one side. Fluffing up her feathers, she glared at the newly-appointed egg thief.
“I’m bigger’n you,” Zeke declared. “And your peck ain’t so bad.” Pulling on one of his grandpa’s work gloves, he shielded the bare hand he slipped under the broody hen.
Raz offered a smattering of applause for Zeke, whose ingenuity left him four eggs richer.
<< 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.
The Week’s Accumulation xxxviii
Ufda. What a week; what a weekend. It’s pretty rare for me to be so busy that I can’t find time to do a quick blog post, but last Friday was one of those days. So I jiggered this to Monday, and we’re all good. Oh, yes. There’ll also be two chapters of Rough and Tumble today to make up for Friday’s lack. Just as soon as I write them. Though I work ahead when I can, I’ve caught up to myself! Last week was packed, so let’s get to it!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ First off, my business cards came. They’re all kinds of fun, and I’m looking forward to sharing them with people.
♦ A courier service came knocking the very next day with more boxes! Books! And not just any books. My books. I spent part of yesterday afternoon getting together a mailing to some folks who’ve been patiently waiting for their signed copies. ♥
♦ With the first of the month coming around, monthly newsletters turned up in my inbox. ‘Twas fun and funny to open up the one from the San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild and see myself. (I’m famously absentminded, so I’d already forgotten about my interview with them!) Took a turn in the author spotlight!
[Click the interview, and you'll get an enlarged version.]
♦ So maybe you’re wondering … what was she doing on Friday? My husband and I were asked to team teach at out church’s monthly Newlywed event (they gather for dinner, worship, teaching, break-out session). This was a first for us. He’s usually the only one up front. This was also the first time I wasn’t nervous in front of a crowd. Clearly, if I want to do any public speaking or author readings, I’ll need him along! Our text:
“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” —Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
♦ The other thing I’ve been pouring myself into is the final book in the Threshold Series. I’d hoped to finish by the first of the month, but such is life. I only have one chapter left. This whole finish-up-the-book / finish-up-a-series thing is somewhat daunting, but the characters are confident in themselves. I gave them their head, and they found their own way home.
♦ While I have you here, I’ll mention quick that Angels All Around, the illustrated Threshold Series prequel, will be releasing TOMORROW! It’s a short story that takes readers back seven years before The Blue Door, to the day when Prissie first meets Milo. Lots more is happening, but not all of it can be seen. Angels and demons clash over Main Street … and you can read all about it for FREE! Here are links to some of the places where the story is being made available: CBD | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
♦ Lastly, I pulled out my camera the other day to snap a picture of my afternoon snack. Because it occurred to me that many folks would find it strange. I’ve mentioned before that I enjoy exploring our local Asian markets. And why just look when you can taste and see that the seaweed is good?
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
May 2, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 163: Slopping the Pigs
Chapter 163: Slopping the Pigs
The day Zeke’s cast was removed, Grandpa Pete gruffly announced that a boy who’d turned four was man enough to help out around the farm. To Ethan’s chagrin, Zeke immediately begged, “Can I drive the tractor?”
“Not just yet,” the old man replied.
“Rototiller? Mower?”
“No!” his grandfather exclaimed before gentling his tones. “Let’s start with slop pails and nest boxes.”
A few minutes later, Ethan flew in lazy circles above the lane to the back forty. Partnered with Tad, Zeke was giggling happily … sitting on his big brother’s lap … steering the quad while Tad managed the accelerator.
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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.
May 1, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 162: Wild Blackberries
Chapter 162: Wild Blackberries
Purple juices stained Zeke’s fingers and dribbled down his chin.
Prissie wailed, “No fair! Now there’s not enough for a pie!”
Tad took his little brother’s hand. “I’ll bring Zeke home. You start filling the pail again.”
Neil pouted. “How come you’re skipping out?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll do my part.” Tad started walking.
“M’sorry,” Zeke mumbled, shuffling along.
“I bet,” his oldest brother said. “Can you make it?”
“Nuh-uh.”
Tad steered toward a stump. “Stick to eating what you pick yourself. That’s fair. And stop eating before the good goes bad. Like now.”
Zeke nodded, groaned, and emptied his stomach.
<< 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.
April 30, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 161: Once Upon a Bedtime
Chapter 161: Once Upon a Bedtime
Thump. Whump.
Ethan’s eyes widened, and he raised one wing to deflect a pillow.
Patter. Clatter. Thud.
Alpheus’s soft chuckle deepened into a rolling laugh.
Kerfuffle. Kerflop.
Jayce’s growl cut off at the sound of feet on the stairs.
Shush. Hush. Hurry.
By the time Naomi arrived, father and sons were crowded together on the bed. Blankets askew. Lampshade tilted. Expressions angelic. “What are you three doing?” she asked suspiciously.
Jayce cheerfully replied, “Bedtime stories.”
Jude giggled.
When Zeke helpfully took the book out of his father’s hands and turned it right-side up, Ethan covered his eyes, and Alpheus guffawed.
<< 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.
April 29, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 160: Get Well Soon
Chapter 160: Get Well Soon
During his fourth birthday festivities, Zeke sported a florescent green cast plastered with stickers and scrawled wishes for a quick recovery. Late that night, Ethan waited beside the boy’s bed for Raz. “All set!” the Messenger exclaimed, presenting him with a pilfered permanent marker.
They chose the best spot, right under the boy’s elbow. Zeke would never see, let alone interpret heaven’s language, but Ethan felt better adding his own note. Raz crowded close. Ethan bit his lip and, with excruciating care, formed three words—I am here.
Finding the sentiment lacking, he added a lopsided heart … and smiled.
<< 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.
