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
News from the Blog
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!
Beta Readers Help Prince Lander Along and a Book Recommendation from Sam’s Daughter
Howdy Friends, It’s getting close. Christmas is coming! It BEGINS on December 25th and ends Jan 6. Have you tried celebrating all twelve days? It’s pretty fun, though the last few can be a little challenging. (We have to build our celebratory endurance up!) I love the Advent season. I love the minor keys in songs and the focus on preparation and anticipation. It’s like fasting before a feast, … [Read more...] about Beta Readers Help Prince Lander Along and a Book Recommendation from Sam’s Daughter
Happy Birthday to The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner!
Happy Birthday to The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner! We're celebrating with a GIVEAWAY so read on! “But it’s better to live as you will want to have lived rather than spend your time worrying about the end. You are right here in your story. Don’t skip ahead.”Whitson Mariner Old Natalia, soon after Captain Blackstar saved king and cause on the shores of Ayman Lake. Battered, but … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday to The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner!
Happy Birthday to The Archer’s Cup!
“We spend so much time fighting in this war; maybe we should fight for love just as fiercely.”Jo Shanks In this sequel to The Last Archer and The First Fowler, Jo Shanks is charged with aiding Emma on her mission to unite the secret citadels in their fight against the Preylord slavers. Alongside Cole and Heyna Blackstar, Jo and Emma must enter into the heart of a community in … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday to The Archer’s Cup!
Green Ember Memories and Writing “The End” Again
This story goes back and back. It’s been around seven years since the first Green Ember book was first shared with the world, but the story—in its first iteration—was shared in my little world for many years before that. (Well before this innocuous FB post and it’s sweet little typo twelve years ago. The image of Sam Gamgee beneath was created years later.) It started on a porch in West … [Read more...] about Green Ember Memories and Writing “The End” Again
Great Stories Move Us
Great stories move us, And make us move. They inspire us to see, And, seeing, show others, What we saw, And what else we see. And so we go, Moving ahead, Bringing others we love along. … [Read more...] about Great Stories Move Us
Costumes Inspired by The Green Ember
Whether you're attending a Green Ember book club, trick-or-treating, or make-believing, costumes are always a good idea. Here is how to put together a costume inspired by The Green Ember Series. You will need: Bunny EarsSwordCloak (blanket, sheet, etc.) Optional: WhiskersArmorSatchelWalking Stick Bunny Ears Arguably the most notable aspect of any rabbit costume is the … [Read more...] about Costumes Inspired by The Green Ember