Bracket Publishing

04/28/2026

This weekend, I took a whirlwind trip back to Ashland, Ohio, for Elvis' senior prom, touching base with Lydia, seeing some friends, and a reading of at the Ashland Public Library.

I'm basically on tour.

I know I've already talked about it a lot, but this book stands out from the rest of my work for so many reasons. One of those reasons is that, as a nonfiction writer, I had reached a place where I could see myself in the moment and above or outside it.

On this three-week trip into the western United States that ended up looking a lot like a trip I took with my own parents at 16, I was able to meditate on so many changes in my life: how I lived in my body, what I thought of as my career and calling, as well as my relationships with my parents, Brandon, my kids, and ultimately, with God.

I spent many years defining myself by what I'm not, not always taking time to embrace and share what I do love and believe as a follower of Jesus.

"To Say One Million Times, Wow!" is about all of that, and I hope that you 1) Read my book, but 2) More importantly, make time for awe. It will draw you close to God, even if you're not planning on it.

03/24/2026

✨ Happy Book Birthday To Say One Million Times, Wow! ✨

Part road trip, part reckoning, this honest and deeply relatable collection follows author Sarah M. Wells as she recreates a childhood road trip with her teenage sons in search of awe—only to discover it in quieter, more unexpected places.

From navigating long COVID and shifting dreams to loving kids who are growing up and parents who are growing older, this is a story about the middle of life—the messy, meaningful, “in-between” moments—and the beauty we almost miss.

“Wells writes with openness, authenticity, and humor (the kind that makes me burst out laughing). ... In Wells I find an understanding companion. … Love this book.”

03/02/2026

On a solo road trip west with her two teenage sons, a tent, and a stash of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Sarah M. Wells sets out in search of awe. From Indiana Dunes and Chicago’s Cloud Gate to the Badlands, Yellowstone, Zion, and beyond, she chases moments of wow.

Along the way, the journey turns inward, exploring motherhood as children near adulthood, ambition reshaped by long-COVID, and a growing desire for a more exciting life.

Written with honesty, warmth, and gentle humor, To Say One Million Times, Wow! invites readers to rediscover wonder—on the road and at home.

Available now on NetGalley for early readers and reviewers.

02/24/2026

It's release day for Heather's short story "Water Is Life" in Onward! The collection includes young adult powerhouse authors such as Erin Entrada Kelly and Jeff Zentner.

From early reviews:
📚“I devoured this collection in two days as each story was absolutely incredible. … As a scientist (and a college professor), I really am in awe of these writers! … While the entire collection was great, there were several stories that really stood out to me. … ‘Water Is Life’ by Heather Dean Brewer was a standout.” —Goodreads review

📚“It’s no surprise that stories by Heather Dean Brewer, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Nora Shalaway Carpenter’s own contribution are strong selections.” —Goodreads review

📚“Many of the pieces will linger with readers. … A powerful look at a shifting world.” —Kirkus Reviews

Available now wherever you buy books!

16 Climate Fiction Short Stories to Inspire Hope

11/11/2025

WOW—it’s here! 🌄 COVER REVEAL!

Meet To Say One Million Times, WOW by Sarah M. Wells — a beautiful, funny, and deeply honest collection of essays about motherhood, faith, and finding awe in both the extraordinary and the everyday.

From sunrise hikes to navigating family life as teenagers forge their own paths, Sarah seeks moments of wonder to share with her family. On a solo trip with her two teenage sons, a tent, and plenty of peanut butter sandwiches—her husband and daughter joining later—she drives westward: hiking the dunes at Indiana Dunes, pausing at Chicago’s Bean, crossing the Badlands, and standing in awe at Yosemite and beyond. Life rarely goes as planned—from parenting to trip planning—but with honesty, humor, and a poet’s eye, she shows us how to navigate detours, notice the world and the people we love most, and pause to savor the wow moments along the way

✨ For readers who love Anne Lamott, Margaret Renkl, and Cheryl Strayed
✨ Perfect for moms, nature-lovers, and book clubs that crave real conversation

09/24/2025

A new podcast launched today. It's an audio adaptation of Addie Zierman’s When We Were on Fire, and it tells, in four parts and with a full cast of 45 actors, Addie’s story of growing up “on fire” for God in the evangelical fervor of the ‘90s … and what happens when that fire starts to burn out. Check out episode 1 on your favorite podcast platform!

On the launch of the When We Were on Fire Audio Drama

08/24/2025

On sale for one more day!

Dangerous Territory: An Inquiry into Everything I Thought I Knew about Faith, Love, and Saving the World

08/18/2025

📚 ebook sale!
For this week only, Dangerous Territory by Amy Peterson is just $4.99. Don’t miss your chance to pick up this powerful memoir about the ways that identity and faith evolve as we experience more and more of the world.

👉

Dangerous Territory: An Inquiry into Everything I Thought I Knew about Faith, Love, and Saving the World

07/26/2025

After a six-year hiatus from public writing, Addie Zierman is back! In her first Substack post, she tells the story of how we connected to rerelease her first memoir, WHEN WE WERE ON FIRE.

Six Years Away from Public Writing

07/24/2025

If you’re watching season 2 of Shiny Happy People on Prime and have complicated emotions about Teen Mania, evangelical subculture, and what it meant to be “on fire for God” in the ‘90s and 2000s—this is for you.

WHEN WE WERE ON FIRE by Addie Zierman is an honest, deeply relatable memoir about growing up evangelical—and what happens when the flame goes out.

In the strange, us-versus-them world of youth rallies, WWJD bracelets, and purity pledges, Addie was a poster child for the faith. But when the fire burned out, she found herself lost in questions, depression, and disillusionment—and searching for a new way forward.

⭐️“When We Were on Fire is a true work of art. It’s big, wide, deep, and true.” —Glennon Doyle
⭐️“A book to savor to the very last page.” —Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)

This is a story for those feeling the ache of old faith wounds and are still healing.

WHEN WE WERE ON FIRE is the book to read after the documentary ends.

Amazon When We Were on Fire: A Memoir of Consuming Faith, Tangled Love, and Starting OverAddie ZiermanIn the strange, us-versus-them world of ’90s Christian subculture, faith was measured in Jesus fish, WWJD bracelets, and purity pledges. And Addie Zierman was an evangelical poster child—so “o...