Prefer to watch? Check out the video version of this update. Thank you for coming to the Prince Lander and the Dragon War launch party! If you missed the live, you can still watch the video here on our Green Ember YouTube channel. More Videos: Picket Packslayer SongThe Green Ember COMPLETE Audiobook | With IllustrationsPrince Lander and the Dragon War Audiobook | First 4 … [Read more...] about Green Ember Audiobooks | Meet the Narrator + Online Author Event
Growing Givers Not Poor Unfortunate Victims
I got to hang out with a bunch of writers last weekend. I enjoyed meeting up with friends and making some new ones. I loved meeting readers and listening to their encouraging words about the books we’ve shared between us. Elizabeth Yates said, “A writer only begins a book, it is the reader who completes it.” She’s right, of course, and it’s always a delight to meet the people who complete my … [Read more...] about Growing Givers Not Poor Unfortunate Victims
Save the Date: LIVE Launch Party & New Recommendation From Anne + GW Tip
Prefer to watch? Check out the video version. Salutations Ya’ll, It’s April! The smell of grassoline will soon fill our nostrils. Green Writers will give way to Lawn Choppers and we’ll be mowing and growing into spring. Seriously, as Holy Week approaches, we have so much to reflect on and be grateful for. I do. I’m thankful for you, and I’m thankful to the Lord, who invites us into a better … [Read more...] about Save the Date: LIVE Launch Party & New Recommendation From Anne + GW Tip
SIGNED FIRST EDITIONS: Last Chance to Get New Green Ember Books Signed
Hey Pals, Signed copies are back in stock, for a LIMITED TIME. This is the last chance to get a signed first edition of Prince Lander and the Dragon War, unless you catch me at one of the rare events I’m attending this year. I’m not traveling much this year, but I’m going to be at HopeWords Conference this weekend. It’s a great conference in Bluefield, West Virginia, which is not terribly … [Read more...] about SIGNED FIRST EDITIONS: Last Chance to Get New Green Ember Books Signed
Operation Black Star Rising: Uncle Sam Needs YOU!
GOAL! Make The Black Star of Kingston an Amazon Hit on Kindle. In order to….Raise its visibility for readers on Amazon. In order to…Introduce lots of people to the Old Natalia trilogy and, thus, the new book! HOW? Easy… You spend 99 cents and grab it on Kindle.You rank it five stars.Let me know you're at mission accomplished stage in the comments for a chance to win one of TEN … [Read more...] about Operation Black Star Rising: Uncle Sam Needs YOU!
Stay In Your Lane During Wartime: It’s a Long and Winding Road to Your True Calling
I’m never sure what to say when world events are so intense and the words of an ordinary children’s author from West Virginia on social media feel so unnecessary. “Stay in your lane,” I tell myself. And that’s good advice. We probably need far fewer experts on the “out there” and more people living faithfully “right here.” The world very rarely needs “my take.” The last several years of seemingly … [Read more...] about Stay In Your Lane During Wartime: It’s a Long and Winding Road to Your True Calling
FREE Oath Printable, Host The Green Ember Book Club or Party, and Anne’s New Review
Hello, Friends! We have had an incredible response to the new book. Thank you for that! And thanks for your encouraging responses to the essay I shared about why my books are sometimes flagged by zealous critics as being too intense—why they aren’t safe, but are good. The overwhelmingly positive reaction has been a reminder to me of why I love serving you. We are always all about inviting … [Read more...] about FREE Oath Printable, Host The Green Ember Book Club or Party, and Anne’s New Review
MY BLOOD FOR YOURS: Why My Kids Books Are Not Safe, But They Are Good—And Intentionally Dangerous
“Parents beware!” One of my critics on Amazon warns parents of the intensity of my Green Ember kids stories. She’s not altogether wrong, and I am kind of sympathetic. My stories are dangerous. But I think she mistakes me for an enemy, when I’m an ally—an ardent one. I think writing violent and foul stories for edginess—to push boundaries for the sake of rebellious relish—is not only morally … [Read more...] about MY BLOOD FOR YOURS: Why My Kids Books Are Not Safe, But They Are Good—And Intentionally Dangerous
Happy Birthday, S. D. Smith
I’m officially 45. Here are four or five things I love and am grateful for. Just things, not all of them are the most important stuff. Relax, my dudes. Just some things, man. I love pickles and olives, but not together. But I love that mixed olive mashup at some restaurants for spreading on the pre-meal bread. I love soccer. And let Uncle Sam help you out, here. It’s just … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday, S. D. Smith
The TENTH Green Ember Book is Here! Order Yours Now!
Well, here we are, friends. The TENTH Green Ember book is here. I can’t believe it! It’s a privilege to share Prince Lander and the Dragon War with you. Order now! This book is another long one, longer even than The Archer’s Cup. It’s also a high-stakes adventure with danger and battle. It has lots of laughs with some fun new characters, but it’s serious and intense in spots. Prince Lander … [Read more...] about The TENTH Green Ember Book is Here! Order Yours Now!
Conference with S. D. Smith Giveaway, Prince Lander Sets Sail, and Self-expression in Art
This is cool. We have a VIDEO version of this post—complete with some funny outtakes—and you should check it out. Or, just keep reading! I love giving away things. We’re giving away a chance to be at a wonderful conference with me and some much cooler people—right here in my neck of the woods! I’m also thrilled to share a Green Writer tip that is at the core of my philosophy as a writer. Here’s … [Read more...] about Conference with S. D. Smith Giveaway, Prince Lander Sets Sail, and Self-expression in Art
Sam Gives Thanks and Looks Ahead, Another Anne-Girl Review!
Hello, friends. I’m so grateful to you for reading this update and participating so enthusiastically in our adventure of serving kids and families by sharing new stories with an old soul. I love it! It’s a cool job and a huge honor. There’s a lot to look back on with gratitude and so much to be hopeful about, but I’m going to limit myself to one. One thing I loved about 2021: I’ve been asked … [Read more...] about Sam Gives Thanks and Looks Ahead, Another Anne-Girl Review!