Sam Smith is an accomplished author and entrepreneur having created some of the most successful modern day fantasy stories for children and families. He writes his books with a desire to show children the harsh realities of the world in a consumable way for young minds without damaging the psyche with evil and disgusting writing. His books, particularly The Green Ember series, have taken off, becoming bestsellers. In the podcast, he talks about his family's history, his success as an entrepreneur and taking that leap with his brother and brother-in-law, he answers my daughter's questions, and discusses how obedience and service have helped move his career forward as an accomplished author. Find Sam at the links below. Buy his books, you won't regret it. He's an incredibly storyteller. SD Smith Homepage -- https://sdsmith.com SD Smith books -- https://sdsmith.com/books/Amazon SD Smith -- https://www.amazon.com/stores/S.-D.-Smith/author/B00PSG22D4?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true About Sam -- https://sdsmith.com/about-sam/ Sam on Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/sdsmithereens/ Sam on FB -- https://www.facebook.com/SDSmithAuthor/ SD Smith on YT -- https://www.youtube.com/@SDSmithOfficial

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:03:45] Influential grandfather loved art and poetry.

[00:07:46] Donald Miller wrote Masters of the Air, a book about the 8th Air Force in World War II. The air combat was unique, with soldiers sleeping in barracks and fighting in freezing cold conditions. The writer's father served as a ball turret gunner and lost his best friend. He had a strong connection to England and influenced the SD’s love for English culture.

[00:13:51] SD seeks advice on embracing pain.

[00:22:54] Stewardship and storytelling, caring for family and community.

[00:31:42] Three brothers start a small independent press.

[00:36:13] Reluctant but grateful for entrepreneurship with partners.

[00:44:26] Growth in confidence through self-belief and humility.

[00:46:42] Struggling with forgetfulness, but growing bravely.

[00:53:00] Risk and failure are necessary for success.

[00:58:39] Creative couple supports each other's strengths.

[01:05:32] Crazy job, funny feedback, poetry book dream.

[01:11:36] First book special, third book was favorite.