The Warren & the World Vol 6, Issue 40

The Warren & the World is Story Warren’s weekly newsletter, providing a round-up of our favorite things from around the web as well as a review of what was on our site over the past week. We’re glad you’re here!

Pre-Order The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner

S.D. Smith’s newest book, The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner, is available to pre-order now! This thrilling follow-up to The Black Star of Kingston is another swashbuckling adventure featuring the intrepid #RabbitsWithSwords. Set sail for high adventure in Tales of Old Natalia 2! Order yours today!

Around the Web

Why Do We Feast?

Over at The Rabbit Room, Sarah Hauser meditates on the practice of feasting and what it points to.

A few years ago, my parents rented a beach house for a family reunion. Each of us cooked a few meals during our time, and for one of the meals, we made BLTs. My husband stood over the stove, making enough bacon for over twenty hungry people.
We sat around the table, shuffling to make room as everyone filled their plates with sandwiches, chips, and salad. Eventually, he finished frying the last couple slices and started assembling his own sandwich, only to see the plate he had filled with bacon completely empty, save for a few spots of grease.

RAR #110: S.D. Smith Live

At the Great Homeschool Conventions this year, Sarah Mackenzie of Read Aloud Revival hosted live podcasts with our own S.D. Smith–until he turned the tables on her.

You might know S.D. Smith as the author of the Green Ember series of books. He also happens to be hilarious – which makes this episode so much fun!
At all five Great Homeschool Conventions in 2018, Sarah Mackenzie interviewed S.D. Smith live on stage. At one point, he flipped the whole thing on its head and interviewed Sarah. Hilarity ensued, and somehow they even managed to have a bit of serious conversation.
Plus a secret is revealed: Did you know that S.D. named a character in his books after Sarah?

Literary Investment: An Alphacritical Approach

Megan at Redeemed Reader examines why we collect picture books.

What, you thought you could just walk into a bookstore and buy a book? How do you determine whether or not a picture book is worthy, not only of your book budget, but also the limited bookshelf space in your home?
A good picture book has universal appeal and is worth adding to your home library regardless of the ages of your children. I have learned, with regret, that most titles do not remain in print forever, and used copies are often exorbitantly priced.

Mothering after Childhood Abuse

At Risen Motherhood, Alissa Griffin addresses a difficult reality for many.

The following article addresses the topics of child abuse and strained familial relationships. While we believe the gospel breathes new life into all relationships and experiences, we recognize the sensitivity and nuance required in discussing these topics. We strongly encourage anyone who has experienced abuse to seek counsel from your local pastor, an older woman in your church body, or if necessary, a trained biblical counselor.
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“So, when can I see you and the kids?”
I deflate like an air mattress after a night of camping. This conversation has been looming over me for months, heavy with dread and anticipation. I’ve been trying to avoid it, but I can’t any longer. I quickly and silently remind myself that I’m an adult, and I have my own life now. Her hold over me is broken.

Around the Warren

A Change of Mindset

Helena Sorensen changes her mindset and reminds us what it can mean.

Occasionally, in the flood of articles, information, and updates we read online, something comes along that makes a quantifiable difference in our lives. It happened for me some years ago when I read an article about the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. According to the author (whose name and information I’ve completely forgotten), a fixed mindset grows out of the idea that we are born with all the talent and intelligence we will ever have. A growth mindset, by contrast, suggests that our brains are highly adaptable and that no matter our level of skill or proficiency early in life, we are capable of enormous progress in virtually any discipline.

For Kids: Jamin Still’s Illustrative Writing Prompt

We have a great opportunity for your young storytellers!

Do you know a budding storyteller between the ages of four and eighteen? Our friend, artist Jamin Still (https://jaminstill.com), has a terrific opportunity to offer them.
Jamin has generously donated a beautifully magical painting as a story illustration. What that story says is up to your budding writer!