S.D. Smith's Blog, page 14

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, or cleaning the house in preparation for guests coming for a party. However you practice these seasons, I pray it’s a time when you find Christ at the center of your anticipation and celebration. He is the author and hero of the story.

Also, watching Elf should probably be part of the Christian calendar.

via GIPHY

Beta Readers Help Prince Lander Along

The TENTH Green Ember book, Prince Lander and Dragon War is moving along in the editing process. It’s now with a clever bunch of beta readers who will help the book with clarity and (hopefully) catch some mistakes! Believe it or not, there are always lots to catch!

Zach Franzen is hard at work on the internal illustrations. They are looking fantastic! Zach is an incredible artist. We can’t wait to show you what he’s done!

We are excited to share the whole thing with you—words and art—in the SPRING!

If you are looking for something not bound by the laws of time and shipping, consider gifting The Green Writer to that aspiring author in your life.

Try 3 FREE sessions here!

Green Ember Fan Art

We have the pleasure of enjoying some pretty rad Green Ember inspired art that fans share with us via social media & snail mail.

I’m pretty sure there are large numbers of kids who know these stories better than I do. I regularly hear from kids who have read The Green Ember series multiple times, some in the tens and twenties.

I’m honored, of course. But I’d advise moving on to other books. The Green Ember is a good gate, but not the best destination. Onwards and upwards!

Check out this recommendation from my daughter Anne…

Anne-Girl Reviews: Bud, Not Buddy

“If a Adult Tells You Not to Worry, and You Weren’t Worried Before, You Better Hurry Up and Start ‘Cause You’re Already Running Late.”

That’s one of “Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself.” These things come in handy when you’re all alone in the world, but Bud has it figured out. He’s ten years old and been in foster homes since his momma died four years ago. Now it’s 1936 and the Great Depression is in full swing. Times are hard, and Bud is all alone in the world. But he has a plan. Inside his suitcase full of his worldly possessions are three flyers, all with the name Herman E. Calloway on them. Bud is sure that this man is his father, and he sets out to find him.

Heart, humor, historical fiction—Bud, Not Buddy has it all. It’s a sweet, touching story that has you laughing one minute and crying the next. Christopher Paul Curtis’s books are all heartfelt and touching, but Bud, Not Buddy is my favorite. Bud’s thought process is genuine, clear, clever, and funny. It paints a clear picture of the Great Depression era through the eyes of Bud and those around him. I love this book! The age range is children’s/middle grade, but as usual, everyone can enjoy it.

—Aletha Anne Smith

That’s all for now!

We’re on your side.

Sam

Visit S. D. Smith’s Family Store for CHRISTMAS DEALS!

The post Beta Readers Help Prince Lander Along and a Book Recommendation from Sam’s Daughter appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Beat 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, or cleaning the house in preparation for guests coming for a party. However you practice these seasons, I pray it’s a time when you find Christ at the center of your anticipation and celebration. He is the author and hero of the story.

Also, watching Elf should probably be part of the Christian calendar.

via GIPHY

Beta Readers Help Prince Lander Along

The TENTH Green Ember book, Prince Lander and Dragon War is moving along in the editing process. It’s now with a clever bunch of beta readers who will help the book with clarity and (hopefully) catch some mistakes! Believe it or not, there are always lots to catch!

Zach Franzen is hard at work on the internal illustrations. They are looking fantastic! Zach is an incredible artist. We can’t wait to show you what he’s done!

We are excited to share the whole thing with you—words and art—in the SPRING!

If you are looking for something not bound by the laws of time and shipping, consider gifting The Green Writer to that aspiring author in your life.

Try 3 FREE sessions here!

Green Ember Fan Art

We have the pleasure of enjoying some pretty rad Green Ember inspired art that fans share with us via social media & snail mail.

I’m pretty sure there are large numbers of kids who know these stories better than I do. I regularly hear from kids who have read The Green Ember series multiple times, some in the tens and twenties.

I’m honored, of course. But I’d advise moving on to other books. The Green Ember is a good gate, but not the best destination. Onwards and upwards!

Check out this recommendation from my daughter Anne…

Anne-Girl Reviews: Bud, Not Buddy

“If a Adult Tells You Not to Worry, and You Weren’t Worried Before, You Better Hurry Up and Start ‘Cause You’re Already Running Late.”

That’s one of “Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself.” These things come in handy when you’re all alone in the world, but Bud has it figured out. He’s ten years old and been in foster homes since his momma died four years ago. Now it’s 1936 and the Great Depression is in full swing. Times are hard, and Bud is all alone in the world. But he has a plan. Inside his suitcase full of his worldly possessions are three flyers, all with the name Herman E. Calloway on them. Bud is sure that this man is his father, and he sets out to find him.

Heart, humor, historical fiction—Bud, Not Buddy has it all. It’s a sweet, touching story that has you laughing one minute and crying the next. Christopher Paul Curtis’s books are all heartfelt and touching, but Bud, Not Buddy is my favorite. Bud’s thought process is genuine, clear, clever, and funny. It paints a clear picture of the Great Depression era through the eyes of Bud and those around him. I love this book! The age range is children’s/middle grade, but as usual, everyone can enjoy it.

—Aletha Anne Smith

That’s all for now!

We’re on your side.

Sam

Visit S. D. Smith’s Family Store for CHRISTMAS DEALS!

The post Beat Readers Help Prince Lander Along and a Book Recommendation from Sam’s Daughter appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Happy Birthday to The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner!

Happy Birthday to The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner! We’re celebrating with a GIVEAWAY so read on!

“But it’s better to live as you will want to have lived rather than spend your time worrying about the end. You are right here in your story. Don’t skip ahead.”

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.

Happy mail made its way to happy fans who immediately embarked on this journey with Whitson Mariner.

Watch the video to see what S. D. Smith has to say about writing Whitson’s wreckage, ruin, and rise.

Now let’s see what you are saying about The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner:

Thank you for taking the time to review these books. We mean it when we say we really appreciate it! You can let us know what you think at Amazon, Audible, or Goodreads.

As you know, S. D. Smith is a best-selling author and a beloved dad. But there’s another title well associated with him: Eater of Cookies.

It just so happens that The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner shares a birthday month with National Cookie Day!

Coincidence…? 

via GIPHY

What better way to celebrate a #rabbitswithswords birthday than with #rabbitswithswords cookies?!

We used this rabbit and this sword cookie cutter and had a blast baking (& eating) Green Ember inspired cookies.

We’d love to see your creations! Use #rabbitswithswords and tag @sdsmithereens on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured in our next post & video. Here what you’ve been up to:

New to The Green Ember? Get started with the first audiobook for FREE.

You can get your very own copy of The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner at the S. D. Smith Family Store (where you grab a full SIGNED set)! It is also available on audiobook and eBook (and print) at Amazon and your favorite bookshops.

If your library partners with Hoopla, you can listen to ALL the audiobooks for free! Check with your local library & follow the recommended reading order.

Also FREE: coloring pages when you Gimme 5.

Now it is time for the GIVEAWAY!!

To celebrate The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner’s birthday, we’re giving away:

(1) Complete Signed Set of The Green Ember Series(1) Complete set of The Green Ember Series Audiobooks(3) Signed copies of The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner(3) The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner Audiobooks

For a total of 8 winners!

To Enter: 

Comment (here / Instagram / Facebook) with three emojis that describe how your family feels about escaping into the Emberverse.

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 Thursday, December 9th.

Thank you for celebrating the book birthday of The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner with us!

Check out these other birthday celebrations:

Happy Anniversary Ember’s End. The Green Ember Finale’s Book Birthday!The Black Star of Kingston’s Book Birthday!Happy Birthday Ember Falls!Happy Birthday to The Archer’s Cup!

The post Happy Birthday to The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner! appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Happy Birthday to The Archer’s Cup!

“We spend so much time fighting in this war; maybe we should fight for love just as fiercely.”

Jo Shanks

In this sequel to The Last Archer and The First Fowler, Jo Shanks is charged with aiding Emma on her mission to unite the secret citadels in their fight against the Preylord slavers. Alongside Cole and Heyna Blackstar, Jo and Emma must enter into the heart of a community in confusion.

Something is wrong at Blackstone Citadel. Can Jo and his friends solve the mystery and enlist Blackstone’s aid in time to rendezvous with their allies fighting for the Mended Wood?

A citadel on the edge.

An insidious mystery to unravel.

WHO WILL TARGET THE TERROR?

Fans set to work uncovering the mystery as soon as they got their hands on this new book.

A new book brought new challenges. What were they? Watch the video to hear from the author himself.

Here is what YOU are saying about The Archer’s Cup.

Have you made your way to the end? Share your thoughts at Goodreads, Amazon, or Audible. Your reviews are deeply appreciated.

Just to make sure EVERYONE gets something cool from The Archer’s Cup fun, here’s a free coloring sheet!

You can get more awesome coloring pages when you “Gimme 5.” It’s easy and you can do that here!

Fun Fact: The Archer’s Cup shares a birthday month with National Play Outside Day! Don a Green Ember costume (inspiration here), bow & arrow, and head for the woods.

S. D. Smith was recently a guest on The 1000 Hours Outside podcast where he traced his storytelling abilities back to the early years of his life where he ran wild in the woods of West Virginia, immersing himself in nature and in his imagination.

“There’s probably nothing that’s been more formative for me as a storyteller and in my vocation than those early years of my life playing imaginatively and running wild in the woods of West Virginia.”

S. D. Smith

We love seeing you play and create in The Green Ember World. Use #rabbitswithswords and tag @sdsmithereens and @thegreenemberofficial on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured in our next video!

Wind down with a cozy drink inspired by lalla oil.

“If you need to sleep instead of staying alert, I have just the thing for that too. Lalla oil works every time.”

Brew some chamomile tea or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a sleepytime tea latte.

Sleepytime Tea Latte

You Will Need:

1/4 cup hot water1 chamomile tea bag1 peppermint tea bag3/4 cup steamed milk

Steep chamomile and peppermint tea in hot water. Add steamed (or frothed) milk.
Optional: sweeten with honey. Enjoy!

Recipe from here.

New to The Green Ember? Get started with the first audiobook for FREE.

If you would like your very own, you can find great deals such as a SIGNED copy of The Archer’s Cup (*for a limited time) at the S. D. Smith Family Store. This book is also available on audiobook, eBook (and print) at Amazon and your favorite bookshops.

Did you know: 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.

More Birthday Fun: Giveaway!

In honor of The Archer’s Cup’s Birthday, here’s what we’re giving away:

( 1 ) Complete SIGNED set of ALL 9 Green Ember Books
( 1 ) Complete set of The Green Ember Series Audiobooks (9 audiobooks in total!)
( 1 ) SIGNED copy of The Archer’s Cup
( 1 ) The Archer’s Cup Audiobook

For a total of 4 winners!

To Enter:

Comment (here / Instagram / Facebook) with your favorite game to play outside.

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 Wednesday, November 17th.

Thank you for celebrating The Archer’s Cup’s birthday 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!Happy Birthday Ember Falls!

The post Happy Birthday to The Archer’s Cup! appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Green Ember Memories and Writing “The End” Again

This story goes back and back.

It’s been around seven years since the first Green Ember book was first shared with the world, but the story—in its first iteration—was shared in my little world for many years before that. (Well before this innocuous FB post and it’s sweet little typo twelve years ago. The image of Sam Gamgee beneath was created years later.)

It started on a porch in West Virginia with a daddy and a daughter. It eventually was written down and shared with more people many years later. Happy days! Then it grew to nine books—the ninth book will be one year old in a couple of days. Archer’s Cup anyone?

So what about the tenth book? You may be happy to hear that I just wrote “The End” a few days ago on that manuscript. The story goes on….

The post Green Ember Memories and Writing “The End” Again appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Great Stories Move Us

Great stories move us,And make us move. They inspire us to see,And, seeing, show others,What we saw,And what else we see. And so we go,Moving ahead,Bringing others we love along.

The post Great Stories Move Us appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Costumes Inspired by The Green Ember

Whether you’re attending a Green Ember book club, trick-or-treating, or make-believing, costumes are always a good idea.

Here is how to put together a costume inspired by The Green Ember Series.

You will need:Bunny EarsSwordCloak (blanket, sheet, etc.)Optional:WhiskersArmorSatchelWalking StickBunny Ears

Arguably the most notable aspect of any rabbit costume is the ears.

You can easily make your own. Here are 4 ways to make bunny ears from things like a headband, pipe cleaners, or even a paper plate!

Check out these creative ears from fans:

Sword

You can’t have #rabbitswithswords without swords. You can find Picket’s Sword here or there are lots of different ways to make your own. Here’s how to make one out of cardboard, aluminum foil, or paper.

Now take a look at these swashbuckling swords:

A sword isn’t the only weapon you can use for a Green Ember costume. Try a bow and arrow!

Cape Traveling Cloak

We’ll call it a cloak because..

via GIPHY

Here are tutorials for a no-sew version or 4 other methods. A blanket or sheet works as well.

Gaze upon these clever cloaks:

That covers the essentials. If you want a little more customization, consider these:

WhiskersArmorSatchelWalking Stick

And here is even more inspiration for a Green Ember costume from fans around the world!

We love seeing you play and create in The Green Ember World. Use #rabbitswithswords and tag @sdsmithereens and @thegreenemberofficial on Instagram or Facebook!

What do you think would be a fun addition to a #rabbitswithswords costume? Let us know in the comments!

Make.

Believe.

Make Believe.

The post Costumes Inspired by The Green Ember appeared first on S. D. Smith.

S. D. Smith Teaches YOU Writing: The Green Writer Launches TODAY

I’m so excited to share this course! It’s been on my heart a long time. I hope you’ll give it a try.

Enter coupon code WRITENOW to get $10 off The Green Writer!

The post S. D. Smith Teaches YOU Writing: The Green Writer Launches TODAY appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Happy Birthday Ember Falls!

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

“Where’s the next book?” is a question frequently repeated soon after The Green Ember and The Black Star of Kingston were released.

The stage is set. It’s war. Morbin Blackhawk, slaver and tyrant, threatens to destroy the rabbit resistance forever. Heather and Picket are two young rabbits improbably thrust into pivotal roles.

The fragile alliance forged around the young heir seems certain to fail. Can Heather and Picket help rescue the cause from a certain, sudden defeat?

My Place Beside You
My Blood For Yours
Till The Green… Ember Falls

After much anticipation, Ember Falls made its way to delighted fans.

 “But no cause is greater than my love for you.

I fight because you are in my heart.”

Lord Rake

Was The Green Ember always meant to be a series? Watch the video to see what S. D. Smith has to say!

Here’s what YOU have to say about this second installment of The Green Ember Series.

Have you had a chance to review this book? Let us know what you think on Goodreads, Amazon, or Audible. Your reviews mean so much!

Fun Fact: Ember Falls shares a birthday with National #KidsTakeOverTheKitchenDay. (Yes, that’s really a thing!)

Encourage the kids to get creative and come up with a tasty Green Ember inspired treat. Here is some inspiration: 

We love to see what you create. Use #rabbitswithswords and tag @sdsmithereens and @thegreenemberofficial on Instagram or Facebook!

If your bellies aren’t too laden with delicious snacks, head outside for a vigorous game of Bouncer.

Bouncer

Bouncer is a game played by the bucks and does, including Jo Shanks, of Halfwind Citadel.

For this game you will need:a kickball (or any ball, really)large hoop or something to make a circle (i.e. rope, etc.)How to play:

Lay the large hoop on the ground and kick the ball high into the air.
As soon as it lands its first bounce, make haste to catch it.
Whoever grabs the ball first must race to touch the ball down in the circle on the ground before being tagged.
If the player is tagged, they must kick the ball high again and the game resumes.
After a score, the scorer kicks the ball high to begin the next round, resuming the chase.

We love seeing you play and create in The Green Ember World. Here is what you’ve been up to:

Share 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.

Also free: coloring pages when you Gimme 5!

If you want your very own copy, Ember Falls 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.

*Sale Alert*

Today and tomorrow only, The Green Ember Series eBooks are on sale for 99 cents each! Check it out!

Did you know: 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.

More Birthday Fun: Giveaway!

In honor of this special birthday, here’s what we’re giving away:

( 1 ) Complete SIGNED set of ALL The Green Ember Books, The Green Ember Archer Books, and The Tales of Old Natalia Books (9 books in total!)
( 1 ) Complete set of The Green Ember Series Audiobooks (9 audiobooks in total!)
( 5 ) SIGNED copies of Ember Falls
( 5 ) Ember Falls Audiobooks

For a total of 12 winners!

To Enter: 

Comment (here / Instagram / Facebook) with your favorite #rabbitswithswords inspired treat that you have made or want to try!

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.

Thank you for celebrating the book birthday of Ember Falls 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 post Happy Birthday Ember Falls! appeared first on S. D. Smith.

All Nine Green Ember eBooks For 99cents This Week!

This week (in the US and UK) we’ll have all nine Green Ember Kindle eBooks for sale for 99 cents! Not all at once, so please see the images below for the schedule. It begins with The green Ember Archer Trilogy, and goes on. I hope you’ll share them on their days and download them all. Thanks!

The post All Nine Green Ember eBooks For 99cents This Week! appeared first on S. D. Smith.