Thank You, I Love You + New Green Ember Book News
I want to thank the many of you who wrote a reply to my last post (I’m Sad and Angry and I DO Know What I’m Going to Do), and for the overwhelmingly encouraging words you shared. God bless you. You are very kind. It has not and will not be my practice to comment on lots of cultural or political issues. That will be a gesture for me, not a posture.
Please don’t ever equate my silence on any topic as indifference or assign bad motives. I am sometimes too otherwise engaged to fruitfully contribute and most often focused on staying in my lane to serve you in my clear calling. I am not your pastor or bishop. I recommend you stay faithful where you are on that front and not look to (even Christian) authors or musicians or actors to be your spiritual shepherds. I will let you down on that front, without doubt. Let me be a faithful (please God) storyteller for you, and I think you will be served well.
It is a huge honor for me to serve you, and I thank you for being so generous with me in so many ways. You and your children are so kind to share notes of encouragement and love, so often with assurances that you are praying for me. I can’t tell you how many letters I have received from precious children who, on top of other kind things, have said they are praying for me. What a gift!
I am trying very hard to follow my own advice in that newsletter, but it is remarkable how hard it can be. I am keenly aware of how flawed I am, and how much I need repentance regularly to right the ship. I am reminded of one of my very favorite quotations from a favorite character (the Zulu Anglican priest, Msimangu) in a favorite book (Cry, the Beloved Country) by Alan Paton.
“I am a weak and sinful man, but God put His hands on me, that is all.”
Amen. God be our shield.
It’s a Wonderful Life
May I share something from my home and engage in a moderate dadbrag? My two oldest children are in a wonderful band called Willow Crush, and their debut album, Greatest Hits, just released. You can get it at all the places.
My son Josiah Caleb (co-author of the Jack Zulu books) wrote and sings many songs on the record, but my favorite is probably The Flying Song. It’s lovely and, remarkably, it was recorded live. Hold on Tonight is also a banger, as they say.
Our daughter, Anne, wrote and sings I’ll Give You the Moon, a song channeling the magic of It’s a Wonderful Life, a movie we watch together every Christmas. It’s really special. Give it a listen!
It’s such a pleasure to see our adult kids creating art and serving others. (Both of them are heavily involved in ministry to teens with Young Life in our county). I am delighted in this man and woman, and I love them so much. I’m excited to see what God will do in and through them in the years ahead. If you’re in the southern West Virginia area, consider coming to their show in Beckley on September 26th. It’ll be fun.
Find Willow Crush on: Spotify | Apple | Amazon | YouTube
Nothing is Stopping You From Playing Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb TODAY
The Demo is available to play and it’s so fun. Give it a shot! (It’s best with a controller.) Check out the latest game update from our very own Zach.
Do You Have Young Creators?
I have LOVED co-creating the Green Writer Show podcast with my pal Brett Harris. Another episode dropped today. All of season one has been so fun and, I believe, truly helpful. If you have a young writer, or are one yourself, give it a listen. And please subscribe on YouTube!
The New Green Ember Book is Coming Soon!
Yes, and I am so stoked to get it into your hands. It’s at the printers now and we will soon announce the dates it will be available for you to order!
I love this new adventure featuring beloved Helmer in an awesome origin story. I am particularly excited to share this with boys because of the wholesome and inspiring vision of masculinity in the story. Girls will love it as well, and it will help shape their expectations for what a good man is. Good, good, good.
After the Kickstarter fulfillment for backers, we will first release the book (with signed copies) at my store. I’m excited about that, and we’ll have some other fun Helmer and Green Ember merch to help give you options for fantastic, formative, fun Christmas gifts. Oh no, are we talking about Christmas too early? #yikes #cliches #planahead
Okay friends, thanks again.
It is a genuine privilege to serve you and your precious families. I am on your side.
I love you all.
Sam
P. S. I am currently writing Green Ember: Lost Tales II. It’s fun! Have you got the eBook for Green Ember: Lost Tales I (The Lost Key)? Welp, it’s only 99 cents today (Monday, Sep 22). Get it and be ready for when the sequel hits!
