As Christians, we experience the wonderful gift of spiritual freedom. But what is the freedom of Christ and how do we live in it day by day?
Living in the Freedom of Christ
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Devotional
The Greatest Gift to Writers
The Initial Prayer My fingers rested on my keyboard. The idea for a new story rested in my head. As I pondered how to begin this new story, my internal editor kept buzzing. “Make sure it’s a great sentence. It’s got to have a great hook. Bring in excitement right...
My Nine Writing Lessons From the Grand Prix Race
So, there you have it. My nine writing lessons from my Grand Prix adventure. What helps you stay on track in this race we call writing?
On Our Bookshelf: Wild Faith Devotional for Kids by Valerie Ellis
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...
In the Course of Time by Mindy Baker
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...
Knocking on Closed Doors
The Beginning On January 16, 2008, I submitted an article retelling the events of the evening my 10-month-old son stopped breathing in the back of an ambulance. I believed the magazine I submitted the article to was a perfect fit. However, before long, I received a...
On Our Bookshelf: Zachary: A Seagoing Cowboy by Shirley Miller Kamada
If you are looking for an interesting novel filled with accurate historical details about a group of volunteers who brave the Pacific Ocean on a cargo ship carrying 200, mostly pregnant goats, to help people in Japan following WWII, then Zachary: A Seagoing Cowboy should be on your To Be Read pile.
Author Interview with Valerie Ellis
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...
On Our Bookshelf: An Outlaw Thanksgiving by Emily Arnold McCully
An Outlaw Thanksgiving might be the book for you if you want a Thanksgiving picture book that doesn’t mention Pilgrims or turkeys .
Author Interview with Dandi Daley Mackall
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...
Similarity Between PT and Writing
Several years ago, I went to physical therapy. While I exercised, I was struck by the similarity I discovered between physical and writing.
Darcy Pattison’s Master Class on Self-Publishing: Picture Books and Middle Grade: A Recap by Our Intern, Aubrey Winstead
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...
The Write2Ignite Podcast Ep. 4: Carolyn Bennett Frasier
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....
Psalm 78: Tell the Next Generation
Today’s devotional on Psalm 78 focuses on our important call to tell the next generation of the wonderous works of the Lord.
Running Aground With Our Writing
How many shipwreck tales of running aground with your writing can you tell? For me, I’ve lost count.
Author Interview with Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
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...
When the Writing Way is Steep
When the writing way is steep, do we concentrate on the steep incline or do we put one foot in front of the other?
Author Interview with Sherri Seligson
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...
Summary and Takeaways: The 2025 Write to Publish Conference
It's summer, and that means it’s writers’ conference season! A time for education, encouragement, making connections, and building friendships. Recently, four of us Write2Igniters attended the Write to Publish Conference near Chicago. We came from all over—Missouri,...
On Our Bookshelf: Every Moment Holy by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
When my dad passed away in April 2024, a friend mailed me a copy of the devotional Every Moment Holy Volume 1 written by Douglas Kaine McKelvey and published by Rabbit Room Press. There are several volumes in the series, and I have since purchased Volume 2 which is...
Writers and Humility
As Christian writers, how do we promote our work with humility in a God-honoring way, without being pushy and in-your-face about it?
Is Your Writing a Good Fit?
If we use the writing armor God gave us to write for God’s glory, whatever we write, will always be a good fit.
We Take the Land of Writing Little by Little
We take the land of writing little by little. Just as the Israelites did when they entered the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt.
Author Interview with Bitsy Kemper
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...
Is Your Writing Hidden From View?
Sometimes, we might feel as if our writing efforts, and God’s favor on them, are stuck behind a cloud, hidden from view.
Steps to Tackle Writing Tasks
Tackling writing tasks can overwhelm. At least that’s been my experience. So let’s look at some steps to help us tackle them.
Author Interview with Laura Sassi
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...
Habakkuk’s Prayer: A Lesson in Faith and Joy
Join us for a devotional on Habakkuk’s prayer, in Habakkuk 3, as we discuss finding faith and joy in the midst of trials.
Who is the Pilot in Command of Your Writing?
Have you strapped God into the co-pilot’s seat of your writing? If so, switch seats. Let God be the Pilot in Command.
Maisie Discovers Her Fingerprint: A Picture Book Review by Gail Cartee
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...
Author Interview with Valerie Ellis
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!...
Axe Throwing and Writers
Axe Throwing Have you ever participated in axe throwing? I have. Multiple times, and I love it. There's even a World Axe Throwing League. Who knew? Hurling axes at a wooden target and scoring multiple bull’s eyes, what's not to love? Of course, there are just as many,...
Clem the Clumsy Camel and Us
In this children’s book, Clem the Clumsy Camel, we learn the story of a clumsy camel named Clem. Poor Clem. It seems he had quite the problem. Especially for a camel.
A Turkey for Thanksgiving Book Review
A Turkey for Thanksgiving, by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Diane de Groat, is the perfect picture book to read for Thanksgiving.
Fingerprint Devotions
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...
When Your Writing Becomes a Side Hustle
When did you know that your writing had become more than just a hobby? For me, it was when my mother said these words: “I think you should focus on making money with your writing.” It was after I had pitched her my idea of an AI-generated graphic novel about a recent...
Exploring the Art of Plotting Part Two
Today I’ll cover several writing nuggets DiAnn shares about the power of setting, story pacing, and developing a writer’s voice.
An Interview with Laura Sassi
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...
Exploring the Art of Plotting
Exploring the Art of Plotting Part One In Exploring the Art of Plotting , DiAnn Mills pulls from her years of studying the craft of writing, along with her experience penning multiple award-winning novels, to educate writers on the many twists and turns of plotting....
Mimosa Trees and Writers’ Dreams
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...
8 Questions to Ask Yourself When Brainstorming Your Synopsis by Ann Harrison
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...
Chutzpah Heroes by Bill Edgar: A Book Review from Several POVs and a Giveaway
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...
I Dream a Dream for You Book Review
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...
Quirky Critters: A Devotional Review by Guest Blogger, Rachel Greene
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...
Good News from the Write2Ignite Team
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...
Five Tips for Finding Your Target Audience by Guest Blogger, Ann Harrison
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...
Book Review: Jolley Tales by Lydia Riley
Join us for a review of the first two books in the Jolley Tales series, a set of character building picture books.
Goals vs. God’s Glory by Erin Greneaux
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...
Books in the Playroom and Everywhere Else! by Guest Blogger, Melissa Henderson
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...
Find Some Ivory Tower Time to Create
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,...
Look What’s In Store! A Chat with Master Class Instructor, Kim Peterson
On April 22, Kim Peterson will teach Write2Ignite’s next Master Class called, “Hooks, Queries and Proposals: Angling to Land a Contract.” She will present three workshops “Choosing the Correct Hook,” “Reeling in an Editor: The Query,” and “Stocking Your Tackle Box:...
A Peek into Lori Hatcher’s New Devotional: Refresh Your Hope
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...
Infusing Hope into Your Life and Writing: A review of Lori Hatcher’s ‘Refresh Your Hope’
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,...
The Reason: A Book Review by Kathryn Dover
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.
What We Are Thankful For by the Write2Ignite Team
Penny Reeve, our "Next-Steps" Facebook Group Coordinator I’m thankful for opportunities to think about my faith in God, for the miracle of salvation and the wonder of grace – and then to be able to write for children and young people in a way that might honour these...
Six Realizations that Helped My Friend Write More
This month I got to see my aunt and my dad. My role was as caregiver. She’s eighty-seven. He’s ninety five. I learned one thing: I can’t write around seniors who blare the TV at level 42. Plus, every time one of them walked into a room, I stared at the throw rugs and...
10 Ways to Use Mentor Texts to Write Better Devotions by Guest Blogger, Tammy Brown
10 ways to use mentor texts when you’re writing devotionals.
3 Books Guiding Christian Teens to Make Wise Decisions – by Sally Matheny
Sally Matheny recommends 3 books for Christian teens.
Greater Love Hath No Man by Gail Cartee
A Memorial Day devotional that points to Christ.
Just in Case You Missed These Posts
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...
What did You Learn at the Devotionals Master Class? by Gail Cartee
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...
10 Journal Prompts for Writers
Strengthen your writing voice with 10 Journal Prompts for Writers.
Small Writings
Small Writings Do you despise small beginnings? When we fix our sights on a book contract, it’s easy to dismiss anything smaller as unworthy of our efforts. But doing so could be a huge mistake. I'm a big believer in the benefit of "small writings." The first payment...
What’s in a Name?
The gorgeous cover of her new devotional, Reflections on the Names of God, beckons us to open and discover the depth and breadth of God’s character revealed in His manifold names.
New Devotions on Prayer for a Vibrant Faith and Writing Journey: A review of Refresh Your Prayers: Uncommon devotions to restore power and praise
Deborah DeCiantis reviews Lori Hatcher’s new devotional, Refresh Your Prayers: Uncommon devotions to restore power and praise
Think Like a Child by Guest Blogger, Terri B. Kelly
Terri B. Kelly encourages Christian writers on how to write devotionals that children will understand.
Five Tips for Getting Your Devotion Published by Guest Blogger, Tez Brooks
Tex Brooks provides 5 tips on getting your devotion published.
Reflections on the Names of God: The Devotional That Refuses to Die
Ten years ago, I wrote a devotional on the names of God—my first published book, released in hardcover by Revell of Baker Publishing Group. It was also just the beginning. Shortly after that, Revell published a special print run with a proprietary cover for a large...
A Word from Karen Whiting, Our “Writing Devotions” Master Class Teacher
Karen Whiting provides a preview of her MC on writing devotions.
Tips for Writing Kids and Teens Devotionals
Do you enjoy teaching children the truths in Scripture using simple everyday illustrations? Writing kid’s devotionals may be for you! But how do you begin?
Pray Like a Cheetah by Guest Blogger, Lori Hatcher
Lori Hatcher tells us about her new devotional, Refresh Your Prayers
27 Books Teens Should Read
Recommended books for teens and tweens.
Good Question by Guest Blogger, Jonathan King
Build relationships with kids by letting them ask questions.
Please welcome our new blogger, Marianne Hering
We’re excited to have Marianne Hering join our blogging staff.
Perceive the Trends in the YA Market: Part III by Guest Blogger, Kim Peterson
Kim Peterson provides three more trends in writing for young adults.
Perceive the Trends in the Young Adult Market: Part II by Guest Blogger, Kim Peterson
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...
Perceive the Trends in the Young Adult Market: Part 1 by Guest Blogger, Kim Peterson
Kim Peterson shares two trends in writing for young adults.
Should Writers Be Hopeful About the State of YA Christian Fiction? by Tessa Emily Hall, Master Class Instructor
Tessa Emily Hall, Write2Ignite’s YA Master Class instructor, provides hope for Christians writing in this genre.
Does The Women of the Bible Speak with Relevance for Children’s and YA Writers? A Book Review and Thoughts for Writers by Debbie DeCinatis
Wanting to support a Christian journalist who openly owns her faith, I pre-ordered a copy of Shannon Bream’s new book, The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today (HarperCollins, 2021), but I confess my expectations were...
Christian Writer’s toolbox 101: Overcoming chronic writer’s block
Unconventional ways to overcome chronic writer’s block
Lessons in prayer for Christian writers – Part 1.
Scripture references: Psalm 5:3, Psalm 27:13-14, Romans 8:23-26 In these next few posts, I'd like to share with you some lessons that I've learned about prayer. As a Christian writer, I believe that every word I pen should be birthed from time spent in prayer before...
A new habit for a new year
Making time to spend with God a priority – the best new year resolution for 2021!
A new habit for a new year
Making time to spend with God a priority – the best new year resolution for 2021!
Fun Ideas for Researching Your Novel
In college, research papers would make my stomach churn. It felt like a daunting task that hovered over the fun of learning something new. As important as research is when writing a novel, I have learned that I can approach it in a way that makes it more fun and...
Don’t Retreat, Advance!
How can a believer stand firm in their faith in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances? In this post, I'd like to share the lessons I've gleaned while studying the battle records of David's mighty men, in particular, the exploits of Eleazar and Shammah. Now,...
Give Thanks for this Writing Season!
While you’re accumulating your list of blessings to share around the Thanksgiving table, don’t forget to include these features that make up your writing journey. You can find many reasons to be thankful for it this season. Be thankful for… A never-ending...
My Best Thought
In a very old hymn, Be Thou My Vision, there is one line that I particularly love. “Be my best thought by day or by night.” In modern terms, what does this look like? Let your thoughts be about Jesus and He will keep you in perfect peace. Fixing our thoughts on Jesus...
PEBBLES: A Book Review by Guest Blogger Ellice Wong
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...
Ways to Connect with Writers
Writing takes up a lot of alone time. Sometimes, it’s hard to remember that many other writers are facing the same questions and struggles over the keyboard that you are. If you take the time to broaden your circle of writing peers, I guarantee that you and your...
Elements of Parable Writing
Whenever I come up with an idea, I immediately start planning my next novel. With my latest project however, I have learned to practice the art of shorter stories, or in my case, parables. A parable is “a simple story used to illustrate a moral or religious lesson.”...
Pebbles and the Importance of Illustrations
How would you explain the love of God? Or the grace of a savior? How would you describe life as a Christian to a believer vs. a non-believer? I typically revert to storytelling. Why? Because of illustrations. That’s what I set out to do with my new book, Pebbles: 31...
How Dialogue Strengthens Your Manuscript
Writing dialogue is one of my favorite parts of the writing process. If done well, using dialogue can strengthen your manuscript and turn an average story into an engaging ride people will be talking about long after they read it. Here are 3 examples of how your story...
Writing Workshops and Why You Should be in One!
Presenting to a writing workshop or class always made me feel like I was about to ride a rollercoaster. Though I like rollercoasters, my heart and stomach do a sickening tango due to exhilaration and fear. Writing workshops are well worth the nausea, however, and you...
Combat!- Part II
"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...
It’s Time for Write2Ignite’s 2 for 1 Critiques
You may be wondering whether your manuscript is ready to be published. Maybe you have a nagging feeling that your story is missing something, but you don’t know what it is. Perhaps you’re going to attend a writer’s conference, and you want to make sure your writing is...
Himalayan Adventures: A Teen Review
I was instantly drawn to this book by the beautiful illustrations of animals on the cover and the interior pages. Since I am an animal lover, the stories of exotic animals kept my attention. Himalayan Adventures by Penny Reeve is a unique book. As the name implies,...
Navigating Your Writing Goals by Guest Blogger Penny Reeve
Have you ever stood at the edge of a road, holding the hand of a small child, getting ready to cross the road safely? You glance up the street. You look back down the other way. You take notice of the cars and the traffic lights and when all is clear and safe and your...
More Than Called…
Each of us has been called to serve our mighty God in a unique way. But we can become too busy fulfilling our call that we only focus on the “doing.” We want to do better—to write well, to teach effectively, to do whatever we’ve been called to do to the best of our...
What Write2Ignite Conferences Taught Me
My first attendance at a W2I Conference was in March of 2017. I landed a scholarship which helped me enjoy the whole weekend. I brought a notebook of questions that God answered in every workshop I attended. I still have that notebook with notes. Reflecting on...
Write2Ignite 2019
Our team has been planning, praying, and preparing for the conference. Even if you can't join us this year, please pray for us as we seek to encourage writers to witness to the Lord through books, articles, and devotionals for children and young adults....