April 2026 Master Class
Registration is Now Open
Introducing... Fantasy has the power to change someone. When C.S. Lewis read Phantastes by George MacDonald, he said it “baptized his imagination.” For Emily Golus, Vindor helped her with her anxiety. Now, the mother of two has three books set in the land of Vindor,...
When I read the flyer that accompanied last month's issue of the “Our Daily Bread” devotional, I was intrigued by the image of the brand-new children's book, God, the Great I AM (illustrated by Thaís Mesquita, published by Our Daily Bread, 2026). The author of that...
I first met Jennifer Jahn at a Write2Ignite's Time2Write session. It's always a treat to chat with Jennifer, and today, it's a special joy to introduce her to you as she celebrates the release of her debut children's book, God's Wide Wonderful World (illustrated by...
When her mother retired and started a raspberry farm, Donna Thornton found her hundred-acre wood. Starting with a baby donkey named Druplet, Donna wrote a picture book as a gift for her mother. This led to a publishing contract, another picture book, and another.
I had a chance to interview my longtime friend and writing mentor, Nancy I. Sanders, about her latest book, Master Books® World History Encyclopedia: Creation to the Roman Empire, Volume1. Nancy has been writing for 40 years. Not only does she have a wealth of...
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...
Hey Write2Igniters! I’m pleased to introduce you all to JJ Johnson, our teacher for April’s Master Class this year. In my March blog I’ll focus on what he’s covering in his class, “Laughing on the Light Side: Writing Clean, Clever Humor for Kids and Teens." Author JJ...
Wild Faith Devotional for Kids is written by Valerie Ellis, illustrated by Jen Bricking, and published by WaterBrook, an imprint of the Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group. This is a beautiful devotional, and, depending on who you ask, it is recommended...
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...
I always enjoy books that relate scientific or historical facts in a fun and interesting way, and Wonders of the Ocean Realm by Tricia Goyer and Sherri Seligson, illustrated by Vlad Stankovic, does just that. The authors make science come alive for kids while...
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....
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...
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,...
Dandi Daley Mackall has written fiction and nonfiction books for little ones all the way up to adults. But if you have young horse-crazy kids in your family, you may be most familiar with Dandi’s horse series for middle grade kids—the Backyard Horses series and the...
Today, I'm excited to introduce Robin Currie to you. Robin spent her library career in the children’s department where she could baa, moo, and honk without getting shushed. Her writing engages children not only in noisemaking but also in jumping, waving, and...
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...
Tina Cho is a kindergarten teacher by day and, by night, an award-winning author of six picture books and a lyrical middle grade graphic novel, The Other Side of Tomorrow , which received five starred reviews. Tina has visited us at Write2Ignite before – appearing in...
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....
Today, we have a special bonus post on Michael Dowling's experience with hybrid and traditional publishing. Want to learn more? Don't miss our September Master Class with Darcy Pattison on self-publishing. Registration is now open. Interview Sally: "Teaching Sound...
A couple of years ago, at a Write2Ignite Master Class, Wiley Blevins, Associate Publisher at Reycraft Books, presented the beautiful nonfiction picture book, Moon Tree: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree by Carolyn Bennett Fraiser . But that wasn't the first time I...
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...
I first discovered children’s author and poet Nancy Tupper Ling when I read her blog post on Tara Lazar's popular Storystorm event in January. Having written everything from blog posts to poems, from picture books to books for adults, Nancy has done it all! She's been...
If you attended Write2Ignite's most recent Master Class, you've already been introduced to Sherri Seligson, marine biologist, homeschooling mom, author, and speaker. Today, I'm delighted to chat with Sherri about her most recent book, Wonders of the Ocean Realm...
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....
I’m delighted to introduce you to Chelsea Tornetto today. Chelsea is the author of several picture books, a freelance editor, and an author coach. Welcome, Chelsea! Thanks for joining us to discuss your newly-launched picture book, Chalk the Walk (illustrated by...
Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Bitsy Kemper to Write2Ignite. Known in the children’s book industry for her generosity in sharing her list of Publishers Accepting Children’s Books – No Agent Needed, and The 31-Day Author Platform Challenge, Bitsy is a wife, mother of...
A conversation with Joyce Hostetter, our spring MC teacher.
As I’ve said before, I enjoy reading historical fiction novels, and I was especially excited to get to read an ARC of Half-Truths by Carol Baldwin. I first met Mrs. Baldwin at a Write2Ignite conference in 2018, and she walked me through writing my first book review...
There is nothing more painful as a writer, than staring at the blank page, with your mind even blanker. Some people call this writer’s block, some people say writer’s block doesn’t even exist. But neither of these offers a solution. Today, I’ll offer mine: prewriting....
Today, I have the privilege of meeting with Laura Sassi to celebrate the launch of her latest picture book, Faithful Feet (illustrated by Emauela Di Donna, published by Worthy Kids). Author Laura Sassi Interview Sue: Hi, Laura. Welcome back to Write2Ignite, and...
Today on our blog, I interview Joyce Moyer Hostetter, who will be leading our Master Class in April. Joyce Hostetter, our next Master Class speaker Interview PAM: Hi, Joyce! Thanks for being here with us on the Write2Ignite blog. JOYCE: It’s great to be here! PAM: I...
A few months ago, I heard Valerie Ellis speak at a webinar for children’s book writers. When I heard the title of her upcoming book, I couldn’t wait to learn more about it. Today, I’m happy to introduce Valerie and to join her in celebrating the launch of Let's Go!...
This week, I had the privilege of interviewing Amy Houts. I met Amy a couple of years ago at my first-ever Write2Ignite Master Class, and I’m happy to reconnect with her now as she celebrates the release of her two most recent books, The Creation and Noah’s Ark...
I was excited to interview Laura Sassi back in October when her book, My Tender Heart Prayer Book, was launched. If you haven’t yet seen that, I encourage you to check it out here and find a review here. (You can also find a review of My Tender Heart Bible here.) This...
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...
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...
Join us for a review of Kathleen Long Bostrom’s newest picture book, “Daddy, Tell Me a Story”, a perfect bedtime read.
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:...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
Join us for an interview with author Kathleen Long Bostrom, to learn about her newest book: Since the Baby Came.
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,...
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...
This astounding article appeared in one of my news feeds: " 100 Best Writer Blogs You Must Follow in 2023." (Click on the link to see that I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP!) Did you read the word "MUST"? Do you know how many 100 is? What else am I supposed to do next year?...
A few weeks ago, I completed an interview for an online magazine. One significant question referred to the essential skills needed as a writer. I concluded that the list of important abilities that exist could be endless. So, I decided to emphasize...
Sharing Christmas books such as Happy Birthday, Christmas Child with little ones is a wonderful way to provide time to treasure the true story of Christmas.
Interview with Author Nancy Sanders Jean: Hi, Nancy. Thanks for chatting with me about your newest book. It is TOO cute. Because you're such a successful author I have a few questions for you—things our Write2Ignite readers might want to know. Ready? Nancy: Sure. Fire...
Why do we think it is strange for young children to want to praise the Lord? Author Vanessa Fortenberry turns this idea on its head in her book Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God.
5 Steps to researching nonfiction texts.
Sally Matheny recommends 3 books for Christian teens.
Image by Annie Spratt from Pixabay When you sit down to write, what metaphor do you visualize? In my earliest years as a writer, I attended a writing conference. One of the speakers shared a metaphor that hit me hard. “There is nothing to writing,” he said. “All you...
An interview with Esther Bandy.
“Can an Israelite captive, wrenched from all she loves, serve the very man who destroyed her village? Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with worry and bitterness. Little does she know the Heart Changer is wooing and preparing her for a greater mission—far beyond what she could imagine. This middle-grade historical novel reflects the heartache and angst of a young refugee in a foreign land where all hope seems lost.”
Hope Bolinger, Managing & Acquisitions Editor at End Game Press. MEET HOPE BOLINGER! More than 1200 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer's Digest to Keys for Kids to HOOKED to Crosswalk.com. She has worked for various...
Image by Pexels from Pixabay If you’re in the children’s book industry long enough, you’ll find out there are two schools of thought. Some editors, authors, and agents believe the chicken came first. Others argue it was the egg. Personally, after writing over 100...
Celebrate National Picture Book Month
We’re excited to have Marianne Hering join our blogging staff.
Meet our new planning team member, Nancy I. Sanders
Leading up to our YA Master Class on September 18, we published several blogs to help you write young adult books. In case you missed some of them, here they are. Dealing with hard topics in Christian YA fiction by Ellice Wong "As Christian writers who aim to...
Announcing the third book in the Pirate Hunter Chronicles, YA fantasy novel by co-authors Helena George and Sarah Rodecker.
Tessa Emily Hall, Write2Ignite’s YA Master Class instructor, provides hope for Christians writing in this genre.
Candice Yamitz has a YA fantasy novel “Unbetrothed” debuting with Illuminate YA an imprint of Iron Stream Media, in February 2022.
5 reasons to use social media BEFORE you publish your book.
Yay! Pop open a new pack of pens and pour color ink into the printer. That’s how writers are celebrating the “grand reopening” of the Write2Ignite Pinterest account. Fresh layout designs and up-to-date pins are ready to encourage and assist writers, as well as...
Laura Sassi, our Master Class instructor, gives us a peek into her publication journey.
As social media reach becomes more restricted, how can authors reach their readers? Develop an email list!
The Write2Ignite team is very excited about hosting Laura Sassi for our Picture Book Master Class on April 24. We thought you would enjoy getting to know her so she kindly agreed to this email interview. INTERVIEW CAROL: What inspired you to become a writer? Was this...
Has anyone ever spoken over you and it felt prophetic? After talking through my writing path, someone said to me, “See, you are a writer.” It was a game-changer. In college, I wrote for the campus newspaper. As Teacher of the Year, I wrote articles for the system...
Looking for marketing ideas for your book(s)? Whether it’s a new release or a backlist title, here’s an idea to help market your book that fits perfectly in this month of thanksgiving. And no worries about learning a new skill. This is something we all learned in...
REVIEW Pebbles is a wonderful, reflective collection of devotionals with modern-day parables suitable for readers in their mid-teens written by one of our Write2Ignite bloggers, Leah Meahl. Girl readers in particular may be more inclined to draw similarities...
As I've transitioned from news writing to fiction writing over the past few years, I've learned that writing dialogue is much different than recording quotes. I can't tell you how many hours I spent transcribing interviews during my undergraduate degree in journalism....
"Remember that 'author' is always a temporary job description . . . Your permanent job description is 'writer' and that's what you are even when no one else is looking." --Author Kristoper Jansma (quoted in Before and After the Book Deal, pp. 333) Today's publishing...
Sixth in the Write2Ignite Self-publishing series by Debbie DeCiantis In 2016, Write2Ignite Conference began receiving a lot of questions about non-traditional options like hybrid-and self-publishing. When our spring conference that year had to be canceled (actually,...
Do you hear the people sing? Well, no. But I do hear fears expressed and complaints a-plenty! There was trouble during the French Revolution, and there is trouble today in the form of a virus -- the coronavirus. Although many are in dread of the contagious enemy, we...
"In the Christian life, one fact is crystal clear: we are at war. It involves every Christian—and collectively the entire Church—and it is a holy war. It does not involve physical combat; it is against spiritual enemies. It is a hard-fought war, demanding everything a...
Last week, I was sitting around a conference table with an enthusiastic group of writers. They passed out their copies and we all took turns offering gentle but constructive feedback. Before I go on, consider joining a critique group; it’s key if you want your...
Our family had the opportunity in December to watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood starring Tom Hanks, who, by the way, did a fabulous job portraying Mr. Rogers. It would not surprise me if he won an Oscar. It helped me understand the heart behind the man...
So you think you can sit alone in your room or your local coffee shop and hammer out a book on your laptop and call it done? Nope. You need a community of writers, and here’s why.[spacer height="20px"] Accountability Writing is hard. And because it’s hard, it’s easy...
Lori Hatcher is an author, editor, and vibrant Christian. She enjoys her grandchildren, her grandpuppy, and can be impatient as she awaits to see the cover of her next book! As a writer and editor, she has sat on both sides of the writing table. If you want to...
Ever since Carol Baldwin was little and her father read her Winnie the Pooh, she has loved stories. The only thing that she likes better than writing a story, is teaching teens how to shape the stories secreted in their imaginations. Do you have a teenager who is a...