Hello, friends. I’m so grateful to you for reading this update and participating so enthusiastically in our adventure of serving kids and families by sharing new stories with an old soul. I love it! It’s a cool job and a huge honor. There’s a lot to look back on with gratitude and so much to be hopeful about, but I’m going to limit myself to one. One thing I loved about 2021: I’ve been asked … [Read more...] about Sam Gives Thanks and Looks Ahead, Another Anne-Girl Review!
The News
Beta Readers Help Prince Lander Along and a Book Recommendation from Sam’s Daughter
Howdy Friends, It’s getting close. Christmas is coming! It BEGINS on December 25th and ends Jan 6. Have you tried celebrating all twelve days? It’s pretty fun, though the last few can be a little challenging. (We have to build our celebratory endurance up!) I love the Advent season. I love the minor keys in songs and the focus on preparation and anticipation. It’s like fasting before a feast, … [Read more...] about Beta Readers Help Prince Lander Along and a Book Recommendation from Sam’s Daughter
Don’t Stop at The Green Ember! Get The Follow-Up Book For FREE + GRAB a FREE Ember COLORING SHEET Here!)
Have you stopped reading after reaching the end of The Green Ember? Don’t! Ember Falls is a thrilling adventure field-tested by thousands of other families. There are nearly 1,500 reviews on Amazon and they rate it 4.9 out of 5! Over 90% give it all five stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am so grateful for the positive feedback! And always appreciate those who take the time to review! It helps so … [Read more...] about Don’t Stop at The Green Ember! Get The Follow-Up Book For FREE + GRAB a FREE Ember COLORING SHEET Here!)
Sam and Gina: 21 Years!
My Gina!I’m so grateful for these past 21 years of life together. TWO became ONE twenty-one years ago on this date in the year of our Lord, 2000. Thank you for marrying me, for sticking with me through the many dark days we’ve faced and for being the brightest part of the sunny ones. I love you. I will never leave you. Your Sam … [Read more...] about Sam and Gina: 21 Years!
Big Things Happening. Big Gratitude to Meet Them!
These are good days for giving thanks. I’m grateful for these brothers, Josiah and Andrew, and the way they have had my back while I’ve been facing front. I have almost never felt up to the vulnerability and anxiety associated with being “out front.” You don’t often see them, but they are there. And I can’t do this without them. I’m grateful for you, the readers/fans/friends who encourage me … [Read more...] about Big Things Happening. Big Gratitude to Meet Them!
Surely a Green Ember Movie (and/or Series) Needs to Happen, Right?
I hear this from fans all the time. And I agree. There are so many cool ways to bring great projects to the screen. We are working with some amazing folks who are keen to do that with The Green Ember. Surely, if people are out here making a Peeps movie, we should get The Green Ember franchise kicked off. Am I right? A Peeps movie? Okee-dokee! My personal preference would be to eat … [Read more...] about Surely a Green Ember Movie (and/or Series) Needs to Happen, Right?
Author S. D. Smith and Actor Tony Hale to Keynote HBU Conference
S. D. Smith, author of the popular middle-grade series The Green Ember, will feature alongside multiple Emmy-winning actor Tony Hale at Houston Baptist University’s writing conference. The pair will share keynote duties at the creative conference hosted by HBU’s School of Fine Arts. The conference is aimed at serving writers, artists of all kinds, students, and educators. The May 1 event is free … [Read more...] about Author S. D. Smith and Actor Tony Hale to Keynote HBU Conference
A Blessing at the Back of the Book
This photo shows me right after reading the Author’s Note at the end of The Green Ember Book IV: Ember’s End for the audiobook. I wrote that note in a mall parking lot late at night. We were driving home from a church service and picking up a car we had left in the parking lot to meet up and drive together as a family. I was alone. I had been thinking the whole drive back from church (a … [Read more...] about A Blessing at the Back of the Book
FREE GREEN EMBER! Kindle FREE + 99¢ Deals April 10-17
Who wants FREE ebooks? In honor of the upcoming ONE YEAR anniversary book birthday for Green Ember IV: Ember's End, we're giving away 4 ebooks and discounting 4 more to 99¢! It starts today... LET A FRIEND KNOW! Here's the breakdown: APRIL 10-14 The Green Ember FREEEmber Falls FREEThe First Fowler 99¢Wreck and Rise 99¢ APRIL 14-17The Last Archer FREEBlack Star FREEEmber … [Read more...] about FREE GREEN EMBER! Kindle FREE + 99¢ Deals April 10-17
Fasting in Public, Green Ember IV, and a Recent Interview
Know how to make a horse fast? Don’t give him any food.I’m still off social media for a while. You can see my blog post about that here. I kind of hated to announce it. Announcing a fast is typically pretty bad form and directly contrary to Jesus’ teaching on it. I consulted with my pastor and tried to do that the most loving/responsible way. I am only about ten days into the break from … [Read more...] about Fasting in Public, Green Ember IV, and a Recent Interview
Andrew Peterson and Me and You–THIS WEEK!
A wonderful conference in my "neighborhood" is happening this week, on Friday and Saturday. Here’s the best part. You’re invited. It’s HopeWords and it’ll be online and I have a discount for my friends (like you). It’s 25% off if you use the code EMBER. Andrew Peterson is the keynote this year. He’s great. I know lots of you are fans of his Wingfeather Saga and you should be! There are other … [Read more...] about Andrew Peterson and Me and You–THIS WEEK!
Saying Yes By Saying No: Taking a Social Media Break
“I don’t know why you say goodbye, I say hello!” —The Beatles I love saying yes. Yes is often scary, but it’s the way I want to be. I want to show up and be faithful and hopeful in my callings. The main thing “yes” people have to do, I think, is say “no.” Because when you say YES, you are saying NO. You’re saying no to all the things you’re not going to do in order to do what you most must … [Read more...] about Saying Yes By Saying No: Taking a Social Media Break