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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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!
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...
Join us for a review of the first two books in the Jolley Tales series, a set of character building picture books.
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...
Book Review – Barbara Seregi’s Armor of God series.
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...
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.
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....
Join us for a review of “Skyborn: Sparrow Rising,” a captivating middle-grade fantasy novel by Jessica Khoury.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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.
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...
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....
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...
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.
The Enchanted Garden , by Erin Greneaux, with illustrations by Taisiia Kolisnyk is about two sisters who discover a magical garden in the woods behind their backyard. The fantastic garden is filled with mystical plants and a garden fairy. The garden is...
I was able to meet Tim Shoemaker at a homeschool convention when I was about ten, and my mother purchased his novel Code of Silence for me. It was one of my favorite novels, and I was excited to review the first two novels in his High Water series, Escape from the Everglades and Every Hidden Thing.
On Monday Deborah DeCiantis reviewed Lori's third book in her Refresh series, Refresh Your Hope: 60 Devotions for Trusting God With All Your Heart. Today I have a treat for you--one of Lori's devotions! But first, here are some of her thoughts about the book: You Have...
THE IMPORTANCE OF HOPE Hope, second of the three great virtues named in 1 Corinthians 13, can be hard to come by, in life or writing. Refresh Your Hope , third in Lori Hatcher’s “Refresh” devotional series, reminds readers that the essence of hope is found,...
If you’re a fan of the BRITFIELD adventure book series for ages 9 – 18, then you’ve been waiting for the third book in the series, BRITFIELD AND THE RETURN OF THE PRINCE, to release. It’s promoted as the “unparalleled finale of sacrifice, romance, revenge, and loss.”...
Are you hurrying and scurrying to get your last-minute shopping done? Is your writing set aside in the hustle and bustle of the season? Are you still looking for presents for your spouse…kids…grandkids…parents…friends…and writer friends, too? This year, don’t forget...
I first heard about The Reason by Lacey Sturm when I read and reviewed God Breathed by Rut Etheridge III last summer. In God Breathed, Etheridge references The Reason and includes many quotations that greatly intrigued me. The more quotations that I read, the more that I wanted to read this book.
Tis the Season Tis the season to savor excellent Christmas books! This week you’re in for a treat with a review of MOUSE’S CHIRSTMAS GIFT. To top it off, we have an autographed giveaway copy. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la, la-la! Review When Parson gets sick, the...
More and more traditional publishers as well as agents request a market analysis as part of your proposal to write a book or when you’re submitting a manuscript that’s already written. So with Thanksgiving coming around this time of year, put on your chef’s hat and...
Melanie Dickerson’s novels are usually adaptions of fairy tales such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid,” and Veil of Winter is no exception. It is part of a new series, Dericott Tales, which Dickerson began after completing her intriguing Hagenheim series.
REVIEW OF JACK VS. THE TORNADO Jack vs. the Tornado by Amanda Cleary Eastep is the first book in the series, The Tree Street Kids, and tells the story about ten-year-old Jack Finch. He has to leave his home on a farm and move to the suburbs so his dad can find a...
My first five books for children were all released as picture books. Three of those were later released as board books. That got me interested in exploring the differences between the two formats and a few summers ago I decided to try my hand at writing for the board...
I'm getting ready for NaNoWriMo. I'm starting in October to make sure I hit my goals because I'm a notoriously slow author. My son is going to write a novel also. That will add more accountability to the process for me. But he will have writer's block. He always does....
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.
Ava Pennington equips Christian writers with four important principles for handling God’s Word accurately.
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...
A young reader reviews three Imagination Station books.
In her book, Mud and Water, Cherie Haines creates an engaging world with compassionate characters you won’t want to miss.
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.
Behind the Story of Inside the Ten-Foot Line Inside the Ten-Foot Line by Lori Scott broaches issues such as life goals, God’s leading, and relationships, but also deeper relevant subjects like eating disorders, grief, and physical abuse. All these themes grow...
Annette Whipple’s “Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs” is perfect for kids who love to learn about the wonders of this world and its creatures.
The Lost Bard of Taliyaven by Helena S. George is a Christian fantasy novel that follows the story of Masha, a villager who is forced to flee her hometown when a neighboring country invades.
Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite authors, and her latest novel, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, does not disappoint. Until Leaves Fall in Paris is a stand-alone novel that loosely connects to Sundin’s previous novel, When Twilight Breaks.
Explore the world of early chapter books and enjoy a review of The Fabled Stables, one of my favorites.
Image by Dariusz Sankowski from Pixabay. Good news! A couple years ago I was offered a new book contract. More news—I was required to find and acquire the photographs. Bad news? I used to think so. But with over 100 published books under my belt for publishers big and...
In my last post, I gave a brief overview of Jaime Jo Wright’s novels and a review of her most recent one, The Souls of Lost Lake. I also mentioned two of her other novels, Echoes Among the Stones and The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, which I have read recently.
I have read nearly all of Jaime Jo Wright’s novels and enjoyed them, especially her most recent one, The Souls of Lost Lake.
Mermaids, monsters, and mysteries oh my. Find them all in the Singing Serpent, the perfect summertime read.
Jean Fritz. If you know her work, you'll be smiling at the mere mention of her name. Her humor has wooed and wowed millions of kids into learning American history. I want to be her when (if) I grow up. See that book below? You can get it for $1.49—what are you waiting...
My friend recently introduced me to the picture book A Prayer for Our Country (Zondervan, 2022) written by our senate Chaplin Rear Admiral Barry Black (Ret.) I immediately fell in love. I kept thinking this is exactly how we need to teach our children...
Have you ever followed instructions – doing exactly what you were told to do – and failed miserably or had the whole thing blow up in your face? Or maybe you went out of your way to help someone else, having the purest motives, only for them to end up in a worse...
Sally Matheny recommends 3 books for Christian teens.
Our Devotional Master Class has come and gone, but you can still access these posts about writing Devotionals for adults and children. Jarm Del Boccio started us out by writing Tips for Writing Kids and Teens Devotionals. Ava Pennington wrote about her devotional, The...
I have written a devotional blog for several years but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn a thing or two or maybe three about writing devotionals. Karen Whiting’s class had three sessions and each one was packed with information that we put into practice during the...
Strengthen your writing voice with 10 Journal Prompts for Writers.
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...
Deborah DeCiantis reviews Lori Hatcher’s new devotional, Refresh Your Prayers: Uncommon devotions to restore power and praise
I'm currently doing research for three historical fiction projects. And all three will utilize different types of sources. I apologize that this post will mostly be lists and is a little dry. And it won't even been an exhaustive list. But it will show how a zealous...
Ever feel as if your writing is a waste of time? That the entire universe is laughing at your paltry literary efforts? That’s one of my biggest fears, and it’s founded on reality. I wrote three unsuccessful children’s book series for David C. Cook in the 1990s. And by...
Karen Whiting provides a preview of her MC on writing devotions.
Award-winning nonfiction author, Annette Whipple, discusses writing inspirtaiton.
I just turned in a middle-school book proposal in which a uniformed guard gets too close to a fire and his bronze helmet melts, burning his face. That happens just before his body incinerates. It’s gruesome. I describe smells and screams and the ferocious fire that is...
An interview with Esther Bandy.
Book review of The Sky So Heavy by Kathryn Dover
While I was self-editing my first children’s novel in 1989 (gasp, yes, I hung out with Methuselah et al.), I consulted a great little book called Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to edit yourself into print. The wise authors, David King and Renni Browne, helped...
Book review of Bedtime with Mommy.
Celebrate National Picture Book Month
Of course, the Person I am thankful first for is our Lord Jesus Christ--our Prophet, Priest, and King! Second, I'm thankful for my family, friends, and the wonderful fellowship of believers I am a part of every Lord's Day. Third, I'm thankful for the team of...
Thanksgiving and Christmas are on their way. Are you ready to say no to obligations and slow down this holiday season?
“Isn’t it common for Christians to talk about Jesus with far less interest than we show for our favorite team, music, or food?” (22) If God doesn’t speak to you in any other quote from God Breathed by Rut Etheridge III, He will through this one. At least, Etheridge’s...
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...
Two young adult readers review BEAUTIFUL by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma and share why they recommend it.
In Part I of this series, we’ve explored two trends in writing YA: fantasy and retellings. This time, let’s examine trends that speak to important social and cultural topics. TREND 3: EMPHASIZE MULTICULTURALISM AND DIVERSITY Stories with characters from different...
Announcing the third book in the Pirate Hunter Chronicles, YA fantasy novel by co-authors Helena George and Sarah Rodecker.
Book review of a young adult fantasy, The Button Girl.