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S. D. Smith

New Stories with an Old Soul

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Allies in Imagination

You Drink Your Coffee & You Go To War (Fight Back!)

October 26, 2020 by S. D. Smith Leave a Comment

I see you as heroic for the way you love and serve your children and I see myself as an ally in your work. Thank you for letting me in on the adventure that is serving your precious kids! I wrote this Fight Back essay as an a encouragement to you. I hope it is inspiring! Consider sharing it with friends you are fighting back alongside! Every day you show up. You drink your coffee and you go … [Read more...] about You Drink Your Coffee & You Go To War (Fight Back!)

Filed Under: Allies in Imagination, The Archer's Cup, The Green Ember Series

Heroes Are Old Fashioned And Kids Need Realism?

April 20, 2020 by S. D. Smith Leave a Comment

Kids don’t need cynical so-called “realism.” They know about evil and villains, let them know about heroics. Let them get a taste for hope. Kids need heroic, hopeful stories. … [Read more...] about Heroes Are Old Fashioned And Kids Need Realism?

Filed Under: Allies in Imagination, Books and Stories, Quotations from My Betters, The Green Ember Series

S. D. Smith on Dangerous & Intense Stories for Kids

February 24, 2020 by S. D. Smith 9 Comments

I’m a parent. Our family is intentional about the sort of media we read and watch (the kids and us), and we take that responsibility very seriously. But like so many other areas of discernment, there are ditches on both sides of the road. Many of us, overcorrecting for the (very real) toxicity and vulgarity of so much media, have embraced a “safe for the whole family” approach that is dishonest … [Read more...] about S. D. Smith on Dangerous & Intense Stories for Kids

Filed Under: Allies in Imagination, Books and Stories, The News

S. D. Smith: Boys Will Only Read Silly Books? No!

February 11, 2020 by S. D. Smith 1 Comment

We all can agree that helping boys fall in love with good stories is a noble aim. What is ONE suggestion you have for helping? It can be a book, a habit, a rule, a sneaky scheme—what are you doing that helps engage the young boys you love in reading excellent stories? … [Read more...] about S. D. Smith: Boys Will Only Read Silly Books? No!

Filed Under: Allies in Imagination

Want to Know the Secret Behind Green Ember’s Phenomenal Success?

January 24, 2020 by S. D. Smith 3 Comments

Dear Friends,  I get a lot of credit. I get enthusiastic feedback in heaps. But people credit me with more than I deserve. You want to know what has made this crazy thing go? The Green Ember Series has reached its growing and enthusiastic audience because of you. Compared to a traditional publisher, we’ve spent peanuts on marketing. We’ve simply aimed to remove obstacles. You have been our … [Read more...] about Want to Know the Secret Behind Green Ember’s Phenomenal Success?

Filed Under: Allies in Imagination, The News

Thank You for these Five Years

January 19, 2020 by S. D. Smith 3 Comments

I grew up playing sports.Where athletes dream of a tryout.For story makers, all we ask,Is to give our tales a chance.You did, and for five years now,You keep giving me your time.You keep giving me an audience,With those you treasure most.We have invited each other in,You and I.I shared with you my stories,Born at home and with my kids.Our adventures became yours,And we exchanged this gift.You … [Read more...] about Thank You for these Five Years

Filed Under: Allies in Imagination, The Green Ember Series, Uncategorized

Imagination isn’t a Diversion, it’s the Way

December 17, 2019 by S. D. Smith 9 Comments

Make believe makes believers. Imagination. A silly, harmless habit of immature kids? I don’t think so. Imagination is seeing what is not obvious. It is seeing what lies beyond the mere visually present. But what if there’s more? More than, “It is what it is?” More than the middle part of the story we’re seeing right now. What if the secular fundamentalist scolds are wrong? What if the stories … [Read more...] about Imagination isn’t a Diversion, it’s the Way

Filed Under: Allies in Imagination, Attempted Wisdom

Author as Ally: S. D. Smith’s Green Ember Notes From the Front

October 2, 2019 by S. D. Smith Leave a Comment

I’ve been working hard the last few weeks sharing about the new books, hustling to remove obstacles for families who are keen on these new stories with an old soul. It’s easy to lose the big vision in the hustle and hurry of urgent tasks. But again and again, you guys are reminding me why good stories matter. My friend Heidi says the best stories (anchored in truth, goodness, and beauty) are not … [Read more...] about Author as Ally: S. D. Smith’s Green Ember Notes From the Front

Filed Under: #GreenEmberKidArt, Allies in Imagination, Books and Stories, Reader Response, The Green Ember Series

How S. D. Smith Connected With Sally Clarkson’s Family

September 19, 2019 by S. D. Smith Leave a Comment

S.D. Smith with Sally Clarkson

Sally Clarkson. Clay. Joel. Sarah.  Let’s start with Sarah. I met her years ago when we both were new writers for The Rabbit Room. We did a session together at the RR conference and I was blown away by her brilliance and ability to speak so winsomely in public. I didn’t know her parents, but I met Clay and we hit it off. Then I met Sally, too. We loved them at once. I had no idea they were … [Read more...] about How S. D. Smith Connected With Sally Clarkson’s Family

Filed Under: Allies in Imagination, The Green Ember, The Green Ember Series

You Held My Heart In Your Hands

April 17, 2018 by S. D. Smith 12 Comments

All an author asks for is a chance. A chance, and the worshipful adulation of millions and the affirmation of our stubborn fathers and skyrocketing sales and awards and parades and magnificent statues looming before grand institutions named in our honor. We are a modest bunch. When I wrote The Green Ember, I genuinely just wanted a chance. I wanted a try-out, to use sports terminology … [Read more...] about You Held My Heart In Your Hands

Filed Under: Allies in Imagination, Attempted Wisdom, Links to Better Stuff

A Word About Andrew Mackay, An Amazing Publisher

November 4, 2015 by S. D. Smith 4 Comments

Note: This was included in a post I shared a little while back among other things I'm thankful for. I thought it deserved its own post. Andrew Mackay is the man behind Story Warren Books and Brightener Books.  Many people think I’m self-published, but that’s at best only barely true. I do not do cover design. I do not typeset my manuscripts. I do not have any idea how to get my books an ISBN or … [Read more...] about A Word About Andrew Mackay, An Amazing Publisher

Filed Under: Allies in Imagination

An Ogre’s Castle and My Own Cottage

October 7, 2015 by S. D. Smith 9 Comments

I’m writing this in the Forge. A bluejay is bouncing outside my window in front of an ambling caravan of deer. Squirrels range through the trees behind and the leaf-strewn trampoline sits there pouting, waiting for children to liven up its otherwise sedentary life. I have so much to be grateful for. God has been profoundly kind to me, even amid challenging and painful times. Life is hard for all … [Read more...] about An Ogre’s Castle and My Own Cottage

Filed Under: Allies in Imagination, Home. Life., The Black Star of Kingston, The Green Ember

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