Writing for the Ear
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 me something similar. She said that Shakespeare’s plays were never meant […]
Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part One
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 it!”) Writing picture books is […]
A Conversation with Joyce Hostetter
A conversation with Joyce Hostetter, our spring MC teacher.
Review of Guess Who Is in God’s Family
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, kid-friendly language. He reminds Lucy that God planned […]
Half-Truths by Carol Baldwin
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 for Write2Ignite. Her advice and encouragement have helped […]
The Other Side of Sunshine
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 enjoy it too, because *I* […]
The Craft of Prewriting
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. An umbrella term, prewriting can mean anything from brainstorming, drafting, […]
Barnaby the Runaway Sheep (A Parable of the Lost Sheep) Book Review and Extension Activities
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 plays hide and seek. Then, he gets wet! […]
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). Interview Sue: Hi, Laura. Welcome back to Write2Ignite, and congrats on Faithful Feet! This book is so much fun to read, and it’s already receiving […]