Which research course should I choose for my master’s in education? I wondered as I searched to fulfill the credits to graduate in Human Development and Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education. When I told my advisor my passion for writing, without...
Growing up, most of my favorite books were those that included a good amount of humor. Humor brings in light moments when they are needed and, often, makes stories more memorable. With our April Master Class on humor coming up soon, I wanted to recommend a few of my...
The Write2Ignite Podcast: Ep. 9: Anna Raats Introducing... Since 2009, Anna Raats has worked for Ambassador International. From designing the interiors of books, to becoming the Chief Operating Officer of the publishing company, Anna knows a thing or two about...
A writing job comes your way. The topic is something you like to write about, and the word count isn’t too bad. But there’s a lot of research involved, and the pay is lower than you’d like. Should you take it? Here are a few reasons why a low paying job may be...
Join us for a book review of Write! Write! Write! by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, a clever and colorful collection of poems for kids.
Process embraces what God wants. Outcome embraces what I want.
Let’s play pretend. Say we’ve been transported one year into the future, and you and I are talking over our favorite specialty drinks about how fast this past year flew by. You mention some of the things you enjoyed, but get quiet for a moment as you think about the...
Introducing... When Cindy Lynn Sawyer wrote The Wonder of Under, she stopped short of hiring an illustrator. After all, the cost of hiring someone to illustrate your picture book is the most expensive part of self-publishing a picture book. So you can imagine her...
As authors, we are expected to wear several hats: writer, researcher, investigator, interviewer, blogger, marketer, to name a few. Some of us are good at the writing and researching. But the other “hats,” especially marketing, can be challenging. Many publishers also...
A few days ago, with the dawning of 2026, I found myself doing my usual reflections on the past year and committing to a fresh start for the coming year. Making lists, setting goals, etc. In my desire to connect with God, I reached for a Bible study workbook written...
“Truce?” I turn to my sister first, but she’s already turned on me. “I’m out of ammo,” I’m barely able to squeal before she aims and fires. The bullet whizzes past me, hitting our dad in the shoulder. “Who was that?” he demands. I gesture at my uncle. Though his...
Introducing... Jarm Del Boccio firmly believes in telling children stories that deal with trials and hardship. But never brutality. In her Middle Grade novel “The Heart Changer” she tells a story based on the Biblical account in 2nd Kings 5 of Naaman the Leper....
Christmas is just around the corner. Shops are full of gift ideas while carols play in the background, neighborhoods are decorated with lights and all sorts of holiday displays, cookies are baking with the wonderful smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, and gingerbread filling...
Today, I’d like to introduce Sonja Anderson and her new picture book, A Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse: A St. Lucia Celebration (illustrated by Agnieszka Potocka) just out this fall from Tyndale Kids. This lovely story of love and hope is sure to become a...
I’m excited to share with you two unique Christmas pictures books that have released this month. As we head into the holiday season, be sure to check these out! They would make the perfect gift for the child in your life. Meanwhile, Back at the Manger by Brenda Covert...
Earlier this year, I was delighted to introduce Valerie Ellis and her fun picture book, Let’s Go! Bible Adventures! to you. (In case you missed it, you can check out our interview here.) Today, Valerie is celebrating the recent launch of her middle grade devotional...
Introducing... When Brenda Covert took one of our Master Classes taught by Laura Sassi, she immediately had the idea for Meanwhile, Back at the Manger . A few years later, she finally has a picture book to call her own. A fun re-telling of the birth of Jesus,...
What happens if you are working on a nonfiction writing assignment that prefers primary sources and/or information within 100 years or so of the event? This isn’t your ordinary research project. This means you have to Dig Deep! Here are some tips to help in your...
Why does giving matter? In 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Paul describes the grace of giving and urges the church to care for those in need.
There’s a silent war happening all around us—not with guns or headlines, but with stories. In classrooms, on screens, in books, and through influencers, our children and teens are constantly absorbing narratives that shape how they see themselves, others, and God....
Introducing... When Lori Z. Scott won the Christy Award in the Young Adult category, she hadn’t prepared a speech. She never thought she would win, and she almost didn’t go to the ceremony. But this wasn’t unusual, because Lori Z. Scott never wanted to write Offsides...
You’ve worked hard on your manuscript. You found a publisher that you think may like your story, and you send it out with great expectation. You wait several months. You hear nothing back, which is not uncommon nowadays. Most publishing companies only respond if...
The countdown is on! From Nov. 3–7, 2025, Write2Ignite will host the first-ever Christian Authors Reading Event (CARE), a week of free, faith-filled story connections for readers of all ages. What is CARE? CARE is a week-long celebration that pairs Christian...
Several years ago, I went to physical therapy. While I exercised, I was struck by the similarity I discovered between physical and writing.
We are so excited to introduce our intern for the Fall 2025 semester, Aubrey Winstead. Aubrey is a senior at North Greenville University and is making her debut on Write2Ignite's blog with a recap of Saturday’s Master Class. Welcome, Aubrey! We are so excited to have...
I’m sitting at my desk, preparing to work on a big writing project. I have my notes, and my laptop is ready for me to find some additional online information. But then I notice that the livestream I was listening to has fallen silent. Streaming issues? Hmm. Next, I...
For every general market book written by Carolyn Bennett Fraiser, there is a companion book in the educational market. Was this an accident, or God’s plan? In this episode, I sit down with Carolyn to discuss what the educational market is, and how to break into it....
Author Olivia Armstrong has a new release from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers entitled The Birds of Christmas . It is beautifully illustrated by artist Mira Miroslavova and is based on a European folktale. This Christmas tale chronicles how the robin got his red...
Thirteen years ago, I decided to put all my energies into Mims House, my publishing company, and bring my books to market. I wanted to put my books into the hands of the right kids. I didn’t know that the journey would turn me into a patient, persistent problem...
Today’s devotional on Psalm 78 focuses on our important call to tell the next generation of the wonderous works of the Lord.
How many shipwreck tales of running aground with your writing can you tell? For me, I’ve lost count.
Children’s book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison has had her books translated into eleven languages, and she has received over seventy awards for her work. In September, Darcy will share tips on how to “Self-Publish Picture Books and Middle Grade Books” at...
If anyone was qualified to write stories for children, it would be Laura Sassi. She has worn many hats through the years: a mother, a homeschooler, a teacher, and a children’s ministry director. She also wore a special hat for our podcast episode! With over ten books...
Are you a beginning writer or have you been working on your craft for a bit? Are you trying to develop a story, but it seems to be falling flat and you can’t figure out why? Maybe you need conflict. Here’s why. Conflict Drives the Plot Most of us don’t like conflict,...
Join us for a review of “When I Talk to God, I Talk About You” by Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins. Illustrated by Lisa Fields
When the writing way is steep, do we concentrate on the steep incline or do we put one foot in front of the other?
For 18 years, Carol Baldwin worked on a historical YA novel titled “Half-Truths.” Reading books, interviewing people, and visiting locations, Carol poured her heart and soul into telling the story of an unlikely relationship between two girls in 1950 North Carolina....
We are excited to announce that The Write2Ignite Podcast has officially dropped! You can listen to it on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube, iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every month, so be sure to keep an eye opened for more episodes....
In Guess How Much God Loves You author Karen Ferguson reminds little Lucy, and other kids five to seven years old, that God created them because He loves them.
Kids are full of questions, aren’t they? It’s because they are blessed with a natural curiosity and wonder which many adults outgrow. Those recurring “What?” “When?” “Where? “How?” and “Why? questions form the basis of how they learn and understand new things....
Maisie Discovers Her Fingerprint written by Sandra Kay Chambers is a picture book written to help children understand that God created each of us in a unique and special way. Children will enjoy the repetitive text and will soon join in with the “Yes, Yes, Yes” and...
At 14, I felt a gentle prompting from God that I would someday become an author. It wasn't a dramatic revelation, but a quiet assurance that, if I remained faithful, He would guide me on that path (Philippians 1:6). Now, at 28, that dream is becoming a reality. My...
The crisp winter air tweaks my nose as I admire the glow of my town’s twinkling lights. Everywhere I look, I see Christmas trees, bright-eyed children, and outdoor Nativity scenes. The Christmas season fills me with warmth, like a long-forgotten promise of joy being...
Join us for a discussion of Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien and the joy of storytelling.
By the time you are reading this blog, I will officially be 30 years old. A lot has happened in the first three decades of my life. Some things haven’t happened as quickly as I wanted to. Others happened before I was ready. But’s that’s another blog for another time....
Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions To Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose by Sandra Kay Chambers is a devotional to help kids understand the importance of their connection with God. With a fun lesson each day, there’s so much to...
Natalee Creech demonstrates how she revised a stanza in one of her picture books.
Our next master class is coming up soon! On September 28, Natalee Creech will speak about lyrical language in prose. In thinking about this topic, let’s look at some examples of lyrical language in different types of literature. The House of the Seven Gables Nathaniel...
C.S. Lewis gave this advice on writing, to a schoolgirl in America: “Always write (and read) with the ear, not the eye.” I think that is sound advice – pun intended! I invite you to join me on September 28, for a day of reveling in lyrical language. We will take a...
I’ve got about a dozen unfinished stories. When I look back to see why I gave up on the story (sometimes mid-sentence), I discovered most of them died out around chapter three. I was shocked. What was so hard about chapter three? Why would I give up so easily? As I...
If you’ve never attended the Montrose writers’ conference, you’re missing out on something delightful. Montrose is a small conference in northeast PA. This year, the 35th annual Montrose Christian Writers Conference was held from July 15th to July 19th. It has a...
A few months ago, I was asked by a church staff member if I would be willing to participate in an afternoon get-together sometime in the summer where I could share about being a writer. The person who asked me coordinates our church’s homeschool support group, so I...
Mimosa Trees Have you ever compared mimosa trees and writers' dreams? I have. Several years ago, I attended a writers’ conference in North Carolina. While driving with my husband from our home in Texas, north through Alabama on Interstate 85, my husband and I looked...
Join us for a book review of Michelle Weltz’s new picture book, Miraculous Sky; a story based on true events.
A Master's Degree! This past month I have gone back to school to earn my Master’s degree in Second Language Acquisition. I have been learning to take the process brick-by-brick or in other words one step at a time. After I was registered with all the...
This week, we’re happy to have Tina Cho join us here at Write2Ignite. I’ve been a fan of Tina’s work since I heard her interviewed at a writer’s conference about three years ago. So, when I heard she was celebrating the launch of her latest picture book for the...
Writing a synopsis is hard. Don’t let anyone kid you. I struggle with this task, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. I’ve found that I can brainstorm my synopsis in the same way I brainstorm or revise my books, or do developmental edits for my publishers. Here are...
On Your Mark, Get Set, GO! Writing sprints. Ever take part in them? There are some different ways to do them. They can be fun AND productive! I’ve broken them down into three types: Active Sprints, Inactive Sprints, and Marathon Sprints. Active Sprints Active Sprints...
It’s the final installment! If you have ever researched rules in storytelling, you may have come across the famous Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling. This came from a 2011 tweet from a Pixar employee who realized there were 22 written (and unwritten) rules they...
In 2014, I decided to be intentional with my writing after pursuing it as a hobby for years. I wrote and wrote. I joined writing groups. Then, in 2020—I gave it my all. I took a plethora of classes; I made goals in multiple genres; I joined several critique groups....
Last time I wrote about writing a plot summary within a short period of time for a potential fiction story opportunity. The good news is, the publisher accepted my pitch! The bad news is, the publisher accepted my pitch! Of course, this isn’t really bad news. It’s...
Looking for books to enjoy during summer reading? Check out these five picture books (themed with red, white, and blue covers).
Introduction Since this book is written for adults to read to children, or for children to read themselves, I thought it would be fun to have an adult's POV on the book as well as two children's opinions. The author of the book, Bill Edgar, is my oldest daughter's...
One of my favorite genres to read is historical fiction, specifically World War II novels (check out my previous review of Until Leaves Fall in Paris ), so I was excited to get to be a part of the ARC team for The Stars We Hold by Melissa Armstrong. I’ve never read a...
Recently, I was asked if I wanted to pitch a plot summary to a publisher for a potential fiction story for hi/lo readers. I had already written a short nonfiction book for them, but I wanted the chance to work on a fiction book, so I said I would be interested. The...
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV “… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 NIV Conferences Matter A favorite saying of my husband’s uncle was, “Consider the day wasted if you...
If you have ever researched rules in storytelling, you may have come across the famous Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling. This came from a 2011 tweet from a Pixar employee who realized there were 22 written (and unwritten) rules they implemented on every story....
REVIEW Butterfly Ink is the newest young adult romance from Monarch Educational Services by Lori Keating and it’s perfect for a summer vacation read. Meet Calista: a teen about to have all her wishes come true through a magical tattoo made of butterfly...
As Christian writers, how do we go about creating characters who produce good fruit: both in their stories and in our audience?
I Dream a Dream for You by Bob Hostetler is a sweet board book of bedtime rhymes to read to little ones. This love-filled picture book of dreams and hopes can be shared with the toddlers and young children in your life. REVIEW Full of bold illustrations, I Dream a...
I’m excited to introduce you to Kate Rietema today. Kate is a busy mom, registered nurse, community educator, amateur potter, speaker, and author of over 50 articles and poems for various magazines. Welcome, Kate, and thank you for taking the time out of your packed...
In our recent Master Class on fantasy, author Amy Earls provided important tools for writing YA and MG fantasy. Today, team member Deborah S. DeCiantis gives her perspective (from many years of being an English college professor) to understanding classic fantasy. ...
Ask The Right Question Marketing 101 for an author: know thy audience. In my writing workshops, I love to ask kids to raise their hands high if they love researching history. There are always a few budding history geeks with eager hands in the air, aglow with the idea...
If you have ever researched rules in storytelling, you may have come across the famous Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling. This came from a 2011 tweet from a Pixar employee who realized there were 22 written (and unwritten) rules they implemented on every story. While...
As I mentioned last week, we have recently added three new bloggers to our team. Today, Pam Halter provides insight on how to maintain healthy writing habits. Take it away, Pam! -- Carol Baldwin A Reminder from Scripture Then he (Elijah) lay down under the tree and...
Let’s face it. We live in a society where we spend a lot of time waiting. Whether you are at the dentist or doctor, visiting the department of motor vehicles, or getting new tires on the car, we often find ourselves sitting around waiting to be called or waiting for...
As the blog coordinator for Write2Ignite, I am thankful for every writer who gives his or her time and energy to share godly inspiration, writing tips, and encouragement. I am sad to see bloggers leave us, but I understand that blogging is a big commitment. I am...
Remember five-year-old Mills’ words about The Hello Goodbye Window? “That book. It just changed me.” My last post featured books that impacted my kindergartners and prompted insightful experiences. Books also changed our world outside the classroom. The fenced area...
Join us for a review of Kathleen Long Bostrom’s newest picture book, “Daddy, Tell Me a Story”, a perfect bedtime read.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1 REVIEW Annette Whipple certainly demonstrates this Bible verse in new devotional book for children. Annette, one of Write2Ignite's former Master Class instructors, is a...
If you’ve been in the writing business for any length of time, you know how valuable a critique partner is. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:24, “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” I have found that my critique partners are the honey...
I breathed deeply as I uttered the last words of The Hello, Goodbye Window : “When you look from the outside, Nanna and Poppy’s house has lots of windows, but there’s only one Hello, Goodbye Window and it’s right where you need it.” Turning the page, I continued:...
I agree. Not all hard topics can (or really should) be written for kids. Some things are best to wait until they get older and are more mature to handle it. But does this mean that all difficult problems need to be taken out of middle grade books? Personally, I don't...
In conjunction with our Master Class on Saturday, I plan to share reviews of other YA or MG fantasy novels. Some may have explicit Christian content such as Amy Earls' FORBIDDEN REIGN, but others like today's book, MAGGIE AND THE MOUNTAIN OF LIGHT by Mark Snoad, might...
Did you miss our master class on Writing Christian Fantasy with Amy Earls? Check out our recap of the master class highlights.
Listen Up by Monarch Publishing Author Abbie Crank, is a young adult novel that will help readers learn to look beyond outward appearances and appreciate the value of individuals under the surface. Sometimes we find true blue friends when we take the time to crack a...
I have fun connecting people to one another. My fun is doubled when I get to share how authors connect with a publisher--particularly through Write2Ignite! In January I told you how Laura Petrisin signed with Monarch Educational Services. Here is more news--Amy Houts...
I was born with flat feet, the kind that leaves rectangular blobs instead of footprints in the sand. As a young child I had to wear special shoes with an orthopedic pad inside to help my arch. And, I remember that my feet would get so painful that my mother would have...
If you have ever researched rules in storytelling, you may have come across the famous Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling. This came from a 2011 tweet from a Pixar employee who realized there were 22 written (and unwritten) rules they implemented on every story. While...
REVIEW Pero Moshe hears a mysterious voice singing from the underground tunnels in the palace ofBeijing, and a prophecy says she’s the one to answer the call. But when she does and istrapped in the Forbidden City with Dr. Carper, the journey uncovers more than the...
In preparation for our April Master Class on Writing Fantasy, we are featuring several novels. Jean Hall previously reviewed The Impossible Girl, but I thought it would be interesting to a teen's thoughts about this book also. REVIEW The Impossible Girl (Monarch...
“The Village of Gorgenon, near Alphigaz, floated above the Hoovah as the Pinkletons swam by. As long ago as eleventy Kikes, had the Moopahs overtaken the Quillerton valley. And now, seventeen-five Kikes later, Cocoyaks were bubbling under the surface.” Before you...
Journey With Jesus, is a new picture book (Paraclete Press, 2024) for the entire family, written by Ann Ingalls, and illustrated by Steliyana Doneva. Ingalls tells the story of Jesus during the week of his crucifixion. The book begins with Palm Sunday. Jesus enters...
A WORD FROM AMY Writer, you are not alone. I have been where you are now–the passion to write but not knowing where to begin, or how to continue, or if the pages you labored countless hours over are valuable to anyone besides your mother and dog. My name is Amy....
As a “Mimi” with two grandchildren, I am always on the lookout for fun and creative projects for us to enjoy together. When Rowan and Eden come for a visit, one of the first questions they ask is, “What project can we do today?” Recently, we worked on creating books...
I’m sure you have seen one or two old movies or TV shows where someone takes a blank piece of paper, feeds it into the roller of an old fashioned manual typewriter, and begins to peck out a story with gusto (His Girl Friday and Murder, She Wrote immediately come to...
Join Karley Conklin for a discussion of three tips for memorizing scripture, as well as three reasons why memorizing scripture matters.
How can critique groups inspire us as writers? Last year, Kathy O’Neill’s blog post shared the importance of critique groups through highlighting Bandersnatch: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings. I absorbed her article, grabbed...
As we gear up for our Master Class on Writing MG & YA Christian Fantasy, the Write2Ignite team is reading and talking about this popular genre. Registration for the class opens March 1 for the April 13 class with Amy Earls. In the upcoming weeks, I plan to publish...
Hello Write2Ignite Readers! My name is Debbie Arnn and I’m the Financial Administrator for Write2Ignite. I’m super excited to bring to you an author interview with Write2Ignite’s own website guru, Cindy Lynn Sawyer! Cindy’s debut picture book, The Wonder of Under...