Last Saturday’s Write2Ignite Master Class on Writing Chapter Books was a big hit. We had the largest attendance we’ve had thus far, and our teacher Marianne Hering did a fabulous job!
It is such a joy for me to gather with other Christian writers whether live or via Zoom. However, it’s more than terrific when those writers all have a common call to write for children. Last Saturday was inspiring and loads of fun.
Mariann’s workshops dove deep into three big elements of writing chapter books. In the first session she honed in on the distinctives that make writing chapter books different than other types of children’s books, and gave us some useful tips. In the second workshop Marianne gave us great explanations about, and examples of, foils and villains. We learned how to fine tune those two character types for the elementary school readers of chapter books. In the third workshop Marianne clarified the reasoning behind writing chapter book series, and gave us more useful pointers.
I’ve been involved with children’s writing and publishing a long time—never mind just how long! In this Master Class I learned some useful information and skills that I have never heard before. Even we “old dogs” can learn new tricks.
Marianne brought the wisdom of several other children’s writers into the mix, too. The recorded interviews she shared were super informative.
And, I don’t even know how to describe the terrific editor interviews we featured. Laura Derico with David C. Cook was professional and compelling about their mission to bring Christ to children and adults. And, wow, that handy info about writing curriculum!
Jen Lowrey with Monarch Books absolutely bubbled over with enthusiasm for their mission to bring clean reads to this generation of children and young adults.
What a plus that those who attended this Master Class get an open window for submitting to these two editors. Double WOW!
The three Breakout Sessions were fun and productive. We put into practice the stuff Marianne was teaching us. Thanks to those amazing Write2Ignite Team members who facilitated the Breakout Groups.
I’ve probably raved long enough. Other attendees this weekend have words to share with you, too. So, I’m stepping aside to let you read what they think about the event.
- Wow! All of the sessions were valuable, but I especially enjoyed the last one about publishing a series. It gave me a little more structure for planning [mine.] Kathryn
- I especially appreciated the interviews with Laura and Jen. Amanda
- Excellent, thorough preparation by Marianne Hering; helpful and encouraging editor presentations, and great discussions in breakout groups. Deb
- A thorough, thoughtful conference! Martha
- The W2I Master Classes never fail to inspire and encourage. I highly recommend them. Samantha
- I love having a full day to focus on chapter books, which children read at a formative stage in their lives. Leslie
- I learned that editors want writers who want to be authors, who want to not only write a book, but help market it, do readings, and help grow a fanbase. Kyle
- [This] provided new tools to level up my craft and a great way to network with fellow writers, editors, and publishers. Jenny
- This workshop further ignited my desire to help children live a bit longer in the world of my book. Christa
- It was very encouraging to connect with other hopeful writers and to hear from publishers. Thank you! Really enjoyed it. Sara
If you missed this Write2Ignite Master Class I hope you’ll consider the next one coming in April. Sign up for our Newsletter to stay informed about it.
YEE-HAW! and PTL!
Jean Hall
It was a super informative and engaging conference. Your superlatives were right on, Jean!
And it was fun! Thanks, Kathy.