Villains, Foils, and Redemptive Possibilities in Children’s Literature by Dr. Debbie DeCiantis

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 antagonist ever experience redemption?  Analyzing your character types may be a new concept … More Villains, Foils, and Redemptive Possibilities in Children’s Literature by Dr. Debbie DeCiantis

W2I Chapter Books Master Class Review

Last Saturday’s Write2Ignite Master Class on Writing Chapter Books was a big hit. We had the largest attendance we’ve had thus far, and our teacher Marianne Hering did a fabulous job! It is such a joy for me to gather with other Christian writers whether live or via Zoom. However, it’s more than terrific when … More W2I Chapter Books Master Class Review

Land of the Lost: A Chapter Book Review by Guest Blogger, Sue Irwin

Land of the Lost, by Marianne Hering, (our September Master Class instructor) is a recent title in Adventures in Odyssey’s popular “Imagination Station” series. This is Marianne Hering’s thirtieth book and cousins Patrick and Beth travel back in time to meet Noah and his family as they make final preparations for the famous flood.  REVIEW When Patrick and Beth arrive, … More Land of the Lost: A Chapter Book Review by Guest Blogger, Sue Irwin

Big Risks In Russia: A Chapter Book Review by Guest Blogger, Sue Irwin

REVIEW Big Risks in Russia, by Marianne Hering, (our September Master Class instructor) is the upcoming title in Adventures in Odyssey’s popular “Imagination Station” series.  A brief prologue brings newcomers to the series up to speed by introducing the main characters, cousins Patrick and Beth as well as Imagination Station inventor “Whit,” and trouble-making Amelia. From there, … More Big Risks In Russia: A Chapter Book Review by Guest Blogger, Sue Irwin

So Why Isn’t War and Peace a Chapter Book?

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 day. I wrote … More So Why Isn’t War and Peace a Chapter Book?

3 Imagination Station Books: A Review by Guest Blogger, Josie Murdock

A young reader reviews three Imagination Station books. … More 3 Imagination Station Books: A Review by Guest Blogger, Josie Murdock

Great Writing Isn’t Born—It’s Built Sentence by Sentence with Self-Editing

While I was self-editing my first children’s novel in 1989 (gasp, yes, I hung out with Methuselah et al.), I consulted a great little book called Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to edit yourself into print. The wise authors, David King and Renni Browne, helped me look professional in many areas including dialogue and proportion … More Great Writing Isn’t Born—It’s Built Sentence by Sentence with Self-Editing

How Save the Cat Saved My Novel by Marianne Hering

Save the Cat Saves Your Novel–in more than one way! … More How Save the Cat Saved My Novel by Marianne Hering

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 Write2Ignite bloggers who dependably bring you great content every … More WHO I am Thankful For