Faculty Focus
Excuse me while I brag on Linda Phillips, a young adult novelist and my BFF. The Lord brought us together 20 years ago when the regional advisor of the SCBWI-Charlotte chapter suggested we put together a conference. Linda and I had never even met! But it turns out, that individual was right. Linda and I […]
10 Questions about the fantasy genre and YA literature:
While not every publisher accepts fantasy manuscripts, strong interest in this genre exists among children, teens, and young adults well beyond college age. This interview is the first in a series to explore fantasy’s appeal to younger readers, and to look at connections between this genre and Christian faith. Q: Before we start, how do […]
How To Find an Agent: Six Questions for Picture Book Writers
As an aspiring picture book author, I had high hopes for breaking into children’s publishing. I worked on my craft, joined a critique group, revised and polished my picture book manuscripts, then sent them off to publishers, hoping my dream would soon be reality. That’s when I encountered two seemingly impossible hurdles: the slush pile and, worse […]
COMBAT!
Do you have an idea for a nonfiction book but you’re not sure what goes into finding the right publisher and writing the proposal? In this post, Dennis Peterson, a W2I 2018 attendee, shares the backstory for his forthcoming book, COMBAT! Lessons on Spiritual Warfare from Military History. CAROL: Please tell us about COMBAT! that recently […]
BOUND by Vijaya Bodach
Disclaimer: Although we support this book because it is strongly pro-life and addresses several serious issues, the main character in Bound occasionally uses language that some Christians might find offensive. Within the first pages of Bound by Vijaya Bodach, the reader realizes that this is going to be a book that deals with serious issues. The main character, seventeen-year-old […]
6 Social Media Tips That Make a Difference
Authors are constantly striving to grow their platform. If you’re on social media, you’re working to increase followers. But if you have hundreds or even thousands of followers, what’s the point if they don’t stop to read your posts? The real goal is active interaction. Are your followers interested in what you have to say? […]
Sneak Peek: Carol Baldwin’s Presentations for W2I 2018
Ready for Write2Ignite 2018? I’ll be leading three workshops at the conference: “Strangers in a Strange Land,” “Fiction Writing” (Teen Track), and “Writing Historical Fiction.” Let me describe them for you! “Strangers in a Strange Land” In Exodus 2:22, Moses names his son Gershom because Moses was a stranger in a strange land. Christian writers, in some […]
Sneak Peek: Jean Matthew Hall’s Presentations for W2I 2018
Hello, everyone! This year’s Write2Ignite conference is coming up fast. As one of the presenters at the conference, I’ll be leading two workshops: “Children’s Book Categories” and “Writing from Childhood Memories.” Let me tell you about them. “Children’s Book Categories” Foundational to writing successfully for children is a clear knowledge of children’s literature, including knowledge […]
Sneak Peek: Jenny L. Cote’s Presentations for W2I 2018
“I did not think To show to all the World my Pen and Ink In such a mode; I only thought to make I knew not what: nor did I undertake Thereby to please my Neighbour; no not I, I did it mine ownself to gratifie.” —From John Bunyan’s “Apology” for Pilgrim’s Progress John Bunyan […]
Host a Book Launch Party!
You’ve done it. You’ve published a book. Now comes the hard part. Marketing. You’ll be posting, tweeting, blogging, and talking about your book to anyone who’ll listen. But have you considered planning a party? A book launch party will create buzz for your book, give your friends a chance to celebrate with you, and may […]