Tag: Writing

New Online Christian Children’s Magazine

December 5, 2022

The StarLight Assignment For Me

In January of 2022 God gave me the assignment to create an online Christian children’s magazine for kids ages 5 to 10 years. I was taken aback. I never had any idea of doing this. But God confirmed His message to me, and I am attempting to create just such a magazine. StarLight Magazine: Shining God’s Truth through Children’s Literature. We are currently publishing online quarterly.

Our website is https://www.starlightmagazine.com

For more than 20 years writing picture books consumed me. I studied, practiced, critiqued, submitted, revised, and prayed over picture books. But, it finally became clear to me that God’s plans for me never included “success” in the picture book market. I felt like I had wasted 20 years of my life. Finally, in 2021, I faced this fact and sought God’s future for my writing.

Now I see that those 20 years of learning about the children’s publishing industry were not wasted at all. They were my 40 days in the wilderness.They were God’s preparation for this task.

I spent January and February researching, thinking of features, and choosing a name and a mission statement. The next few months I searched for software to make this magazine as professional looking and fun as I can. All the while I was soaking each step in prayer. I was also learning that I have a lot to learn.

Publication in Starlight Magazine will be non-paying at this time. In 2023 we are focusing on how God wants us to finance the magazine.

I say us, because God has brought some wonderful people alongside StarLight to help put this project together. I could NEVER do this alone.

Helen Weigt is an amazing designer. She now serves as our designer, art director, and my good buddy! We reconnected after we lost touch for years. She was thrilled to volunteer. I’m so glad God arranged it all.

Kayla Leinbach and Paige Romig are students in the creative writing department of Pensacola Christian College. They are our excellent proofreaders. YAY!

Mark Wainwright is a former editorial staff member at a Christian publishing house. Mark occasionally advises us.

And many of you reading this are our encouragers and prayer team. None of this could happen without you.

Each StarLight Issue Includes

  • Fiction for ages 5-7
  • Fiction for ages 8-10
  • A Devotion including Scripture verse and prayer
  • Retelling of one of Jesus’ parables (in 2023) and Jesus’ miracles (in 2024)
  • A coloring page for the Retelling of the parable
  • Short poems
  • A biography of a notable Christian. This feature is currently written by Annette Marie Griffin.
  • A simple craft
  • Short Bible verse puzzles
  • Short Bible quizzes on specific events, people or stories
  • Bible Trivia
  • Creature Feature – interesting facts about an animal
  • Star Stuff – interesting facts about heavenly bodies
  • Stella’s (our sparkling mascot) special bonus of fun activity pages. PLUS – the first week of each month between quarterly publications Stella will send access to more activity pages.

You Can Help StarLight

  • Write for us. Our Guidelines, Themes, and Style Guide are at www.starlightmagazine.com
  • Pray for us. We need God’s guidance and the help of people He sends to us
  • Pray that StarLight will bless children and parents.
  • Share our website information with parents, grandparents, teachers, Christian schools, children’s pastors, after school care programs—anyone you can think of.
  • Friend us and talk about StarLight on Face Book. We are StarLight Magazine on FB.
  • If you are part of a homeschool community please share with them about StarLight.
  • We are searching for someone to volunteer to manage our Newsletter and subscriptions.

A Side Note From Jean

I know that writing and seeking publication for your children’s manuscripts is hard. It can be discouraging. It can be disheartening. It can make you feel like a failure. I’ve been there. And our well-meaning writing friends and associates tell us to keep trying regardless of the outcome of our efforts.

I would beg you to consider that you might be chasing the wrong dream. I’m not proposing that you give up writing. NO! But are you open to God showing you a different path to take in the world of writing for children and young adults from a Christian worldview? I was sooooo sure God wanted me to write picture books. I wouldn’t relent. I wouldn’t quit. I wouldn’t even consider any other possibility—until that dream crumbled in my hands.

Only then was I ready to see something else sparkling in the dust of my dreams. Only then was I desperate enough to hear God whispering another path to my heart.

I’m no quitter. I know how to stare-down disappointment. You probably do, too. But maybe, just maybe, your determination, like mine, has turned to stubbornness and self-will.

Don’t be afraid to re-examine your dream. To consider that, perhaps, God is turning you in a different direction, too.

Blessings to you, fellow writers, as you find and follow God’s path for your writing.

Jean Matthew Hall

StarLight Magazine

Editor

Stories Grow from Key Elements by Guest Blogger, Dawn Stephens

October 13, 2022

Story Elements Grow like Little Pot

Dawn Stephens writes, “The elements of the story can be easily remembered if you compare them to how a plant grows. If you follow these steps and include all the key story elements, you’ll write great stories that grow in the hearts of your readers.” The following article is from Dawn’s blog, Sprouting Stories.

Elements of the story are like plants

A little clay pot will illustrate the process. Little Pot is a vessel created by the potter for the purpose of bearing fruit. The story of The Little Pot includes different parts of a story too. You can purchase the picture book here.

Stories have many parts just like plants. Plants are all different. Some are long and tall. Others are short and bright. They can be prickly, sharp, colorful, and fragrant. Even though plants look, smell, and feel different, they all require the same things to grow. Likewise, your writing will require elements to grow into a great story. We will be comparing the following seven key story elements.

Different parts of a story

  1. Setting
  2. The main character with obvious and hidden needs
  3. Inciting Incident
  4. Rising action with two-fold events
  5. Climax
  6. Unexpected Surprise
  7. Conclusion and a fruitful lesson 

SETTING

The soil and pot is the place where a plant can grow. Likewise, the setting is the place your story will grow. Consider the time, place, mood, culture, and climate. Then describe the setting. 

elements of the story: the setting
Think of the setting as soil where you will plant and grow your story.

THE MAIN CHARACTER (with obvious and hidden needs)

The main character is the seed planted in the setting (soil). It must have an obvious need (water) and a hidden need (sunlight). Just as farmers plant many seeds, your story will have many characters. However, the main character is the one that should have an obvious and hidden need. The obvious need is clear and visible like water. However, the character may not even be aware of their hidden need. The effects of this need are simply felt during the story. It is not something your reader will look directly at. Therefore, it should be something emotional or spiritual. Likewise, it is something that everyone needs and will make your reader identify with your character.

the main character is like a seed planted in the setting or soil. it should have an obvious and a hidden need
The main character is like a seed planted in the setting or soil. it should have an obvious and a hidden need

The Inciting Incident

Something happens…

Inside the pot, buried in the soil, the seed breaks open, and new roots begin to form, upsetting the seed’s world. Then, a stem climbs and grows upward. In your story, this is the moment where something happens to the main character. A new event occurs that upsets the balance within the main character’s world. It should be exciting and grab the attention of your reader. This new journey will climb and grow throughout the narrative. The rising action of the story has begun.

elements of the story inciting incident
The inciting incident is the moment when the seed opens and a new story begins to grow.

The key story elements include two-fold events

As the stem moves upward, leaves grow out of it. A leaf has two sides. As your story moves onward, events occur. Each event should have two sides too. One side should be positive and the other should be negative. Your story can have many events, just as a plant can have many leaves. However, it is good to have three main positive and negative events.

events withiin a story
The events in the story should have a good and bad side.

The climax

Just as the rhythm of the leaves growing seems natural, a hard receptacle forms. The receptacle is not pretty and will require a natural phenomenon to open. The same will grow within your story. The rhythm of events is moving and then suddenly your character must face the hardest crisis of all. This is the point where your reader believes all is doomed to fail unless a miracle happens. They cannot stop reading now because they must see how the character will get through this.

the elements of the story include the climax
The climax is like the receptacle of the plant.

An unexpected surprise

Unexpectedly, the receptacle opens and births a flower. Just as all seems lost, something unexpected unfolds in your story. Therefore, your narrative opens to birth a new and beautiful outcome. This event should surprise your readers. Likewise, your character gets help from an unexpected source. It may be that another character who your reader thought was gone forever comes back to save the day. Whatever it is, it should be a flowery and beautiful moment in the story.

different parts of a story include an unexpected suprise
Unexpectedly the receptacle opens and births a flower.

A fruitful lesson learned

It’s not over just yet. In addition, that beautiful flower will turn to fruit and produce new seeds. Both the hidden and obvious needs you identified at the beginning of your story should be met. Likewise, your character has grown and is now birthing an outcome that can produce a whole new story. 

the elements of the story should include a fruitful ending
The elements of the story should include a fruitful ending.

Elements of the story worksheet

If you enjoyed reading about how the key story elements connect to growing a plant, you will enjoy getting a copy of our elements of the story worksheet and presentation. Likewise, Dawn loves to visit schools and teach these steps herself. This writing workshop can be incorporated into an author visit for students too.

Little Pot is not only great at growing stories. It also demonstrates a model for growing the fruit of the Spirit. Why not join the potter and his vessels on their fruit-bearing journey? Please go click here so Dawn can send you the steps to becoming a fruit-bearing vessel. You will also get a fruitful Friday email each week with ways to be even more fruitful!

Dawn Stephens is an award-winning children’s author/illustrator. After serving in different roles as a school principal, classroom teacher, Bible study leader, mother, and grandma, she has discovered that her main purpose in life is to be a fruit pot. Like the characters in her books, she is a vessel that bears fruit for the potter. Her work has won a Dove Award, a Mom’s Choice Gold Award, and Disney’s Parenting Award.

Besides her website, you can also find her here:

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Poetry Writing tips

5 Poetry Writing Tips for Children’s Authors

October 6, 2022
Poetry Writing Tips image: blank paper with pens

What do poetry writing tips have to do with writing for kids? Aside from the way some picture books use elements like rhyme or alliteration, don’t poetry and fiction require different skillsets? Well, the tools of each trade might not be as different as you would expect.

While it’s true that prose and poems each have unique characteristics, the two forms often overlap when it comes to defining good writing. Both genres value original word play, for example, as well as precision of language. Meaningful, universal themes come up in each. When we look at children’s books, the similarities to poetry become even more pronounced.

Children latch on to language filled with strong rhythm and music. They resonate more easily with focused and concise writing, and with images that are real and easy to picture. Learning to write good poetry for any audience will make you a better children’s author, because the music, meaning, and imagery which defines poetry will seep into your prose.

So let’s dive into 5 Poetry Writing Tips for Children’s Authors.

1. Pay attention to the rhythm of your words.

A core element of poetry is the musicality; the way the poem flows and the language dances. This is especially important when writing for kids. Musical language catches their attention and makes them excited. It helps keep them engaged in what they read and listen to. Rhythm can be added to your words in a variety of ways, from the traditional use of steady meter and rhyme schemes, to less defined elements, such as alliteration, intentional repetition, or changes in line lengths. In prose, this rhythm can also come from traits such as varied sentence structures or a good balance of dialogue, description, and narration.

Look for books and poems that you love to read aloud because they’re so much fun to hear and speak. Try to pick out what gives them their musical quality, and then try incorporating some of those traits into your work.

2. Make sure the rhyme serves the poem, rather than the poem serving the rhyme.

When you have a specific rhyme scheme, or a set meter, it can be tempting to shape your lines specifically to fit into that mold. However, if the perfectly flowing words don’t contribute to the meaning of your poem, or if the rhyme starts to control the direction of your picture book, these elements can become more harmful than helpful. Don’t be afraid to cut and rework anything that doesn’t support the overall goal of your poem or story.

3. Have a theme that is clear to you.

Before you can make sure everything in your writing supports the overarching goal, you need to have a clear theme in mind. A main feeling or idea that you want your audience to take away from your words. The meaning can be simple, like expressing the joy of Christmas, or it can be more intricate, like discussing the nature of faith. Whatever your theme may be, having one clear purpose will keep your words concise and unified.

4. Use concrete images more that abstract concepts.

Concrete imagery helps ground a reader in your poem or story by letting the audience visualize ideas for themselves rather than simply being told what think. This technique plays back to the idea of showing vs. telling. In your descriptions, focusing on physical examples is often stronger than using emotional or intellectual adjectives. For example, calling a tree, “the lonely oak” is evocative, but not nearly as strong as “the bare oak still cradling an empty nest”. For kids, concrete language is even more important because often they’ll associate more easily with things than ideas (especially at younger ages). They might not recognize the word “lonely”, but they’ll understand the feelings surrounding an empty nest where they used to see baby birds.

5. Read your work aloud.

Reading your work aloud will help you hear the musicality of your words and to find places the rhythm is lacking. Hearing your story or poem can help you catch sentences that don’t quite fit; lines that don’t add to the whole. It’s an essential tool to writing good poetry, as well as for writing good prose. Parents will be reading your picture books, and even chapter books, to their children. You want that experience to be an enjoyable one. So read your work out loud and tweak it until it’s fun to read.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re writing poetry, picture books, or middle grade novels, paying attention to the music, imagery, and meaning of your words will strengthen your writing voice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new forms or try different tools as you build your works in progress.

(And if you want to try out some of these poetry writing tips but don’t know where to start, consider checking out our 5 poetry prompts we shared for National Writing Month.)

Happy writing!

Karley Conklin

Karley Conklin is a librarian by day, a writer by night, and a bookworm 24/7. On her blog http://litwyrm.com/, she discusses literature of all sorts, from poetry to picture books. Her goal is to use the power of stories to remind others of hope and joy in a world that all too often forgets both.

Sharpen Your Writing Communication Skills by Guest Blogger, Vanessa Fortenberry

September 29, 2022

A few weeks ago, I completed an interview for an online magazine. One significant question referred to the essential skills needed as a writer. I concluded that the list of important abilities that exist could be endless. So, I decided to emphasize the most significant communication skills based on my writing experience. 

Communication- it seems easy enough. Right?

After all, there’s a story in each of us. But I learned early on that anyone can throw words and sentences together. However, it requires specific communication skills to craft interesting stories for a broad population of readers (not just your family and friends). So, what problem areas exist in your story? Overall, to fix something, you need to know where the glitches exist in your writing. 

I wonder . . . do your words make for a good read? 

  • Are your words and sentences connected in such a way to make for a captivating piece? Character and story development and plot contribute to a good read.  A well-defined dialogue with the input of your unique writing voice will help to convey a satisfying reading experience. Capturing your book lovers from the beginning of your story and keeping their attention throughout is vital. 

Is there clarity in your narrative? 

  • Communicate with clear language and ideas which a reader can understand. Don’t overthink the use of words. In writing my first picture book, I included phrases that children would not comprehend. In the editing process, I needed to simplify and remove needless words, as well as shorten sentences. Writers call it, “Write tight.” Also, avoid clichés. Some readers are not familiar with these sayings. Clichés can be confusing, uncreative, and occasionally insensitive.

Is your story written in an active voice?

In 2010, when I attended my first writing conference, I joined a session titled, “Just Say No to Passive Writing.” The presenter explained and gave examples of passive vs. active words and sentences. Afterwards, she gave us a green highlighter to mark the passive verbs in our writing. Needless to say, the first page of my manuscript lit up like a Christmas tree!

  • Examples of some word offenders: “Is, was, were, to be, been, by, have, has, had, and are.” Let’s look at this sentence, “The house was struck by lightning (passive).” Rewriting the sentence, “Lightning struck the house (active).” The result — less text using vital verbs. In all honesty, using active verbs doesn’t come easy for most writers. Don’t give up! Continue to study and practice to perfect this area in your writing. Note: There are times that character dialogue may use passive verbs. 

Is your story well written, clear of spelling and grammatical errors?

We can only depend on spell check to a certain degree.

  • Most times you’ll locate these mishaps in the many phases of editing. Also, use adverbs sparingly. Toss the ‘ly’ words in your text and use strong verbs.

Have you bonded emotionally with your readers? 

  • Connecting with our readers ensure they will come back to our stories over and over. Every story needs conflict and should start with a strong hook. When introducing your protagonist’s struggle, make it personal. 

A couple of years ago, I was gifted a copy of a book. The synopsis captured my attention, which led me to read the novel. At the story’s end, I wanted more. The author reeled me in by showing the protagonist’s and characters’ raw emotions.

  • Whatever issues or emotions your characters suffer, do not tell it, but rather show it. It’s easy to write, “She cried.” But, show your readers the emotion of the character. Such as, “She gasped for air as she sobbed.” Or, let’s say your character is frustrated. You write, “He was discouraged, (passive and telling voice in one sentence).” An alternative, “He picked up the vase on the table and threw it across the room.” In this way, readers feel the helplessness of the character. Connecting with our readers can make for a good, no; a great story! 

In conclusion, we all can enhance our communication skills.

As you craft your work, study the works of other authors similar to yours. Take advantage of in-person or online writing conferences and workshops. Once you feel confident, share your work with local critique groups specific to your genre. Receiving feedback from your peers helps to develop your craft.

Communication skills image: typewriter spelling out "rewrite...edit...rewrite...edit".

For those disguised and lingering problems in your writing, invest in a proof reader, and/or a professional editor to assist in creating a good quality project.

Blessings to everyone who reads this blog post! Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Vanessa Fortenberry is an award-winning inspirational author of the children’s book series, Families Growing in Faith with the books: Mama, I Want to See God, Daddy, I Want to Know God, and Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God. Vanessa uses her writing as a tool for Christian ministry that expands beyond the walls of the church and communicates inspirational messages to children and adults.

A Georgia Peach, Vanessa recently retired as a teacher librarian. To learn more about Vanessa, her writing endeavors, and to subscribe to her quarterly newsletter, please visit her website or connect with her here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessa_fortenberry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MamaIWantToSeeGod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-fortenberry-6037a361

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanfortenberry

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vanessafortenberry

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0dV0XP3w-pKZ8t16cLPJbQ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7312952.Vanessa_Fortenberry

Book Review & Interview with Author Vanessa Fortenberry

August 29, 2022
Book cover Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God

Write2Ignite’s Jean Hall interviews author Vanessa Fortenberry about her book, Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God.

Why do we think it is strange for young children to want to praise the Lord? Author Vanessa Fortenberry turns this idea on its head in her book Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God.

In author, Vanessa Fortenberry’s book children from various cultures and ethnicities seek the advice of their grandparents on how to express their praises for God. Their elders’ answers give children many reasons for singing, dancing, and lifting their hands to worship the Lord.

Sharing Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God is a great way for parents and grandparents to encourage their children and grandchildren to joyfully express praises to the Lord.

Award Winning Author

Vanessa Fortenberry is an award winning inspirational author of the children’s book series, Families Growing in Faith with the books: Mama, I Want to See God, Daddy, I Want to Know God, and Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God. Vanessa writes to communicate inspirational messages to children and adults.

A Georgia Peach, Vanessa recently retired as a teacher librarian. A passionate singer, Vanessa enjoys worshiping in her church choir in Stone Mountain, Georgia and singing with the Wendell P. Whalum Community Chorus. She receives pleasure in baking her favorite desserts for her family and friends. To learn more about Vanessa, her writing endeavors, and to subscribe to her quarterly newsletter, please visit her website at www.vanessafortenberry.com.

I asked Vanessa some questions about her latest book. I’m sharing her responses to encourage you to follow your heart when writing for children, too.

Author Vanessa Fortenberry

Author Interview with Vanessa Fortenberry

JEAN: Where did you get the idea for writing this book, Vanessa?

VANESSA:  Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God stemmed from the two proceeding books in the series, Families Growing in Faith. After my first book, Mama, I Want to See God (my grandson was the inspiration) was published, a friend and I brainstormed two additional titles to make it a three-book series. We decided that my next two books should include dads and grandparents. All three books reflect a child’s curiosity about God.

JEAN: What do you hope your book shows young children? 

VANESSA: I want young children to discover that praising God brings joy and shows our thanks to a loving God, and that fostering habits of praise and gratitude can empower them.

JEAN: Why do you think there is a need for writing books like this? 

VANESSA: In today’s world, children will be challenged regarding their faith, so we need to teach them about God. It becomes increasingly important for our children to have the ability to recognize and evaluate arguments against God’s existence. Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God instills truths about what praising God means, and the significance of praising Him. Children need to know that God is worthy our of praise, and that we honor Him as we glorify Him. This book will encourage and inspire children in their faith journey.

JEAN: Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing your writer’s heart with us.

Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God, is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, orwherever books/eBooks are sold online.

Author’s Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MamaIWantToSeeGod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanfortenberry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-fortenberry-6037a361/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessa_fortenberry

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vanessafortenberry

How to Get $1.49’s Worth of Writing Advice

July 4, 2022

Jean Fritz. If you know her work, you’ll be smiling at the mere mention of her name. Her humor has wooed and wowed millions of kids into learning American history. I want to be her when (if) I grow up. See that book below? You can get it for $1.49—what are you waiting for? Didn’t you see all those 5-star reviews? This book (the one pictured below) is about King George and it deserves every single one of those stars. Did you know he had pigeon toes? You need to read this book to help you understand the American Revolution and pigeon toes. A book that can do both is rare indeed.

One of Jean’s books.

If You Want to Write Nonfiction for Kids, Fritz Out

Even if you don’t want to be funny, studying Jean’s style and selection of material will help you improve your writing. Later I make a list of a few reasons her writing is phenomenal, but I learn best by doing and maybe you do too. So please buy a book and make your own list. If you don’t have $1.49, check her books out of the library—they will be there, I promise. Or use the “Look Inside” feature of Amazon and peek, but then buy them. (If you don’t have $1.49 contact me, and we’ll remedy that.)

What’s the Deal About Questions?

So this one is the first one I read in 1997 when I was home-schooling my daughter, Danielle. (My girl lives in Australia now, and I feel sorry for each and every Australian elementary school student, because Jean Fritz didn’t write books on Australian history.) The first thing I want to note is many of Jean’s books ask a question. For example: What’s the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? and Where Do You Think You’re Going, Christopher Columbus? If the title isn’t a question, then it’s something provocative such as Bully for You, Teddy Roosevelt. This makes kids want to read to find out more.

The next thing Jean does is open with kid-friendly information. (Remember the pigeon toes in the King George book?) The Paul Revere book mentions a pickled pirate head on a stick. How can any boy resist that? The John Hancock book opens with a wishing rock.

Jean’s stories are approachable because she has a breezy style. Her sentences can be long, but they flow so nicely along you feel as if you’re wandering down a nice country lane.

I’ll also praise Jean for her vocabulary for kids. For instance: “[Paul Revere’s father] made beads, rings, lockets, bracelets, buttons, medals, pitchers, teapots, spoons, sugar baskets, ewers, porringers, shoe buckles, and candle sticks” (emphasis added). Jean doesn’t mess around with her vocabulary and calls a spade a spade and a jug an ewer, when that’s the word they would have used. But even if you don’t know what a porringer is (a shallow metal dish with a fancy handle), you still get the gist of the sentence. She doesn’t use hifalutin language if it interferes with comprehension. I hold on to this approach when editors challenge me. Recently I wrote a book about a giantess with a bow and arrow. You don’t load an arrow, you nock it. So I nocked, because Jean would have. Didn’t even flinch when the editor suggested I change it.

No Fake News with Fritz

And finally, someone obsessed with research can always win my heart. This is what the NYT says about her books: “Hallmarks of her work, critics agreed, included her fleet, engaging prose and prodigious archival research. (Mrs. Fritz would put no dialogue into her subjects’ mouths unless it was attested in original sources like letters and diaries.)” So you can see why I adore her. You should too.

The A to Z on Fritz

The A is for her autobiography in which she tells about her life in China. F.A.S.C.I.N.A.T.I.N.G. It was the runner-up for the Newbery in 1983, and that rarely happens for nonfiction. (Her parents were missionaries and she attended Wheaton College.) You can buy this literary gem for $1.40.

The Z is for FritZ. Names with the letter Z are memorable and funny. (There’s a Moravian missionary named Count Zinzendorf, and he’s a very serious person but those two Zs in his name make me laugh as well as remember his name.) Anyway, the Z in Fritz now also represents The End. She left us in 2017. It’s kind of okay because she was 101. And she had already written an autobiography so we can find out about her, and she had won so many awards that now the rest of us who write on history have a chance. But even though Jean is “asleep” (as the New Testament calls the in-between stage), I still might get to meet her when we rub our resurrected, renewed elbows in the New Heaven—or will it be on the New Earth? (I’m not quite sure what’s going to happen.) I wish Jean could add to her autobiography and tell us what it’s like. It might even get her that Newbery.

Marianne Hering

Marianne Hering was a founding editor of Focus on the Family Clubhouse magazine in 1987. Since then she’s been writing for children and editing Christian books for adults. Find out more about the Imagination Station book series that has sold more than 1 million copies at MarianneHering.com. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram. (P.S. She’s still waiting to hear back from a publisher about the Fiery Furnace manuscript she sent in February 18, 2022. The last she heard was that marketing was going to do a survey to find out if parents really wanted their kids reading her stuff as it’s usually not for the feint of heart.)

Prayer for Writers

Writing Encouragement: A Prayer for My Fellow Writers

March 3, 2022

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,  so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

–Colossians 1:9-12

As March rolls in and spring peeks its head around the corner, I find myself feeling a little tuckered out. The first two months of the year have felt very busy, even though I feel like I’ve gotten very little done during them. I’m sure I’m not the only one. We all go through seasons of busyness; times when we feel like we’re giving out more than we’re taking in. Times when we have to reach pretty far down to pull a cup of energy from the base of our reserves.

Paul understood what it was like to be weary. And he also knew the power of prayer in those moments when we’re feeling a little empty. Over and over in his letters, we see Paul shower the churches he wrote to in prayer, and we see him ask for their prayer in return. Prayer is powerful. It brings us closer to the Father, and closer to each other as a result. By praying for each other, we can offer encouragement and strength to our fellow believers, whether they are standing beside us or on the other side of the globe.

So today, I want to take a moment to shower our Write2Ignite community in prayer. Whether your are in a moment of joy and praise, or a season of challenge and weariness, I hope this prayer encourages you to keep moving forward in faith.

A Prayer for My Fellow Writers:

May the Lord bless you and strengthen you today. Wherever you may be, I pray that the Lord gives you courage to speak the truth in boldness and in love. May you be filled with the Father’s peace and with His compassion, so that whatever you face today and whomever you speak to, you can respond with kindness and gentleness.

I pray that the Lord would fill you with wisdom. May He give you the words to say when you aren’t sure what to speak or what to write. May He give you guidance in your life and in your calling, laying a message upon your heart and filling you with the strength to share your voice. May you grow in knowledge and understanding, so that in doing so, you can grow in your faith as well.

I pray that you would be filled with hope and with joy, surrounded by the comfort of the Father’s presence. In each moment, may you remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made; a member of the body of Christ and a partaker in both His death and resurrection and the great promises to come. In all things, may you remember that this life may be fleeting, but we serve a God who is good, and who is eternal, and who loves you. He loves you with an enduring, unwavering love that will never fade. Will never falter.

May the Lord bless your writing; may He lead you to opportunities to encourage, to share love, to share hope, and to bring joy with your words. May He guide you in truth and help you shine as a light for Him.

In all this, I pray that the Lord will strengthen you according to His glorious might, giving you perseverance and patience to keep running down the path He has laid before you. I’m grateful for this community of writers and praise the Lord for all that He is doing in you.

May the Lord be glorified in all we do. Amen.

***

Karley Conklin

Karley Conklin is a librarian by day, a writer by night, and a bookworm 24/7. On her blog http://litwyrm.com/, she discusses literature of all sorts, from poetry to picture books. Her goal is to use the power of stories to remind others of hope and joy in a world that all too often forgets both.

5 Tips for Overcoming Writing Critique Group Jitters

February 3, 2022

If you’ve been writing for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard this sagely advice: join a critique group. Joining a writing community offers a long list of benefits, from support and encouragement, to extra eyes on our manuscripts, to simple accountability. Writing is a lonely task, and meeting with other creators can help us persevere in our journey. Even so, many writers find the idea of a critique group intimidating. It can be a challenge to give others feedback on their work, especially if they’re more experienced than we are. And the thought of receiving constructive criticism on our stories? Absolutely terrifying to many of us.

As a writer who’s been part of critique groups since my senior year of high school–who still gets butterflies sharing my work with others–I can tell you that the benefits of writing groups far outweigh the nerves that critiques cause.

So here are a few tips to help you overcome the critique group jitters.

1. Find the right critique group.

Whether you live in an area with multiple writing groups or you’re searching the web for online meetings, there’s often a few different communities to pick from. As you make your decision, keep in mind a couple of factors. First, try and find a group where at least one or two other members are familiar with your genre. Otherwise, your story might not always get the recognition it deserves. (For example, an adult thriller writer might feel that your children’s book is too slow, when really the pacing is just right.)

Second, learn your critique style and find a group that fits with it. If you do better giving feedback after you’ve had time to digest a piece, find a group that sends in stories ahead of time or gives critique primarily though written/emailed notes. If you’re better with verbal processing and brainstorming in the moment, in-person meetings where stories are read during your time together might be the way to go.

Third, find a group whose primary goal is to encourage one another. Most critique groups exist to support fellow writers, but occasionally you’ll bump into more competitive communities. You want to find a group which will help build you up, rather than discourage you.

2. Focus on giving honest critique, not perfect critique.

Sometimes it can be tempting to only give feedback if you’re 100% sure your opinions are correct. But part of the learning experience for both us and other authors is being wrong sometimes. If you feel like an author has left out an important detail, included more detail than necessary, or something else like that, don’t be afraid to mention it. Doing so gives the author an opportunity to consider why they made the decisions they did, and to consider whether a different choice might be stronger.

Remember, writing critique is usually subjective. Aside from the obvious errors of grammar and punctuation, many of the improvements to a piece are going to focus on how the story is coming across. Issues of flow, coherence, pacing, and clarity rely on how well the writer communicates with his audience. To know that, writers need their readers, their critique partners, to be honest in their responses to a work.

Of course, we still want to be encouraging. We can be honest while also being kind. Along with issues you notice, be sure to point out details you like about a piece. When you aren’t sure of how an issue can be resolved, or whether something you see is even a problem, feel free to ask questions. But don’t feel like you can’t give an honest opinion just because you aren’t as experienced as others or because you might offend someone.

3. Don’t be offended if someone doesn’t take your advice.

This is a small point, but important to keep in mind. As I said above, writing critique is subjective. There will be times that you give advice, even good advice, that just doesn’t work for another writer’s story. And that’s okay. Your opinions and thoughts still have value. You just have to remember that at the end of the day, the writer knows what works best for the story they are trying to tell. If your advice doesn’t fit their goals, it’s nothing personal against you.

4. Remember that constructive criticism is meant to help you, not hurt you.

Receiving feedback on our stories can be one of the hardest things we do as writers. Our stories are our darlings, our art, and it can be challenging to hear that there is any flaw in them. However, we have to remember that our critique partners are there to help us. They want our stories to be the best that they can possibly be. As such, good writing groups will tell you if there are weak places that need fixing. This advice for improvement doesn’t mean our stories are bad; it means that they’re worth putting in the work to polish. So, if your critique partners mark up your stories with notes, don’t be discouraged. Take it as a sign that they care about your work, and they want you to keep pursuing it.

5. Don’t feel like you have to take every piece of advice.

Even though your critique group is there to help you, you know your story best. Just as your advice doesn’t always work for other people, there will be instances when their feedback doesn’t work for you. So yes, take time to consider each opinion and idea your writing partners give you. Be willing to admit weaknesses that they point out which need fixing. But after honestly weighing their advice, don’t be afraid to set aside the feedback that doesn’t work with your story’s style or goals.

If you try to edit your story to please everyone, you’ll end up losing your voice along the way.

Final Thoughts on the Writing Critique Group:

As scary as joining a critique group can be, the challenge of giving and receiving feedback is incredibly rewarding. Sharing our thoughts on the work of others and hearing them respond to our pieces strengthens our writing in ways we might never manage alone. I hope as your pursue your writing dreams, you’ll step out in courage and share your words with others. Writing is a long journey, but the road is easier when traveled together.

Karley Conklin

Karley Conklin is a librarian by day, a writer by night, and a bookworm 24/7. On her blog http://litwyrm.com/, she discusses literature of all sorts, from poetry to picture books. Her goal is to use the power of stories to remind others of hope and joy in a world that all too often forgets both.

5 Ways to Practice Good Literary Citizenship

August 5, 2021

citizenship

a: membership in a community [or] b: the quality of an individual’s response to membership in a community (Merriam-Webster.com)

What does it mean for a writer to practice good literary citizenship, and why is it so important? As writers, we’re members of the literary community by default. Every time we write a blog post or caption a photo on Instagram with #amwriting, we’re naturally participating in book-focused circles. Whenever we share about our current projects or invite people to subscribe to our newsletters, we’re reaching out to other readers and writers for support.

At the end of the day, our success as writers depends on the health of the literary community. Without publishers, there’s no one to get our books into the world. Without readers, there’s no one to read our books. And without fellow writers, there’s no one to help us walk through the journey of creating our stories.

Practicing good literary citizenship, therefore, is vital to our writing lives. As members of this community, we want to see it thrive, and we have the opportunity to contribute to its growth. The first step is simply to think about how we’re engaging with other writers and readers. Rather than focusing on how they can help us, we should look for ways give back to community and support our neighbors in the reading world.

So how do we do this? To get you started, here are 5 ways to practice good literary citizenship:

1: Share your current reads:

Every book we read offers us a chance to support other authors and to connect with fellow readers. For example, sharing pictures of what you’re reading on social media is a great way to connect with your audience. It sparks discussions with others who also enjoyed the book, allows you to give recommendations to friends, and encourages others to talk about what they’re reading as well. Another option is to post reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Your reviews help readers to know a little more about what they’re buying, while also improving the book’s chances of being found.

2: Commit to Authentic Engagement Online

It’s easy to get lost on social media when our focus is on building numbers. Rather than trying to find tons of people to follow at once in hopes that they’ll follow you back, commit to authentic engagement. Try to find one or two accounts at a time whose messages resonate with you. People whose causes you believe in, or who talk about topics that matter to you, even if you don’t fully agree with their perspectives. Building your social media networks organically ensures that you’ll have a community you’ll actually want to interact with.

Once you connect, don’t forget to interact. Take a moment to comment on posts that make you think or make you smile, rather than just hitting like and scrolling on. Leave a note when you read a great blog post, and respond to questions or polls if you have the time. We all know how discouraging it can be when we take time to share content and no one responds to it. If you’re online anyway, why not make that time meaningful by encouraging your fellow readers and writers and engaging in conversation with them?

3: Consider Joining Blogging teams or Book Launches

This one takes a little more effort but can be super rewarding. Many publishers and individual authors seek out people to review their works and join in launch teams when a new book is coming out. Some will send out private invitations, but others will simply put requests online. For example, I recently joined in a book launch after seeing a call for bloggers on Instagram. If you’re following writers and publishers on social media, or if you’re part of author groups on Facebook, chances are you’ll see these requests from time to time. Volunteering to help is a great way to support new books, plus it can be really fun getting to read advanced reader copies.

If you’d like to find more formal opportunities, try checking publishers’ websites to see if they’re looking for to reviewers. Ambassador International, for example, has a Blogger Review Program, and they put out some fantastic faith-based books for bloggers to choose from. (Here’s the link to sign up if you’re interested: https://ambassador-international.com/about/blogger-sign-up/ ). Focus on reviewing books in genres you enjoy. You’ll give better reviews and have more fun participating in the launch of the books.

4: Find ways to Support Reading in Your Day-to-Day Life

It’s easy to focus on literary citizenship online, but we can also find ways to engage in person. For example, the town where I live has “Little Free Libraries”, which are boxes on the street with free books for people to take. If you have one near you, you could consider donating old books to refill the libraries. If you don’t have any near you, could you start one? (Here’s a link to their website, if you’re interested in learning more: https://littlefreelibrary.org/start/)

Another idea is to give away books as gifts. Have your read something recently that you think a friend would enjoy? Send them a copy with a note about why it made you think of them.

5: Support Your Friends When They Get Published (and when they don’t)

Sometimes this support looks like buying their books. Sometimes it means attending author signings or readings in your area. You can sign up for friends’ newsletters and subscribe to their blogs. You can also offer to be their beta readers when they reach that stage.

If nothing else, share posts from your fellow authors when they announce a new book or blog coming out and celebrate milestones with them along the way.

Good literary citizenship simply means finding ways to give more than we take. It means caring more about the reading/writing community itself than about what that community can do for us.

Final Thoughts:

You don’t have to do all these things to be a good literary citizen. Good literary citizenship simply means finding ways to give more than we take. It means caring more about the reading and writing community itself than about what that community can do for us. The ideas I mention above are just thoughts to help you get started, but there are plenty of other ways you can connect.

What are some ways that you engage with other readers and writers?

6 Easy Steps to Vacationing As a Writer

July 19, 2021

As writers, we understand that inspiration can come from anywhere. Even the most mundane, ordinary moments in life can awaken our inner muses. So vacationing as a writer tends to include a hope that we’ll find fresh ideas during our travels. At least, that’s the hope I tend to have.

Last month, I took my brother on a two-week road trip across the country to visit family. We drove from South Carolina to Wyoming to Texas and home again. Along the way we hit the Badlands loop in South Dakota, visited Yellowstone National Park in Montana, and saw the UFO Museum in New Mexico. We drove through canyonlands and across plains, over bridges and bayous, and saw mountains galore. I started the trip with lofty ideas of how this adventure would fuel my writing. I came home again feeling energized and recharged, but not in the way I was expecting.

I think many of us writers approach activities with a dual-mindset of enjoying experiences while also considering how they might fit into a book or blog post. We tend to think about how we’ll describe a moment, sometimes before we’ve even finished living it. So how do we make the most of our vacations, when our creative brains never fully want to turn off?

Here are 6 Easy Steps to Vacationing As a Writer:

1: Pack Plenty of Reading Material:

You’ll want to be sure to bring along all those books you’ve been meaning to read for months. Reading is the perfect vacation activity, as it lets you kick back while still feeling productive. (Forgive yourself quickly when you don’t even finish one book despite having brought three. You didn’t really think you’d have time to read, did you?)

I finished two books during our road trip last month. Both were audiobooks I listened to while driving. Apart from that, I read exactly two pages. (I brought four physical books with me.)

2. Pack a journal and plenty of pens.

Traveling to new places is sure to spark a thousand new ideas, and you’ll want to be ready to catch them all. You might even want to keep a daily record of all you see and do. Right before bed, you can pick up your notebook and pen and. . .*yawn*. . .well, maybe it’d be better to write tomorrow.

Though I did a terrible job of journaling during my trip, I did take time to jot down some descriptions of beautiful scenery like this.

3. Take a Thousand Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words, so just think of the huge word count to be found in an army of pictures! If your family and friends tease you for stopping so often with your camera, just remind them it’s important to your career. Those flowers will look great with your next blog post.

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This picture is from South Pass Historic Site in Wyoming. I forgot to write about it in my journal, but that’s okay since I still have visual records of our visit.

4. Write Down the Names of Places and Save your Maps:

If you’re visiting several different spots or going to new cities you’ve never been to, jot down the names of where you go. Walking on a new trail? Scribble down the name of it. Stopped at a gas station with a quirky statue you took a picture of? Make a note on your phone of what town it’s in. Pick up a map while touring New Orleans? Save it. You never know when you might want to look up the spot again or use a road name you’ve since forgotten. It isn’t hoarding if it’s research.

For example: I found this awesome library sign during our trip. I can’t for the life of me remember what town it’s in. Were we in Utah? Colorado? Who can say? If only I’d made a note…

5. Stay Flexible:

Be sure to leave room in your itinerary for spontaneity. Maybe that looks like changing your route to visit a roadside attraction, or checking out a shop because a local was chatting about it. You’re much more likely to find hidden treasures when you’re willing to put away your plans and follow an occasional impulse.

My brother and I ended up in Blackwater, MO because he recognized the name from a video game. It ended up being one of our favorite stops of the trip.

6. Engage in the Moment:

Sometimes the best way to find inspiration is to forget about writing entirely and just live for a while. Try new foods, take a hike, soak in the sun by the ocean. Take some time to just relax, enjoy moments with your family and friends, and recharge. Writing requires us to constantly be pouring ourselves out in words; vacations are the perfect time for us to refill.

A gorgeous oak tree in Congo Square, New Orleans. Just before taking this picture, my brother and I ate delicious Cajun food and strolled around the French Quarter.

So how do we master vacationing as writers? We remind ourselves that it’s okay to not always be productive. It’s okay to forget to look for story ideas and clever phrases and descriptions in favor of being present. And in those moments when we let our guards down and simply live, we just might find ourselves filled with enough fuel for a blog post or two.

About the Author:

Karley Conklin is a part-time librarian, part-time writer, and full-time bookworm. On her blog, Litwyrm, she writes about all things bookish and especially enjoys discussing the truths conveyed through stories. In her spare time, she likes woodcarving, bookbinding, and cooking random recipes from Pinterest.