April 2026 Master Class
Registration is Now Open
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...
Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 1st Peter 5:8 CSB I walked into the kitchen, and there, tied up and in a pot, just waiting to be boiled, was my family. Yoda...
As you know, all of us at Write2Ignite are dedicated to instructing and encouraging Christian writers who desire to publish books for children that honor the Lord. We also love sharing good news when an author finds a publishing home. Today, I'm happy to share...
We’ve had some unusual weather here in Southern California. We’ve had days of rain. And not just rain, continuous rain. That was what was the most unusual. I had some writing deadlines, but being cooped up at home wasn’t helping me whatsoever. I needed a different...
When teachers want better writers, they can connect students with authors through Twitter (now called X) and other social media. In that way, author Laura Numeroff inspired and transformed the writing of my kindergartners and first graders. Little ones squealed when I...
Discover the exciting world of “At Mossingford Gate” by B.K. Napier. Filled with sweet characters and a delightful setting.
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...
I received an email from a friend wanting to know how to find his target audience. He stated that he didn’t know who his target audience was, because he wanted to market to everybody. I sent him an email telling him that when you market to everybody, you market to...
A question I have been asked a lot lately is, “How can you be a Christian at a secular college?”
Okay, you may have been hesitant with my article What Writers Can Learn from Walt Disney. You may have seen the Peanuts comic strip in a new light with What Writers Can Learn from Charles Schulz. But Dolly Parton? Surely, Kyle, you’re taking this thing too far! But...
What makes a story stand the test of time? What elements help certain books speak to children and adults for generations? Let’s look at four characteristics of children’s stories that make them timeless, beloved classics. An Ending with Hope, but Not Happily Ever...
Although I have been published for over twenty years now, my background is actually in film. I have a bachelor’s degree in Cinema, where my emphasis was cinematography. Of course, God had other plans for my life than that of a budding filmmaker. Nevertheless, I...
Join us for a discussion faith and writing goals we can glean from Philippians 4 to start our year off right.
"You never say "Yes" to anything." Ever heard of Grey’s Anatomy? Shonda Rhimes is its critically-acclaimed and award-winning creator and executive producer. Although I’m not a television enthusiast, I was struck by the premise in her secular 2015 book, Year...
Image by lucecitavectors on Freepik We're taking a week off to spend time with our family and friends. See you in 2024 with more posts on Christian kid lit, book reviews, writing tips, and godly inspiration!
Creativity is a journey of discovery
OUR EFFORTS Writing takes effort. Hours and hours of effort. And I’m not simply speaking about writing the words of a manuscript, but I’m also thinking of other types of energy: researching, editing, building a platform, marketing, and more! The truth is that no...
By now, you’ve probably seen Linus tell Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about, seen Snoopy reunite with his brother Spike, and felt empathy for poor Rerun who is probably still stuck on that bike. For many, it’s tradition to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas...
Book Review In the book Misguided by David Meyer, preteen Daniel Ford figures out a mystery that can ruin his town's reputation. He gathers his friends Cindy, Keeley, and Adrian to solve this mystery. After a bit of hesitation, his friends agree to help. This book...
God created the world in six days. Each day was a step-by-step building up of an environment that would be suitable for humans. As writers, we are creators, too. We create whole worlds out of the imaginations and experiences in our heads. Let’s look at how the days of...
Join us for a review of the first two books in the Jolley Tales series, a set of character building picture books.
How do authors promote their books effectively? During my thirty years of teaching, I had the privilege of hosting incredible authors in my classroom and school. I believe the ideas I’ve documented from their visits will help us as we plan our own author visits. ...
Most people are familiar with villains – antagonists who cause conflict with the protagonists we (usually) root for in stories we read or write. But what are foils? What do they contribute to a protagonist’s conflict resolution (and sometimes, redemption)? Can an...
Recently we had some tears in an elementary art class. The children looked at photos of chameleons and then drew them. Then we used bubble wrap to print colorful reptile skin on their chameleons. I thought I’d worked out all the bugs on this new project, but I forgot...
Book Review – Barbara Seregi’s Armor of God series.
Out of the 62 animated films from the Walt Disney Company, only 8 are original ideas, and 2 of those were propaganda films made during WWII to help strengthen our relationship with South America. Everything else was based on either a book, mythology, poems, folk...
Do you find it difficult to carve out time to focus on creating? Do you need a set block of time to devote to your writing? Want to work alongside friendly folks who share the same goal? We get it – and we’re here to help. Introducing Time2Write – Write2Ignite’s...
Do you ever give yourself a break from writing? I’m not talking about a hiatus where you take a long period of time away from your laptop or pad of paper and pen. I’m referring to a little transition break from one project to the next. Here’s what I mean. I just...
My favorite aspect of the self-publishing process is that I coordinate every aspect of the process from the initial idea to the printed book in my readers’ hands! And the most challenging part of self-publishing is…coordinating every aspect of the process from idea to...
Remember The Best Christmas Pageant Ever? Author Barbara Robinson penned the antics of the Herdman kids hearing the Christmas story for the first time. One of my favorite memories was watching twenty-two first-graders squeeze closer to her for a photo. As...
This week on Write2Ignite, we’re excited to have Nancy Rechtman and Bob Shumaker with us to discuss their new book, The Incredibly Amazing and Magical Flying Chair. Nancy Machlis Rechtman worked for years as a tutor for elementary-school-age children focusing on...
The calendar tells me it's October, but before you know it, December will be here and it'll be time for the holidays. I'm getting ahead of the game with today's book review. Many of you are familiar with the multi-talented award-winning children's author Nikki...
Our StarLight Magazine mission is to shine God’s truth through children’s literature.
Procrastination isn’t always a bad thing.
The Two Lives of Ezekiel Van Cleef is the greatest novel ever written by AI. Why? Because I helped write it. While this sounds arrogant, I think any novel that has 10% of the writing done by a human is better than any novel written 100% by AI. In fact, productivity...
Writing is a solitary activity. Crafting words on the page can be a painstaking process, and one that requires a huge time and energy commitment. Anyone besides me sometimes wonder if all the effort matters? Recently God encouraged me with this verse in Hebrews...
I just returned from a trip to Colorado to visit my niece. One of the highlights of the trip was taking the Royal Gorge Route train ride based in Cañon City. Because this trip had been planned in advance, I decided to make it a writing exercise. I wanted to be...
"There is magic in starlight, of course. This is well known. But because the light travels such a long distance, the magic in it is fragile and diffused, stretched into the most delicate of threads. . . Moonlight, however. That is a different story. Moonlight is...
Today we welcome a new blogger to our team. Jennifer M. Barnes is a retired kindergarten and first-grade teacher and will draw from those experiences in her upcoming posts. She is thrilled to be part of our blogging team and we're excited to have her! **** “So,...
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...
5 ways to renew our wonder and creativity
Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri is a true story about Nayeri’s family and his experiences as an Iranian refugee in Oklahoma. Since I enjoy reading memoirs and biographies, the book’s synopsis intrigued me.
Not too long ago I was having a lovely conversation with a friend about my book review website, and I mentioned the percentage that my website’s income had gone up over the past year. She was floored that I actually made money from reviewing books, and said, “You mean...
“And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.” (Isaiah 34:7 KJV) If you ever come across this verse in the King James Bible, it might give you some pause....
For authors who are self-publishing, it is important to keep up with the changes in the industry so that you can make the best decisions for publishing and promoting your book. The best way to succeed as an author is to be informed about what options you have and how...
The craft of writing isn’t easy. Sure, we may get that moment of inspiration where the words just flow out of our head and heart and down onto the page, but overall it requires much work and a lot of time to develop a story from beginning to end. And then it sometimes...
Join us for a review of “Skyborn: Sparrow Rising,” a captivating middle-grade fantasy novel by Jessica Khoury.
Young woman broadcasting in a studio, close up When I was nine years old, my sister and I pulled out our dad's cassette player and recorded our first radio show. I wrote the script and songs and we practiced before performing. We had a blast (or at least, I did. Hard...
Land of the Lost, by Marianne Hering, (our September Master Class instructor) is a recent title in Adventures in Odyssey’s popular “Imagination Station” series. This is Marianne Hering’s thirtieth book and cousins Patrick and Beth travel back...
Writers need rest to maintain their creativity
When I first decided I wanted to become a published author, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. If someone had told me the amount of steps it'd take, I might've run back to my room and stuck to being a college professor only for the rest of my life. But I...
Writing a novel with ChatGPT is exhausting. I should know, for I just spent the last few months doing so. But that’s for another blog post. Today, I want to talk about how people are using ChatGPT the wrong way. If you ask ChatGPT to write you a novel, it will likely...
REVIEW Big Risks in Russia, by Marianne Hering, (our September Master Class instructor) is the upcoming title in Adventures in Odyssey’s popular “Imagination Station” series. A brief prologue brings newcomers to the series up to speed by introducing the main...
Writing prompts are used by students and writers alike to challenge their creativity and/or to improve writing skills. They can be presented in a variety of ways – phrases, questions, topics – the sky’s the limit. Their purpose is to present you with an idea or...
By Guest Blogger and upcoming MC teacher, Marianne Hering Before I tell you why a fiction book with a whopping 361 chapters is not a chapter book, let me ramble about myself for a minute. Gauche, I know, but it’s part of the answer. So, I’ve written a few books in my...
Cool off from the summer heat with The Girl, the Ghost, & the Giant by Rebekah Reese, a heartwarming tale set in the frigid mountains.
When a Vacation Inspires Worship and Trust I recently went on a vacation to Zion National Park. A massive display of the artistic ability of our Creator, the impressive grandeur and beauty of the canyon views are hard to match anywhere on earth. Our family had the...
At Write2Ignite we are always thrilled when one of our team publishes a book. This time, I have the double pleasure of sharing Gail Cartee's new picture book with you since we are in the same critique group. The reviewer is Jean Taylor, a graphic designer in North...
Writers often need rest in areas other than just sleep in order to maintain their creativity.
I'm so excited to share this new publisher of "Clean Reads that You Can Trust" that I was actually glad for a hole in our blog schedule (it usually throws me into a panic) to tell you about Monarch. I think many of you will be interested to learn about Jen Lowry and...
There was a man who worked at a factory who made some stuff. Let’s be honest. If this was an opening line, you’d close the book, put it back on the shelf and ask, “How did THAT ever get published?” But what if I told you this line could be fixed by using one simple...
As authors, how do we draw the line between doing our very best work and leaving the results to God? In a world obsessed with numbers and achievements, how do we steward our gifts well, but also ensure that our motives of glorifying God are pure in the midst of...
No writer likes rejection, especially when you open your email and get excited to see a notice from a promising publisher, only to find something like this: “Sorry, but this doesn’t fit our current needs.” Here are a few ideas on how best to handle rejection letters....
Did you know that July 8 was Psalm 78 Day? I didn't. Here's What I Discovered: Debbie DeCiantis sent the Write2Ignite team a notice about this special day and we decided to share it with all of you. The following information is from the Truth78 website. "What a...
The Orb and the Airship, by Realm award-winning author Jenelle Leanne Schmidt, is an adventurous tale about a rogue airship captain, an ambitious youth, and a clash of powers beyond their imagination. The first in a series, The Orb and the Airship was released on June...
To follow up on last week's interview with Amy Earls, here is a review of THE KING'S FEATHER by a young adult reader. We're excited that Amy's book debuts on Friday! Image supplied by Amy Earls Pero Moshe’s mom vanished from their Oregon home, and the prophecy says it...
Helping little ones walk each day with Jesus
Here at Write2Ignite, we're thrilled to share that one of our newest bloggers, Amy Earls, is launching her debut YA novel, The King’s Feather : Book I of the Under His Wings series, on June 30! In this Q & A interview with Write2Ignite Team member...
Do you have trouble waiting? It’s a normal part of life, particularly when you have to wait on or for others. And although waiting isn’t easy, it can be rewarding for your writing, especially when you know that writing is your calling from the Lord. Here are some...
Are there separate areas or shelves in your home for books? Is there a “no touch” zone or are all items to read available for everyone? Perhaps there are softcover and hardcover books in the playroom or home office. Children and adults can enjoy reading in different...
What do carpet beetles, Plato, and the diary of a politician from the 1600s all have in common? You can find all of them on the website Project Gutenberg for free. If you are unfamiliar with the website, buckle up—we are diving into the public domain! Read more: Use...
As a writer, there is a time to write and there is a time to set the keyboard aside and give your brain some space. For me when this happens, I go on walks. I used to enjoy running, but two foot surgeries have converted me into a walking enthusiast. I normally put on...
An English program can provide a structured environment for learning from experienced professors and receiving feedback on your work. However, an English program can be expensive, and the financial investment might not lead to financial gain. There are other paths to...
Have you ever been stuck in a writing rut? Check out three ways writing a mystery game can solve those writing rut blues.
“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9 HCSB).” As a writer, I find this passage extremely depressing. Not only does it rhyme like a pessimist's Dr. Seuss, but it also means no...
When the Last Stone Falls begins in Holland in 1939, the world is on the brink of war. The characters in my story must fight for survival and freedom and to find light in the darkness during one of the worst times in history. Gerrit Degroot sees humanity at its...
Conferences can help us navigate to launch our creative ideas and keep them sailing.
If you’re craving more books like The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe with clean fantasy and wonderfully shown Christian symbolism, Millie Maven by Ted and Rachel Dekker is an awesome trilogy we’d recommend. Though it isn’t without its flaws, it echoes the...
I loved field trips when I was in elementary and high school. Sure, sitting for a stretch of time in a stinky school bus wasn’t the best, especially when you hit those winding roads, but I loved the chance to get out of the classroom and actually see what we were...
Join us for a review of Kathleen Long Bostrom’s new book, ‘Since the Baby Came’, a story about new siblings, written in 16 poems.
"Mommy, there's a biwd in awe house!" "A real bird?" "Mommy, come quick. Daddy lef the doow open. It's in awe liveen woom." I leapt out of bed and followed my five-year-old into the living room where a blue Western Scrub-Jay ruffled the window blinds and house...
We had a blast with Kim Peterson during last weekend’s Master Class as she taught "Hooks, Queries and Proposals!" While writing these sales pitches can be overwhelming, Kim taught us how to focus our messaging and taught us how to reel in the necessary elements that...
9 Lessons Discovered from the Inklings
Join us for an interview with author Kathleen Long Bostrom, to learn about her newest book: Since the Baby Came.
Story ideas are a lot like babies: no one knows where they come from. If you’re a writer, you know a story idea can hit you when you least expect it. Just as you drift off to sleep, or reach for the shampoo in the shower, or even while someone is talking to you at a...
We have all gotten upset with an author for killing off the main character, but as writers, we know the author has a more difficult time doing the deed than the reader has reading about it. The author, as the creator of that character, is more invested in their...
There is something about reading out loud that helps one to better understand a story. As authors, we work hard to use our words to bring our ideas to life. But sometimes it’s difficult when you’re starting out to develop that unique voice that will make a story...
I was excited to get a chance to read and review the second installment of The Red War Annals, The Red Bard of Roche by Helena S. George, after reading and reviewing its predecessor, The Lost Bard of Taliyaven, last year.
by Sally Matheny The Author The author, Laura Sassi, a graduate of Princeton University and UCLA, had a successful teaching career before becoming a children’s author. She’s been a homeschool mom, children’s ministry director, historic museum interpreter, and more....
An ivory tower is often defined as a place where a person is cut off from the responsibilities of the world so they can pursue their own interests without interruption. Creative people may sometimes long for a perfect ivory tower where they can spend endless,...
The Write2Ignite team is excited about our next Master Class with Kim Peterson. It's less than a month away! In Case You Missed It Here is the schedule. Notice that Kim will lead three workshops (one is split in half); you'll have time to work on your hooks, queries,...
REVIEW Escape From Sin’s Curse by Erin Greneaux is an “escape room in a box” card game. You play as part of a team of scientists living in the year 2911. The world around you is desolate spiritually and physically. You and your team are trying to figure out how the...
It’s a tough market these days in an even tougher economy. Plus, there are options now available to writers, and opinions abound about which publishing path we as children’s writers should pursue on our personal publishing journey. Which direction will you take? To...
I recently reviewed the first novel in Tim Shoemaker’s High Water series, Escape from the Everglades. While I enjoyed Escape from the Everglades, its sequel, Every Hidden Thing, is my favorite of the two.
Recently, I was invited to Smiley Elementary School in Redlands, California to give two author presentations for Read Across America week. The groups were to be divided into Kindergarten to 2nd grade and 3rd to 5th grade. The original understanding was to present my...
Do You Ever Experience Discouragement? As a writer, there are many times I have felt discouraged and ready to quit. The author’s journey can feel like a maze of dead ends. Even when I have succeeded at meeting a major milestone, there is always something else that...