As Christians, we experience the wonderful gift of spiritual freedom. But what is the freedom of Christ and how do we live in it day by day?
Living in the Freedom of Christ
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Karley Conklin
Book Review Sand Cakes
"Sand cake, sun cake, sprinkle-topped-with-rocks cake. Will you eat what I baked?" --Sand Cakes by Kallie George A Summary of Sand Cakes Kallie George's picture book Sand Cakes tells the story of a creative young baker who turns sand into tasty treats. She makes cakes...
Book Review: Worms Are Our Friends
"Down in the garden , just under the ground, a small wriggly worm is crawling around."--Worms Are Our Friends by Toni D'Alia April slipped in yesterday, with spring trailing close behind. This time of year, flowers boldly bloom on the trees, grass tentatively peeks up...
3 Reasons Adults Should Read Kids’ Books
"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...
Book Review: Write! Write! Write!
Join us for a book review of Write! Write! Write! by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, a clever and colorful collection of poems for kids.
Book Review: Christmas on the Goblin Express
J.J. Fischer specializes in fantastic Christian fantasy, and her newest book, Christmas on The Goblin Express, might her most fun read yet. This cozy Christmas romantasy is the perfect book to kick off the holiday season. A Summary of the Story: To escape Christmas,...
2 Corinthians 8: The Grace of Giving
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.
Book Review: Where The Mountain Meets The Moon
In today’s review of “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” by Grace Lin, we’re discussing the beautiful themes this story holds.
Psalm 78: Tell the Next Generation
Today’s devotional on Psalm 78 focuses on our important call to tell the next generation of the wonderous works of the Lord.
Book Review: When I Talk to God, I Talk About You
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
Book Review “Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them”
Join us for a review of “Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them” by Melanie Crowder and Megan Benedict.
Refuge and Rest in the Lord
Where do we find our refuge and rest in times of trouble? Where do we find hope when problems come our way?
3 Benefits of Beta Reading and Book Reviewing
Have you ever considered beta reading or book reviewing? Check out 3 benefits of being a beta reader or book reviewer.
A Holy Sacrifice: Worship through Living and Writing
Join us for a discussion of Romans 12, focusing on worship through living and writing, led by the Spirit of the Lord.
Book Review: Children of the Fog
Join us for a book review of “Children of the Fog”, Pam Zollman’s character driver, middle grade fantasy novel.
Habakkuk’s Prayer: A Lesson in Faith and Joy
Join us for a devotional on Habakkuk’s prayer, in Habakkuk 3, as we discuss finding faith and joy in the midst of trials.
Hebrews 10: Focusing on Fellowship in 2025
How can we prioritize fellowship with the Lord and with other believers in the new year? Join in a discussion of Hebrews 10 to find out.
Letters From Father Christmas: The Joy of Storytelling
Join us for a discussion of Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien and the joy of storytelling.
The Lesson of the Lamplighter: Faithfulness in “The Little Prince”
What can the story of the lamplighter in The Little Prince teach us about faithfulness? Join us for a discussion on this beautiful book.
Book Review: 5 Things I loved about Rachel Hartman’s “Seraphina”
Join us for a review of “Seraphina”, a young adult fantasy by Rachel Hartman.
Book Review: Miraculous Sky
Join us for a book review of Michelle Weltz’s new picture book, Miraculous Sky; a story based on true events.
Figs & Thistles: Creating Characters that Produce Good Fruit
As Christian writers, how do we go about creating characters who produce good fruit: both in their stories and in our audience?
W2I Master Class Review: Writing Christian Fantasy
Did you miss our master class on Writing Christian Fantasy with Amy Earls? Check out our recap of the master class highlights.
Hidden in My Heart: 3 Tips for Memorizing Scripture
Join Karley Conklin for a discussion of three tips for memorizing scripture, as well as three reasons why memorizing scripture matters.
Book Review: At Mossingford Gate by B.K Napier
Discover the exciting world of “At Mossingford Gate” by B.K. Napier. Filled with sweet characters and a delightful setting.
Philippians 4: Faith & Writing Goals For the New Year
Join us for a discussion faith and writing goals we can glean from Philippians 4 to start our year off right.
Book Review: Jolley Tales by Lydia Riley
Join us for a review of the first two books in the Jolley Tales series, a set of character building picture books.
Author Interview: The Incredibly Amazing and Magical Flying Chair
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...
Throwback Thursday: 3 Reasons to Love “The Girl Who Drank the Moon”
"There is magic in starlight, of course. This is well known. But because the light travels such a long distance, the magic in it is fragile and diffused, stretched into the most delicate of threads. . . Moonlight, however. That is a different story. Moonlight is...
Book Review: “Skyborn: Sparrow Rising” by Jessica Khoury
Join us for a review of “Skyborn: Sparrow Rising,” a captivating middle-grade fantasy novel by Jessica Khoury.
Book Review: The Girl, The Ghost, & The Giant
Cool off from the summer heat with The Girl, the Ghost, & the Giant by Rebekah Reese, a heartwarming tale set in the frigid mountains.
Whodunit?- How Creating Mystery Games can Solve a Writing Rut
Have you ever been stuck in a writing rut? Check out three ways writing a mystery game can solve those writing rut blues.
Book Review & Giveaway: Since the Baby Came
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.
Author Interview with Kathleen Long Bostrom: “Since the Baby Came”
Join us for an interview with author Kathleen Long Bostrom, to learn about her newest book: Since the Baby Came.
‘Atomic Habits’: 3 Tips for Growing Writing Habits that Last
Join Karley Conklin for a discussion of 3 tips for growing strong and healthy writing habits, from James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits”.
Five Writing Activities to Keep Writer’s Block at Bay
Use these 5 writing activities to kickstart your creativity and help you stay motivated as you build your writing routines.
Writing in the New Year: 3 Journaling Prompts for 2023
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.
How to Critique Poetry in 5 Steps
Join Karley as she shares five steps to critique poetry, giving helpful and encouraging feedback to your fellow poets.
Solving the Story Maze: 4 Compass Points for Planning Your Novel
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...
5 Poetry Writing Tips for Children’s Authors
How can poetry writing tips improve your children’s books? Join Karley Conklin for 5 ways poetry can strengthen your fiction writing.
Book Review: “Mud and Water” by Cherie Haines
In her book, Mud and Water, Cherie Haines creates an engaging world with compassionate characters you won’t want to miss.
The Fabled Stables: Exploring Early Chapter Books
Explore the world of early chapter books and enjoy a review of The Fabled Stables, one of my favorites.
Summer Book Review: The Singing Serpent
Mermaids, monsters, and mysteries oh my. Find them all in the Singing Serpent, the perfect summertime read.
5 Summer Picture Books to Kick Off the Season
Check out these 5 Summer Picture Books to help you kick off the summertime season.
10 Journal Prompts for Writers
Strengthen your writing voice with 10 Journal Prompts for Writers.
WHO I am Thankful For
Of course, the Person I am thankful first for is our Lord Jesus Christ--our Prophet, Priest, and King! Second, I'm thankful for my family, friends, and the wonderful fellowship of believers I am a part of every Lord's Day. Third, I'm thankful for the team of...
6 Easy Steps to Vacationing As a Writer
Master vacationing as a writer with these 6 easy steps.
Book Review: Social Media for Today’s Writer
Social Media for Today’s Writer offers practical advice for building an author platform. Read a full review here.
Comp Titles: Where to Find Books Like Yours
Comp titles are an opportunity to highlight the best elements of our stories. But where do we find titles that will pack a punch?
Writing Resources: Before and After the Book Deal by Karley Conklin
"Remember that 'author' is always a temporary job description . . . Your permanent job description is 'writer' and that's what you are even when no one else is looking." --Author Kristoper Jansma (quoted in Before and After the Book Deal, pp. 333) Today's publishing...
3 Editing Tips from a Woodcarver by Karley Conklin
“When you write a book, you spend day after day scanning and identifying the trees. When you’re done, you have to step back and look at the forest.” -Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft You've probably never thought to ask for editing tips from a...
Bird By Bird: A Timeless Writing Resource by Karley Conklin
"'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...
Barking with The Big Dogs: Hope and Honesty for Children by Karley Conklin
"It is necessary to be hopeful to write successfully for children, yes, because children themselves are generically hopeful, but the quality of hopefulness is not an immature quality." -Natalie Babbitt ( pp 42) Natalie Babbitt's book Barking with the Big Dogs is...
Picture-Driven Stories: Learning to Think in Pictures
"A picture book illustrator needs to tell a story with pictures. A picture book author needs to show the same story with words." -Jean Matthew Hall When I attended last year's Write2Ignite conference, I went to Jean Matthew Hall's discussion, What...
Book Nook: By Way of Introduction
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...