Tag: Pam Halter

Soledad and the Curse of the Phoenix: A Book Review by Pam Halter

October 16, 2025

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 mother’s flute, which the Phoenix is determined to find. After a … More Soledad and the Curse of the Phoenix: A Book Review by Pam Halter

Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part Four: Don’t Dumb It Down by Pam Halter

September 18, 2025

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 inspire and entertain because I believe a good … More Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part Four: Don’t Dumb It Down by Pam Halter

Just Enough Room for Christmas: A Book Review by Pam Halter

August 21, 2025

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 one, they squeeze in, but when … More Just Enough Room for Christmas: A Book Review by Pam Halter

Summary and Takeaways: The 2025 Write to Publish Conference by Kathy O’Neill

July 24, 2025

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, New Jersey, Colorado, and Australia. We all write for children but are at different stages of our writing … More Summary and Takeaways: The 2025 Write to Publish Conference by Kathy O’Neill

BOOK REVIEW: Bacon’s Very Important Christmas Job by Pam Halter

July 17, 2025

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 preparations. He tries making toys, singing songs, and sealing the … More BOOK REVIEW: Bacon’s Very Important Christmas Job by Pam Halter

Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part Three: Become A Kid Again! by Pam Halter

June 19, 2025

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 like a stale … More Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part Three: Become A Kid Again! by Pam Halter

Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part Two: Getting A Kid’s Attention by Pam Halter

May 15, 2025

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 right! Picture books should be 800 words or … More Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part Two: Getting A Kid’s Attention by Pam Halter

Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part One by Pam Halter

April 17, 2025

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 … More Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part One by Pam Halter

The Other Side of Sunshine: A Book Review by Pam Halter

March 20, 2025

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* … More The Other Side of Sunshine: A Book Review by Pam Halter

Interview with Joyce Hostetter by Pam Halter

February 20, 2025

Today on our blog, I interview Joyce Moyer Hostetter, who will be leading our Master Class in April. Interview PAM: Hi, Joyce! Thanks for being here with us on the Write2Ignite blog. JOYCE: It’s great to be here! PAM: I read about you on your website and how you got your love for history by … More Interview with Joyce Hostetter by Pam Halter