Gobble, Gobble! It’s a Blog Party—Let's Celebrate & Give Thanks!

Gobble, Gobble! It's a Blog Party!

Gobble, gobble! It’s a blog party!

All my friends at Write2Ignite are setting this time aside to celebrate and give thanks for all the good things concerning the 2014 Write2Ignite Writers' Conference.

Our goal is to be a blessing to writers and illustrators, especially those who yearn to create, with a Christian worldview, for children and young adults.

Every year the leadership team bathes every detail of the conference in prayer. Our fearless conference director, Jean Hall, exemplifies faith and patience. She urges us to be on our knees seeking God’s will for Write2Ignite. The leadership team works hard in preparation but ultimately trusts God to finalize all the details.

Here’s what we’re praising God for today:

· The date and place are set. March 28 – 29, 2014 at North Greenville University in Tigerville, S.C.

· Bill Reeves, of Working Title Agency, and actor/writer Torry Martin have agreed to be our keynote speakers.

· We have a great line up of authors, editors, and agents. Many of these as well as professional writing instructors will be teaching awesome writers' workshops and meeting one-on-one with writers.

Teen Track & Adult Track Workshops at Write2Ignite!

· There are two tracks at the conference—one for adults and one for teens. We’re thankful for the three, fresh teen voices serving on the teen track team. (Yeah, they do plenty of running! J) Speaking of two tracks, this is a perfect time for parent-writers to plan a fun, road trip with their teen-writers. (Plus, if you homeschool, this is superb, high school English credit!)

· Sleep Inn in Travelers Rest, S.C. is offering another great discount for W2I conference attendees this year.

· Cecil Murphey has graciously donated scholarships this year. In fact, he’ll match up to fourteen scholarships if we can round up some more generous donors. Fourteen!




YOU are a blessing to us.

As you can see, we’ve a great deal to celebrate. Will you please join us in prayer for the conference and ask God to continue using it to encourage and train writers? You, dear friend, are a blessing to all of us at Write2Ignite.



If you’ve never attended the Write2Ignite Writers’ Conference, please pray about attending. This is an exceptional conference. Not only do you receive excellent writing instruction, your spirit is revived. You’re inspired and equipped to make a difference with what you write.

Even if you have never submitted any of your writing anywhere before, this conference may be just what you need. Writers of all skill levels attend. Be brave. Try something new in 2014!

If you have attended Write2Ignite before, share your experience with us by leaving a comment below. We would love to hear from you.

Also, continue celebrating this party at the following blogs:

 Go Tell Your Friends About the Blog Party!
Gobble, gobble. Or better yet--TWEET about it!

www.samanthabellbooks.com

http://www.cathybiggerstaff.blogspot.com

http://www.graciesgrounds.blogspot.com

http://wordwranglernc.wordpress.com

http://www.honeycombadventures.com

http://eatbreathedoodle.wordpress.com

Is There a Writer in You?

 by Sally Matheny

English and Journalism degrees are not mandatory. A lifelong desire to author a book is not required. Burning the midnight oil is not obligatory. Then how do you know if there is a writer in you?

Do you enjoy encouraging, teaching, and guiding other people? Perhaps you have a knack for always cheering others up, even to the point of laughter in the midst of their tears.

Maybe there is something you are passionate about and want others to share your enthusiasm.

Have you overcome a difficult hurdle in life and want to help others who are experiencing something similar?

If there is something filling your heart so full, it’s bursting to get out, then you may want to consider writing.

Writing does not always have to be published in order to assist someone. A thoughtful letter, card, or email can be wonderful blessings. Even a journal passed down through the generations is treasured.

However, pray and ask God how He wants to use you and your writing. Perhaps it is time to consider writing for print and on-line publications.

Your words may bless one reader if you share it with a friend or family member. Yet, if you write for a magazine, your message may encourage thousands.

Wondering how to get started? There are how-to books you can check out at the library. However, one of the best ways is to attend a Writers’ Conference.

Start with a smaller conference to avoid feeling overwhelmed. The Write2Ignite Writers' Conference http://www.write2ignite.com is a wonderful place to begin your writing journey.

This conference specializes for Christians who write (or want to learn how to write) for children and young adults. The variety of workshops (on magazine writing, picture books, devotionals, illustrating, social media, and so much more!) is sure to help beginning writers as they navigate their way in the world of writing.

Another great thing about Write2Ignite is they also offer a track for teens.

Write2Ignite is held every March at North Greenville University in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.

 

Also, I recommend Writers Advance Boot Camp http://www.writersadvancebootcamp.com.

Writing for publications requires learning how to write for each one. It takes work and plenty of patience.

If you think God wants you to share your message by writing, you have to do your part. Learn everything you can about the craft of writing. Continually sharpen your skills in order to be a useful tool.

What story is whirling in your mind right now? What heart message is bursting to get out?

Think about it. Pray about it. Is there a writer in you?

 

*For more helpful information, check out the tab at the top for “Websites for Writers.”  

 

 

 

 

 

Blessings Abound After Writing Conference

Cecil Murphey & Sally Apokedak
at Write2Ignite! Writers' Conference

It has been a busy, busy time with the Write2Ignite! Writers’ Conference.  A year of praying and planning has come to completion. Blessings abound.



Joanna Echols and Sally Matheny

God blessed everyone with a great conference. We came away with our hearts inspired by music and encouraging words. In our hands, we carried home a tote bag full of notes, freebies, books—all which will enable us to become better writers. Our minds are full with memories of making new friends and catching up with old ones. Our energy depleted, but our souls filled with the words God has spoken to us during our time at the conference.

While I always learn a great deal at writing conferences, one of my favorite aspects is making new friends. At a Christian conference, the ties that bind us are even sweeter.
I’m sharing a few photos with you this week. Hope you enjoy them and perhaps next year, I’ll see you at Write2Ignite!

Jan Prahl at one of the book tables




Kristi Butler talks with editor Vicki Moss




Adults & Teens at Write2Ignite Lunch





A Wonderful Bunch of Teens!

Authors: Donna Earnhardt & Kelly Starling Lyons





Kim Peterson & Sally Matheny

First Pages Panel of Agents & Editors



Our prayer for Write2Ignite is for every person to hear God speak to them during the conference.

I felt God's presence throughout the conference and witnessed Him working in different

people's lives, including my own.

 

Has God whispered to your heart this week?

 Has He asked you to try something new?

Perhaps you've been asked to move from a nice, cushy spot to a more difficult place.

Maybe He wants you to let go of something old and refresh your grip on Him.

 

I would love to hear how God has spoken to you this past week.