Category Archives: News + Tips

In 1847, 800 Hollanders made the long journey to Iowa from the Netherlands and founded the town of Pella. This fall, that story is being celebrated by the Pella Historical Society and Museums with A Place to Call Home, the latest children’s book published by the Write Place. Written by Rachel Line of Wahpeton, North Dakota, and illustrated by Sallie DeReus of Pella, A Place to Call Home tells the story of Jakob, a 10-year-old boy who has just arrived in Pella with his family. […]

The Little Lost Nutcracker, written by Colfax author Shannon Kotz, is the latest children’s book published by the Write Place. Illustrated by Kotz’s son, Vinny, The Little Lost Nutcracker tells the story of Grant, a nutcracker who leaves a special heart-shaped walnut at children’s bedsides on Christmas Eve. There is only one rule Grant must follow: He must never be seen while leaving the walnut, or he will lose his nutcracker magic. […]

Young adults face a host of exciting and sometimes intimidating challenges when they leave home. For a Catholic college student, one of the biggest challenges is deciding how to live out their faith. Lake City, Iowa, author Jennifer Redenius explores this question in What Now?: A College Student’s Guide to Continued Catholic Faith, the latest devotional published by the Write Place. […]

The Secret of Happiness, written by Pella author Karen Fitzsimmons and illustrated by Rowena Hoover, is the latest children’s book published by the Write Place. Brought to life by Hoover’s vibrant watercolor illustrations, Fitzsimmons’ book tells the story of Maggie, a young teenager who wishes for true happiness while blowing out the candles on her birthday cake. […]