S.D. Smith's Blog, page 13

Prince Lander LANDS | From Our Hands to Yours

Prefer to watch? Check out the video version, complete with outtakes.

Howdy Partners,

I LOVE seeing the videos and pictures of kids getting Prince Lander and the Dragon War! It’s awesome to see your family holding in your hands what my family touched just the other day when we signed and prepped the books. I hope you enjoy this tenth Green Ember adventure. I’m so grateful for your help in Operation Black Star Rising. It was wonderful, a big success that helped introduce this trilogy inside the bigger Green Ember world—Tales of Old Natalia—to more readers. Thank you for being on our side!

Post Mission Debrief: Operation Black Star Rising

Hello friends!

A week ago, we invited you to join us on Operation Black Star Rising, and boy, did you ever respond!

Why Operation Black Star Rising? Well, we’re always thinking about the challenge of how to introduce people to the world of Green Ember stories. Of course, the best gateway is when the people who love The Green Ember tell other people about it. That’s something that you all do so naturally, and we’re thankful.

But, occasionally we stop to think about how we introduce folks who have read The Green Ember to the rest of the series. And every time we undertake this kind of effort, we hear from a few people saying, “My kids LOVED the Green Ember, but we didn’t know there were other books!” It’s easy to feel like we beat that drum so much that surely everyone already knows about the whole series.

And then, occasionally, we try to think about how to make sure we stay visible in the places where people buy books. You help us with that, too: your reviews of these books have helped us to stay in front of the audience on Amazon, Audible, and everywhere else these books are available. 

But, sometimes, a little concerted effort goes along way. That’s what happened with Operation Black Star Rising. We didn’t quite accomplish the goal of cracking the top 100, but look at what we did accomplish:

An increase of 1022% in sales over the preceding two weeks157 new reviews of The Black Star of KingstonAn increase in sales rank from 75,755 all the way up to 855 overall#1 in Children’s Rabbit Books #1 in Children’s Folk Tales & Myth Collections#1 in Christian Fantasy (Books)

Thanks so much for helping us with Operation Black Star Rising. We’re so thankful for the way you support us. We’re on your side.

Andrew Mackay
Publisher
Story Warren Books

Prince Lander LANDS: From Our Hands to Yours

We’re happy to report that Prince Lander is out of our hands and into yours. Watch this video for more pictures!

There’s still time to grab a signed copy!

Get Prince Lander and the Dragon War HereCome for the Mountains, Stay for the Speakers

HopeWords is just around the corner so now is your opportunity to register! The beautiful mountains and incredible people of Bluefield, WV—my neck of the woods—will force you to slow down and think deeply. Need more convincing? You’ll be challenged by world-class writers and surrounded by readers, thinkers, dreamers, and lovers of words & God.

Register Here#SDSmithDopeQuotesCuration

I curate quotes on the socials and wanted to leave you with this one from, “On Living in an Atomic Age” by C. S. Lewis:

Find more dope quotes here.

That’s all for now.

I’m on your side,

Sam

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Operation Black Star Rising: Uncle Sam Needs YOU!

GOAL!

Make The Black Star of Kingston an Amazon Hit on Kindle.

In order to….Raise its visibility for readers on Amazon.

In order to…Introduce lots of people to the Old Natalia trilogy and, thus, the new book!

HOW?

Easy…

You spend 99 cents and grab it on Kindle.You rank it five stars.Let me know you’re at mission accomplished stage in the comments for a chance to win one of TEN signed Black Star print editions!

(If you already bought it ON KINDLE, then just review it for your mission. NOTE: Anyone can buy the Kindle download, even if you don’t have the device.)

YOUR REWARD?

A free, brand new coloring sheet by Green Ember artist Zach Franzen.

A chance to win a signed copy of Black Star–if you comment that you completed the mission!

And my gratitude!

WHEN DOES THE MISSION COMMENCE?

This very moment. Go here and snag the 99 cent deal NOW. Do the review!

Then go collect your free printable coloring sheet HERE. Comment and let me know you did it!

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Happy Birthday Ember Rising!

Happy Birthday Ember Rising! We’re celebrating with a GIVEAWAY so read on!

“The seed of the new world smolders,” he cried. “But a fire comes first. Bear the flame!”

A harrowing adventure inside enemy territory. Heather and Picket are plunged into the darkness of Morbin’s shadow, fighting to bear the flame of the cause and light the way for rabbitkind’s upright insurrection.

Hope for a Healing
Work for the Mending
Fight for the Rising

Once The Green Ember and Ember Falls (as well as The Black Star of Kingston & The Last Archer!) were released, readers of all ages were clamoring for more Green Ember adventures. Fans were delighted to receive Ember Rising:

Watch the video to hear what S. D. Smith has to say about this harrowing adventure.

Here is what YOU have said over the years about Ember Rising.

Add your thoughts on Goodreads, Amazon, or Audible. Thank you for taking the time to review these books.

Fun Fact: Ember Rising shares a birthday month with National Backyard Day so head outside for a game of Hoopvolley!

Hoopvolley

Picket joins the bucks and does of Harbone Citadel in a game of Hoopvolley.

You will need:

hoop (or tire)ball

How to play:

Two players stand on opposing sides with a hoop (or tire) in between, about 10 steps away from the hoop. A player tries to kick the ball into the hoop in as few kicks as possible. Once the ball is through the hoop, the opposite player tries to kick it back through the hoop in as many kicks or less.

Note: A tire is nice, because it’s stable.

This game is played together as you try and beat your last high score.

We love to see you playing in The Green Ember world. Share with us using #rabbitswithswords and tag @sdsmithereens on Instagram or Facebook!

Here is what you’ve been creating: (Watch the video to hear a beautiful & original song from a fan named Caroline Jarvis!)

Keep sharing with us on the socials for a chance to be featured in our next birthday celebration!

New to The Green Ember? Get started with the first audiobook for FREE by signing up for our newsletter.

Also free: coloring pages for free when you Gimme 5!

If you want your very own copy, Ember Rising is available at the S. D. Smith Family Store (where you get the best deal) and is also available on audiobook and eBook (and print) at Amazon and your favorite bookshops.

And, if your library partners with Hoopla, you can listen to ALL the audiobooks for free! Make sure to check with your local library & follow the recommended reading order.

Years ago, Ember Rising started on Kickstarter. Enjoy this blast from the past… or is it the future…

More Birthday Fun: Giveaway!

In honor of Ember Rising’s birthday, here is what we’re giving away:

( 1 ) Complete SIGNED set of ALL The Green Ember Books
( 1 ) Complete set of The Green Ember Series Audiobooks
( 4 ) SIGNED copies of Ember Rising
( 4 ) Ember Rising Audiobooks

For a total of 10 winners!

To Enter: 
Comment with your favorite game to play in your backyard. Enter on Instagram and Facebook for additional entries.

Rules: Must have a U.S. mailing address. Must be 18 or older. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram. Void where prohibited. Winners will be selected and notified on March 15th.

Thank you for celebrating the book birthday of Ember Rising with us!

Check out these other birthday celebrations:

Happy Anniversary Ember’s End. The Green Ember Finale’s Book Birthday!Happy Birthday to The Black Star of Kingston!The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner | Book BirthdayEmber Falls | Book BirthdayThe Archer’s Cup | Book Birthday

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Stay In Your Lane During Wartime: It’s a Long and Winding Road to Your True Calling

I’m never sure what to say when world events are so intense and the words of an ordinary children’s author from West Virginia on social media feel so unnecessary. “Stay in your lane,” I tell myself. And that’s good advice. We probably need far fewer experts on the “out there” and more people living faithfully “right here.” The world very rarely needs “my take.” The last several years of seemingly ceaseless punditry from every citizen on a mission has been tedious and exhausting, not to mention ineffective or counterproductive. The “not many of you should become teachers” line from St. James comes to mind. “Stay in your lane” is usually pretty good advice. I’m usually choosing to. 

So, while ordinary men kissed their wives and children and turned to fight to protect their homeland from invasion, I wrote. I wrote thousands and thousands of words—in private—on a story that I’ve been working on for many months with my son. I kept at it while a new war in Europe intensified and drew the attention of the world. 

Though it feels relatively unimportant, I think creating and sharing soul-forming stories is of great long-term value. My lane is an avenue that goes straight through the hearts of children God made and loves and intends for his kingdom of light. No small thing. It’s a good little lane. So I write on, focusing on this little job “right here” that goes—by some rare magic—far from my presence and into the lives of precious children I’m called to serve all over the world. 

This new book is about conflict, and standing up to evil men, about showing up for the good fight you’re in and being faithful and brave. All of my Green Ember books are about this. I hope and pray this one also inspires those who read it to live out those ancient virtues in the “real world.” I hope it is a gift to ordinary people living “right here” in their lives and that has an impact for good “out there” in some way. 

Maybe your lane seems small, or insignificant. I bet it isn’t. You don’t have to be a geopolitical expert, an epidemiologist, a pastor, a prophet, or a therapist, unless that’s your calling—your lane. I bet your lane leads—maybe in the long and winding way—to places of deep significance and service to the people, be they millions or very few, who God has called you to love. 

Show up for that. Be ruthless about ignoring all those enticing “shortcuts” to self-expression, seeming-expertise, and shallow impact. They are almost always lies. Take the long cut. Enjoy your lane.

The post Stay In Your Lane During Wartime: It’s a Long and Winding Road to Your True Calling appeared first on S. D. Smith.

FREE Oath Printable, Host The Green Ember Book Club or Party, and Anne’s New Review

Hello, Friends!

We have had an incredible response to the new book. Thank you for that! And thanks for your encouraging responses to the essay I shared about why my books are sometimes flagged by zealous critics as being too intense—why they aren’t safe, but are good. The overwhelmingly positive reaction has been a reminder to me of why I love serving you.

We are always all about inviting people to begin their Green Ember journey and a new book is a great occasion to do that! I hear all the time from folks who LOVE to give copies of the books away. If you’re looking for a way to share your Green Ember love with your own family and others, then please check out our brand new Official Green Ember Book Club and Party Pack. It’s a ridiculous deal that won’t last long.

Host The Green Ember Book Club or Party

We’ve seen Green Ember book clubs and parties happen all over the world. It delights us to see so many kids playing and creating in The Green Ember World.

“I hosted a The Green Ember book club…for 30 readers aged 7-15. It was one of the most fun book clubs we have had to date.” –Plumfield and Paideia

“I have been really wanting to do a book club for my kids and friends, and with our great love for The Green Ember…it seemed the perfect place to start!” –Mountain Mama Teaching

We want to help enable you or your school/church/homeschool group, etc. to host a book club or party with this rare & limited opportunity to purchase an entire case (28 books) of The Green Ember for just $97.99. At $3.50 a book, that’s a crazy deal!

Buy Green Ember Book Club & Party Pack

And we’re even including our brand new OFFICIAL Green Ember Book Club & Party Guide in download format for idea and activity inspiration. Guide includes: discussion questions, coloring pages, activities, and more!

We want to break down the barriers into The Green Ember World so if you or your school/homeschool group/party/church are unable to afford the cost of the books & guide right now, you can get the entire case of The Green Ember for free by using code “28BooksFREE” at checkout. You’ll only pay shipping.

If you would like to help provide these books to kids, churches, or groups, please consider sponsoring a case (or 2 or 3?)! Details here.

Sponsor a Book Club & Party Pack

Now, I’m excited to share that my daughter Anne is back with another review for you.

Anne-Girl Reviews: The Two Princesses of Bamarre

Addie and Meryl are two girls—best friends, princesses, and sisters. Meryl, the elder sister, longs for adventure. She is bold, daring, funny, and outgoing. Addie is awed by Meryl and is rather the opposite. She is timid, shy, scared of spiders, dragons, griffins, ghosts—you name it. The two girls have played a game since they were little. It involves one sister contracting the Grey Death, a fatal disease that is so far incurable. The other sister goes on a quest to find the cure and save her sibling. Meryl always plays the hero, battling dragons and climbing mountains to heal Addie just before it’s too late. But years later, the unthinkable happens when Meryl becomes ill with the Grey Death, and it becomes Addie’s unlikely quest to save her sister for real.

For a long time, I considered Two Princesses my favorite book ever. I think it was the story that made me realize I loved books about princesses. But it’s also a story about a girl getting over her fear and shyness, and, as a young, shy, fearful girl, I adored it. I didn’t have a sister yet when I read this for the first time, so it made me desperately want one. I recommend this adventure to you. And my very bold, baby sister agrees. 

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
Aletha Anne Smith

My Place Beside You… or on Your Wall

Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or you’re just discovering The Green Ember, thank you for being here, beside us. Grab this printable art download for FREE as a thank you by using code “TheOathFREE” at checkout.

That’s all for now. Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter!

I’m on your side (and just turned forty-five),

Sam

Shop S. D. Smith Family Store

Prefer to watch? Check out the video version… or just watch it for the outtakes.

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MY BLOOD FOR YOURS: Why My Kids Books Are Not Safe, But They Are Good—And Intentionally Dangerous

“Parents beware!” One of my critics on Amazon warns parents of the intensity of my Green Ember kids stories. She’s not altogether wrong, and I am kind of sympathetic. My stories are dangerous. But I think she mistakes me for an enemy, when I’m an ally—an ardent one.

I think writing violent and foul stories for edginess—to push boundaries for the sake of rebellious relish—is not only morally bad, it’s also super lame. The modern transgressive fad in art is revealed to be not very modern at all, but old as the serpent’s lies in the garden. It’s also boring. Rebellion is so tediously establishment now, and I believe the true dissidents today are bravely creating in orthodox enclaves.

I don’t set out to shock or cross useful lines set up to protect innocent kids. I have a far more subversive aim. I want to invite kids into a vicarious encounter with Reality—monsters and all—that will serve them as they grow in virtue and wisdom. That, today, is radical.

My books are not overly grotesque and very tastefully deal with battle scenes and the sad deaths that sometimes occur. The adventures are full of humor, love, and an inspirational hope for a Mending. They are, I have been told by tens of thousands of parents, beautiful and good. They are also very dangerous.

I’m always keen to take my young readers seriously and to honor them by not patting them on the head and telling them nothing can ever hurt them. That’s a lie. And they know it’s a lie and stories that lie to them about reality are, in my view, far more dangerous than old fashioned good-vs-evil adventures where the stakes are high and the villains are monsters.

I write stories for courageous kids who know that dragons are real, that they are evil, and that they must be defeated.

I don’t do that because I want to hurt children, but because children do and will face hurts every day. I don’t want to expose them to evil, I want to help them become people for whom evil is an enemy to exposed. I want to tell them dangerous stories so that they themselves will become dangerous—dangerous to the darkness.

That’s why my stories are full of light and life and hope. They are about keeping faith in the midst of chaos. They are not safe, but they are good. Good and dangerous.

I hope you like sword fights.

Get S. D. Smith’s Books Here

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Happy Birthday, S. D. Smith

I’m officially 45. 

Here are four or five things I love and am grateful for. Just things, not all of them are the most important stuff. Relax, my dudes. Just some things, man. 

I love pickles and olives, but not together. But I love that mixed olive mashup at some restaurants for spreading on the pre-meal bread.

I love soccer. And let Uncle Sam help you out, here. It’s just football, not futbal. You’re just switching to a new language, not describing a different sport. 

I love hugs. People joke about ‘hugs not drugs,’ but the research is in (for me) and hugs are addictive and awesome, with minimal side-effects. 

I love walks, especially with loved ones, but alone is okay too. Introverts must exercise and walking is a good first step. Literally. 

I love Christianity. Yep. I love Jesus, yes. I love flawed churches and my flawed church and the big flawed Church, for sure. Also, it’s a religion. Yes, the R word. I love it. Christianity is wonderful. It’s a great gang of people if you, too, are flawed, and need to come home to the family of God. Highly recommended. Five stars. 

One to grow on.

I love my family and work. I put them together because they go together. My primary vocation is husband and dad, and my work as an author comes out of that and continually intersects with that. I love it. It’s a hoot. I’m loved here, and I get to love here. It’s a sweet gig. 

Four and five, man. That escalated quickly. I wasn’t gonna do it, but it just came out. 

Love you all, happy birthday to you from me. 

Sam

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The TENTH Green Ember Book is Here! Order Yours Now!

Well, here we are, friends. The TENTH Green Ember book is here. I can’t believe it! It’s a privilege to share Prince Lander and the Dragon War with you. Order now!

This book is another long one, longer even than The Archer’s Cup. It’s also a high-stakes adventure with danger and battle. It has lots of laughs with some fun new characters, but it’s serious and intense in spots. Prince Lander has fierce fighting and is not a cute story where nothing bad can ever happen. It’s not a safe story, but it’s good, if you know what I mean.

If you love the moral clarity and inspiration of old-fashioned good vs. evil then you’ll love this book. I think this kind of book is important for kids, and adults, and I’m delighted to invite you to order it today.

Order Prince Lander and the Dragon War

If you haven’t yet read the two previous Green Ember: Old Natalia books, then here’s your chance to change that. Order the SIGNED trilogy!

Help Me Out (and win)?

Could you help us share the new book release in this simple way? As thanks, we’ll pick a few winners to get special personalized inscriptions on an extra signed book. This is all you need to do…

Make your own post about the series (with your own image or grab the new book cover) and share your genuine excitement over the TENTH Green Ember book release. Come back and make a comment on this Facebook post. (If you don’t have FB, then on this blog post.)

That’s it. You’re entered. Thank you!

This is so fun. I LOVE sharing new stories with you. This one is really special to me for lots of reasons. I am so eager to get it to you!

God bless you,

Sam

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How to Prepare for The Green Ember Book TEN | in 5 Easy Steps

Prefer to watch? Check out the VIDEO version of the newsletter!

Hello, friends.

While we’re gearing up for the release of Prince Lander and the Dragon War, here are 5 steps you can take to prepare.

Where Does Prince Lander Fit Chronologically in the Series?

Prince Lander and the Dragon War marks the 10th book in The Green Ember Series overall. It is the third installment in the Tales of Old Natalia Series and takes place before the famed adventures of Heather and Picket.

One: READ Tales of Old Natalia

The first thing you should do to prepare for the new book is to catch up on the two previous tales: The Black Star of Kingston and The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner.

Shop S. D. Smith Family Store The Black Star of Kingston

A century before Heather and Picket’s adventures in The Green Ember, a displaced community fights for hope on the ragged edge of survival.

My place beside you
My blood for yours
Till the Green Ember rises
Or the end of the world.

Whitson Mariner and Fleck Blackstar face old fears and new enemies, forging a legend that will echo through the ages.

Old wars haunt. New enemies threaten. An oath is born.

A hero rises.

The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner

Old Natalia, soon after Captain Blackstar saved king and cause on the shores of Ayman Lake.

Battered, but determined, Whitson Mariner leads his displaced rabbits into new dangers on a journey to their undiscovered home.

Whitson the king, Lillie the queen, Prince Lander, and loyal Massie Burnson must rise from the wreckage of betrayal to rescue the cause once more.

Treason broods.
Monsters menace.
Battle beckons.
A community rises.

Read these two books but you don’t have to stop there. Here is the recommended reading order. If your library uses Hoopla, you can enjoy all the audiobooks for FREE!

Two: REVIEW

Once you are finished, let us know your thoughts on Goodreads, Amazon, or Audible.

Review Black Star of KingstonReview Wreck & Rise

We really appreciate that you take the time to write reviews. It helps SO much!

Three: WATCH

Last year we celebrated the book birthdays with activities like creating a Black Star Patch and #rabbitswithswords cookies! Make your own Black Star Patch with this free printable guide.

Watch the book birthdays:

If you’ve completed all the steps thus far, way to go! You are prepared for the TENTH Green Ember book. Now we wait.

Four: WAIT

In the meantime, check out The Singing Sisters singing their very own melody to the sea song from The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner.

Five: GET EXCITED

Once you have read & reviewed, watched & waited, it’s time to GET EXCITED! The next time we show up in your inbox, we’ll have a special announcement.

Until then,

Sam

Prefer to watch? Check out the VIDEO version of the newsletter (or just watch it for the outtakes ).

Shop S. D. Smith Family Store

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Conference with S. D. Smith Giveaway, Prince Lander Sets Sail, and Self-expression in Art

This is cool. We have a VIDEO version of this post—complete with some funny outtakes—and you should check it out. Or, just keep reading!

I love giving away things. We’re giving away a chance to be at a wonderful conference with me and some much cooler people—right here in my neck of the woods! I’m also thrilled to share a Green Writer tip that is at the core of my philosophy as a writer. Here’s a preview: Self-expression isn’t the end of art. It’s barely the beginning. 

Speaking of beginnings, Happy Birthday to my Mom, Barbara Smith, my earliest advocate. Mom, I love you and I’m so grateful to you for the encouragement you’ve given me in all of life, including this crazy little hobby of writing stories. 

My daughter Anne has another book review here, and it’s great! I love that she’s sharing these. It fits with our heart to be hospitable and generous to you, people we care so much about and work hard to serve. I love that she has a heart to serve you with these.

Thanks for tuning in, friends. Let’s get started with an update on Prince Lander and the Dragon War!

Prince Lander Sets Sail…

…for the printers.

Writing:
Editing:
Proofing:

Prince Lander and the Dragon War is off to press! It is now with our print production partners who are turning it into a form you can get your hands on.

We will be sharing more of those details on how very soon, hopefully!

HopeWords Writers’ Conference

Come and hear some incredible speakers, including keynote Makoto Fujimura, in my neck of the woods. Here in West Virginia! It’s April 1-2.

HopeWords is a purposefully placed gathering of lovers of words and God. It is not just for writers, but also for readers, thinkers, and dreamers. This unique conference draws participants from around the globe.

I’m stoked. You should come. It’s always great!

Register Here for HopeWords

We’re giving away THREE registrations! Enter on Facebook, Instagram, or here. Comment with a writing or reading goal for this new year. We’ll pick 3 winners. Giveaway ends January 21st.

Still thinking of a writing goal for this year? Maybe this Green Writer tip will help.

Self-expression Isn’t the End of Art

People often encourage writers by saying they should express themselves. Self-expression is seen as the most crucial part of creating. But I disagree. Self-expression isn’t the end of art, it’s barely the beginning. Think of giving a gift to someone else, not just indulging yourself. Happily, these two things often intertwine in the act of writing. But focus on generosity and hospitality as a tie-breaker at least. 

Get more tips like these when you try the first 3 sessions of The Green Writer for FREE!

Try 3 FREE Sessions

If you’re in the market for a reading goal, try one of my daughter Anne’s recommendations.

Anne-Girl Reviews: Clementine

“Clementine, pay attention!”

That’s a phrase that Clementine hears a lot. But it’s not her fault she is “allergic to sitting still,” or that she has had “not so good of a week.” For instance, her best friend Margaret gets to have braces and she doesn’t. Third grade is tough for a spunky, enthusiastic, creative girl who has a name that is also a food. Ideas are always sproinging into her brain, and she can’t stop them. Clementine means well, but it’s just hard to pay attention in class when you can pay attention out the window. Yup, things aren’t going her way, but she’s just trying to help. If Margaret wants to have red hair like her, Clementine will make it happen.

Reminiscent of early Ramona books, Clementine by Sara Pennypacker is a great little book. I quote the little funny things she says all the time. Short and sweet, engaging and humorous, Clementine has it all. It’s a delightful little story, and I recommend it.

Clementine Review
Aletha Anne Smith

Prefer to watch? Check out the VIDEO version (or just watch it for the outtakes).

That’s all for now. Can’t wait to share more about the TENTH Green Ember book coming this SPRING!

Cheers,

Sam

Shop S. D. Smith’s Family Store

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