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

Sam Gives Thanks and Looks Ahead, Ano... How to Prepare for The Green Ember Bo...

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!

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).