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Hi Tennis Shoes Fans and Readers!
Thought I'd post a short snippet. No particular rhyme or reason for choosing this one. Just wanted to let folks know the book is coming along swimmingly.
A fan recently asked: Why aren't your Chapter Notes included in the unabridged audio versions? Well, long ago my publisher decided that. I suppose I should've stood my ground and insisted. But then I'd have had to demand that each chapter note was a single "track" so that those who aren't interested in the scholarly stuff could easily skip it. Perhaps I didn't wanted to deal with the additional bureaucracy. Anyway, I'm pleased that readers enjoy the notes, but they're only in the books. When the series is complete I might go back and add them to earlier Tennis Shoes novels so that folks know the research behind certain plot choices in those as well.
Anyway, here's the snippet, as told from the POV of Harry:
"Who are you?" challenged a sentry. This man had only one arm, doubtless lost in one of the many battles before the Nephites gathered to Cumorah. Despite the handicap, he wielded his spear expertly, propping it under his good arm. "What is your division?"
"The Jaguar Division of Commander Mormon," I fibbed.
He looked the three of us up and down and snarled, "You don't wear the uniform of a Jaguar." He and six other men pointed their spears at our breasts.
"We've been on the northern ridge," I continued, "on a secret reconnaissance for the Commander. We must reach his headquarters to make our report."
Several lanterns guttered along the stairway of the innermost fortification wall, illuminating Jacobah's face.
A sentry to my right appraised Jacabah and spat in the dirt. "Lamanite."
"Ammonite," Jacobah responded with equal malevolence.
Smart, I thought. Everyone knew Commander Mormon employed Ammonites on his staff. These descendants of Laman, converted centuries ago by the sons of Mosiah, had occupied Cumorah long before the Nephites. Rumor had it that Mormon was raised near Cumorah. That relationship, along with Ammonite sympathies, was likely the reason the Nephites were permitted to gather here after their defeat at Jordan four years ago. Ammonite hospitality had done little to quash the bigotry of rank-and-file Nephites, most of whom had long since abandoned Christianity.
"Who's the girl?" asked the sentry with a missing arm, apparently surprised that any woman would be out and about on a such a night.
"My sister," Jacobah declared.
I wondered about the wisdom of that answer, but with such dark features, Mary could hardly be related to me.
"We're in haste," I repeated to the one-armed sentry, who appeared in command.
"What's the watchword?" he demanded.
I replied without missing a beat. "Title of Liberty."
He studied me more closely, his spear only inches from my throat. He could have swiped off my head with that twelve-inch obsidian tip. I had no idea what was the correct watchword. I was betting this confrontation was more about confidence than correct answers. The lead sentry had started to nod. He was about to send us on our way when another guard—another cripple who walked with one foot dragging—spoke savagely.
"That's wrong. That was yesterday's watchword."
Other guards grunted in amusement. Something was off. To have so luckily named yesterday's watchword seemed as implausible as naming today'swatchword. My muscles tightened. I doubted if these men knew the correct watchword. Or if one had even been issued. They had another reason for challenging us.
The sentry who spat in the dirt indicated me and Jacobah. "You two can go. You don't need her to make your report." He leered at Mary and told Jacobah, "Your 'sister' will rejoin you shortly."
Mary was mostly hidden by her shawl, but what little I saw of her face turned ghastly white . . .
Thanks for your readership!
Stay close to the Lord,
Chris Heimerdinger
Copyright @ 2015, Chris Heimerdinger
7 Comments
Comments
Aug 10, 2016 8:57 pm
When is Thorns of Glory coming out?
Sep 16, 2016 6:48 am
I am a HUGE fan of the Tennis shoes series. I am reading through them again for the 3rd time. I can actually feel the Spirit so many times when I read them. The characters are inspirational and really make me want to have more faith and trust in the Lord in my own life. I do have a question. Have you ever thought about having your novels translated into other languages? I have a dear friend in Mexico that I know would love them. Just wondering.
Chris' reply: The only LDS novel, as far as I am aware, that has ever been translated into Spanish, is "Passage to Zarahemla." The Latin culture doesn't read much, so they're hard to sell. Even books like "Jesus The Christ" and "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder" have been a challenge in Spanish. But I do have it available. You can call and order with Visa or MC. Order several and I'll give you a nice discount for 5 or ten copies, just to get them into the hands of Hispanic and Spanish readers. It's titled, "El guerrero de Zarahemla". If you notice, the word "Passage" really doesn't have the same ethereal connotation in Spanish. It just means train ticket. So we changed it to "The Warrior from Zarahemla." Call me at 801=870-2070. I'm told it's a really fine translation. As for translating my the other books, I get feelers now then from interested parties, but few follow through and really want to make it happen. Chris HeimerdingerOct 2, 2016 8:20 am
Probably in a year and a half like the last one. But that’s makes them really good.
Aug 9, 2018 10:53 am
It says the book was coming along swimmingly 3 years ago!! How long before the book will be finished? My family would really like to get to the end of the story.
Oct 15, 2018 2:10 pm
ive been reading these books ever since i found them on cassette at my grandparents house and took them home with me. ive been waiting for the conclusion ever since then. now im on a mission and i really hope that by the time i get home i can first kiss my mom and then head to the nearest book store to buy the last book! i literally cannot wait for this book! my whole life is building up to this! dont let me down Chris or um…. Brother Heimerdinger if thats more formal! just so you know ever since i first listened to the first book, ive listened to every book every night ever since then! i have never gone a night where one of the books are playing as a fall asleep! sometimes i cant even go to sleep until the thing is over and i have to switch it! but thank you for all of the adventures and stories that have helped to shape my life
Apr 10, 2019 8:38 pm
Brother Heimerdinger,
Response from Chris: Absolutely. Subscribe to this podcast on Anchor.fm or donate directly on www.foreverLDS. I can't write full time as I used to because, well, it doesn't quite cover the bills anymore. Every penny gives me more opportunity. Hey, you ASKED! So I answered. But let's face it. Everyone and their dog is asking for support for one project or another. We have to carefully decide which things we think are worthy to support.As a 12 year old, I find your series extremely interesting. I have read books 1-12 already, and am waiting for Thorns of Glory to come out. If there is anything that we can do to make the book come out faster, it would be my pleasure to help.
May 22, 2019 9:31 pm
I am a huge fan. I’ve read books 1-12 and am so excited for the next book. I am 12 and addicted to books but your books are some of my all time favorites. Just wondering when the next book is coming out, because I finished your series again and it is a cliffhanger. I almost cried when I saw that number 13 wasn’t out yet. Anyway I just think you are an amazing author and I love how you can make someone feel the spirit just by reading a book.