Don’t take advice from the wrong people. Everyone is telling a story. Everyone is kind of marketing all the time.So, if we believe the big problem of the world is bee stings, then we’re going to be telling everyone how [whatever is in the news] is reason for extra vigilance about bee stings and how our solution is more crucial than ever. The saying is wise: When you have a hammer, everything … [Read more...] about Enjoy Books and Ignore Authors (Mostly)
News from the Blog
Ender’s Game Made Me a Reader; Its Author Helped Me Become a Writer
Flash back to that time we went to see Orson Scott Card and I got to thank him for his influence on me as a writer and a reader. Nearly thirty years ago, Ender’s Game got me hooked on reading. It showed me reading books could be a delightful experience. Nearly twenty years ago, I heard him speak on writing at a little college in Virginia and it greatly inspired and informed my subsequent … [Read more...] about Ender’s Game Made Me a Reader; Its Author Helped Me Become a Writer
Thank You, Fallen Warriors
Every nation, people, or culture has a story. It seems to me that in every one of those cultures there is a place of honor reserved for those whose work it is, or has been, to physically protect all the others. Such is certainly the case in the American story. From our imperfect founding, our heroes have often been warriors. This seems to be the case for most cultures which endure at all (for … [Read more...] about Thank You, Fallen Warriors
Hear S. D. Smith on Writing!
I'm excited to share this! I get lots of question about writing and I'm sharing my anchor words in this talk which is a part of Renew Conference ONLINE. What do I mean by "anchor words?" Five Anchor Words for Every Kind of Writer You may have a life verse, or some words to live by, but do you have words that anchor you when you write? Beloved Green Ember Series author S. D. Smith offers … [Read more...] about Hear S. D. Smith on Writing!
Sales and Souls: The Green Ember Series is for Beloved Readers
It’s not the sales, it’s the souls. I believe stories are catechisms for the soul. I’m not sure who said that first, but it wasn’t me. I did’t say it, but I heard. And I believe it. I love selling books and I want to sell millions more. I love that, from rural West Virginia, we’ve created a series that hangs with (and tops) books from huge New York publishers. I love that our sales team … [Read more...] about Sales and Souls: The Green Ember Series is for Beloved Readers
I’m Investing in the Wingfeather Saga Animated Show
This is exciting! My pal Andrew Peterson’s wonderful book series, The Wingfeather Saga, is raising funds for season one of an animated series. Andrew is partnering with Angel Studios, who have helped raise funds to create The Chosen, a spectacular series centered on Jesus and his disciples. I’m a big fan of these end-runs around traditional gatekeepers in media—we need more! Of course I’m also … [Read more...] about I’m Investing in the Wingfeather Saga Animated Show
Incredible Green Ember Fan Art!
Which is your favorite character? See them here in this astonishing Green Ember fan art from @meadowrosesart. I’m so impressed! This is an awesome collection of montages from Ember’s End. Wow! … [Read more...] about Incredible Green Ember Fan Art!
S. D. Smith in Houston
I'm so grateful for the time we had in Houston. We had a wonderful trip! I got to speak in-person again with real people around. That was a hoot. (Although I’m so out of practice that when the students at Trinity Classical were trying to welcome me this morning, I just sat there through the applause like an idiot.) Thanks, Houston Baptist University, for having us. Man, I’m so impressed … [Read more...] about S. D. Smith in Houston