Write2Ignite

A note from the W2I blog coordinator, Carol Baldwin:

I’m wearing a few hats these days. On top of working on a new historical middle-grade novel, blogging about kidlit, and co-ordinating this blog, I’m also Monarch Educational Services’ new publicist. So, with a huge smile on my face, I’m happy to introduce Laura Petrisin, Monarch’s newest author-illustrator. Read on for the reason for my smile!

A Writer’s Dream

I’ve always dreamed of writing children’s books. Raising a family and teaching left little time for writing. I taught in a private Christian school before homeschooling my own two children, Ben and Grace. After that, I taught as a GED instructor for a probation department in an ‘alternative to jail’ program. Yep, I got the troublemakers. I loved that job! I even managed to scribble out a few stories during those years.

After retiring from teaching, I finally had time to focus on what I loved doing – writing and illustrating children’s fiction books. I joined Storyteller Academy in 2020 as well as 12X12 ; both offered intensive writing courses. I also joined a critique group. I learned a lot in terms of honing my craft. Two years ago, I  moved with my husband from upstate New York to North Carolina. We were tired of New York’s high taxes and freezing weather. I love where we live now! Our home is in the mountains with a rushing creek 20 feet from our back porch. In the summer, I plop a lawn chair in the middle of that creek and write. Heaven!

My First Step: Self-Publishing

In 2022, I self-published a chapter book entitled Acorn and Button. This book of friendship and loyalty had been on my heart for many years. Self-publishing can be very satisfying. Just completing a book is a reward in and of itself. But it can also be a lonely occupation. I realized I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and to gain camaraderie and inspiration from other authors.

My Second Step: Attend A W2I Master Class

When I joined Write2ignite in 2021, they were offering Master Classes. I decided to take a workshop on writing picture books with Laura Sassi and it was both informative and well organized. The next Master Class I took was writing chapter books with Marianne Hering. A few publishers were interviewed and Jennifer Lowry from Monarch Educational Services was one of those publishers. I immediately felt drawn to Jen. Her enthusiasm was contagious and I appreciated her company’s standards of clean reads and books that matter.  Even though Monarch was closed to submissions at the time, Jen told us we could email our manuscripts and mention meeting her at the write2ignite Master Class. Jean Hall and others on the Write2ignite team encouraged us to send in our stories. I submitted my picture book, Get Real Lucille in October 2023 and it was accepted in January 2024. By the way, I also submitted the book to several agents–without getting a bite.

My Third Step: Submit

Lucille is a spunky rubber chicken who tires of being just a prop in a circus act. So she runs away to a farm where she can live as a real chicken. The only problem is that she can’t do the things that a real chicken does. On top of this, the chickens there aren’t exactly welcoming. Things come to a crisis and Lucille must make a decision that will affect her future and the rest of her life. 

Jen showed interest in the manuscript, and after some revision, asked me to join her in a conference call. She explained how her company operated and offered to send me a contract which I could think and pray about before committing to.

My Fourth Step: PRAY!

I appreciated that. As I prayed about it, the Lord brought to mind Exodus 35. In that chapter, the Lord instructs Moses on how to build the tabernacle or the tent of meeting. He said, “Whoever is of a willing heart can make an offering to the process of building.” The offering consisted of material possessions as well as skills and knowledge. The people gave their gold jewelry  to be melted down. They gave wood and stone. Wise hearted, skilled women wove curtains. Master carpenters and masons gave of their expertise and taught others. The people gave so much that the Lord had to finally tell them to stop!

My Fifth Step: Sign!

I believe God’s hand is on Jen’s company, Monarch. I believe He has a purpose for the building and establishing of that company. I’m of a very willing heart to be part of that. So, I signed the contract.

I’m thrilled to join the Monarch team! The people are warm and welcoming and I look forward to the friendships I hope to make. I’m also thankful for Write2ignite! They’re a hardworking team who want to reach children and bring light into the world through writing. They offer help, support, and instruction for aspiring Christian writers. It was through Write2ignite that I got my foot in the door at Monarch. It’s funny how God has a way of working things out.

I look forward to Get Real Lucille being launched into the world on July 1, 2025. 

A Final Note from Carol

As you dream, write, and submit, keep in mind that this is a step-by-step process that can’t be rushed. Each of Laura’s steps took time and opened the door for her next step. It’s hard for all of us to wait, but as the article I linked to says, it’s what all writers need to do.

After all, we’re in good company with the men and women of the Bible:

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (ESV)” Psalm 27:14.