Christa Kinde's Blog, page 98
April 17, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 152: Cloud of Witnesses
Chapter 152: Cloud of Witnesses
When the Good News is shared, angels gather. The family room slowly filled as Zeke shared part of the Story with his baby brother.
Naomi had a battered nativity set, perfect for little hands, one the kids could play with. Jude calmly chewed on a camel’s ear while Zeke narrated the events of the first Christmas, moving the figurines as he talked. His enthusiasm brought a smile to Ethan’s face.
“Zeke expresses himself well,” Lucan decreed.
Jomei nodded. “The embellishments are … interesting.”
“Gold Edition Wise Men?” Othniel scoffed.
“Named Frank, Cents, and Murray,” Jomei blandly added.
Ethan laughed sheepishly.
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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.
April 16, 2013
COUNTDOWN: 1 Week
COMING SOON! There’s just one more week until Book 2 in the Threshold Series releases. The Hidden Deep will be in bookstores next Tuesday, April 23, 2013. To count down, I’ve been doing a weekly post to share newsy tidbits, sneak peeks at sketches, and brand new story art. This week, I’m sharing orders of angels from the new Threshold Series glossary!
Harvesttime is in full swing when Prissie Pomeroy learns that something terrible happened in her family’s orchard. With school back in session, the rift between Prissie and her friends widens while Ransom and his friends keep getting on her nerves. As Koji and Milo introduce Prissie to the rest of Jedrick’s Flight, she’s drawn increasingly deeper into their world and closer to its dangers. A kidnapped apprentice suffers. A chained door bodes ill. A tiny angel makes a big difference. A battle line is drawn. Everything Prissie thought she knew is about to change… again!
PRE-ORDER! Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Zondervan
Orders of Angels. Throughout Scripture, we see angels serving God in different capacities. Delivering messages. Protecting people. Witnessing redemption. Destroying armies. Singing praises. When establishing the world in which Prissie’s story takes place, I organized the angels by roles, imposing a fictional structure on the heights of heavens. They’re included in a Glossary at the back of Book 2: The Hidden Deep.
Protectors. In the Bible, cherubim are protectors God’s name and image. They’re usually described as beings who devote themselves to blessing, praising, and adoring Him. In my stories, Protectors fight the Fallen. Taller than humanly possible, these muscular warriors are well equipped for battle.
Guardians. The hadarim watch over the lives of individuals. The Guardians’ name is taken from haderes, which means “hedge of protection.” In the Threshold Series, members of this order are famously bashful and show incredible fierceness when defending their charges.
Messengers. Malakim comes from malak, which means “messenger.” They’re responsible for communication within the ranks of heaven, and they’re known for being outgoing and talkative. Language poses no barrier for Messengers. Members of this order are skilled at drawing others into dreams and visions.
Worshipers. The zamarim derive their name from zamar, “sing with instruments.” Although all angels express themselves through song, Worshipers truly live to praise God with everything they have. One thing that sets apart this order of musically inclined angels is their wings, which are designed more for beauty than for flight.
Observers. The archivists of heaven are adahim. They get their name from adah, “to witness, to testify.” Observers watch the intricate plans and purposes of God unfold throughout history. Writers, thinkers, artists, poets—the adahim ponder all they’ve seen and heard and record their thoughts in books.
Caretakers. Earth-movers and storm-bringers, the samayim were granted cataclysmic power in order to care for the created universe. There’s very little a Caretaker cannot do, but at the same time, they’re limited in what they’re allowed to do. In the Threshold Series, the samayim show an affinity for nature, minister to the injured, change the physical appearances of people, and tend flocks of yahavim. Their name means “heavens.”
Manna-makers. Despite their diminutive size and playful nature, all the hosts of heaven depend heavily upon the yahavim. This lowest order of angels is responsible for producing manna, the food of angels. Their name comes from yahav, which means “provide.” They’re drawn to those in need.
There are most definitely more orders than these. For instance, you’ll meet Weavers and Forgers later this fall. Teaser: On the day Rough and Tumble reaches its end, I’ll begin another 100-word mini epic. I’m really excited to share the new story, which will reveal how Taweel and Omri became attached … among other things. Look forward to it!
New Art! Let’s feature a zamarim this week. Kester Peverell is a reserved but quirky Worshiper who doesn’t confine himself to song. (Most of his order stick to vocals.) His fascination with musical instruments has resulted in an amazing collection. He’ll take up his cello in The Hidden Deep!
<< LAST WEEK | More next week, which will be RELEASE DAY!
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 151: Two-thirty
Chapter 151: Two-thirty
Grandma Nell didn’t notice the time as she and Naomi worked through the pre-Thanksgiving baking. Ethan sympathized with Zeke. Lunch was late.
Bringing footstools to the coffee table, Zeke sat Jude down before bringing two purple plastic spoons from Prissie’s tea set. Next … an entire pumpkin pie. The brothers started in the middle. Alpheus chuckled when Jude dropped his spoon and resorted to feeding himself by the handful.
Shortly thereafter, Naomi ran for her camera, and Grandma Nell laughed through an apology. “I’ll make you a good, big dinner tonight, sweetie.”
Zeke patted his stomach, smiling. “Nope! All full!”
<< 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 15, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 150: Cheering Section
Chapter 150: Cheering Section
That year, Neil was fitted for pads and cleats, and the Hedge members took to calling him their little warrior. The Pomeroys flocked to the boy’s support. Playing catch. Team colors. Pep talks. Tickets to the high school home games.
Football introduced Zeke to marching bands, concession stands, and big bleachers. Ethan assumed this would lead to new levels of mischief, but the upshot startled him. While Jayce cheered on Neil, Zeke stuck close … and watched closer.
Ethan was stumped. “What is he planning?”
“Zeke wants his father’s admiration,” Jomei replied wisely. “He’s probably planning to distinguish himself. Somehow.”
<< 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 12, 2013
The Week’s Accumulation xxxv
Balance is tricky, especially for someone with one-track tendencies. When I do something, I usually go at it with all my time and attention until it’s done. Nose to the grindstone. Full bore. Hard core. N’stuff. That’s probably why I prefer large blocks of time in which to write. Once I start, I don’t like to stop. But I do like variety, and this week, I added some to our days. Photographic evidence is part of this week’s clutter. Come and see!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ Once upon a time, I had a different label than “storyteller.” I was a quilter. When my daughters expressed an interest in learning, we hauled everything out of storage. This week, hands-on lessons began in earnest. Loving the additions to my day: colors, patterns, and graph paper … the hum of our machine … the steamy/starchy smell my battered old ironing board gives off. This is the best nostalgia kick I’ve been on in a long while.
♦ Naturally, I’m still writing. And I have a new little buddy to liven up my brainstorming sessions. If there was ever any doubt that I’m an old-fashioned girl, this guy proves it. Yep. Not only does Christa write by candlelight, she uses an hourglass to keep herself on task. Well … a quarter-hour glass. The glittery, teal granules take 15 minutes to fall, which is perfect for word sprints.
♦ If all goes according to plans, Zonderkidz will release a Threshold Series prequel in one week! You can read more about Angels All Around here. This illustrated short story is going to be free to download. Easy to nab. Easy to share.
♦ I tweeted about the dust jackets for The Hidden Deep earlier this week!
The embossing really makes those rocks stand out. All rugged and imposing. The title, stairs, and even those tiny chains on the Deep’s door have also been given special treatment. It’s an eye-catching cover! So excited that this story will be releasing soon. Only ten days left!
♦ New Art! A couple more pieces were added to the galleries this week, and Prissie seems to be the center of attention this time around.
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 149: Harvest Helper
Chapter 149: Harvest Helper
The orchard whirled with activity. Ethan was intrigued that the Pomeroys resorted to an almost angelic system to keep track of everyone. Two-by-two.
Zeke’s mentor was thirteen-year-old Tad. Slow-and-steady met rough-and-tumble … and struck a balance. There was no use trying to keep Zeke out of the trees, so Tad showed his little brother where to put his feet so he wouldn’t damage the leaflets that would produce next year’s crop. By day’s end, Zeke scampered through swaying treetops, and his partner casually caught the apples he dropped.
Big brothers made decent Guardians. Someday, Ethan intended to tell Tad so.
<< 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.
Fridays: I’ll keep comments open on Fridays in case you’d like to say hello.
April 11, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 148: Little Boy Blue
Chapter 148: Little Boy Blue
Zeke failed to show up at dinnertime, so his family searched the farm from barns to back forty. The whole while, Conrad and Ethan stood guard over the boy’s hiding place. “Can we do anything?” Ethan asked. “They are afraid.”
“Perhaps we can … hint.” Pointing to Prissie Conrad suggested, “Catch her eye.”
“How?”
Conrad smirked. “She likes pink.”
With an earnest hope that God would allow Prissie a glimpse of invisible things, Ethan unfurled his wings, scattering fallen leaves across the lawn. She turned, her gaze fixing on the leaf pile Zeke had worn himself out making.
“Found 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.
April 10, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 147: Soda Machine
Chapter 147: Soda Machine
“This way. This way.” Zeke led his baby brother by the hand, right into the corner store.
Leaning over the counter, the owner remarked, “Jude can walk now.”
Zeke grinned. “Real good. So we’re shopping.”
The man stroked his moustache, eyes on the door. “That so?”
Showing off two quarters, the boy pointed to the soda machine humming in the corner. “We’re gonna share.”
“Be our guest.” The owner watched like a hawk as the brothers completed their mission. Then he called his wife out. “Got us some runaways.”
“I’ll be!” With an indulgent smile, she murmured, “Best call Jayce.”
<< 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 9, 2013
COUNTDOWN: 2 Weeks
COMING SOON! There are only 2 weeks left until Book 2 in the Threshold Series releases. The Hidden Deep will be in bookstores on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. To count down, I’m doing a weekly post to share newsy tidbits, sneak peeks at sketches, and brand new story art. This week, I’m sharing angelic jargon from the new Threshold Series glossary!
Harvesttime is in full swing when Prissie Pomeroy learns that something terrible happened in her family’s orchard. With school back in session, the rift between Prissie and her friends widens while Ransom and his friends keep getting on her nerves. As Koji and Milo introduce Prissie to the rest of Jedrick’s Flight, she’s drawn increasingly deeper into their world and closer to its dangers. A kidnapped apprentice suffers. A chained door bodes ill. A tiny angel makes a big difference. A battle line is drawn. Everything Prissie thought she knew is about to change… again!
PRE-ORDER! Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Zondervan
Glossary! One new thing that’s been added to the books in this series is a glossary. Next time, we’ll look at the orders of angels, which are neatly laid out. But for this week, I’ll share the section on terms. Yep. It’s angel jargon time! Thresholds style.
Angelic Jargon. Several terms come up over the course of the Threshold Series, and while the angels take them for granted, maybe you’d like a little more explanation.
The First. In this storyline, not all angels were created at the same time. Some have been around for millennia, but others are newly formed. When an angel is described as one of the First, it means that he was alive before Time began. First Ones remember the rift that divided the Fallen from the Faithful, and they witnessed creation of the heavens and earth as described in Genesis 1.
Faithful. An angel who lives to serve God.
Fallen. An angel who has set himself against God. Fallen angels are demons.
Mentor. When an older, wiser angel is given a newbie to train, he becomes their mentor. A small, silvery cuff on the shell of the left ear indicates their rank. Mentors may train several apprentices over their lifetime, but only one at a time.
Apprentice. When angels are Sent out of heaven to serve, they always go in pairs. Sometimes, these two-angel teams involve partners on equal footing, but more often, a newer angel is apprenticed to a mentor. Some apprentices end up partnering with several different mentors before their training is considered complete.
Legion. For the purposes of this storyline, one Legion is a company of 12,000 angels.
Flight. The Faithful are organized into twelve-angel teams that are headed up by a captain. That means a Legion is comprised of 1,000 Flights.
Hedge. A group of Guardians serving together in one area is called a Hedge. The hadarim form a perimeter around individual homes, but also in crowded place—schools, apartment buildings, businesses, shopping centers, concerts, sporting events, etc. Because guardian angels come and go whenever their charges do, Hedges are in a constant state of flux.
Graft. When an angel takes on human guise and becomes a part of society, he’s said to be grafted in.
Raiment. The Faithful wear raiment, clothing said to have a light and life of its own. The woven fabric is beige, faintly luminous, and resistant to spot and wrinkle. Design varies slightly depending on the needs of the wearer, and the patterns stitched on the collar and cuffs indicate flight, rank, and order.
New Art! There’s been a sneak peek at this piece in the header for this site’s gallery page for The Hidden Deep, but this week, I’ll share the full piece. This scene is from the soon-out story, roundabout Chapter 13, if I remember right!
Fun Fact: When you work with artists from all over the world, they interpret “ordinary” in very different ways. And one of the places it stands out most is in Prissie’s wardrobe. I quite enjoy these variations. What’s typical in Russia, Italy, Vietnam, France, and New Zealand doesn’t always come out looking off-the-rack American. So… can you guess where this artist is from based on Prissie’s attire?
<< LAST WEEK | More next week!
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 146: Mason Jars
Chapter 146: Mason Jars
The children were chasing fireflies on the front lawn. Prissie lectured. Beau pounced. Zeke ran in circles, hands in the air. And on the porch, three mason jars became lanterns. Prissie’s had four fireflies; Beau’s held five. Only Zeke’s remained unlit.
Until a curious yahavim tiptoed over for a closer look. With a flick of translucent wings, Omri investigated Zeke’s jar from the inside.
“Should we call him back?” Ethan asked.
Taweel grunted. “There is no danger.”
Given Zeke’s prowess, he was probably right. Yet the little boy’s jar glowed more brightly than its neighbors. Luminous with Omri’s innocent delight.
<< 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.
