S.D. Smith's Blog, page 13

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.

The post FREE Oath Printable, Host The Green Ember Book Club or Party, and Anne’s New Review appeared first on S. D. Smith.

“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

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

The post Happy Birthday, S. D. Smith appeared first on S. D. Smith.

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

The post The TENTH Green Ember Book is Here! Order Yours Now! appeared first on S. D. Smith.

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

The post How to Prepare for The Green Ember Book TEN | in 5 Easy Steps appeared first on S. D. Smith.

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

The post Conference with S. D. Smith Giveaway, Prince Lander Sets Sail, and Self-expression in Art appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Hello, friends.

I’m so grateful to you for reading this update and participating so enthusiastically in our adventure of serving kids and families by sharing new stories with an old soul. I love it! It’s a cool job and a huge honor. There’s a lot to look back on with gratitude and so much to be hopeful about, but I’m going to limit myself to one.

One thing I loved about 2021: I’ve been asked a gajillion times if I had writing advice for beginning writers. I was SO happy to be able to actually produce an affordable course answering that question with lots of detail over twelve accessible lessons. That was fun! I’m so glad we got to make The Green Writer and I’m thrilled so many of you have taken the class. (Anyone can try three free sessions if you’re curious.) I plan to do an online event with all those who have finished the course soon.

One thing I’m excited about for 2022: So much! I’m hopeful we’ll release at least two books this year. One is aimed at this spring, and I am so eager to share it with you. Prince Lander and the Dragon War is an action-packed heart-felt adventure that caps off TEN Green Ember books. Wow! I’m also writing a book now that we hope to release next Christmas and I am absolutely loving it.

Speaking of Christmas, it’s officially the last day of Christmas today. Tonight is Twelfth Night and you should have a little party, or sing one last Christmas song and have one last prayer together as a family. (I mean, hopefully not last ever prayer together. Just last Christmas prayer.) Or, watch It’s a Wonderful Life (if you haven’t already). Merry Christmas, friends!

LAST LAST Chance, We Mean It (No More Peanuts)

As the Christmas season comes to a close, the deals do, too. It’s the LAST LAST chance for Christmas sales in the shop. January 7th is the last day to get a SIGNED set, a Green Ember mug, and more.

Shop Our Family StoreA Moment of Thanksgiving

We feel so honored and encouraged by the enthusiasm and love so many of you have for these adventures. What a gift for us.

Thank you for reading. For encouraging me. For giving my stories a chance.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and Audible.
Thank you for investing in stories for Christmas.

Did you give or receive a package bearing a certain flame this Christmas? Tag us on the socials – Instagram or Facebook so we can see! Watch this video to see the excitement in action.

Thanks for letting me see these little windows into the mysterious power of stories to bring delight (and light, I hope).

Here’s another book that may bring light & delight into your home. Check out this recommendation from my daughter, Anne.

Anne-Girl Reviews: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place

There’s something not right about Ashton Place. Penelope Lumley is a young woman, fresh out of school, about to be interviewed for a job as a governess to three children she knows nothing about. When her employers offer her the job on the spot, she begins to realize that this will be no easy task. When introduced to her charges, she learns they are definitely not normal children. It takes the best of her training from Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females to teach Alexandre, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia many more subjects than just reading and writing.

Penelope Lumley is a lovable character. She makes you want to root for her in everything she does. Her pluck and quick thinking—even her weaknesses—just make you love her more. Although the story is told from her point of view, many other characters in this book are also relatable and lovable. Author Maryrose Wood does a wonderful job of portraying these fantastic fictional persons. The world of Penelope and her pupils is crystal clear to the reader. We can see everything in our minds, from the many rooms of Ashton Place, to the vast countryside in which it is set. I would quickly recommend this book to girls who maybe aren’t quite up for books like Jane Eyre just yet, but are almost ready to enter that world. And I recommend it to anyone who likes a good, sensible, strong heroine.

My Victorian-England-loving self was enthralled with this book from the beginning. It has everything you could want from a Jane Eyre type story without long confusing passages and unfamiliar words. Perfect for a little anglophile. But it is also full of adventure, mystery, humor, and excitement to keep most anyone engaged. One of my absolute favorites!

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place Review
Aletha Anne Smith

Farewell, wherever you go off to.

With that I shall leave you with a blessing as you bid adieu to the year gone by in pursuit of Twenty Twenty-Two.

And an extra one for good measure.

We’ve got your back and we’re on your side.

Sam & The Team

Shop LAST Christmas Deals

To get updates like these sent straight to your inbox, sign up for the newsletter here. As a bonus, you’ll get The Green Ember audiobook for free!

The post Sam Gives Thanks and Looks Ahead, Another Anne-Girl Review! appeared first on S. D. Smith.

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.

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! 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.