S.D. Smith's Blog, page 8

⚔️ Get Ready for Adventure: Heather’s Necklace and Picket’s Sword Are Back!

Picket’s Sword and Heather’s Necklace are back, ready to transport you into the enchanting world of rabbits and their epic adventures!

We are thrilled to inform you that two highly sought-after Green Ember items, Heather’s Necklace and Picket’s Sword, are back in stock at our store! These unique and enchanting pieces have captured the hearts of many fans, and we are excited to offer them once again for your enjoyment.

.kt-sc_5139b7-94 .kt-sc-imgcol {min-height:450px;}Picket’s Sword

Bring #RabbitsWithSwords to your home with this beautiful, 23 inch long wooden sword, featuring an authentic insignia from Heather and Picket’s world right on the hilt. This is a wooden replica of Picket’s sword from The Green Ember Series. (On several covers.)  

shop picket’s sword.kt-sc_d51b90-87 .kt-sc-imgcol {min-height:450px;}Heather’s Necklace

A beautiful, embossed torch pendant made of silver-plated pewter. This is another item drawn directly from the pages of The Green Ember Series. No spoilers here, but Heather’s wearing this lovely necklace on the cover of Ember Falls. Bear the flame!

shop Heather’s NecklaceThank you for supporting our family business.

Thanks to your continued support, the rabbits in our Green Ember world have captured the imaginations of readers far and wide. We hope these stories inspire your own tales of bravery, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil.

Father’s Day is approaching and we’ve put together some Green Ember gift ideas for those rad dads in your life! Check it out and take 15% off your order using the code EMBERDADS.

We’re on your side.

shop s. d. smith store

The post ⚔️ Get Ready for Adventure: Heather’s Necklace and Picket’s Sword Are Back! appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Fidelity Over Arrogance

God is the author of the human story. He loves most and he knows best. To speak of love is to speak of him. He created us all and all that is. That’s the first part of the story and it’s good news. The bad news came quick, when we first listened to the wicked whispers of the dragon as he asked, “Did God really say?” We fell for it then and we fall for it so often now. 

Our problem isn’t often that God’s commands are confusing, it’s that we want what we want and even if it’s sweet-tasting poison we can’t seem to keep from drinking it. That’s me. That’s all of us. What comes naturally to me is often not what is best for my family, my community, and me. I have to listen to what God says, because he made me, loves me, and has invited me into a better story than I can tell on my own. He’s invited me into the new life of Jesus Christ and his way of love and forgiveness and obedience. Yes, obedience too. 

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, not form a fashionable alliance with him. We are called to die to ourselves and follow Jesus. I’m not sure about you, but it’s a work in progress for me. And sometimes I don’t feel like I’m making as much progress as I would like. But the solution for me isn’t to indulge in comforting lies that keep me in chains. I need a community to call me to repentance and joy in Jesus. 

I need to be called to faithfulness. And I need to heed the call to faithfulness. I have to repent and turn away from something (my sin) and to something (God’s way of love and life). 

Fidelity is an ancient virtue that people have been fighting on either side of for all time. It began in the garden and now it’s in your supermarket. 

I am genuinely the best version of myself when I’m faithful to God and others in my home and community and world. Fidelity is beautiful. 

I am the worst version of myself when I throw off my duty to my fellow man and indulge myself in pride and self-centeredness. Arrogance is ugly. 

Arrogance is alluring. It says I know better than God and have this satanic certainty that if I act on my urges and follow my own self-interest I’ll be fulfilled and happy. It’s in greedy businessmen who love money more than people and in churchmen with a secret pornographic habit. It’s pride. It’s sin. It’s ugly. It’s bad. 

We don’t need to be affirmed in our sin. We need to be called to fidelity. 

Princeton Professor Robert P. George (a devout Christian and—bonus—a West Virginian) founded national Fidelity Month as “a month dedicated to the importance of fidelity to God, spouses and families, our country, and our communities.” Whether or not Fidelity Month is broadly adopted and “successful” isn’t the point. Faithfulness is worth it, regardless of acclaim. 

I was married in June, so it’s a great month for me to focus on fidelity. I don’t need to obsess over other people’s sins as much as I need to grow in virtue myself. That’s the aim of this month for me. 

That being said, I want to be clear. My calling is to love and serve kids by giving them faithful stories that call them to faithfulness and bravery in the face of evil. I don’t write safe stories. I aim to inspire kids to become dangerous to the darkness. And the work of darkness is fashionable in many ways. 

I hate the dark work of child predators. Those who expose kids to sexual deviancy are preying on children and breaking down barriers that make grooming them for abuse easier. 

Preying on kids, including exposing them so young to sexually deviant adult activities, is evil. It always has been and a rise in popularity is not an indicator of its goodness. Mutilation of confused kids is grotesque and wicked. It should not be tolerated. It must not be celebrated. To give in to that trend is to hate your neighbor and betray your God. It is an attempt to replace God with a crummy usurper—Satan, or self.

I usually don’t spend a lot of time on criticism. I intentionally don’t spend much of my energy on sorting through and reacting non-stop to the various sins the culture champions, left or right wing versions. That will be a gesture for me, not a posture.

So what is my posture? It’s telling stories. Good stories. It is, God being my helper, living a better story. 

And there is a better story. A better story! Tell it. Keep telling it. Tell it by being faithful this summer in your worshipping and work. Tell it in your shopping, attention, and affections. Be faithful this summer and always, no matter what the gatekeepers of what is cool command. Faith over fads. Faith over the sin of pride.

Tell a better story. Live a better story. Jesus is King.

Fidelity in June. Fidelity forever. 

The post Fidelity Over Arrogance appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Memorial Day Fidelity

Don Roberts was a top turret gunner and engineer on the B-17 Omar the Dentmaker. He was killed in action over Pas de Calais, France on March 26, 1944.

Don was never married, nor had children to carry on his name. He was twenty-two years old.

Don was my papaw’s best friend in the service. 

My dad is named Don Smith. My dad also named his oldest son Don. 

Don Roberts’ name carries on, in a way, and his memory is alive. 

I think of him and the countless others like him, who gave the “last full measure of devotion,” and laid down their lives for their friends, their families, and their fellow countrymen. 

In an age of radical self-definition and pride, it is inspiring to remember and honor men whose lives and deaths were marked by fidelity to something noble and beyond themselves. 

We remember Donald Behrn Roberts. We remember them all. 

President Lincoln said at Gettysburg that the honored dead don’t need to be dedicated, but we all do. The living. 

I will honor Don’s memory today and into the next month by focusing on Fidelity.

May light perpetual shine upon Don.

The post Memorial Day Fidelity appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Stories to Make us Brave & Dangerous to the Darkness

Amid all the chaos in the world, the faith-breaking and crippling divisions, what are we sharing with our kids?

I’m more committed than ever to giving gifts of light to children surrounded by darkness.

I’m more committed than ever to the belief that telling truthful stories, including depiction of REALLY bad enemies who are evil and need to be defeated, not just “understood better,” is vital.

My newest book, Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key, 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.

I can’t do everything that needs doing in the world but I can do ONE THING today to help.

Today I’m showing up to do what I’m called to: share stories of bravery. Stories to make us brave. Stories that threaten the darkness with little sparks of light that may grow into great blazes in the hearts of children.

What’s ONE THING—the SMALLER the better—you can do today to show up and shine light?

I’m on a mission to love and serve kids. Families. Your family. Your kids.

I’m on your side.

Sam

Shop S. D. Smith Store

P. S.

Here’s a conversation I had recently with Brett Harris (Founder of YWW). We talk about the workshop and the challenges young writers face.

Young Writers Workshop helps young writers create their own meaningful stories. Enrollment is now open but closes this Thursday, May 25. Register here!

The post Stories to Make us Brave & Dangerous to the Darkness appeared first on S. D. Smith.

In-Person Workshop with S. D. Smith + FREE Writing Challenge Happening Now

Hey Friends,

Just wanted to tell you about some great writing resources for the aspiring author in your life, starting with this opportunity from The Young Writer: the FREE writing challenge happening now, May 8-15.

Watch a 10-minute video from a variety of experienced authors (you’ll see me!) on how to best include key story ingredients.Fill out a worksheet that walks you through how to use that story ingredient effectively.Give and receive feedback with other participants in the private, moderated community.

If you like what you see during this free week, I invite you to check out their full program (enrollment opens next week).

For those writers not quite ready for YWW, check out my course: The Green Writer. It’s my audacious invitation to writers who aspire to create and share good stories.

preview 3 free sessionsBut wait, there’s more!

The next tour stop in June brings us to HEAV, a homeschool convention in Virginia. In addition to Green Ember Live and two breakout sessions, I will be hosting two 3-hour long workshops alongside Josiah DeGraaf, an experienced writing coach at YWW, aimed at equipping young writers on their journeys to complete stories they’re proud of. Learn more here.

That’s all for now! Talk soon,

Sam

Shop S. D. Smith Store

The post In-Person Workshop with S. D. Smith + FREE Writing Challenge Happening Now appeared first on S. D. Smith.

The Tour Continues + Picket Packslayer LIVE

The tour rolls on. Ohio was a blast! High fives and hugs and pictures and signing books—including one signing session that was 2 1/2 hours long! Watch the recap here.

https://youtube.com/shorts/XbRz9o2mkaQ?feature=share

We had a rare treat when my pal Sarah Mackenzie from Read-Aloud Revival joined me to perform the story part of Green Ember LIVE. Maybe she’ll come back for Texas and Cali?

Thanks to everyone who came out and met me and the family and for all your enthusiasm and support! Next up:

JUNE8-10: HEAV – Richmond, Virginia | Register Here15-17: GHC California | Register Here (Green Ember LIVE on Thursday 6-15 at 8pm) Use code GREENEMBER for $10 off registration at GHCs.JULY6-8: GHC Texas | Register Here (Green Ember LIVE on Thursday 7-6 at 8pm)14-15: Arizona Home Education Convention by AFHE – Phoenix, AZ | Register HereYou Asked, We Answered

For those of you unable to make it to a tour stop or a live performance, don’t despair! We have a special treat that has been highly requested: we recorded the live version of Picket Packslayer for you! Watch it here:

Last but certainly not least, Mother’s Day is just around the corner! We’ve put together some ideas for the Ember Moms (those heroines who make the world go). Check it out AND take 15% off your order using the code EMBERMOM.

That’s all for now! Talk soon,
Sam

Shop S. D. Smith Store

The post The Tour Continues + Picket Packslayer LIVE appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Green Ember Kid Art Winners | 2023 Q1

It’s time to announce the winners for this quarter’s Green Ember Kid Art contest! Watch the video.

Best Green Ember Kid Art

The FIRST prize goes to the Best #GreenEmberKidArt, judged according to the artist’s age. The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate at the S. D. Smith Store (along with Unimaginable Glory & Prodigious Esteem). 

And the winner is… 

Lily, age 16!

“This is a special style of art called paper quilling where you roll paper strips around a special tool. Characters from left to right: Emma, Heather, Picket, Jo” -LilyRandomly Selected Kid Artist

For our next prize: Wild Glee, Contagious Joy, and $20 Gift Certificate at the S. D. Smith Store, everyone who submits art is entered.

And the winner is…

Teddy, age 7!

Congratulations to these winners!

We had so many wonderful submissions!! Here are some of them:

Check out this video for more!

The contest for the next quarter starts now. Here are the official rules:

To enter, submit your art here.

If you have social media, please share your child’s Green Ember art (publicly) on social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube). Use the hashtag #GreenEmberKidArt (along with #RabbitsWithSwords and #TheGreenEmber if you would) and tag S. D. Smith on either Facebook or Instagram. YouTube submissions may be featured in our playlist here.

Art can include but is not limited to pictures of Green Ember drawings, paintings, songs, poems, animation, sculptures, woodwork, crochet art, and MORE! We love seeing your creativity.

Please submit 1 original piece per quarter. If you have more than one, hold onto it until our next quarterly contest opens up (every 3 months). The next contest ends in March and winners will be announced in April.

2022 Q2 Winners2022 Q3 Winners2022 Q4 Winners

We look forward to seeing your submissions!

The post Green Ember Kid Art Winners | 2023 Q1 appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Win Cool Prizes In Person and Online

The 2023 Book Tour had an incredible kickoff in the St. Louis, MO and Greenville, SC area! We met families who drove from Pennsylvania and South Dakota just to see their favorite author! Wow! We met hundreds of wonderful fans, signed thousands of books, gave away lots of prizes, and had high-fives with happy kids and hugs with tearful moms. Watch a short recap here.

It was a wonderful time and we can’t wait for the next stop! Dress up on tour and come give me a high five for a special prize.

Up Next: GHC Ohio
Use code GREENEMBER for $10 off registrationCheck out our Book Tour playlist!Green Ember Kid Art Contest

You don’t have to be in person to participate in Green Ember fun and win cool prizes! Our Green Ember Kid Art contest is ongoing and this quarter’s contest just started. Get your submissions in and we’ll announce the winners at the end of the quarter.

Rules & Submissions

And for a limited time, you folks at home (or anywhere!) can take an extra 15% off at the S. D. Smith Store! Use code: BOOKTOUR23 at checkout.

That’s all for now, see you soon!

I’m on your side,

Sam

Shop S. D. Smith Store

The post Win Cool Prizes In Person and Online appeared first on S. D. Smith.

SALE | Here’s Your Code

Book Tour Sale for Everyone Anywhere Online + Prizes

I’m psyched. The book tour is about to take off! Wherever you are, we’re doing a cool sale. More on that below.

First stop: Great Homeschool Conventions in Missouri. (Use code GREENEMBER for $10 off)Up next: HopeWords Writers Conference in my beautiful home state of West Virginia. (Only a few spots left)More Stops

Come stop by the booth, get a high five, and check out our sweet tour deals, games, and goodies. DRESS UP! Wear a Green Ember inspired costume to Green Ember Live. Ideas here. Show me your creative costume at the booth and I’ll give you a prize. We always have amazing deals in person, but you don’t have to be present to get an incredible deal!

Join in the tour fun from afar with a special sale! Take 15% off our online sale using code “BOOKTOUR23“.

Sale is valid online at the S. D. Smith Store only. Cannot be combined with other coupons.shop now

That’s all for now.

See you very soon,

Sam

The post SALE | Here’s Your Code appeared first on S. D. Smith.

How to Bring the Addictive Power of Storytelling into your Home

Howdy Friends,

In a recent interview, I was asked this question:

“What would you say to a family who wants to take the idea of storytelling and make it a reality in their life?”

The best advice I can give is to start where you are. Start one little habit of introducing good, curated storytelling into your home. You will be surprised at how transformational and powerful that can be. I think it’s going to be addictive for you.

Don’t believe those lies that say you can’t do it. Don’t believe those lies that say it’s for other people who have their stuff together. Those are lies, lies, lies.

In the interview I share practical ways to start.

Listen HereRecent InterviewsStories and Sanctified Imaginations (with S. D. Smith) | Homeschool Conversations with Humility and DoxologyStorytelling and Writing | The Storied OutdoorsLIVE on Instagram with Brighter Day Press | Whitney NewbyOur Friend S.D. Smith Serves Up Some Sandwiches | Not Your Average Book Report& More

We’re busy getting things ready for you on tour! I’m excited to meet you and give you a high five. Come to our booth for some surprises, including giveaways!

Get $10 off admission at the Great Homeschool Conventions (GHC) by using code GREENEMBER when registering! (Green Ember Live is FREE with your GHC registration)

That’s all for now!
I’m on your side.

Sam

Shop S. D. Smith Store

The post How to Bring the Addictive Power of Storytelling into your Home appeared first on S. D. Smith.