Dadville with Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin

S.D. Smith: Stories from the Holler

Jan 30, 2024

S.D. Smith, author of popular children's novels and creator of worlds, talks about his writing process, authenticity in storytelling, and the impact of his stories on young readers. The hosts discuss favorite books, supportive wives, and choosing books for the whole world to read. They also mention a sponsor offering complex and easy going beverages, and a convenient meal prep solution with a special 50% off offer.

01:08:25

Episode guests

S.D. Smith

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Sam Smith believes in telling honest and true stories that tackle darkness and offer reflections of real life experiences, rather than creating safe stories for children.

Sam Smith emphasizes the importance of being honest and authentic in presenting scary themes in children's stories, while also guiding children through darkness and shining a light on hope and courage.

Sam Smith values modesty as an author and views himself as a line cook rather than an elite artist, embracing audacity and taking risks in his writing to be faithful to the stories he tells.

Deep dives

Creating Stories for Children

Sam Smith, the author of the Green Ember series, shares how he started writing stories for his own children on the porch. The stories eventually turned into a book series that resonated with other kids and parents.

Introduction

4min

Guest Author's Successful Series and Creative Journey

29min

Methodical Coffee: A Wide Selection of Complex and Easy Going Beverages

5min

Writing for Children and the Power of Authenticity

26min

Favorite Books, Trades, and Supportive Wives

2min

Choosing a Book for the Whole World and a Title for a Book About Being a Dad

2min

Gratitude, Simplifying Life, and Meal Prep with Factor Meals

3min

Most people know S.D. Smith as the author of many popular children's novels, but in reality he's a creator of worlds. Smith grew up in West Virginia and South Africa and tells the story of not only how he developed as an author, working with his son, and why his parenting slogan is "Big Love, Big Discipline."

Become a citizen of Dadville: http://dadville.substack.com

Today's Guest: S.D. Smith - https://sdsmith.com/

Thanks to our sponsor!

Methodical Coffee - Get 10% off your first order of coffee or tea at http://methodicalcoffee.com with discount code: dadville

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