Introducing… When Brenda Covert took one of our Master Classes taught by Laura Sassi, she immediately had the idea for Meanwhile, Back at the Manger. A few years later, she finally has a picture book to call her own. A fun re-telling of the birth of Jesus, Meanwhile, Back at the Manger tells the story … More The Write2Ignite Podcast: Ep. 6: Brenda B. Covert
We are so excited to introduce our intern for the Fall 2025 semester, Aubrey Winstead. Aubrey is a senior at North Greenville University and is making her debut on Write2Ignite’s blog with a recap of Saturday’s Master Class. Welcome, Aubrey! We are so excited to have you on board. The Master Class Saturday’s opening devotional … More Darcy Pattison’s Master Class on Self-Publishing: Picture Books and Middle Grade: A Recap by Our Intern, Aubrey Winstead
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.â€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
A couple of years ago, at a Write2Ignite Master Class, Wiley Blevins, Associate Publisher at Reycraft Books, presented the beautiful nonfiction picture book, Moon Tree: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree by Carolyn Bennett Fraiser. But that wasn’t the first time I heard the author’s name. I felt like I already knew Carolyn – from … More Author Interview with Carolyn Bennett Fraiser by Sue Irwin
Children’s book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison has had her books translated into eleven languages, and she has received over seventy awards for her work. In September, Darcy will share tips on how to “Self-Publish Picture Books and Middle Grade Books†at Write2Ignite’s next Master Class. Today, I’m delighted to chat with her one-on-one … More Author Interview with Darcy Pattison by Sue Irwin
If anyone was qualified to write stories for children, it would be Laura Sassi. She has worn many hats through the years: a mother, a homeschooler, a teacher, and a children’s ministry director. She also wore a special hat for our podcast episode! With over ten books to her name, Laura’s newest picture book, Pumpkin … More The Write2Ignite Podcast Ep. 3: Laura Sassi
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 … More Book Review: When I Talk to God, I Talk About You
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
I’m delighted to introduce you to Chelsea Tornetto today. Chelsea is the author of several picture books, a freelance editor, and an author coach. Welcome, Chelsea! Thanks for joining us to discuss your newly-launched picture book, Chalk the Walk (illustrated by Laurel Aylesworth, published by Familius Publishing). Interview Sue: Let’s start with a talk about … More Author Interview with Chelsea Tornetto by Sue Irwin
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