A Journey to Biblical Times—an Anthology of Biblical Fiction in Spanish
MAI-América Latina ran a 3-month online workshop series last year on writing and illustrating biblical fiction for children. This May, an anthology by workshop participants was launched! Un viaje a tiempos bíblicos: Antología de relatos para niños (“A Journey to Biblical Times”) features stories based on the Bible about children and for children compiled by Keila Ochoa Harris, Paola del Castillo Avendaño, Edgar Alejandro Flores López and Patricia Cabral.
Designed to Become More Like Jesus—Insights at an Online Spanish Book Club
Over March and April, MAI-América Latina team members Karen Suárez and Patricia Cabral facilitated weeks of online book club meetings in Spanish. “This book club is healthy, enriching, and opens up new horizons,” says participant Carlos Peirone. “I saw change is possible and failure isn’t the end of the world—it’s a way to learn.” Beatriz Buono of Certeza Argentina adds, “I came away with the conviction that God designed us for change, becoming more like Jesus.”
Discovering Calling at a Book Writing Journey Workshop in Vietnam
Winner of MAI’s 2023 Robert B. Reekie Global Publisher Award, Văn Phẩm Hạt Giống (“Seed Publications”), celebrated their ten year anniversary with a book fair and an MAI-Asia workshop on April 18 for emerging authors. “This course not only helps us discover God’s calling for writing, but also provides specific guidance,” says a participant, who plans to write books for children. “Vietnam greatly needs Vietnamese authors writing for Vietnamese readers.”
Pointing Authors to the Author of Life at Online African Writers Workshop
Eighteen aspiring Christian writers from throughout Africa met online each week in April to learn the foundations of book planning and writing. “This training points authors to the main Author of life, and equips you to worship God with your writing skills,” says Blandine Rasoloniaina from Madagascar. A writer from Ethiopia shared, “It has expanded my perspective far beyond just writing—equipping me with practical insights, structure, and confidence.”
Finding Hope—an Anthology of Stories by Christian Writers in India
“If you’ve ever wanted to write—whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry, articles, or blogs—this is a space where that desire is nurtured with purpose, rooted in Matthew 6:33,” says digital marketer and business developer Manish Kumar, of an MAI workshop in April 15-19 on writing and editing. By the end of the week, 29 participants had compiled an anthology of stories, reflections and poems titled Finding Hope: Stories from the Blue Mountains.
Strengthening Publishers and Inspiring Designers in Latin America
MAI-América Latina Board Chair José Carlos Gutiérrez M. and MAI Director of Publisher Development Ramon Rocha visited Peru, Chile and Argentina in May for consultations and to run workshops. “Those days were truly meaningful for us, because they reaffirmed that we share a common vision and commitment to serving the church and strengthening Christian thought throughout our continent,” says Ruben Villar of Ediciones Puma in Peru.
Sharing Ideas on Social Media and Marketing at Online Writers Group
“We all recognize the need to get visibility for our work,” Grupo de escritores en línea facilitator Janet Wilson says. Christian writers met in May to share tips on using social media. In June, they looked at the bigger picture of marketing for writers—what it is, what it isn’t, what’s worked, and what each person is still learning. One timely reminder offered was to pray and ask God about what to do and when to do it.
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