QUESTION: When you read The Green Ember books aloud, do you sing the songs? These girls wrote their own melody! The three sisters from the Philippines are back with another lovely song! “My place beside you, my blood for yours. Till the Green Ember Rises, or the end of the world!” #TheGreenEmber #RabbitsWithSwords #SDSmith … [Read more...] about Green Ember Singing Sisters Are Back, “My Place Beside You…”
The Green Ember Series
Reading Together: A Real, Shared Adventure
Reading is always more than it seems. What Twila Farmer so beautifully painted here is a vision of what I dream. A child receiving from a parent who is giving, but also receiving. Their imaginations are knit together. They are where they are, but are also off on a daring, shared adventure. The journeys we go on together in books are real. They do not happen in the same sense that an embodied … [Read more...] about Reading Together: A Real, Shared Adventure
Kids Love The Green Ember Books!
I wanted to share a few bits of notes and art from the letters I’ve been catching up on from kids around the world! These letters and the accompanying art often included are so precious to me. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and love. It’s an unbelievable privilege to write stories for these kids and their families. Thank you! … [Read more...] about Kids Love The Green Ember Books!
Picket Packslayer NES Game?
My son, Josiah (not to be confused with my brother of the same name) made this dope image. If you were a kid in the eighties, you probably recognize the style of NES game design. Would you like to see this on a shirt? … [Read more...] about Picket Packslayer NES Game?
Sisters Sing a Beautiful Green Ember Song!
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!
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!