The Write2Ignite Team is thrilled to welcome Jean Matthew Hall back to the Team as the Write2Ignite Director.
Jean was one of the original founders of Write2Ignite back in 2008. We thank the Lord that she is able to rejoin us.
Jean will spearhead our next big event in September 2020. YA-HOOO!
We asked her a few questions to give you the 4-1-1 on her. Keep reading!
What was the impetus for beginning W2I? What was your vision and work in those beginning years? How did you see it unfold?
In 2007 several of us got together for lunch at an SCBWI Conference in Charlotte, NC. We each expressed how we would love to have a similar gathering focused on our Christian faith and worldview. That conversation led to a brainstorming and prayer meeting. Thus, Write2Ignite was born.
Why did you step away from the leadership?
I led the Write2Ignite Conferences until 2014. At that time my personal life became very complicated. My husband was critically ill, my mother with dementia lived with us, and my daughter needed a full-time caregiver for her four children while she worked. The Lord told me it was time to step down from Write2Ignite and minister to my family.
What is bringing you back now? Please share your new vision for W2I and how the Lord led you to this new vision.
In 2016 my husband passed away. In 2017 my mother did, too. God told me it was time to relocate and give my daughter and her children some space. So, I relocated to Louisville, KY, to be near my son and his family. A few months ago, the Write2Ignite Team contacted me about returning to “duty!” After prayer and consideration, I agreed. And I’m glad I did. It’s great to be working with my old writing and conference buddies again.
I can hardly wait to show all of you what’s coming for Write2Ignite in September 2020.
We’re planning a BIG announcement on Friday, March 13. Be sure to check in with our website. You are going to LOVE it, I know.
Thanks, everyone, for making me feel right at home at Write2Ignite.
Please leave me a little message in the comments. I’d love to say “Hi” to you individually.
Jean is the author of the picture book Bountiful Blessings series published by Little Lamb Books. The first book, God’s Blessings of Fall, debuted in September 2019.
Learn more about Jean on her website on FB at Jean Matthew Hall Author, and at SCBWI.
Yay!!! Congrats and God’s blessings, Jean!
Hi, Pam! Thanks for the welcome. Hope we’ll see you in September.
Good to have you back, Jean. ☺️ Blessings on your new venture with Write2Ignite as you use your skills for His glory!
Thank you, Jarm. I am excited to meet you in person.
Jean, I am so thankful for you and your leadership. I attended the Write2Ignite conference in 2019 and truly loved everything about the conference. I hope to attend again this year. 🙂
Thank you! We love our faithful friends!!!
This is great, Jean. I love how the Lord keeps things we love on the “back burner” as He works in other areas of our lives.
Blessings to you as you return.
Me, too. But, I must admit, I get impatient on that back burner to heat up, sometimes! I’m excited to be back.
Welcome back, Jean. I fell in love with the heart and spirit of W2I your first year I served on faculty. Now I know who gets partial credit for it 🙂 I look forward to the big announcement on Friday and your leadership moving forward. Blessings to you!
God’s amazing full-circle plans! As always, I look forward to this year’s W2I. I’m delighted for you!
So glad you’re on the team, Jean! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Emily! And, where would we be without YOU?
Amen!
Welcome back, Jean! So excited to learn about God’s plan to bring you back into leadership of Write2Ignite! Will be praying for you and the team. –Kim Peterson
Thank you, Kim! I hope to see you soon.
Welcome back, Jean. Somehow I missed last fall’s conference. Though I retired as literary agent, I’m helping writers as Writer Coach. Had a great time mentoring six writers, an hour each, at the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Unfortunately, the Carolina conference in Spartanburg had to be canceled.
Les Stobbe
Thank you, Les! It’s great to be back. Check out our new format Master Classes starting in September. Stay well. Getting old CAN be fun sometimes, can’t it?