April 2026 Master Class
Registration is Now Open
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...
Deborah DeCiantis reviews Lori Hatcher’s new devotional, Refresh Your Prayers: Uncommon devotions to restore power and praise
Terri B. Kelly encourages Christian writers on how to write devotionals that children will understand.
Tex Brooks provides 5 tips on getting your devotion published.
Along with the devotions, there are Family Beatitudes: biblical blessings for happy families, Chat Prompts: conversations starters, Wrap Up: discussion ideas…and more! Writing devotions for children has an exciting caveat: we get to write lots of fun stuff to go along...
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...
Karen Whiting provides a preview of her MC on writing devotions.
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?
Lori Hatcher tells us about her new devotional, Refresh Your Prayers
“Read, read, read. Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it.Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the...
Celebrate National Picture Book Month
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...
by Jean Matthew Hall August 2021 The following list contains our recommendations for young adult readers. Tessa Emily Hall and Write2Ignite Team members contributed to this list. PLEASE, if you have other suggestions for Christian or Clean YA books, Please leave the...
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.
Kim Peterson shares two trends in writing for young adults.
Book review of a young adult fantasy, The Button Girl.
What do you think of when you hear the title Purple Moon ? I didn’t know what to expect when I purchased this novel by Tessa Emily Hall at the Write2Ignite conference in 2018. Purple Moon is full of plot twists and keeps you in suspense. The reader is constantly...
Tessa Emily Hall, Write2Ignite’s YA Master Class instructor, provides hope for Christians writing in this genre.
Christian Themes in YA books.
Writing Clean YA.
Candice Yamitz has a YA fantasy novel “Unbetrothed” debuting with Illuminate YA an imprint of Iron Stream Media, in February 2022.
Master vacationing as a writer with these 6 easy steps.
Why I write for young adults
Compiled by Jean Matthew Hall If you would like to read up on writing for young adults before our September 18, 2021 Master Class with Tessa Emily Hall here are a few helpful website. Some contain quick tips. Some go into much more depth. They are handy resources for...
In the post before this, I discussed my method for writing a script for a short video. In this post, I aim to shine some light on the next step in my short movie making process: filming! WHY A VIDEO? A picture may be worth a thousand words… but a...
I overthink everything. But I knew that Cindy Lynn Sawyer, Wannabe Author of Several Genres, just would not be an appropriate branding title or tagline. As a journalist-turned-marketer-turned-aspiring author, I am diverse in my writing skills. But how do I harness...
Last September, Joyce Hostetter was our first Master Class Teacher on writing Middle Grade books. It is my privilege to share her next book (unfortunately, the last in the Bakers Mountain Stories series), EQUAL with you. PROLOGUE When I went to the river that day in...
The video clip is adorable. A racoon dips a chunk of cotton candy into water, anticipating the scrumptious morsal. but it disappears! He frantically looks for his dissolved treat, unable to comprehend the science between water and the fluffy confection. This is the...
We all know that reading aloud is good for kids, but what about adults? Can reading aloud be good for them, too?
In my previous post, I wrote about the creative process of brainstorming a short story. Today, I’m moving on to show you my next step in making a video short: writing the script. REASONS FOR A SCRIPT “Do I really need a script?” I remember grumbling to...
The Write2Ignite team was thrilled to have so many new W2I attendees at our Master Class on April 24 with Laura Sassi. I asked our participants to share some takeaways from the class. Here are some of their enthusiastic responses. Because of the power of Zoom, we had...
I asked our participants what they are looking forward to learning at Laura Sassi's picture book class. Each of these is a reason to attend! This is what they said: A list of traditional publishers currently accepting submissions would be great. Joyce M. How to get...
Laura Sassi, our Master Class instructor, gives us a peek into her publication journey.
Here’s a glimpse into Laura Sassi’s Picture Book Master Class is next month.
We’re pumped up about our Picture Book Master class!
A common phrase I have heard my writing mentors say is, “Learn the craft.” Often times when people give advice, they forget to tell you how it is done. My writing mentor, Carol Baldwin has poured time and energy into my writing life....
A common phrase I have heard my writing mentors say is, “Learn the craft.” Often times when people give advice, they forget to tell you how it is done. My writing mentor, Carol Baldwin has poured time and energy into my writing life....
Helena George, a former conference attendee, has blogged for Write2Ignite several times. Her fantasy young adult novel, Ships, Secrets and Survivors was reviewed in September. In this post, she shares some thoughts on writing and music. ******** One thing I’ve noticed...
I have loved watching movie shorts since I was little but making one myself was harder than I expected. I quickly realized that I needed a grasp of basic storytelling, scriptwriting, filming, and editing in order to produce even a short, three-minute-long movie. My...
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...
It’s almost Valentine’s Day. If you’re reading this post, you probably have a Valentine who loves to write books for children. If so, I can’t think of a more loving gift than to give that Valentine a Write2Ignite Gift Certificate. For Just $79 you can give that...
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...
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....
Our logo truly became a reality to me last Saturday as I attended the online Fiction Master Class taught by the gifted Joyce Moyer Hostetter. Not only has she written a popular MG Historical fiction series, but she is able to impart her knowledge of writing to her...
When I first heard about the Baker Mountain series by Joyce Moyer Hostetter, Drive, the fourth book in the series, sounded the most interesting. Drive occurs several years after the previous novel, Comfort, and follows the story of Ida and Ellie Honeycutt, Ann Fay’s...
Write2Ignite’s Writing Fiction Master Class is coming up Sept. 19! In just two weeks, author Joyce Moyer Hostetter will be presenting three sessions to help attendees learn more about fiction writing. Plus, the Write2Ignite team will be leading three workshops to help...
TIP #3 Don’t avoid tough literal situations by referring to them only as metaphors. Taking literal language metaphorically is equally problematic. Kids can be masters of metaphor. Ask “Didn’t I tell you not to play in the mud?” and they...
On one of my blog posts, where I shared a "Flash Fiction" piece, a commenter had mentioned that I had "a voice". I can't tell you how thrilled I was with that revelation! I kept saying to myself, over and over: "I have a voice! I have a voice!" as if I had received...
Comfort, the third book in Joyce Moyer Hostetter’s Bakers Mountain series, picks up almost exactly where the previous novel, Blue, left off. Ann Fay Honeycutt narrates this novel as well. The polio epidemic and World War II have left her family shattered, and Ann Fay...
One of the most boring books I ever read was about Jesus. Okay – to be honest, I mostly said that to get your attention – please don’t get mad and click over to Facebook! But, the truth is, I never actually finished reading Joshua by Joseph Girzone because...
"The secret to editing your work is simple: you need to become its reader instead of its writer."--Zadie Smith Write2Ignite's 2020 Master class with Joyce Moyer Hostetter is only a month away. The Write2Ignite team has suggested checking out several chapters of...
According to Elaine Marie Alphin ( Creating Characters Kids Will Love p. 2) “Kids read because a magical closeness springs up between them and the characters in books and stories—the same magical closeness I felt as a child. They read because a writer has brought a...
The year 2020 has been full of surprises. We’ve all had to regroup, rethink, reconsider many things that we have taken for granted for decades. It’s been inconvenient, true. But it has also been fruitful. New needs and inconveniences usually force us into innovative...
Conference season will be kicking up again in the fall, including the Write2Ignite Master Class. And it’s not too early to start planning. Now, you may be thinking, I’ve been to a writer’s conference—maybe even several. So why should you attend yet another one – even...
In my book, Drive, Ida and Ellie Honeycutt are forced by difficult circumstances to step out of their natural roles. As identical twins, they see and experience the world differently but are so emotionally connected that they easily understand the other’s viewpoint....
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...
I was excited to follow Junior Bledsoe’s journey in the second novel in the Baker Mountain series, Blue. Junior does not have as large a role in this novel as he does in the series’ previous novel, Aim, but his character is crucial because he helps his friend and...
Paris is one of my favorite cities. Its history and ambiance intrigue me. There is something about strolling down the streets of Paris, crossing the bridges, or walking along the Seine, even in the rain, that can't be experienced anywhere else in the world. It...
I have been interested in reading the Bakers Mountain series by Joyce Moyer Hostetter since I first heard about it at Write2Ignite 2018. When I was offered this opportunity to review all four books in the series, I gladly accepted. I am beginning my reviews with Aim,...
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...
Back around 1996, my friend, Dave told me that when he was fourteen, his father died. At the funeral, a woman said to him, “I guess you’ll have to be the man of the house now.” Dave said to me. “I did not want to be the man of the house. I wasn’t ready for that...
"'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...
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,...
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...
How can a social-distancing writer focus on 1) writing progress and 2) spiritual wellbeing? If you’re getting plenty of alone time, writing should be easy, right? But you’re still living in unfamiliar circumstances, perhaps removed from routines or places that inspire...
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. Luke 12:27 I have always loved this passage, perhaps because among the many challenging instructions in scripture, this...
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...
Writer Magazine ranked the Write2Ignite conference among the best writing conferences in the Southeast! Thanks to all of our hard-working volunteer staff members who helped claim that place.
Writer Magazine ranked the Write2Ignite conference among the best writing conferences in the Southeast! Thanks to all of our hard-working volunteer staff members who helped claim that place.
In an effort to grow my copywriting skills, I took Ian Lurie’s LinkedIn Learning course “ Learning to Write Marketing Copy .” He broke copywriting down into four easy steps: create a plan, free write, write your first draft, and polish your writing. While the course...
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...
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...
In an effort to grow my copywriting skills, I took Ian Lurie’s LinkedIn Learning course “ Learning to Write Marketing Copy .” He broke copywriting down into four easy steps: create a plan, free write, write your first draft, and polish your writing. While the course...
I graduated in May of 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and immediately transitioned into a career in marketing. I’m still learning the ropes of copywriting, but many of the principles I learned in journalism school apply to both copywriting and creative...
Fast is fashionable. The all-consuming lust for speed, however, caters to instant gratification and undermines weighty pursuits. It carries a hidden cost, a price tag that few would be willing to pay in many situations. And we know it. We understand that gaining...
We prepare, plan, and pray for a year and then quickly the conference is over! As a team, we are thankful for each attendee and presenter and are already looking forward to the 2020 conference on September 18-19. SAVE THE DATE! More details to follow. If you weren't...
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....
Many of us love our phone cameras, but how adept are we at getting the best shots? Rank novice? Learn how to get the shots right side up! Selfies spoiled? Get tips on the best perspective! Seeing the bigger picture? Get professional recommendations for new goals!...
Here's a sneak peek at our final conference keynote with a description in her own words. We've enjoyed sharing our conference presenters with you. We are looking forward to seeing you at the conference. Visit: https://write2ignite.com/registration-2019/ New Paradigm...
This is Brenda Covert’s 5th year with W2I. In the past she participated as an editor and taught a poetry workshop for the Teen Track. Now she is the critiques coordinator and manages W2I’s Twitter and Instagram accounts. She loves teen authors since they...
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...
Vanessa Fortenberry is no stranger to Write2Ignite or to her passion for writing and sharing books. She earned her Master’s and Specialist degrees in Media from the University of West Georgia. As a teacher-librarian, Vanessa enjoys story time with her students and...
Most of you know that Write2Ignite is a conference to equip adult and teen writers of Christian-worldview literature for children and young adults. But what else does W2I provide?[spacer height="20px"] One-on-One Consultations Some conferences charge to schedule a...
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,...
Here's a sneak peek at conference presenters with descriptions in their own words. We'll be posting a teaser page each Monday. To register, visit: https://write2ignite.com/registration-2019/ Vijaya Bodach - Writing a Book that’s Controversial Come to...
Here's a sneak peek at conference presenters with descriptions in their own words. We'll be posting a teaser page each Monday. You still have time to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount. To register, visit: https://write2ignite.com/registration-2019/ Kim...
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...
Here's a sneak peek at conference presenters with descriptions in their own words. We'll be posting a teaser page each Monday. You still have time to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount. Visit: https://write2ignite.com/registration-2019/ Kim Peterson -...
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...
Here's a sneak peek at conference presenters with descriptions in their own words. We'll be posting a teaser page each Monday. You still have time to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount. Visit: https://write2ignite.com/registration-2019/ Tessa Emily Hall - How...
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...
Here's a sneak peek at conference presenters with descriptions in their own words. We'll be posting a teaser page each Monday. You still have time to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount. Visit: https://write2ignite.com/registration-2019/ Tony Snipes - 5 MORE...
Here's a sneak peek at the Conference sessions, described by the presenters themselves. Watch for new "teaser" posts each Monday. You still have time to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount. See: https://write2ignite.com/registration-2019/ ...
Bringing out holiness. Perhaps we artists would prefer to describe the concept as "drawing out holiness." What does it mean to "bring--or draw--out holiness"? And how on earth could our writing affect holiness? Guest blogger, J.G. Spires, invites us to consider this...
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...
When this picture was taken of the Write2Ignite team at the 2018 conference, little did they know that within a year many of them would become "experts" at taking and posting videos online. Here's a sampling of some of the recent videos our team created about...
Photo credit: The National Archives Teens and Tweens! In honor of the Fourth of July, this post is for you! Whether you’re a history buff or just someone who loves a challenge, here’s a holiday contest that will stump most adults in the U.S.! See entry details and...
Biblical witness is relational and demonstrable. John’s gospel (1:6 -7) states that John the Baptist was “sent from God . . . to bear witness of the Light [Jesus], that all through him might believe.” Verses 14-18 name Jesus Christ the primary witness [the “Word...