April 2026 Master Class
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Waiting Well Years ago, I mentioned to a writer friend that I have trouble waiting well on God's timetable with my writing. It seems my plans and God’s plans are often out of sync. Even when I see evidence of God's favor on my writing, I wonder how I missed his...
Wonderful writing resources are easily available to us. We can access rhyming, spelling, and foreign language dictionaries. We can look up synonyms in a thesaurus, and find the perfect line to quote in Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations. If you need to write a screenplay,...
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...
"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." --C.S Lewis Today at the library, I had a patron come up to the desk with a stack of audiobooks from the children's section. "I've been reading too many heavy mystery books lately," she told me. "I...
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...
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?
A writing job comes your way. The topic is something you like to write about, and the word count isn’t too bad. But there’s a lot of research involved, and the pay is lower than you’d like. Should you take it? Here are a few reasons why a low paying job may be...
As authors, whether you write for children or not, there are so many writers conferences, online workshops, clubs/groups, magazines, and more that you can subscribe to. Or become a member of. WHY should you become a member...
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...
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.
Why does giving matter? In 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Paul describes the grace of giving and urges the church to care for those in need.
An Outlaw Thanksgiving might be the book for you if you want a Thanksgiving picture book that doesn’t mention Pilgrims or turkeys .
Several years ago, I went to physical therapy. While I exercised, I was struck by the similarity I discovered between physical and writing.
I’m sitting at my desk, preparing to work on a big writing project. I have my notes, and my laptop is ready for me to find some additional online information. But then I notice that the livestream I was listening to has fallen silent. Streaming issues? Hmm. Next, I...
Today’s devotional on Psalm 78 focuses on our important call to tell the next generation of the wonderous works of the Lord.
How many shipwreck tales of running aground with your writing can you tell? For me, I’ve lost count.
When the writing way is steep, do we concentrate on the steep incline or do we put one foot in front of the other?
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,...
Most of us have been writing for a while. Through the years we’ve worked on story and character development, struggled through plots, climaxes, and denouements, and even had some hard knocks trying to condense our manuscripts down to a decent word count that won’t...
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...
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?
Hello Friends! Guest blogger Big Bertha here with a second installment of Writing Wisdom. This month’s topic? The Importance of Being Broody. Broody by Definition Some people think to be broody means to sulk or to be in a mood. I guess, it could mean that, but to us...
If we use the writing armor God gave us to write for God’s glory, whatever we write, will always be a good fit.
Guest blogger, Big Bertha here, straight from the hen house with some tips to help further your writing career. Today’s topic? Setting up that perfect writing spot. Look for limited distractions I don’t know about you, but sharing a chicken coop with 22 hens and 2 up...
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.
This past Saturday was our Master Class hosted by Joyce Moyer Hostetter: The Story Safari: Tracking Down the Story Through Research, Focus, and Revision. I read her Bakers Mountain series several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I was excited to get to learn...
In my multimedia journalism class, our professor talked about “writing for the ear.” If you’re unfamiliar with the term, writing for the ear is when you write something that is meant to be spoken or performed rather than read silently. My Shakespeare professor taught...
Life can get crazy sometimes. Obligations, unexpected circumstances, appointments, and just living life in general can keep our plates full. This craziness can definitely hinder our writing, especially if deadlines are looming. I suggest, it’s time to take a break! A...
Sometimes, we might feel as if our writing efforts, and God’s favor on them, are stuck behind a cloud, hidden from view.
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...
I am delighted to bring you my review for The Other Side of Sunshine by Kay DiBianca. This story is a middle grade mystery (ages 9-12), but with a protagonist who is only 10-years-old, kids on the younger side of middle grade will enjoy it. I think older kids will...
It’s finally happened! You landed the writing assignment you’ve been waiting for. Now the stress is on. Not only do you want to produce a piece that is amazing and memorable (to be a good steward of the talent God has blessed you with and in case there is other work...
Tackling writing tasks can overwhelm. At least that’s been my experience. So let’s look at some steps to help us tackle them.
Do you have an Emergency Backup for your writing? I don’t mean a different avenue of life if a writing career doesn’t pan out. I’m talking about a backup for when something in your writing process goes haywire. For example, last week, my charging cord for my laptop...
Join us for a devotional on Habakkuk’s prayer, in Habakkuk 3, as we discuss finding faith and joy in the midst of trials.
Have you strapped God into the co-pilot’s seat of your writing? If so, switch seats. Let God be the Pilot in Command.
Kids are full of questions, aren’t they? It’s because they are blessed with a natural curiosity and wonder which many adults outgrow. Those recurring “What?” “When?” “Where? “How?” and “Why? questions form the basis of how they learn and understand new things....
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...
Which came first? The chicken or the egg? As I am writing this post, I hear the faint “cheep, cheep” of a newly hatched chick—one of my son’s latest projects. So I can’t help but think about that old adage. Of course, as a Christian, I know the chicken came first...
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,...
At 14, I felt a gentle prompting from God that I would someday become an author. It wasn't a dramatic revelation, but a quiet assurance that, if I remained faithful, He would guide me on that path (Philippians 1:6). Now, at 28, that dream is becoming a reality. My...
Sometimes, no matter how many articles or stories you’ve written in the past, there comes a time when you don’t feel very inspired to write. You know you have to write something for a deadline, but you just don’t feel in the write mood (pun intended) to put pen to...
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.
Summer is gone. Fall is in full swing. Winter will soon be on our doorsteps. So now is the perfect time to practice some seasonal sensory exercises to stir your writing imagination. Exercise #1: Sight Fall is a wonder for the eyes. Look at the photo below. What do you...
A Turkey for Thanksgiving, by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Diane de Groat, is the perfect picture book to read for Thanksgiving.
Today I’ll cover several writing nuggets DiAnn shares about the power of setting, story pacing, and developing a writer’s voice.
This past July I took a trip with my husband, our two daughters, and my mother to visit family in New Mexico. The drive was long (about 16 hours, including getting a nail out of our tire), but it was worth it to see relatives (on my mother’s side) who we haven’t seen...
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 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...
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...
In 2014, I decided to be intentional with my writing after pursuing it as a hobby for years. I wrote and wrote. I joined writing groups. Then, in 2020—I gave it my all. I took a plethora of classes; I made goals in multiple genres; I joined several critique groups....
Last time I wrote about writing a plot summary within a short period of time for a potential fiction story opportunity. The good news is, the publisher accepted my pitch! The bad news is, the publisher accepted my pitch! Of course, this isn’t really bad news. It’s...
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 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...
As I mentioned last week, we have recently added three new bloggers to our team. Today, Pam Halter provides insight on how to maintain healthy writing habits. Take it away, Pam! -- Carol Baldwin A Reminder from Scripture Then he (Elijah) lay down under the tree and...
As the blog coordinator for Write2Ignite, I am thankful for every writer who gives his or her time and energy to share godly inspiration, writing tips, and encouragement. I am sad to see bloggers leave us, but I understand that blogging is a big commitment. I am...
If you’ve been in the writing business for any length of time, you know how valuable a critique partner is. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:24, “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” I have found that my critique partners are the honey...
Did you miss our master class on Writing Christian Fantasy with Amy Earls? Check out our recap of the master class highlights.
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?”
Join us for a discussion faith and writing goals we can glean from Philippians 4 to start our year off right.
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 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...
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...
9 Lessons Discovered from the Inklings
Use these 5 writing activities to kickstart your creativity and help you stay motivated as you build your writing routines.
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...
One writer’s journey to writing and publishing her first educational book.
Ava Pennington equips Christian writers with four important principles for handling God’s Word accurately.
Deborah DeCiantis reviews Lori Hatcher’s new devotional, Refresh Your Prayers: Uncommon devotions to restore power and praise
A prayer of encouragement for my fellow Christian writers.
“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.”
Does the idea of attending a writing critique group make you nervous? You’re not alone! Check out a few tips for calming those critique jitters.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect time for reflections. Here are a few journaling prompts to help you reflect and quiet your spirit for the coming year.
5 Reasons to Join a Writing Community Are you a member of a writing community? I’m not talking about attending a writers’ conference. Are you part of a writing critique group or other professional organization that meets at least once a month? If you are, then you...
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...
Making time to spend with God a priority – the best new year resolution for 2021!
Making time to spend with God a priority – the best new year resolution for 2021!
Are you looking forward to a New Year with no mistake (to paraphrase Anne of Green Gables)? Have you been searching for another way to keep track of all your writerly progress? Enter THE BULLET JOURNAL!! It's a unique method for organizing your life - no matter what...
"Too few [writers] are open to the possibility that the business side calls for as much imagination as the artistic process itself . . . An open attitude toward business can provide focus, discipline, and, sometimes most importantly, self-awareness about what you want...
Being Thanksgiving Day, I want to show my gratitude for technology. If it weren't for the Internet, Zoom, and our devices, we would be isolated indeed! Virtual Research Are you working on a manuscript, but finding it difficult to do the research you need, since...
"The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks."--Luke 6:45 (BSB) Our words and actions reflect what fills our...
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...
closed circuit (noun, Electricity). "a circuit without interruption, providing a continuous path through which a current can flow." (dictionary.com) When it comes to modern technology, a closed circuit is an incredibly useful thing. Closed circuits allow electricity...
"'So why does our writing matter again?' they ask. Because of the spirit, I say. Because of the heart. Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: they feed the soul." --Anne Lamott, pp. 237 Bird by Bird by...
Think back to the resolutions or goals you set in January. Less than 5 months ago, yet it feels like years have passed! Did you write them down? Do you remember what they were…or would you rather forget? How well have you done with your goals? Perhaps you haven’t...
Last week our teen reviewer, Kathryn Cover, reviewed Penny Reeve's book, CAMP MAX. This week, we welcome Penny back to our blog for an inside look at being a Christian children's writer in Australia. I am a Christian children’s and YA author living and writing in...
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,...
This past year was a difficult one for me. Due to our financial situation, we have not been able to travel, which has always been my go-to for inspiration. A new destination has the ability to shake up my brain cells and send them in a new direction, but this...
When you write Christian literature for children ignition is the goal. Writing literature that will ignite a child's imagination, a zeal for learning, a love of reading, and a reverence for God is the mission. More than that, it's a ministry. And engaging, well...
If you read good books, when you write, good books will come out of you. Maybe it's not quite that easy, but if you want to learn something, go to the source. -- Natalie Goldberg Hello everyone, My name is Karley Conklin, and I’m a new blogger for Write2Ignite. I've...
Before I interned at South Carolina Public Radio, “intimate” and “people-oriented” were the last words I’d use to describe the broadcasting organization. My picture of public radio included stuffed shirts, pressed pants, and dull voices. All news reports were robotic,...
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...
Following up on Monday's blog, here are more rejection stories from our 2019 faculty. VIJAYA BODACH Rejections! Oh yes! Thank God because I only want my best in print, but in my haste and excitement, I've sent out pieces too early, before they were truly ready. It's...
For the last two Thursdays, we've been hearing what our team and attendees are looking forward to at the 2019 Conference. Today we hear from some of our faculty. For more information about each one of these workshop leaders, please consult our Faculty page. Tessa...
Last Thursday we shared some of our Write2Ingite staff picks. Here is a sampling of what our attendees are expecting.[spacer height="20px"] Tina Hartig I'm looking forward to my first Write2Ignite conference. I've heard great things about past conferences and know I...
With so many great workshops to pick from, I thought we'd share what our team is excited about. But don't limit your choices to ours, you have many more to consider! Brenda Covert I’m torn between the workshop about “Connecting with Kids” by...
The party was in full swing. I had arrived early and was determined to be the last to leave. That wouldn’t be difficult, since I was the only person there. I can party with the best of them. And I’m especially adept at hosting and attending my own pity parties. It’s...
Here's our jam-packed conference schedule! Start planning NOW for two days of encouragement and education. Spring Blessings discount has been extended through June 15! registration Friday, September 20, 2019 * Please check final schedule and room assignment...