April 2026 Master Class
Registration is Now Open
I first met Jennifer Jahn at a Write2Ignite's Time2Write session. It's always a treat to chat with Jennifer, and today, it's a special joy to introduce her to you as she celebrates the release of her debut children's book, God's Wide Wonderful World (illustrated by...
Author Kathleen Bostrom has a new release from Tommy Nelson entitled See What God Made. Beautifully illustrated by artist Janet Samuel, it is an engaging and colorful lift-the-flap board book. The charming text leads the readers through each day of the biblical...
This spring, our Master Class will be focused on adding humor to our stories. We’re super excited as this is the first time we’ve focused on humor. Here’s what you can expect! Laughing on the Light Side: Writing Clean, Clever Humor for Kids and Teens Our teacher is JJ...
Which research course should I choose for my master’s in education? I wondered as I searched to fulfill the credits to graduate in Human Development and Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education. When I told my advisor my passion for writing, without...
Growing up, most of my favorite books were those that included a good amount of humor. Humor brings in light moments when they are needed and, often, makes stories more memorable. With our April Master Class on humor coming up soon, I wanted to recommend a few of my...
Hey Write2Igniters! I’m pleased to introduce you all to JJ Johnson, our teacher for April’s Master Class this year. In my March blog I’ll focus on what he’s covering in his class, “Laughing on the Light Side: Writing Clean, Clever Humor for Kids and Teens." Author JJ...
Join us for a book review of Write! Write! Write! by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, a clever and colorful collection of poems for kids.
Process embraces what God wants. Outcome embraces what I want.
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...
Let’s play pretend. Say we’ve been transported one year into the future, and you and I are talking over our favorite specialty drinks about how fast this past year flew by. You mention some of the things you enjoyed, but get quiet for a moment as you think about the...
There’s something enchanting about a rainbow—its gentle arc, its burst of color, the quiet promise it carries. In Guess Why God Made the Rainbow , author Karen Ferguson captures the wonder and wraps it in a story that speaks tenderly to children’s hearts. This is the...
Introducing... When Cindy Lynn Sawyer wrote The Wonder of Under, she stopped short of hiring an illustrator. After all, the cost of hiring someone to illustrate your picture book is the most expensive part of self-publishing a picture book. So you can imagine her...
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...
Knights in Manhattan: A Reen and Joanie Detective Agency Novel (The Reen & Joanie Detective Agency Series) by Kay DiBianca Back Cover Copy A gang of tricky thieves is on the loose in Manhattan, but no need to worry. The Reen & Joanie Detective Agency is on the...
My Writing Swirls It’s easy during the Christmas season to stretch ourselves thin—even in our writing. Here’s how it happened for me: I write mostly picture books and middle grade stories, and I’m actively working on submissions for some manuscripts and...
Today, I’d like to introduce Sonja Anderson and her new picture book, A Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse: A St. Lucia Celebration (illustrated by Agnieszka Potocka) just out this fall from Tyndale Kids. This lovely story of love and hope is sure to become a...
I’m excited to share with you two unique Christmas pictures books that have released this month. As we head into the holiday season, be sure to check these out! They would make the perfect gift for the child in your life. Meanwhile, Back at the Manger by Brenda Covert...
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...
Introducing... When Brenda Covert took one of our Master Classes taught by Laura Sassi, she immediately had the idea for Meanwhile, Back at the Manger . A few years later, she finally has a picture book to call her own. A fun re-telling of the birth of Jesus,...
An Outlaw Thanksgiving might be the book for you if you want a Thanksgiving picture book that doesn’t mention Pilgrims or turkeys .
Today, I'm excited to introduce Robin Currie to you. Robin spent her library career in the children’s department where she could baa, moo, and honk without getting shushed. Her writing engages children not only in noisemaking but also in jumping, waving, and...
Summary This lower middle grade fantasy set in an ancient Mesoamerican world builds hope and courage rising from destruction. Soledad is a victim of the Phoenix’s evil plagues, just like the rest of her former village. But she’s also different. She’s hiding with her...
You’ve worked hard on your manuscript. You found a publisher that you think may like your story, and you send it out with great expectation. You wait several months. You hear nothing back, which is not uncommon nowadays. Most publishing companies only respond if...
The countdown is on! From Nov. 3–7, 2025, Write2Ignite will host the first-ever Christian Authors Reading Event (CARE), a week of free, faith-filled story connections for readers of all ages. What is CARE? CARE is a week-long celebration that pairs Christian...
Consider the Birds by Jennifer Grant, illustrated by Julianna Swaney, is a lovely new book published by Eerdmans Books that utilizes the activity of birds to subtly remind kids that God sees every detail. Summary In my opinion, the story hints of the verse Matthew...
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...
Tina Cho is a kindergarten teacher by day and, by night, an award-winning author of six picture books and a lyrical middle grade graphic novel, The Other Side of Tomorrow , which received five starred reviews. Tina has visited us at Write2Ignite before – appearing in...
I have this on the author page of my website: “Children are a tough audience. You can fool an adult with persiflage or purple prose, but a kid can tell if you’re faking immediately.” Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss) As a children’s author, I work to write stories that...
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...
Children’s book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison has had her books translated into eleven languages, and she has received over seventy awards for her work. In September, Darcy will share tips on how to “Self-Publish Picture Books and Middle Grade Books” at...
It’s August, and I have another Christmas book for you! This time it’s because the release date is September 2nd. That’s 2 weeks away! Summary In a tiny barn in Bethlehem, Old Hannah the cow lives alone until the cold wind drives other animals to seek shelter. One by...
If anyone was qualified to write stories for children, it would be Laura Sassi. She has worn many hats through the years: a mother, a homeschooler, a teacher, and a children’s ministry director. She also wore a special hat for our podcast episode! With over ten books...
Join us for a review of “When I Talk to God, I Talk About You” by Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins. Illustrated by Lisa Fields
I first discovered children’s author and poet Nancy Tupper Ling when I read her blog post on Tara Lazar's popular Storystorm event in January. Having written everything from blog posts to poems, from picture books to books for adults, Nancy has done it all! She's been...
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...
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,...
I know it’s not the Christmas season, but let’s have a little Christmas in July fun! Summary Bacon’s Very Important Christmas Job, written and illustrated by Tina Neely, is the story about Bacon, a potbelly pig who wants to help his forever family with Christmas...
Join us for a review of “Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them” by Melanie Crowder and Megan Benedict.
A Season of Purposeful Connection Summer is often a time of sunshine, rest, and togetherness — but it can also offer families a powerful opportunity for spiritual growth. That’s the heart behind Summer of Stories, a new faith-based initiative created by Christian...
If you’re just joining this blog thread, check out my first two posts on writing engaging picture books: Part One and Part Two. How Do I Become A Kid Again? Here’s the thing. Some adults have forgotten what it was like to be a kid. They’ve grown up and gone all stiff...
I’m delighted to introduce you to Chelsea Tornetto today. Chelsea is the author of several picture books, a freelance editor, and an author coach. Welcome, Chelsea! Thanks for joining us to discuss your newly-launched picture book, Chalk the Walk (illustrated by...
Some books feel like a gift — and God's Perfect Peace by Glenys Nellist is one of those rare treasures. It’s more than just a bedtime story; it’s a beautifully written and illustrated blessing and invitation to rest in God’s love and peace. Honestly, it’s the kind of...
Last month, I gave some general tips on writing picture books. Today, I want to look deeper into the craft. What You Need to Know First Our competition is fierce. Most beginning writers think starting with picture books is good because they’re short. In a way, they’re...
THE SYNOPSIS Remmy Raccoon is excited because the fair is in town—and that means carnival food! He is very hungry. He dumpster dives to find his favorite munchables, but don’t worry, he always washes them before eating. When he finds a pink, fluffy confectionary...
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...
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...
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...
In all the years I’ve been a freelance children’s book editor, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard how people want to write picture books because they’re short … and easy. “HA!” I’d say. (And I had to keep myself from slapping them and saying, “Snap out of...
A conversation with Joyce Hostetter, our spring MC teacher.
In Karen Ferguson’s newest picture book, Guess Who Is in God’s Family, Papa Joe once again opens God’s Word to satisfy Lucy’s curiosity about her family. Papa Joe explains God’s creation of the very first family, and that we all came from this first family in gentle,...
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...
There is nothing more painful as a writer, than staring at the blank page, with your mind even blanker. Some people call this writer’s block, some people say writer’s block doesn’t even exist. But neither of these offers a solution. Today, I’ll offer mine: prewriting....
Barnaby the Runaway Sheep, written by Maria Antonia and illustrated by Sayani Mukherjee, is a endearing picture book about a sheep who must learn to trust his shepherds. Barnaby is afraid of having his wool snipped so he does everything he can to avoid it. First, he...
Tackling writing tasks can overwhelm. At least that’s been my experience. So let’s look at some steps to help us tackle them.
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...
In Guess How Much God Loves You author Karen Ferguson reminds little Lucy, and other kids five to seven years old, that God created them because He loves them.
Today on our blog, I interview Joyce Moyer Hostetter, who will be leading our Master Class in April. Joyce Hostetter, our next Master Class speaker Interview PAM: Hi, Joyce! Thanks for being here with us on the Write2Ignite blog. JOYCE: It’s great to be here! PAM: I...
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...
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!...
It’s 2025. A new year to get ideas, write, submit, and get rejected. I mean, let’s be positive. Write, submit and get picked up by your dream publishing house! Woot! But it often feels like we’re playing a kids’ game, doesn’t it? I thought this after I read Julie...
Happy New Year’s Eve Eve! In two days, it will be 2025. A new year with no mistakes in it. Tomorrow has no mistakes in it. The next 5 minutes have no mistakes in them. The next 3 seconds have no mistakes in them. Your new manuscript, which you have not started yet,...
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...
The crisp winter air tweaks my nose as I admire the glow of my town’s twinkling lights. Everywhere I look, I see Christmas trees, bright-eyed children, and outdoor Nativity scenes. The Christmas season fills me with warmth, like a long-forgotten promise of joy being...
Christmas is NEXT WEEK. It comes every December 25th and yet, it always sneaks up on me. As much as I try to focus on the meaning, I often get caught up in the commercial prep. I look for the perfect gift. I look for the perfect decorations. I look for the perfect...
Join us for a discussion of Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien and the joy of storytelling.
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.
This week, I had the privilege of interviewing Amy Houts. I met Amy a couple of years ago at my first-ever Write2Ignite Master Class, and I’m happy to reconnect with her now as she celebrates the release of her two most recent books, The Creation and Noah’s Ark...
For me, it’s time to look at 2025 conferences and decide which one or ones I’d like to attend. I’ve been attending at least one conference a year since 1997. Yeah, I’m that old. But conferences are super important, either in person (which I prefer) or online...
Growing up, I loved Thanksgiving. It was one of the few times my extended family got together. And while it wasn’t anywhere close to a Norman Rockwell experience, being together meant so much to my young heart. My aunt usually hosted, and she was a fantastic cook. I...
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...
What can the story of the lamplighter in The Little Prince teach us about faithfulness? Join us for a discussion on this beautiful book.
A Turkey for Thanksgiving, by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Diane de Groat, is the perfect picture book to read for Thanksgiving.
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...
Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds (Author) and Peter Brown (Illustrator) Summary Jasper Rabbit is NOT a little bunny anymore. He’s not afraid of the dark, and he’s definitely not afraid of something as silly as underwear. But when the lights go out, suddenly...
Overview of Natalee Creeh’s master class on lyrical language.
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...
With school in full swing, now is the perfect time to check out another picture book: We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. Summary It’s Penelope Rex’s first day of school, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But making friends is hard when they’re so...
Natalee Creech demonstrates how she revised a stanza in one of her picture books.
“Nothing!” by Natalee Creech and Joseph Cowman, published in 2019 by Worthy Kids, explores the reassuring message of Romans 8:38-39 from a child’s perspective. The book beautifully combines captivating illustrations and lyrical language to convey the unbreakable love of God. With engaging scenarios and literary techniques, it enhances both children’s imaginations and their understanding of God’s love.
C.S. Lewis gave this advice on writing, to a schoolgirl in America: “Always write (and read) with the ear, not the eye.” I think that is sound advice – pun intended! I invite you to join me on September 28, for a day of reveling in lyrical language. We will take a...
I’ve got about a dozen unfinished stories. When I look back to see why I gave up on the story (sometimes mid-sentence), I discovered most of them died out around chapter three. I was shocked. What was so hard about chapter three? Why would I give up so easily? As I...
If you’ve never attended the Montrose writers’ conference, you’re missing out on something delightful. Montrose is a small conference in northeast PA. This year, the 35th annual Montrose Christian Writers Conference was held from July 15th to July 19th. It has a...
Join us for a book review of Michelle Weltz’s new picture book, Miraculous Sky; a story based on true events.
A Master's Degree! This past month I have gone back to school to earn my Master’s degree in Second Language Acquisition. I have been learning to take the process brick-by-brick or in other words one step at a time. After I was registered with all the...
This week, we’re happy to have Tina Cho join us here at Write2Ignite. I’ve been a fan of Tina’s work since I heard her interviewed at a writer’s conference about three years ago. So, when I heard she was celebrating the launch of her latest picture book for the...
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...
On Your Mark, Get Set, GO! Writing sprints. Ever take part in them? There are some different ways to do them. They can be fun AND productive! I’ve broken them down into three types: Active Sprints, Inactive Sprints, and Marathon Sprints. Active Sprints Active Sprints...
Looking for books to enjoy during summer reading? Check out these five picture books (themed with red, white, and blue covers).
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...
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV “… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 NIV Conferences Matter A favorite saying of my husband’s uncle was, “Consider the day wasted if you...
REVIEW Butterfly Ink is the newest young adult romance from Monarch Educational Services by Lori Keating and it’s perfect for a summer vacation read. Meet Calista: a teen about to have all her wishes come true through a magical tattoo made of butterfly...
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...
I’m excited to introduce you to Kate Rietema today. Kate is a busy mom, registered nurse, community educator, amateur potter, speaker, and author of over 50 articles and poems for various magazines. Welcome, Kate, and thank you for taking the time out of your packed...
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...
Remember five-year-old Mills’ words about The Hello Goodbye Window? “That book. It just changed me.” My last post featured books that impacted my kindergartners and prompted insightful experiences. Books also changed our world outside the classroom. The fenced area...
Join us for a review of Kathleen Long Bostrom’s newest picture book, “Daddy, Tell Me a Story”, a perfect bedtime read.
I breathed deeply as I uttered the last words of The Hello, Goodbye Window : “When you look from the outside, Nanna and Poppy’s house has lots of windows, but there’s only one Hello, Goodbye Window and it’s right where you need it.” Turning the page, I continued:...
I agree. Not all hard topics can (or really should) be written for kids. Some things are best to wait until they get older and are more mature to handle it. But does this mean that all difficult problems need to be taken out of middle grade books? Personally, I don't...