35. SD Smith: Stories That Shape Our Children/Advocate vs Accuser/New Book!

This Devoted Life

"All of life is a battle against fear. We fight it on one front and it sneaks around to our flank." These powerful words from SD Smith's Green Ember series perfectly capture the heart of our conversation with the beloved author whose rabbit-centric adventure stories have sold over a million copies and captivated families worldwide.
Sam Smith joins us to share how what began as bedtime stories for his four children transformed into a literary phenomenon that helps shape children into "children of light, piercing the darkness around them." With disarming humility, Sam reveals that despite his publishing success, he believes his greatest creative achievement will always be his family. "I'll never make anything that will have more of an impact in the world than the four human beings that Jane and I are raising," he reflects, challenging the notion that family obligations hinder creative work.
As we explore the landscape of children's literature, Sam articulates why modern stories often fall short – they place children at the universe's center rather than helping them find their place within something greater. Drawing from influences like C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, he explains how truly great stories offer moral clarity without sacrificing complexity, allowing young readers to witness both the consequences of bad choices and the beauty of repentance. "I want to introduce the romance, the adventure of goodness," Sam shares, revealing his mission to show children that truth isn't a cage but a key to freedom.
Perhaps most compelling is Sam's distinction between being an advocate versus an accuser – choosing to create and champion good things rather than merely criticizing what's wrong. This philosophy extends to his newest venture: a video game companion to his upcoming book "Helmer and the Dragon Tomb," designed without the predatory features that plague modern gaming. It's a bold move into new territory, but one that remains faithful to his mission of serving families through wholesome, imagination-kindling media.
Ready to discover stories that will shape your children's moral imagination? Visit sdsmith.com to explore the Green Ember series and support Sam's groundbreaking book and game project on Kickstarter today!

Links:
Green Ember Book

Connect with SD Smith:
Website: SDSmith
Hemler in the Dragon Tomb: Kickstarter Campaign

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

Chapters

1. Welcome to This Devoted Life (00:00:00)

2. Meet Sam Smith: Family, Faith, Adventures (00:01:54)

3. Families: The Obstacle Is The Way (00:05:43)

4. The Impact of Reading on Character (00:13:26)

5. Modern Children's Literature and Moral Clarity (00:19:05)

6. Advocates vs. Accusers: Finding Balance (00:28:20)

7. The Helmer Book and Video Game Project (00:42:25)

8. Closing Thoughts and Farewells (00:51:50)