S.D. Smith's Blog

I never set out to start a small business. I set out to tell a story to my kids, an improvised tale on a porch in West Virginia that somehow grew into a family vocation that just launched the 12th Green Ember book and its companion game.

The reason it grew is simple: you showed up. You supported our very first Kickstarter. You took a chance on a little book of rabbits with swords, and you passed it along. You shared it with your kids, your friends, your libraries, your classrooms. You left kind reviews. You became our allies, and this small family business exists because of that partnership.

We aren’t a big corporation with endless resources or teams of marketers. We’re just a family and a handful of friends trying to make good things—stories that help children imagine their place in a world that desperately needs them. That’s our work. And when you support us, you aren’t just buying a book. You’re enabling us to keep doing this strange and beautiful work the world needs.

All an author asks for is a chance.
Give us a chance, and we’ll give you our hearts.
You gave me a chance.
You changed our story.
I will never forget it.

Like the seemingly harmless rabbits of our Appalachian landscape, we never expected to see our stories rise and fight. But hope is worth fighting for, and these are stories anchored in hope.

I’m on your side,
 
Sam

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P.S. Tell me your story. Leave a comment here about your family business. I want to hear what you make, grow, write, fix, or sell. What is the strange and beautiful work you do that the world needs more of? Be sure to tag your business!

The post Thank You for Building This With Us appeared first on S. D. Smith.

I hope you are having a wonderful time with family, feasting on leftovers. My appendixless guts are full and happy. Even though Thanksgiving is over, we can still give thanks! I’m thankful for you. And, I’m thankful I didn’t spend this Thanksgiving in the hospital. (Remember last year?)

This is the weekend where lots of folks are looking to get gifts for the kids (& adults) in their lives. I invite you to consider gifting an adventure steeped in what is good, true, and beautiful.

“The Green Ember: Don’t even get me started! Quite possibly my favorite book of the year, overall. This one is a real page turner. My kids beg me for “just one more chapter” every day. I get hoarse reading this book every day, but we absolutely love it. Not only is the story phenomenal, but the themes and the appreciation of the arts and God’s creation is an underlying theme that just jumps out of the page at you! All children need this book in their life. We adore this book!”

-Deana Wood, Redeeming the Days

I want to come alongside your family with stories that strengthen your resolve to live boldly in a world overshadowed by darkness. These books take young readers seriously and tackle difficult subjects in a hope-filled way that will leave them emboldened to tackle the reality of darkness in real life.

Because we’re keen to remove barriers and have worked hard to bring you our best deals of the year, no code needed.

Shop Deals

You all have been loving the Helmer Quotes Mug along with the Helmer Bundle and we’ve sold out…again! More are on the way.

These have been your other favorites this season:

Best-SellersAll things HelmerGreen Ember Character Cards (Get a few packs to share with friends!)Ember’s End – Softcover (Book 4)Green Ember Audiobook Bundle (Perfect for Yoto)Green Ember Series + Activity Book Pack (Pairs well with the audiobook bundle!)Heather’s Necklace (Featured on the cover of Ember Falls)The Mended Wood T-Shirt  (It will not be so in the Mended Wood )

Items are selling quickly and we’re doing our best to restock as fast as we can but if you see something in stock, snag it while you can to ensure delivery in time for Christmas!

A New Bundle

With the Helmer Bundle temporarily sold out, we’ve put together a new Helmer Plushie Bundle:

SIGNED Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon TombGreen Ember Rabbit Plush – HelmerHelmer in the Dragon Tomb Character Cards + Lenticular Card

$51.93 Now on sale for $39.97!

Get the Bundle

Pair it with your favorite Helmer shirt: Long-Sleeved or Everything’s a Weapon to qualify for FREE SHIPPING!

Thank you for supporting us. Our family business is making things for you from a heart of love and service. We are your allies in imagination.

I’m on your side,
 
Sam

Shop Black Friday Bundles

P.S. To make sure your physical items arrive in time for Christmas, please take note of the shipping deadlines: 

Standard Shipping: December 10th by 12PM ETFaster Shipping: December 15th by 12PM ET

The post What’s the Deal with Black Friday + Sold Out Again?! appeared first on S. D. Smith.

I love writing soul-shaping adventures for your family and especially your kids.

Many families have shared that these stories have reflected some much-needed light during dark times. That’s my privilege!

My heart is to serve you, maybe especially when times are tough. But whether or not you or your kids are in a difficult time now, those days will come. My friend Mike said these stories build a kind of armor for kids. I think he’s right, and I’m all in to serve you this way.

Your inbox, feeds, mailbox, and maybe even text messages are probably bursting with deals this week. So many people shouting: “BUY THIS, HURRY, DON’T MISS OUT!”

I hope you’ll consider our family store, but whether or not you do, I hope you have a wonderful week with family. I am thankful for you. God give you joy!

New Helmer Plush!

You’ve been asking for this for about ten years and it’s finally here: a Green Ember plush! Bring a soft and fluffy favorite (imagine Helmer hearing himself described that way!) home for Christmas.

This plushie is a great little companion for bedtime, car rides, read-alouds, and more.

Get PlushUp to 30% off + Free T-Shirt!

Head over to Our Family Store for the best deals of the year – up to 30% off storewide AND free shipping on domestic orders over $50!

Get the Jack Zulu T-Shirt for free when you buy Jack Zulu 1 & 2. (These are books I wrote with my son, Josiah!)

Also back in stock:

Heather’s Necklace​Long-Sleeved Helmer T-ShirtSIGNED The Lost KeyAudiobook Update

We’re close! Audiobook is in post-production and we’re working hard to bring it to you in time for Christmas. You’re going to love it. The narrator is fantastic.

To make sure your physical items arrive in time for Christmas, please take note of the shipping deadlines:

Standard Shipping: December 10thFaster Shipping: December 15th

Thank you for supporting our small business. It means so much to me and my family.

I’m on your side,

Sam

Shop Story Warren store

P.S. If the thought of making small talk around the table makes your introverted heart want to slip away with a good book, my pal (and illustrator) Zach, has some truly horrible conversation tips:

Here’s a script you can use to gently bring the Green Ember Game into the conversation.

Scenario: You’re at dinner with acquaintances. Someone notes something surprising.

You respond:

“You know what else is surprising, [Name]? Raising $250k from 2,655 backers for a video game based on a book series!”

[Stare at them wide-eyed until they smile or nod.]

Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb is releasing as a novel AND a game … [pause for dramatic effect] … AT THE SAME TIME [Place hands triumphantly in the air as you shout this, but keep eye contact]! Let’s all buy it [Try to start a chant in the room ‘The Green Ember Rises!’ say this over and over until people join in]. ”

That kind of subtly lets you nudge people toward the Green Ember* without being too forceful.

For the record—in case anyone is confused—don’t do this. I’m joking. It’s a terrible idea (but if you try it, let me know how it goes).

The post Your Kids Need Armor appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Today is the day. The game, Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb is out now!

Download the Game

We’ve been hearing back from our Kickstarter backers and you guys are enjoying it!

“It’s so cool! My sister and I and our dad have all played it. The graphics are super well done. The music is awesome! I just love the soundtrack so far! The puzzle/fighting combination is well-constructed and a great way to make the game unique, fun, challenging, and realistic… Helmer is an awesome character in The Green Ember series, and a game and book dedicated to him is super cool!”

Read the Story. Play the Story.

Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb gives you a chance to step into the world of Green Ember and experience it like never before.

This game (and its companion book) remains deeply faithful to the themes that made you fall in love with Green Ember. Read a chapter of the book, then play along and see it come alive!

How long is the game?

There are about 3-6 hours of gameplay, depending on skill level.

Instead of an addictive loop, it offers a story with a beginning, middle, and end. We want this to augment your family time, not supplant it.

What is the age range?

8+ is the sweet spot but it’s been intentionally designed for all ages.

It is family-friendly and safe, with no predatory ads, chat features, or in-game purchases.

More questions like the best controller or step by step instructions for installing the game? Check out our FAQ here.

Live Launch Event REPLAY

Thank you for your support on day one.

Shop Story Warren Store

P.S. Check out this funny comic by Zach Franzen on the launch day post over at Longtreader Games.

The post Green Ember Game | Helmer in the Dragon Tomb appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb is officially out now!

You can now find this book at Amazon, Kindle, and Story Warren Store. (Signed first editions are shipping from our store now!)

SHOP NOWContent Warning:

We’ve heard from a few parents that their kids just couldn’t put it down and may have stayed up a little too late reading… you’ve been warned.

“An amazing adventure, with twists you don’t expect! You learn about love, wisdom, humility, self control, loyalty, patience, and service. Excitement abounds with kidnapping, rescues, and undying loyalty to the cause of the Green Ember. You won’t want to put it down – I didn’t!”  -Tai

I love seeing you get the book and read it. Please keep tagging me (@sdsmithereens) or respond to this email. Better yet, leave a review! Post a photo review on Amazon or Goodreads. (Or do both and get extra kuddos.)

FAQ:

When will the audiobook be available?

We’re working on audiobook production and are hopeful it will be available in time for Christmas!

When will the game be released?

November 18th on Steam.

In what order should I read Helmer in the Dragon Tomb?

Here are the updated reading order suggestions. TL;DR – you can read Helmer in any order but I suggest after the Green Ember Main Series. Here’s where Helmer fits in chronologically. 

Helmer in the Dragon Tomb is also a fantastic entry point into Green Ember and I think it would make a great gift to a boy or girl just starting out in the series.

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Very important question for you: what is your favorite Helmer quote? Can you guess which one mine is?

Shop Story Warren Store

P.S. Haven’t received your Kickstarter rewards yet? Make sure you fill out the survey in your Kickstarter account!

The post New Green Ember Book | Helmer in the Dragon Tomb appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Samta here. From the West (Virginia) Pole. If you’ve missed the comics featuring me, Samta, created by him, Zach Franzen, then you should find the last few newsletters and go to the bottom.

For real, I think it’s cool that in an age of AI “art,” we have a top-notch artist creating real and fun comics for this newsletter. Zach also does all the Green Ember covers! The finale is below.

I’m stoked to share about our new items as you plan Christmas gift giving. The main one I think you’ll want to take a peep at is the Helmer Bundle. It’s the perfect gift for the Helmer fan(s) in your life.

It features the brand new Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb SIGNED first edition along with the best-selling Helmer Quotes Mug, Long Sleeved Helmer T-Shirt, and Helmer Character Cards which includes a lenticular card with a cool changing picture.

Originally $80.92, now on sale for $60 + Free Shipping (US)

Get the Bundle

Last Week’s Best-Sellers: Along with all the new Helmer swag, you all have been loving Green Ember Character Cards, The Lost Key, Tumbleweed Thompson adventures, and The Mended Wood T-shirt!

Restock Alert

Your favorites are back in stock! We’ve restocked Heather’s Necklace, Helmer’s Combat Academy T-shirt, and Helmer Quotes Mug.

Free Shipping (US) on orders $50+

Thank you so much for shopping at our small family business! When you buy at our family store, you enable me to keep writing and our team to keep sharing these special stories to more families hungry for thrilling and timeless tales.

I’m on your side,

Sam

Shop Story Warren Store

P.S. Costume winners announced! See this year’s round up here.

The post Best Green Ember Christmas Deals appeared first on S. D. Smith.

The newest Green Ember book, Helmer in the Dragon Tomb, is out and on its way to you!

Wait, there is a new book??

Yes! Helmer in the Dragon Tomb is the twelfth Green Ember book, but you can start with this book even if you haven’t read the other eleven (yet!).

Get the Newest Book

Enjoy the book? Please leave us a review.

“I read the whole thing in less than a day. The Green Ember was a huge part of my childhood, and it was such a nostalgic adventure to read a book starring my favorite character.” -Eva

Sold Out!

You all have been loving the Helmer Quotes Mug and we sold out! But do not fear, more are on the way.

Are you diving into the newest book now or are you saving it for under the tree? Let me know here.

The post A Nostalgic Adventure appeared first on S. D. Smith.

A Legend is Born

The wait is over. Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb is here!

For years you’ve commented, emailed, asked at events, sent letters and carrier pigeons, asking about Helmer. We want a Helmer book! We need Helmer’s backstory!

And now, it’s here! I’m pleased to announce that you can grab your limited SIGNED first edition today.

Evil enemies arise, threatening all that is noble and hopeful in Natalia. Helmer, the young farmer, must become a fighter.

Get Signed First Editions

If you haven’t yet, I invite you to play the companion game that pairs with this book. Did you know you could use this method to get rid of those pesky bats? The full version will release next month.

This is a book kids need. It’s about courage in the face of danger, defending the innocent, and standing up for what is right. Kids, especially boys, need that message in a world of confused morality. I know that’s what you’re already teaching your kids and I want to come alongside you. Stories like this help show how real strength is displayed.

But Wait, There’s More…

To celebrate Helmer’s arrival, we’re bringing our best deals, like this Helmer Bundle, to you here and now. No need to wait for Black Friday. Take a look around at the brand new items and get your Christmas shopping done early!

Orders $50+ get FREE SHIPPING! (US)

Join us Live for Giveaways!

Join us as we go live on YouTube in just a few hours! At the livestream, I’ll be talking Helmer, answering questions, and giving away lots of cool stuff. So make plans to join us at 12:00 PM EST! Leave your questions in the comments below, on Facebook, or Instagram.

I’m on your side,

Sam

Shop Story Warren Store

P.S. Kickstarter backers, your physical rewards are on the way to you!! Digital rewards will be on their way soon.

The post New Green Ember Helmer Book is Here! + GIVEAWAYS! appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Here’s the latest Longtreader Games update from Zach Franzen about the Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb video game!

The Mystery

It’s dark outside. Rain clacks on the window pane like fingers on controller buttons. I’m playing Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb, and I’m dealing death to my enemies one vegetable at a time.

Toothy bat? Carrot to the noggin.
Hunch-backed feral rabbit? TKO’d by turnips!

This vegetable-throwing feature honors the maxim “everything is a weapon.” And, I must admit, defeating enemies with vegetables feels deeply right. Don’t know why. It’s like hitting a perfect golf drive—you feel it in your bones.

You can watch my delight unfold here:

But the pleasure is hard to place. It’s like a distant memory, the melody from a childhood music box, or the scent of your grandfather’s coat.

Where have I seen carrots used as a weapon? The question gnaws at me. I search my hard drive for clues and uncover a text message to Sam from April 8th, 2022. It features a ludicrous drawing of a rabbit throwing carrots labeled “Bartleby the Carrot Assassin.”

The drawing was to illustrate a faster drawing style using Bartleby the Carrot Assassin as an example. Obviously, he’s not a real character … or is he? Perhaps he lives through Helmer’s carrot antics.

If any of you play our demo, after playing it the proper way, consider going to the beginning and playing it the Bartleby way — how far can you go using only thrown objects like vegetables, rocks, or crockery? For those of you brave enough to try, be sure to send an email and let me know your progress.

Steam NextFest

Steam NextFest is a place with 1000+ upcoming games and demos. If you haven’t yet downloaded our demo, now would be a good time (it also juices the algorithm and gives us greater visibility). We’re in the final stretch before release. Be sure to stay tuned.

“Au revoir!” or as Bartleby would say:

Wishlist on Steam

This is the number one way to support Longtreader games right now. Wishlisting tells Steam that people are interested in family-friendly games with a beginning, middle, and an end.

This post was featured on the Longtreader Games Updates. Sign up for that newsletter get these sent directly to your inbox.

The post Death by Vegetable 🥕🥕 appeared first on S. D. Smith.

Hey, this is a cool opportunity. I hope you’ll join our insurrection effort against this darkness-dominated world that so often preys on kids.

The Green Ember series is all about shaping brave kids. Sometimes, we have to take the fight where the kids are. And where are they?

From “Christian Gamers Find Their People” on CT

In a medium dominated by addiction and grotesque violence, we’re stepping boldly into this space to bring light and life.

Did you know there are 3.3 billion active gamers worldwide? That’s almost half the planet regularly entering into an imaginative world that is forming them.

That’s an enormous opportunity to shape hearts for good.

Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb is a hopeful and radically hospitable game that champions courage and virtue in a place that often celebrates the opposite.

No ads, no chat, no glorified immorality. Just a good story with a beginning, middle, and end.

We literally made this a less-profitable business so we could most faithfully serve families like yours—and countless others who need what you have. Moral imagination. A game that might actually move the needle of their hearts toward God.

Helmer’s origin story has all you’ve come to know and love about the Green Ember books: daring quests, real & flawed characters fighting real battles, and an unshakable hope for the Mending. Now you can experience it visually.

The first few chapters are available to play now for free! (I wrote both the game and the book so consider this your sneak preview into the book.) Please take a moment to try it out and leave your feedback here.

When you play the demo and wishlist it on Steam, you’re telling the gaming world that families want good, clean stories like this one. That simple act helps us introduce Green Ember to billions.

Will you please wishlist the game on Steam? (Then let me know you did!)

We set out to make a game that would serve your children and your time with them well. We want you to be able to enjoy our game together, and then turn it off to do other stuff. Like read or pray or do flips or eat chocolate chip cookies.

But please consider that there are so many children for whom this game might be their only window into a world of light and love, heroism and goodness.

I’m on your side (and I’m on their side),

Sam

Shop Story Warren Store

P.S. There are less than 100 SIGNED Legacy Hardcover Sets left! Grab yours now because once they’re gone, they’re gone.

P.P.S. Today is the last day to enter this quarter’s Green Ember Kid Art Contest!

The post Introducing Green Ember to Billions? Yes, With Your Help appeared first on S. D. Smith.