These lovely sisters from the Phillipines are big Green Ember fans, and the youngest composed an original tune to accompany a song from Ember's End: The Green Ember Book IV. Well done! This sweet tune joins a growing catalog of poems, songs, original art, and fan fiction being created all across the world. Kids find The Green Ember world is a fantastic and hospitable "world" to play in and … [Read more...] about Sisters Sing a Beautiful Green Ember Song!
The Green Ember Series
2020, Am I Right? A Brief, Grateful Remembrance
Last year was tough for most of us, and so many continue to struggle through sickness, loss, economic instability, and other divisions and uncertainties. It’s been a painful opportunity for growth, and I’m hopeful about how God will use this chapter in our lives. The story isn’t over.As for us, we had our coast to coast book tour cancelled, which was a bummer because we wanted to see lots of … [Read more...] about 2020, Am I Right? A Brief, Grateful Remembrance
Flashback to a Surprising Success and Gratitude for a Great Dude
Five years ago. We were just getting started. Nine books (and audiobooks) now and it still feels early. I’m so grateful for all the love and support we’ve had, and especially for the small team of pals who have partnered with me to share these stories with you. I especially want to single out for particular gratitude and honor my publisher and partner and pal from way back: Andrew Mackay, one … [Read more...] about Flashback to a Surprising Success and Gratitude for a Great Dude
I Write New Stories with an Old Soul from The Forge
I’m Sam. I’m married to beautiful and brave Gina and we have four sweet Smithereens. We live in West Virginia and, despite some serious challenges our community faces, we love it. We wouldn’t trade places with the most famous urban elites. I write New Stories with an Old Soul from The Forge—my writing shed about ten steps behind the photographer in the image above. I love writing adventurous … [Read more...] about I Write New Stories with an Old Soul from The Forge
A Giveaway Worth Over $1,000! Happening Now…
Christmas approaches, Thanksgiving is next week, and I love this time of year. It will be different and challenging this year for many of us, though the world has been far worse. Still, we’re in a painful, frustrating, and (for many), very challenging time—maybe even a time of grieving and lament. Advent, a season of reflection and fasting and giving is just around the corner, and I love that it … [Read more...] about A Giveaway Worth Over $1,000! Happening Now…
You Held My Heart
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 (my … [Read more...] about You Held My Heart
You Drink Your Coffee & You Go To War (Fight Back!)
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!)
The Archer’s Cup Preorder is Open!
The Archer’s Cup is here! Book THREE of the Green Ember Archer trilogy is much longer, and takes a turn never explored before in my Green Ember adventures! I am so excited to share it with you. Preorder yours today! The first 1,000 will be signed! … [Read more...] about The Archer’s Cup Preorder is Open!
Crying at Stories
Did I write something that made you cry? Good. If, while crying, you dreamed of becoming more than you were before you were reading, very good. If it’s a spark in your heart and then tears come, good. If it’s laughter, I am glad too. Tonight I cried after receiving, in a film, the work of a man’s art. It worked itself into my heart. I made commitments then, jotting them down through … [Read more...] about Crying at Stories
Seeds and Harvest and Minimum Wage Writing
The words from the screen grab and the picture are many years apart. During the time of that post, I was working very hard (battling discouragement constantly) and planting seeds. The picture below is a little evidence of the harvest that God provided later. I’m happy to say that I now make more than minimum wage writing. Seriously, that is a gift. I still can’t spell very well. (Perhpas … [Read more...] about Seeds and Harvest and Minimum Wage Writing
Best Reading Order For ALL EIGHT Green Ember Books?
Updated recommended reading order for all NINE books here. Thanks for caring to find out! People search for this often on the web and we get LOTS of messages about it. We try to address as many popular questions as we can at our FAQ. But we've got the answer for you right here about reading order. Series author S. D. Smith recommends publication order. The Green EmberThe Black Star of … [Read more...] about Best Reading Order For ALL EIGHT Green Ember Books?
Heroes Are Old Fashioned And Kids Need Realism?
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?