The Green Ember is FREE. Get it now. Share it now. --- This little adventure has been fun. Writing is necessarily a lonely vocation, and the “self-promotion” part of the job is fraught with real and imagined perils. But one thing I’ve been so grateful for has been the constant, enthusiastic support we’ve had from our friends. That’s you. You have shared your enthusiasm for the book(s) with … [Read more...] about UPDATE: FREE DAYS ARE DONE The Green Ember is FREE! Can You Help Us Spread The Word?
Books and Stories
A Character Story
Some readers of The Green Ember, my first fantasy adventure novel for kids, found the ending to be a cliff-hanger. Some kids even shouted at their parents in frustration, “That is a horrible ending!” and “There has to be another book!” Hey, I’ll take any kind of enthusiastic, emotional response. It means they cared. So, I’ve gotten a few emails along those lines. It hasn’t been the majority. Most … [Read more...] about A Character Story
Building A Family Culture Around Books
We are NOT that perfect family that sits together by the fireside every night after gourmet meals reading Shakespeare to the babies. But we are on a journey. We are sharing time together reading aloud, experiencing a shared story, and creating a common history. Nothing can quite replace the experience of a family on a journey together. What's even sweeter is finding your family isn't alone, that … [Read more...] about Building A Family Culture Around Books
The Green Ember is Currently Free! (Please Spread the Word.)
That's right: FREE. As in, gratis. For the next three days, a person may virtually waltz into the virtual Kindle Store and, without offending virtue, walk out (with thegoods) without paying. It's legal shoplifting, and I'm asking if you'll do it. You've probably seen these things. There's a way in which they don't help: people getting the thing you nearly killed yourself to produce for free, … [Read more...] about The Green Ember is Currently Free! (Please Spread the Word.)
“Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy as author and reader!” –Sam Sith
"Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy as author and reader!" --Sam Sith Great news! Our book is back in stock at Amazon. FINALLY! We've been waiting for this for a while. I'm sorry for those who had to wait. Get your own copy now! And if you're not signed up for my newsletter, please do right here. It'll be worth it. It's fun. Ya gotta believe me, ma! And while you're there, how about … [Read more...] about “Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy as author and reader!” –Sam Sith
The Man Who Saved Narnia (And a Giveaway at Sally Clarkson’s)
Today I'm super happy to be featured over at my friend Sally Clarkson's blog. (And yes, I'm bragging about being friends with such a cool person.) She very generously asked me to write a post and do a giveaway at her site. As a big fan of Sally's work, and that of her whole family, I'm really grateful. (By the way, have you ordered her new book yet? Get that!) Since Sally's ministry is aimed at … [Read more...] about The Man Who Saved Narnia (And a Giveaway at Sally Clarkson’s)
Making Art For and With People You Love
I’m often tempted to be envious of friends who make music in community. The harmony on display is so attractive. I have friends in Nashville who have the kind of creative community people like me dream about. Also, singer/songwriters perform regularly and get instant feedback. They might hear clapping and see smiles the day after they write a song. It’s an endeavor so closely connected to … [Read more...] about Making Art For and With People You Love
There and Back Again
In case you missed it, I posted a brief summary of our exciting experience with our Kickstarter at Story Warren. It was a look back and a "thank you" to everyone who helped us launch the book. We're so grateful. And Andrew made this awesome photo happen. Also, we shot a short video to say "thank you!" to those who supported us on the launch. It has cute kids singing, so.... If you missed the … [Read more...] about There and Back Again
The Green Ember and an Apologetic Posture
People have been saying nice things to me. Also, they’ve been giving me money. Both of those things are--and I know this sounds insane--kind of hard to take. Because I’m proud. And scared. I was really reluctant to do the pre-sale for my debut novel on kickstarter. But we decided to do it and, after some great advice (and many cautions) from experienced and wise friends, we forged ahead. I had no … [Read more...] about The Green Ember and an Apologetic Posture
The Light on the Hills
I've been reading some old stories in preparation for sharing some on Fridays over at Story Warren and I came across this little gem from Mrs. W. K. Clifford. It's from her collection, Very Short Stories, written around the turn of the last century. While it's probably too didactic for children to enjoy and has no real plot, I found it inspiring and lovely. It gets at something I believe many of … [Read more...] about The Light on the Hills
“My, My Heart Like a…Kickstart!” Images and Words from a Memorable Weekend
We are over the moon about how well the kickstarter launch for The Green Ember has gone so far. If you missed the wild weekend, here's a brief (I hope!) summary. We launched on Friday morning at 6am. Our goal was to reach $10,000 in pre-sales within 30 days. We genuinely had absolutely no idea what to expect. I knew there were people who loved us and would support what we were doing, but I … [Read more...] about “My, My Heart Like a…Kickstart!” Images and Words from a Memorable Weekend
The Green Ember Is Available for Pre-order
You can back our project by clicking here... The video is a little long, so feel free to skip it if you want to and just get your order in! But I have to admit that I LOVE the video. Your kids will be laughing. And here are some tips from the publisher, Andrew Mackay, on how to help... Please share the KickStarter link on social media. That would help us tremendously. (It's better … [Read more...] about The Green Ember Is Available for Pre-order