The Week’s Accumulation lxxx
My week has been a delightful mix of writing, editing, and comparing notes with my illustrators. I poked around my desktop for news to share, but much of what I’m working on right now isn’t anything I can talk about. At least not yet. But after a little digging around, inspiration struck. (It always does.) So today’s accumulation is more show than tell. There be art in this here post! Take a look.
This week’s accumulation:
♦ One of the items lurking on my desktop this week is a Bible study. I still write them whenever the opportunity arises … and very much enjoy the whole process. Fun fact: when I write fiction, I usually sit in a big chair crowded into the corner of my bedroom. But if I’m writing a Bible study, curriculum, or devotional, I usually move to the bed. That way, I can spread out all the big books I use for research and reference.
♦ Have you had the chance to read “Angels on Guard” yet? Today, I’m featuring this FREE short story by sharing one of Anna Earley’s illustrations … and snippets … and art of a character who figures prominently into my future plans. First, an excerpt. Don’t forget that Miss Priss is a wee lass of three years in this story.
“No-no, Priss,” Tad said in stern tones. “You can’t take Grandma’s special flowers.”
“I founded them.”
Five-year-old Neil pointed to the delicate clumps of bleeding heart that grew around their grandmother’s birdbath. “You stole them. I saw you.”
Tad nodded. “No more.”
“But I need pink ingreejunts,” Prissie said, defending her neat row of sandcakes.
Gideon could see her point. Most of the make-believe confections were topped with yellow dandelions and lavender violets. The addition of pink to the mix was a nice touch.
“Tad, bring me apple flowers,” the three-year-old ordered.
“Apple blossoms,” her big-big brother corrected patiently.
Prissie nodded eagerly, but Neil grumbled, “We’re building a road, Priss. It’s important! Besides, if you take all the flowers, there won’t be any apples.”
“Flowers are better,” the little girl argued. “Flowers are pretty!”
Neil lined up two toy cars behind his bulldozer. “But you can eat apples.”
Tad stepped in to explain. “Without the flowers, we wouldn’t have apples. But there’s extras, and Grandpa showed me how to take them careful.”
“Good.” Prissie wrinkled her nose at Neil.
Brushing the sand off his knees, Tad offered his hand to Prissie. “Do you want light pink, or should we get some of the dark pink ones?”
She pouted thoughtfully. “Show me?”
Neil waited just long enough for Prissie to turn her back before running over the endmost sandcake with his bulldozer.
—excerpt from “Angels on Guard” by Christa Kinde
♦ I’ve been asked several times about the Guardians assigned to Prissie’s siblings. In “Angels on Guard,” I was able to introduce Gideon. He’s the one Sent go watch over Prissie’s big-big brother Tad. As it happens, I had a sketch of Gideon in my art folder.
♦ Fun Fact: Back when I first wrote “Angels on Guard,” readers were still waiting for Book 2: The Hidden Deep to release. At the time, I assumed that this story would be every reader’s first glimpse of a Caretaker. Namely, Abner.
♦ Another trivial tidbit. Back when I wrote this story, my working title was “Guarded Heart.” And by then, I already knew that I’d be following up Rough and Tumble with Tried and True. So the short story refers to things that are still to come in our current serial. (All my stories overlap in big and small ways. Have you noticed other crossing points?)
♦ This story is FREE, and even if you don’t have a fancy e-reader, it’s possible to read it on your desktop/laptop. You can also get Kindle apps if you have fancy phones, tablets, and iPods. Go figure! If you’ve already enjoyed the story, I’d like to invite you to leave a review. Those things are a big help in letting others know that my stories are worth their time. ✿
♦ Newsletter alert! I’m planning to release March’s newsletter on Friday the 14th, so if you haven’t yet subscribed to this monthly bundle of exclusive news and sneak peeks, please hop onto the mailing list. NEWSLETTER >>
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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