I have fun connecting people to one another. My fun is doubled when I get to share how authors connect with a publisher--particularly through Write2Ignite! In January I told you how Laura Petrisin signed with Monarch Educational Services. Here is more news--Amy Houts...
If you have ever researched rules in storytelling, you may have come across the famous Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling. This came from a 2011 tweet from a Pixar employee who realized there were 22 written (and unwritten) rules they implemented on every story. While...
Journey With Jesus, is a new picture book (Paraclete Press, 2024) for the entire family, written by Ann Ingalls, and illustrated by Steliyana Doneva. Ingalls tells the story of Jesus during the week of his crucifixion. The book begins with Palm Sunday. Jesus enters...
As a “Mimi” with two grandchildren, I am always on the lookout for fun and creative projects for us to enjoy together. When Rowan and Eden come for a visit, one of the first questions they ask is, “What project can we do today?” Recently, we worked on creating books...
Join Karley Conklin for a discussion of three tips for memorizing scripture, as well as three reasons why memorizing scripture matters.
Hello Write2Ignite Readers! My name is Debbie Arnn and I’m the Financial Administrator for Write2Ignite. I’m super excited to bring to you an author interview with Write2Ignite’s own website guru, Cindy Lynn Sawyer! Cindy’s debut picture book, The Wonder of Under...
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...
A note from the W2I blog coordinator, Carol Baldwin: I'm wearing a few hats these days. On top of working on a new historical middle-grade novel, blogging about kidlit, and co-ordinating this blog, I'm also Monarch Educational Services' new publicist. So, with a huge...
I received an email from a friend wanting to know how to find his target audience. He stated that he didn’t know who his target audience was, because he wanted to market to everybody. I sent him an email telling him that when you market to everybody, you market to...
Okay, you may have been hesitant with my article What Writers Can Learn from Walt Disney. You may have seen the Peanuts comic strip in a new light with What Writers Can Learn from Charles Schulz. But Dolly Parton? Surely, Kyle, you’re taking this thing too far! But...
Although I have been published for over twenty years now, my background is actually in film. I have a bachelor’s degree in Cinema, where my emphasis was cinematography. Of course, God had other plans for my life than that of a budding filmmaker. Nevertheless, I...
Join us for a discussion faith and writing goals we can glean from Philippians 4 to start our year off right.
OUR EFFORTS Writing takes effort. Hours and hours of effort. And I’m not simply speaking about writing the words of a manuscript, but I’m also thinking of other types of energy: researching, editing, building a platform, marketing, and more! The truth is that no...
God created the world in six days. Each day was a step-by-step building up of an environment that would be suitable for humans. As writers, we are creators, too. We create whole worlds out of the imaginations and experiences in our heads. Let’s look at how the days of...
Join us for a review of the first two books in the Jolley Tales series, a set of character building picture books.
Most people are familiar with villains – antagonists who cause conflict with the protagonists we (usually) root for in stories we read or write. But what are foils? What do they contribute to a protagonist’s conflict resolution (and sometimes, redemption)? Can an...
Recently we had some tears in an elementary art class. The children looked at photos of chameleons and then drew them. Then we used bubble wrap to print colorful reptile skin on their chameleons. I thought I’d worked out all the bugs on this new project, but I forgot...
My favorite aspect of the self-publishing process is that I coordinate every aspect of the process from the initial idea to the printed book in my readers’ hands! And the most challenging part of self-publishing is…coordinating every aspect of the process from idea to...
The calendar tells me it's October, but before you know it, December will be here and it'll be time for the holidays. I'm getting ahead of the game with today's book review. Many of you are familiar with the multi-talented award-winning children's author Nikki...
Our StarLight Magazine mission is to shine God’s truth through children’s literature.
The Two Lives of Ezekiel Van Cleef is the greatest novel ever written by AI. Why? Because I helped write it. While this sounds arrogant, I think any novel that has 10% of the writing done by a human is better than any novel written 100% by AI. In fact, productivity...
Today we welcome a new blogger to our team. Jennifer M. Barnes is a retired kindergarten and first-grade teacher and will draw from those experiences in her upcoming posts. She is thrilled to be part of our blogging team and we're excited to have her! **** “So,...
Not too long ago I was having a lovely conversation with a friend about my book review website, and I mentioned the percentage that my website’s income had gone up over the past year. She was floored that I actually made money from reviewing books, and said, “You mean...
“And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.” (Isaiah 34:7 KJV) If you ever come across this verse in the King James Bible, it might give you some pause....
Writing prompts are used by students and writers alike to challenge their creativity and/or to improve writing skills. They can be presented in a variety of ways – phrases, questions, topics – the sky’s the limit. Their purpose is to present you with an idea or...
By Guest Blogger and upcoming MC teacher, Marianne Hering Before I tell you why a fiction book with a whopping 361 chapters is not a chapter book, let me ramble about myself for a minute. Gauche, I know, but it’s part of the answer. So, I’ve written a few books in my...
At Write2Ignite we are always thrilled when one of our team publishes a book. This time, I have the double pleasure of sharing Gail Cartee's new picture book with you since we are in the same critique group. The reviewer is Jean Taylor, a graphic designer in North...
I'm so excited to share this new publisher of "Clean Reads that You Can Trust" that I was actually glad for a hole in our blog schedule (it usually throws me into a panic) to tell you about Monarch. I think many of you will be interested to learn about Jen Lowry and...
There was a man who worked at a factory who made some stuff. Let’s be honest. If this was an opening line, you’d close the book, put it back on the shelf and ask, “How did THAT ever get published?” But what if I told you this line could be fixed by using one simple...
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...
Helping little ones walk each day with Jesus
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...
Conferences can help us navigate to launch our creative ideas and keep them sailing.
If you’re craving more books like The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe with clean fantasy and wonderfully shown Christian symbolism, Millie Maven by Ted and Rachel Dekker is an awesome trilogy we’d recommend. Though it isn’t without its flaws, it echoes the...
I loved field trips when I was in elementary and high school. Sure, sitting for a stretch of time in a stinky school bus wasn’t the best, especially when you hit those winding roads, but I loved the chance to get out of the classroom and actually see what we were...
Join us for a review of Kathleen Long Bostrom’s new book, ‘Since the Baby Came’, a story about new siblings, written in 16 poems.
We had a blast with Kim Peterson during last weekend’s Master Class as she taught "Hooks, Queries and Proposals!" While writing these sales pitches can be overwhelming, Kim taught us how to focus our messaging and taught us how to reel in the necessary elements that...
9 Lessons Discovered from the Inklings
Join us for an interview with author Kathleen Long Bostrom, to learn about her newest book: Since the Baby Came.
There is something about reading out loud that helps one to better understand a story. As authors, we work hard to use our words to bring our ideas to life. But sometimes it’s difficult when you’re starting out to develop that unique voice that will make a story...
by Sally Matheny The Author The author, Laura Sassi, a graduate of Princeton University and UCLA, had a successful teaching career before becoming a children’s author. She’s been a homeschool mom, children’s ministry director, historic museum interpreter, and more....
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,...
Recently, I was invited to Smiley Elementary School in Redlands, California to give two author presentations for Read Across America week. The groups were to be divided into Kindergarten to 2nd grade and 3rd to 5th grade. The original understanding was to present my...
In which the author answers a few questions you may have about AI art. Question #1: Can AI art generators create good art for children's books? Maybe. This would take some doing and some skill, but I think it's possible now. And I'm sure in the future it will get to...
Join Karley Conklin for a discussion of 3 tips for growing strong and healthy writing habits, from James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits”.
Ways to Improve our Creative Space
One question I am often asked when I give talks on writing is, “Where do you get your ideas?” Ideas for writing come from a plethora of areas: through prayer (my number one resource), from situations I’ve experienced, from things I’ve read or heard about, through...
Use these 5 writing activities to kickstart your creativity and help you stay motivated as you build your writing routines.
Stained glass windows have a story to tell of creation, the fall, and redemption and restoration, and so do we.
Whether you’ve been in the publishing industry for years or are just starting out as a newbie, you’ve probably already realized that titles are important. Choosing a great book title catches an editor’s eye. A book title with pizzazz grabs the attention of social...
As we set new goals for 2023, it can be helpful to spend time reflecting and planning. Here are 3 journaling prompts to help you get started.
Each year 5th graders in the school where I teach become buddies with a kindergartner. They sit with them in chapel, listen to them read, and also write and illustrate a picture book for their kindergarten buddy. The 5th graders created characters and wrote their...
Our neighbors built a fire in their firepit and invited the children on our street over to toast s’mores. The wonderful fragrance of woodsmoke made everyone feel so festive! It’s Christmas time! This year as we’re getting to celebrate the birth of baby...
Are you hurrying and scurrying to get your last-minute shopping done? Is your writing set aside in the hustle and bustle of the season? Are you still looking for presents for your spouse…kids…grandkids…parents…friends…and writer friends, too? This year, don’t forget...
Tis the Season Tis the season to savor excellent Christmas books! This week you’re in for a treat with a review of MOUSE’S CHIRSTMAS GIFT. To top it off, we have an autographed giveaway copy. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la, la-la! Review When Parson gets sick, the...
In January of 2022 God gave me the assignment to create an online Christian magazine for children ages 5 to 10 years. I am attempting to create StarLight Magazine: Shining God’s Truth through Children’s Literature.
Join Karley as she shares five steps to critique poetry, giving helpful and encouraging feedback to your fellow poets.
Using color to grab the attention of readers
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...
More and more traditional publishers as well as agents request a market analysis as part of your proposal to write a book or when you’re submitting a manuscript that’s already written. So with Thanksgiving coming around this time of year, put on your chef’s hat and...
When you begin planning your novel, there are a million details you could consider. At the start of every idea lies an endless labyrinth of possibilities, of different directions your could take your plot. Some writers prefer to figure out as much of their labyrinth...
I’ve been writing for over fifty years now, if I count my grade school tour de force, which includes a poem about raccoons and a Nancy Drew style mystery. Of course, I’m still a Work-In-Process, and I cannot give enough credit to all the various workshops and critique...
My first five books for children were all released as picture books. Three of those were later released as board books. That got me interested in exploring the differences between the two formats and a few summers ago I decided to try my hand at writing for the board...
There’s no way around it. Writing a children’s novel takes time. I know writer friends and writing challenges that boast they can whip out a picture book in one day. Not so with a children’s novel. The setting of the story. The plot. The characters. The shortest time...
Stories grow from key elements: Setting, character, inciting incident, rising action, climax, surprise, conclusion.
One writer’s journey to writing and publishing her first educational book.
How can poetry writing tips improve your children’s books? Join Karley Conklin for 5 ways poetry can strengthen your fiction writing.
A few weeks ago, I completed an interview for an online magazine. One significant question referred to the essential skills needed as a writer. I concluded that the list of important abilities that exist could be endless. So, I decided to emphasize...
Sharing Christmas books such as Happy Birthday, Christmas Child with little ones is a wonderful way to provide time to treasure the true story of Christmas.
Interview with Author Nancy Sanders Jean: Hi, Nancy. Thanks for chatting with me about your newest book. It is TOO cute. Because you're such a successful author I have a few questions for you—things our Write2Ignite readers might want to know. Ready? Nancy: Sure. Fire...
Annette Whipple’s “Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs” is perfect for kids who love to learn about the wonders of this world and its creatures.
Explore the world of early chapter books and enjoy a review of The Fabled Stables, one of my favorites.
5 Steps to researching nonfiction texts.
Image by Dariusz Sankowski from Pixabay. Good news! A couple years ago I was offered a new book contract. More news—I was required to find and acquire the photographs. Bad news? I used to think so. But with over 100 published books under my belt for publishers big and...
Mermaids, monsters, and mysteries oh my. Find them all in the Singing Serpent, the perfect summertime read.
Jean Fritz. If you know her work, you'll be smiling at the mere mention of her name. Her humor has wooed and wowed millions of kids into learning American history. I want to be her when (if) I grow up. See that book below? You can get it for $1.49—what are you waiting...
My friend recently introduced me to the picture book A Prayer for Our Country (Zondervan, 2022) written by our senate Chaplin Rear Admiral Barry Black (Ret.) I immediately fell in love. I kept thinking this is exactly how we need to teach our children...
As children’s writers, we all know the importance of choosing the right word to use. Shakespeare has a famous quote “What’s in a name? that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” That philosophy might work in Romeo and Juliet’s situation but not...
Take a careful look at the painting below. Would you hang that in your home? Neither would I—and I painted it. That's my artwork I created at a Painting with a Twist party. Can you tell I copied a "masterpiece." To get better at painting, I'd need an instructor....
Check out these 5 Summer Picture Books to help you kick off the summertime season.
Everyone likes a good party, especially one that gives you a personalized invitation in the shape of a puzzle piece. This is how Tim Tebow's debut picture book, "Bronco and Friends: A Party to Remember," begins. The animals in the story each receive their own unique...
Strengthen your writing voice with 10 Journal Prompts for Writers.
Noticing spaces gives us new perspectives for our writing
Image by Annie Spratt from Pixabay When you sit down to write, what metaphor do you visualize? In my earliest years as a writer, I attended a writing conference. One of the speakers shared a metaphor that hit me hard. “There is nothing to writing,” he said. “All you...
Terri B. Kelly encourages Christian writers on how to write devotionals that children will understand.
I'm currently doing research for three historical fiction projects. And all three will utilize different types of sources. I apologize that this post will mostly be lists and is a little dry. And it won't even been an exhaustive list. But it will show how a zealous...
Contour drawing slows us down and frees us up to explore details that breathe life into our story’s characters and settings.
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
A prayer of encouragement for my fellow Christian writers.
Let drawing help you look more carefully and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary,
“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.
Image by Pexels from Pixabay If you’re in the children’s book industry long enough, you’ll find out there are two schools of thought. Some editors, authors, and agents believe the chicken came first. Others argue it was the egg. Personally, after writing over 100...
Resources for writing your memoir.
“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...
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.
Book review of Bedtime with Mommy.
Celebrate National Picture Book Month