HopeWords Conference to be Held in Bluefield

Writers From Around the US Will Visit the Granada Theater

Bluefield, WV – The popular HopeWords Writers’ Conference, situated at the restored Granada Theater in downtown Bluefield, will once more convene on April 4-5, 2025.

As one of its guiding principles, the conference looks to empower writers to tell stories of hope. This year’s theme for the conference is “Writing in the Dark.”

S. D. Smith, known for his million-selling adventure saga The Green Ember, is expected to speak, in addition to Christian Wiman, Dr. Derwin Gray, Dr. Karen Swallow Prior, Dr. Craig Keener, Dr. Lewis Brogdon, and Amanda Held Opelt. Wiman’s book Once in the West was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.

Smith, a native of southern West Virginia, has been with the conference every year. “I am so happy to be at HopeWords again and to welcome so many wonderful writers to our state. This special conference draws folks from all over, and I love that we get to share a little bit of our home with them. I have been encouraged by the community and the speakers each year, and I’m certain this one will be another opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired again.”

For more information, press only:
Kelly Keller, Outreach Coordinator at Story Warren
kelly@storywarren.com

Story Warren Press Welcomes Glenn McCarty’s Western Adventures

Tumbleweed Thompson stories bring the beauty of the Old West to kids

Beckley, WV – Story Warren Press, publisher of the runaway hit The Green Ember series by S.D. Smith, offers a new adventure for middle-grade readers: Tumbleweed Thompson Adventures, by Glenn McCarty. The series brings classic Americana adventures to a new generation.

Story Warren Books is committed to providing “new stories with an old soul” to families around the globe. Their desire is to “supply kids and families with soul-shaping, memory-making, darkness-shaking adventures.” Their most recent series, Tumbleweed Thompson, features fast-paced, hijinks-filled middle-grade adventures with the added beauty of the American west and the classic feel of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.

Author Glenn McCarty resides in Western New York with his wife and children. When he’s not writing adventure novels, he teaches middle school English. His publications with Story Warren Press are the culmination of years of collaboration and joint creative endeavors. The books are illustrated by Joe Sutphin, the Eisner-Award winning illustrator of Watership Down: The Graphic Novel, Little Pilgrim’s Progress, Little Christmas Carol, and The Wingfeather Saga. Joe resides in Ohio with his wife, Gina, and their cats.

Author S.D. Smith says of the series: “”A generous, hospitable, hopeful story that will delight and charm children fortunate enough to read it…Lovely, hilarious, and beautiful writing paired with genuinely spectacular art.”

The Tumbleweed Thompson series is available at:
Story Warren Store | Amazon | Audible | Kindle | Christianbook | & more.

For more information, press only:
Natalie Morell, Marketing and Communications Manager at Story Warren
natalie@storywarren.com

For more information on the author: Glenn McCarty

S. D. Smith’s New Book, The Found Boys, Becomes a Best Seller

Beckley, WV—S. D. Smith, known for his best-selling Green Ember series, has officially launched The Found Boys and it is another big hit.

The Found Boys is a thrilling tale that captivates readers young and old with the powerful themes of friendship, forgiveness, and courage.

Less than a month after its release, this new book landed on the Christian Juvenile Fiction Bestsellers list by ECPA.

As with all of Smith’s works, this new book is perfect for families seeking high-quality, timeless, and hope-filled stories.

“It makes me so happy that S. D. Smith is putting good stuff like this out there. Books we can confidently put in our children’s hands. Books that show them how amazing it is to encounter a great story full of heart, hope, and thrills.”

Scott James, Author of The Sower

To celebrate the release, S. D. Smith hosted a launch party where he shared his story as well as his heart behind this new book. You can watch the full launch day video here.

“Thank you for joining me on this journey. I’m so grateful to have your support on my 14th book release! It’s an honor—seriously, from my heart—to be your ally and serve you and your kids. Thanks for being on my side, too.”

S. D. Smith, Author

The Found Boys is available at Story Warren Store | Amazon | Audible | Kindle | Christianbook | Walmart | & more.

West Virginia Author S. D. Smith Donates The Green Ember to Local Students

Mt. Hope, WV – Bestselling local author S. D. Smith, known for The Green Ember series, recently visited Bradley Elementary School, where he donated a copy of The Green Ember to each student and contributed additional books from his series to the school’s library.

During his visit, Smith shared his journey as an author and offered students in grades 3-5 valuable writing tips, encouraging them to make good decisions and be active participants in their own stories.

“You’re living a story. Everyone is reading the story. Be a good character.”

S. D. Smith, Author

The visit was part of Smith’s larger dream to give every 5th grader in West Virginia a copy of The Green Ember. Through his hopeful stories, he strives to encourage adventure, virtue, and delight in his young readers.

The author, a proud West Virginia native, continues to emphasize his commitment to staying in the state and helping kids and families thrive through storytelling.

“I want to demonstrate and advocate for the cause of pursuing big visions here. I want us to export amazing stories and values to other states and the world, not our most talented people. I want talented people to move here to work with us because we’re creating something world-class, not follow the sad path of losing our best people. I’m staying. And I want to share my adventures with every kid in West Virginia.”

S. D. Smith, Author

Smith’s dedication to his home state and its youth remains at the core of his work as he continues to inspire future generations to pursue a dream or creative business in West Virginia.

Best-Selling Author Announces First Traditionally Published Book (And Sells Out)

Beckley, WV—S. D. Smith, author of the independently published Green Ember series, announces first traditionally published book with Harvest House.

The Found Boys is a thrilling, nostalgic “buddy adventure” adventure about friendship and forgiveness. It will make you laugh, cry, and spur on crucial conversations about loving your neighbor.

S. D. Smith, partnering with Christianbook.com, offered a limited-run autographed edition and sold out within a matter of hours. Due to high demand, more are being offered for a limited time.

The book releases September 10 and as a bonus for preordering, readers will receive a free download of The Found Boys audiobook and an activity pack, including a discussion guide, as well as a download of the first chapter. Details here.

It’s easy to find examples all over of strife and bitterness and hatred, and plenty of parents are happy to eat from that septic snack shack and feed their kids there too. But not you. You love your kids and you want to give them good nourishing food—good food for their souls. This book, The Found Boys, is for you. It’s an exciting adventure about friendship and forgiveness. Like The Green Ember, it started in my home as a gift to my kids. It’s a new story with an old soul, from my home to yours.

S. D. Smith, Author

This first traditionally published book marks the 14th overall from S. D. Smith. Story Warren, the IP development house founded by Smith, continues to publish his works including their latest, Jack Zulu and the Girl with Golden Wings.

The Found Boys is available at Christianbook, Amazon, Walmart, Target, and more.

Story Warren, a West Virginia Based Publisher, Releases New Book from Hit Comedian

Beckley, WV—Story Warren, an IP development house, published Team Burger Shed by hit comedian, Tavin Dillard.

Along with the book, Story Warren offered limited edition signed rookie cards to the first 500 orders and sold out.

“I’m thrilled to introduce you to Story Warren’s hilarious new book, Team Burger Shed by Tavin Dillard. Tavin is an absolute legend, one of the funniest characters you’ll ever come across. If you enjoyed Mooses with Bazookas, or you just love clean comedy with hysterical storytelling, this is for you.”

S. D. Smith, Founder of Story Warren

When Tavin Dillard joins his buddies for small-town softball, incredible things happen. It’s a season of highs and lows for the fellas who start the season with no uniforms and no team name. One thing’s for sure: you’ll be laughing along with them. Whether you’re a longtime Tavin Dillard fan or this is your first encounter with him, you’re going to love Team Burger Shed.

Tavin Dillard is a mowin’, edgin’, grass cuttin’ legend. He began building an online audience in 2006 and has welcomed many awesome fans into Chancellor Park and his neck of the woods since then. He has a weekly podcast, performs live comedy shows and he wrote a book.

Find out more at SweetTeaFilms.com or watch Tavin Dillard on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok.

Joel Berry, the man behind Tavin, is a husband, father, writer, actor and comedian. He believes people are very important creations of God and we are all looking for connection with God and each other. The right stories connect us and bring refreshment. These are the stories he strives to tell.

Team Burger Shed is available at the Story Warren Store or Amazon.

Best-Selling West Virginia Author Announces Thirteenth Book

Grandview, WV—From the creator of the million-plus selling Green Ember series comes a brand new story with an old soul—the can’t-miss adventure in a thrilling new series.

S. D. Smith has announced the release of Jack Zulu and the Girl With Golden Wings. This new book marks the second in the Jack Zulu trilogy and thirteenth overall from Smith.

“I have been pouring my heart into this adventure and I can’t wait to share it with you! Green Ember fans will love it. It’s a noble-hearted story that isn’t trapped in time, but features classic virtue and moral imagination.”

S. D. Smith

Smith is not alone in this venture. He partnered with a co-author close to home, his son. J. C. Smith, or Josiah, has been the perfect partner in this exciting series.

“This father-son duo have combined forces to create an enchanting, mythical world full of the types of dangers that create daring heroes and heroines. Our souls crave meaningful stories and Jack Zulu delivers in a family-friendly way through memorable characters and fearless adventures.”

Ginny Yurich, 1000 Hours Outside

Jack Zulu and the Girl With Golden Wings is available for preorder at JackZulu.com and is set to release in June.

S. D. Smith to speak at West Virginia Writer’s Conference along with Newbery Honor Winner

Bluefield, WV—The eagerly anticipated HopeWords Writers’ Conference, an invitation to help imagine the work of New Creation, is set to make its return on April 12-13, 2024.

HopeWords is a purposefully placed gathering that seeks to equip and encourage you to tell stories of hope.

“This year’s conference will focus on the question of living between cultures and the unique potential it holds for creativity. On the one hand, there’s the possibility of cross-pollination. But beyond that, existing outside the center of a particular culture grants you a vantage point that simply isn’t possible if you’re in the mainstream.”

HopeWords

S. D. Smith, know for his million-selling adventure saga captivating families around the globe, will speak alongside world-class thinkers and writers such as Daniel Nayeri, Jackie Hill Perry, Dr. Justo Gonzalez, Mitali Perkins, Hannah Anderson, Dr. Lewis Brogdon, and more. Nayeri’s book The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams was recently awarded the esteemed Newbery Honor.

“In West Virginia, we have something to give, something to share, and we grow when we have a chance to see ourselves as servants instead of victims… I’m committed to staying here and being part of—not only helping us grow—but also give.”

S. D. Smith

Registration for this conference in Bluefield, West Virginia is open here but only a few spots remain.

S. D. Smith’s Green Ember Kid Art Contest Sparks Creativity Among Young Fans

Grandview, WV—S. D. Smith, celebrated author known for his popular Green Ember adventure series, invites participants to showcase their artistic talent in the Green Ember Kid Art Contest.

Contest Highlights: two winners are selected quarterly.

1. Best #GreenEmberKidArt
   • Judged according to artist’s age
   • Prize: Unimaginable Glory, Prodigious Esteem, and a $25 Gift Certificate at www.SDSmith.com/Store.
2. Randomly Selected Kid Artist
   • Open to all ages and skill levels.
   • Prize: Wild Glee, Contagious Joy, and a $20 Gift Certificate at www.SDSmith.com/Store.

Contest rules are simple. To enter, one can easily share their, or their child’s, Green Ember art along with age on social media using the hashtag #GreenEmberKidArt and tag S. D. Smith on either Facebook or Instagram. Participants that don’t have social media can submit art here.

Art includes but is not limited to pictures of Green Ember drawings, paintings, songs, poems, animation, sculptures, woodwork, crochet art, and MORE!

How It Started

The #GreenEmberKidArt Contest started because S. D. Smith was regularly receiving incredible Green Ember inspired art from fans in the mail and decided to open it up to people online.

“I get lots of letters. They are so, so sweet. This is a little sneak-peek at what I experience every time I wade into the pile of treasure that is my inbox!”

S. D. Smith

The aim is to foster creativity, imagination, and make-believe and the result is a vibrant gallery that celebrates young artists and their imaginative works.

See the latest winners and submissions here.

Renowned Local Author, S. D. Smith, to Speak at West Virginia School Fair

Beckley, WV—S. D. Smith, author of the million-selling adventure saga and home educator, will return to the Beckley School Fair hosted by West Virginia’s Families United For Education (FUE).

S. D. Smith will host a workshop called “How to Coach Your Creative Child,” drawing upon his wealth of knowledge as an author and home educator. Building on his experience captivating young audiences with imaginative storytelling, Smith shares practical strategies and inspiration for parents seeking to guide their creative children.

S. D. Smith says,

“We have had a wonderful time on our book tour around the country, but it’s a special treat to be speaking close to home at an event aimed at serving our local young people. My work is all about loving and serving these kids and I’m excited to be a part of the Beckley School Fair!”

S. D. Smith

The Beckley School Fair is a celebration of educational choice in West Virginia, bringing together educators, curriculum exhibitors, and families to explore various education options. The event covers public, charter, private, homeschooling, and Hope Scholarship opportunities, providing a comprehensive guide for parents to shape their child’s educational journey.

The school fair will be held Saturday, May 18th from 11-2pm. S. D. Smith’s workshop will be at 11:15.

Parents searching for more ways to coach their creative children are invited to try out S. D. Smith’s writing course The Green Writer, which will inspire writers of all ages to create and share good stories.

S. D. Smith Releases New Editions of the Beloved Adventure Series

Grandview, WV—Best-selling middle grade adventure series releases new editions with behind-the-scenes and never-before-seen content.

Books often get redesigned by publishers over the years. Story Warren held off because, hey, why mess with what works? This redesign helps to unite all the Green Ember books—along with everything we create, from books to shirts, hats, games, shows, or movies—under one logo.

The Green Ember world has three distinct but deeply-connected series:

Green Ember Series—Four thrilling adventures following siblings Heather and Picket as they get caught up in an epic struggle for rabbitkind’s liberation from the tyrannous preylords. Humor, heart, and hope anchor this series that centers on small rabbits battling to keep faith amid the chaos all around them.

Green Ember: Old Natalia—An exciting trilogy featuring heroic rabbits who discover new lands and fight off evil forces to shape a new community built on hope. Fleck Blackstar, Whitson Mariner, and Prince Lander lead the forging of a new world in this swashbuckling series of virtuous, valorous tales.

Green Ember: Archer—Jo Shanks is the best buck with a bow and he aims his arrows at the heart of the enemy’s darkness in this gripping trilogy. Breathtaking battles, baffling mysteries, and lots of laughs feature in these wonderful adventures featuring Jo and his friends.

S. D. Smith says,

“We are convinced this redesign and rerelease is a more generous, hospitable way to present these stories.

It was challenging for us to pull this off, but we believe it’s worth the investment in the long run. That’s because we are convinced this is going to be a blessing to you. And we are certain that the better we serve you and your family, the more faithfully we are showing up in our calling. We see this as a stewardship and a vocation rooted in love and service.”

S. D. Smith

All Green Ember books are published by Story Warren, a publishing, events, and IP development house based in rural West Virginia. They are available for purchase at the S. D. Smith Store (signed) or Amazon.

S. D. Smith Goes Off-Script and Produces Magic for Readers with his New Book (and sells out the first week)

Grandview, WV—S. D. Smith, Author of the million-selling middle grade adventure saga, released a new book unlike any Green Ember fans have seen before.

Here’s what S. D. Smith has to say,

“I’m so excited to share this new book with you. Mooses with Bazookas: And Other Stories Children Should Never Read. It’s funny. It’s enjoyable. It’s entertaining! Is that okay?

I think it’s great. Aren’t you tired of everything being so heavy with an agenda? I am. Aren’t you tired of every book—especially books aimed at kids!—being a thinly-veiled adult argument about politics?

Both the “bad guys” and the “good guys” seem to be engaged in nonstop propaganda in children’s books and movies. Even when you agree with it, propaganda makes for some lousy, inhospitable storytelling.

We can do better. We have to. This book is entertaining, funny, and wholesome.”

S. D. Smith

Mooses with Bazookas is a hardcover illustrated collection of stories and humorous letters, with a novella (Mooses with Bazookas) in its middle. It stars a mouse, a moose, a dog who can speak Alienese, and other lovable misfits. It’s perfect for people who need, or want, to laugh.

This book has been a hit. After selling out of signed copies in the first week, they are back in stock and available for order now.

Mooses with Bazookas is published by Best Medicine Books which is an imprint of Story Warren, a publishing, events, and IP development house based in rural West Virginia. It is available for purchase at the S. D. Smith Store (signed) or Amazon.

Million-Selling Adventure Series to be Released in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth

Leyland, UK—S. D. Smith, Author of the million-selling middle grade adventure saga, announces that The Green Ember will be released in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

Many fans have asked for many years when these rabbits and their swords would make their way across the pond. The wait is over! The books are available for preorder right now in the UK and include free shipping.

The first two Green Ember books, The Green Ember & Ember Falls, will be the first to be release in the UK (and Commonwealth). Those are available at the end of this month.

The next two books, Ember Rising & Ember’s End, will follow in 2024.

Story Warren—S. D. Smith’s publishing, events, and IP development house based in rural West Virginia—is partnering with Reformation Lightning, a wonderful publisher and distributor with an emphasis on books that are faithful to a Christian worldview. Reformation Lighting, an imprint of 10Publishing, is fantastic at connecting with readers at conferences and events. Story Warren is delighted to be partnering with them.

I am so grateful. I pray this leads to soul-shaping, memory-making, darkness-shaking gifts for many UK children and families!

S. D. Smith

S. D. Smith’s Green Ember Live Draws Big Crowds Around the Country

Richmond, VA—S. D. Smith, Author of the million-selling middle grade adventure saga, is back on the road drawing big crowds from Virginia to California with Green Ember LIVE.

S. D. Smith says, “Green Ember LIVE has been amazing! We’ve had thousands of fans enjoying songs and stories and signing alongside me and my family. It’s been a huge hit. Sarah Mackenzie from Read-Aloud Revival joined me on stage to perform the story.”

Green Ember Live is a new, never-released Green Ember story performed LIVE by S. D. Smith, a songwriter as well as a bestselling author. It’s an exciting event for the whole family to enjoy. During Green Ember Live, he and family members share songs from Green Ember books and invite you to sing along. 

“The icing on the cake to reading The Green Ember series as a family was seeing The Green Ember Live. It was an up close and personal way to get to know S. D. Smith and his talented family. We sang, we laughed, we lingered over songs and stories and characters that have shaped family memories we’ll cherish for many years.”

Angie Cole

In addition to Green Ember Live, the book signings, sessions, and workshops on tour have been a whirlwind of laughter, stories, and heartfelt conversations. S. D. Smith has had the privilege of connecting with thousands of readers in person to hear how these stories have resonated with their lives.

There are still a few opportunities to join S. D. Smith on tour:

JULY

• 6-8: GHC Texas | Register Here (Green Ember LIVE on Thursday 7-6 at 8pm)
• 14-15: Arizona Home Education Convention by AFHE – Phoenix, AZ | Register Here

More information here on how to book Green Ember LIVE or an Author Event with S. D. Smith.

Beckley, WV—Author S. D. Smith recently had the pleasure of speaking with his local Rotary Club about how he’s sharing the wonders of West Virginia with the world. Smith spoke about the humble beginnings of The Green Ember Series, now a million-selling middle grade adventure saga.

THE GREEN EMBER ORIGIN STORY, AS TOLD BY S. D. SMITH:

“There were rabbits in the yard…

I was on the porch with my young daughter, and it was time for one of our stories. I often told her tales from out of my mind, improvised in the moment for her delight. Today felt different, and I scanned the natural beauty seen everywhere around us in West Virginia and found these furry, vulnerable creatures hopping around. So it began.

The stories we started that day were about a rabbit family caught up in a surprising, epic adventure. Joined by little brother, we shared this narrative at bedtimes, on walks, and at other stolen moments. These tales carried on for years and became our own private serial adventures. What my daughter and I didn’t know that first day, and would only learn years later, was that hundreds of thousands of children would one day share our little adventure—that it would outgrow the hills of West Virginia and make its way onto every continent on earth. We couldn’t have known then that a surprising adventure awaited us as well, an adventure in hospitality, sharing our stories with families around the world.

Like the seemingly harmless rabbits of our Appalachian landscape, we never expected to see our stories rise and fight. But hope is worth fighting for, and these are stories anchored in hope.”

There’s more to come. Along with author, S. D. Smith is a founder and owner of Story Warren, a publishing, events, and IP development house based in rural West Virginia. Smith is currently working with his son on the sequel to Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key, a thrilling fantasy for readers who are hungry for “new stories with an old soul.”

GRANDVIEW, WV—The 2023 Book Tour had an incredible kickoff for S. D. Smith. So far he’s made appearances in Missouri, South Carolina, Ohio and more. He met families who drove from all over just to see their favorite author. Hundreds of wonderful fans stood in line for hours while he signed thousands of books, gave away lots of prizes, and had high-fives with happy kids and hugs with tearful moms.

In Ohio, Green Ember fans were treated to a special appearance by Sarah Mackenzie from Read-Aloud Revival during Green Ember Live.

Green Ember Live is a new, never-released Green Ember story performed LIVE by S. D. Smith, a songwriter as well as a bestselling author. It’s an exciting event for the whole family to enjoy. During Green Ember Live, he and family members share songs from Green Ember books and invite you to sing along. 

Currently, S. D. Smith is back in West Virginia serving in his community while as he prepares to get back out to Virginia, Texas, California, and Arizona.

Find media from the tour here and tour information here.

SHADY SPRING, WV—Shady Spring Middle School received a visit from one of the top middle-grade authors in the country last week. S. D. Smith, author of the million-plus-selling Green Ember Series, not only spoke to the middle-schoolers, but also donated hundreds of books so that each student could go home with their own signed copy.

Why would a best-selling author popular in California, Texas, Florida, and all across the country, be available to speak at a small middle school in rural West Virginia? 

He lives down the road. 

Adriane Wilson, ELA Instructor at Shady Middle, invited Smith to appear at the school. “I don’t think people realize that we have this incredible author,” Wilson said, “who does book tours all across the country and gets tons of fan mail from all over the world, is living kind of quietly in our community.”

S. D. Smith, “Sam” to his friends, is a native West Virginian who, despite opportunities that have tempted many creative professionals away from the state, has decided to stay. He coaches local kids soccer and stays involved in the community. Donating hundreds of books to local kids is simply an extension of that community focus. 

“I dream of giving every middle schooler in West Virginia a copy The Green Ember,” Smith says. “I want to share the adventure and virtue and delight the story holds, for sure, but it’s more than that. I also want West Virginia kids to see that they can pursue a dream, pursue a creative business, and accomplish that in our state.”

Wilson said the students at Shady Middle were inspired. “He doesn’t just talk about a big, audacious story. He’s living it. And he’s living proof that these students can do amazing things.”

Many say that the Mountain State’s best export is her people, but Smith is intent on proving that wrong. “I want to demonstrate and advocate for the cause of pursuing big visions here. I want us to export amazing stories and values to other states and the world, not our most talented people. I want talented people to move here to work with us because we’re creating something world class, not follow the sad path of losing our best people. I’m staying. And I want to share my adventures with every kid in West Virginia. This was a fun part of that dream becoming a reality.”

The Green Ember has become a best-seller and Smith has been approached by multiple studios eager to make a film or TV series from the hit books. But Smith is focused on his audience. “We are open to collaborating with great partners—studios, investors, and talent—for our show or film series, but everything is about serving the kids who read the books, and will watch the shows or movies. These books have always been made with love and aimed at being a gift to every family they reach. And we are eager to involve our state and represent our state well.”

Andrew Mackay, Smith’s publisher at Story Warren Books, says that the popular author is an unofficial ambassador for West Virginia. “On tours through California and all over, Sam is an advocate for his home state. I can’t tell you how many people have vacationed in West Virginia after hearing about it from Sam’s tours and his online presence. He’s a great speaker and gets to speak to large crowds pretty often. When he does, he can’t help but bring West Virginia up.”

Smith frequently posts pictures of the beauty around West Virginia, and identifies its strengths in essays and poems read by thousands. “My dad taught me to love West Virginia,” the author says, “and I guess you could say it stayed with me. And I’m staying.” S. D. Smith’s eleventh book, co-written with his seventeen year old son, Josiah, is set in a small West Virginia town. The state’s culture is central to the adventure in Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key. A nationwide book tour is about to kick off and includes speaking at the HopeWords Conference in Bluefield, WV on March 24 and 25. But no matter where he goes, Smith is unlikely to ever forget where home is.