Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

Kirsten W. Larson
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Ready to take a deep dive into the craft and business of nonfiction kidlit? In Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, Kirsten W. Larson, author of ”Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book,” chats with creators of nonfiction new releases about the craft and business of writing nonfiction for children and teens.

  1. MAR 6

    Ep. 20 How to Turn Lost History Into Compelling YA Nonfiction

    How do you write powerful YA nonfiction that brings forgotten women in STEM back into the spotlight? In this episode, authors Lindsay H. Metcalf (Footeprint) and Debbie Loren Dunn and Janet Fox (The Real Rosalind) explore the craft of writing young adult nonfiction, the research process behind uncovering hidden scientific histories, and how to transform archival discoveries into emotionally compelling narratives. From the stories of Rosalind Franklin and Eunice Newton Foote to broader conversations about credit, persistence, and passion in science, this discussion dives deep into what it takes to write nonfiction that resonates with teen readers. Whether you’re an aspiring author, educator, historian, or simply passionate about women in science, this conversation offers practical writing advice, research strategies, and inspiration for telling stories that matter. Topics covered: ✔️Writing YA biographies ✔️Researching overlooked women scientists ✔️Crafting emotional arcs in nonfiction ✔️Turning anger into purpose-driven storytelling ✔️Balancing historical and scientific accuracy with narrative engagement ✔️Advice for aspiring nonfiction writers If you care about STEM history, women’s contributions to science, and writing meaningful books for young readers, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations on writing, research, and publishing. 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Writing YA Nonfiction 04:12 Why Forgotten Women in STEM Matter 09:35 From Anger to Purpose: Discovering Rosalind Franklin’s Story 14:48 Research Deep Dive: Finding the Truth in the Archives 20:10 Crafting Emotional Arcs in Nonfiction 26:42 Writing for Teens Without Oversimplifying 32:05 The Power of Persistence in Science and Storytelling 38:30 Advice for Aspiring YA Nonfiction Writers 44:15 Final Takeaways and Encouragement Lindsay H. Metcalf's site: https://lindsayhmetcalf.com/books/ Debbie Loren Dunn's site: https://brownanddunn.com/books/ Janet Fox's site: https://janetsfox.com/

    39 min

  2. FEB 6

    Ep. 19 Getting Nonfiction Freelance Gigs with Aubre Andrus

    Work-for-Hire Author Shares How She Wrote 50+ Kids Books | Writing Career Tips & Publishing Paths Join award-winning author Aubre Andrus as she reveals how she built a thriving nonfiction writing career through work-for-hire publishing! With 50+ books for Scholastic, National Geographic Kids, American Girl, and more, Aubre shares insider tips on breaking into children's book publishing WITHOUT an agent. In this episode, you'll discover: What work-for-hire really means (and why it's more creative than you think)  How to network with editors and land your first work-for-hire gig The skills publishers look for when hiring freelance authors  How to write fast without sacrificing quality Tips for self-publishing children's books (including what Aubre wishes she'd done differently) How work-for-hire can be an "author bootcamp" for your career Featured Books: • Chi Chi's Story (Scholastic) • America Celebrates (Quarto) • The Lookup Series (self-published STEM biographies) • Smart Girl's Guide series (American Girl) Perfect for: Children's book authors, nonfiction writers, freelance writers, aspiring authors, teachers, librarians, and anyone exploring alternative publishing paths. Connect with Aubre Andrus: Website: AubreAndrus.com Resources Mentioned: • Writing for the Educational Market by Laura Purdie Salas • Darcy Pattison's "Publish" (self-publishing guide) • SCBWI conferences [00:00:00] What Is Work-for-Hire? The Writing Prompt Approach [00:01:00] Real Examples: From Travel Guides to Quiz Books [00:03:00] Journey from Magazine Editor to 50+ Book Author [00:06:00] Breaking Down Work-for-Hire vs Traditional Publishing [00:09:00] Essential Skills for Landing Work-for-Hire Gigs [00:12:00] Networking Strategies & Getting Your Foot in the Door [00:15:00] Managing Tight Deadlines & Writing Fast [00:17:00] Research Strategies for Fast Nonfiction Writing [00:19:00] Why Self-Publish? The Lookup Series Story [00:22:00] Self-Publishing for Kids: Costs, Challenges & Kickstarter Tips [00:25:00] Choosing Your Publishing Path: Agent vs Work-for-Hire vs Self-Publishing [00:27:00] Writing to Market & What Makes Books Sell [00:29:00] Upcoming Books & Final Advice for Nonfiction Authors

    31 min

  3. JAN 2

    Ep 18 The Art of YA Narrative Nonfiction with Deborah Heiligman

    Join host Kirsten W. Larson for a deep-dive craft conversation with award-winning nonfiction author Deborah Heiligman—known for Vincent and Theo, Charles and Emma, Torpedoed, and her newest YA biography, Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs. America, A Love Story. In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, Deborah breaks down her entire narrative nonfiction process: • How she researches using primarily primary sources • How to build tension-packed scenes in nonfiction • Why young adult biography is about telling a story, not being a scholar • How she finds her mantra for each book • Why she starts her biographies in the middle • The surprising challenges of writing Loudmouth • What she hopes young readers take away from Emma Goldman’s story Whether you're writing children’s nonfiction, YA biography, narrative nonfiction, or simply love craft discussions with master writers, this episode is rich with insights you won’t want to miss. 📚 Books discussed: • Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs America, A Love Story • Vincent and Theo • Charles and Emma • Torpedoed • She Persisted: Clara Lemlich 🔗 Learn more about Deborah Heiligman: deborahheiligman.com 🔗 Learn more about host Kirsten W. Larson: kirstenwlarson.com 00:00 – Welcome to Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations 00:39 – Introducing Loudmouth & Why Emma Goldman 02:04 – From Clara Lemlich to Emma Goldman 03:51 – Who Was Emma Goldman? 05:36 – Writing Biography: Hook, Theme & Mantra 08:55 – Finding the Book’s Shape & Mantra 11:45 – The Messy Process of Finding What a Book Is About 13:29 – Deborah’s Research Process: Primary Sources First 17:10 – When Secondary Sources Matter 19:11 – Avoiding Bias & Forming Your Own Interpretation 23:05 – When Research Turns Into Writing 25:56 – Choosing Where to Start a Nonfiction Story 27:57 – Building Mystery in Nonfiction Structure 30:51 – Crafting Scenes in Narrative Nonfiction 33:14 – When Research Contradicts Itself 37:01 – Balancing Emotion, Fact, & Tension 43:22 – Nonfiction Details: What You Can and Can’t Include 45:45 – YA vs. Adult Nonfiction: What’s the Difference? 49:34 – What She Hopes Readers Take Away 50:16 – The Amazing Scene That Didn’t Make the Book 52:30 – Where to Find Deborah Heiligman 53:40 – Closing Thoughts & How to Support the Podcast Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q3KYjmcvyBGfeYBuTqY60dE8koU5eae8/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111347193035867287487&rtpof=true&sd=true

    54 min

  4. 12/05/2025

    Ep. 17 Traveling for Research with Sandhya Acharya

    How do you write an authentic story rooted in a real place and culture? In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson talks with Sandhya Acharya, author of Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India’s Woven Trees, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi. Discover how Sandhya turned her immersive travel research in Meghalaya, India, into a stunning informational fiction picture book about the living root bridges made from ficus trees and tended by the Khasi people. You’ll learn: ✔️How a spark of inspiration led to years of research and discovery ✔️The role of immersive, on-the-ground research in shaping authentic children’s stories ✔️Ways to respectfully connect with experts and communities to ensure cultural accuracy ✔️How to balance fiction and nonfiction in informational picture books ✔️Tips for capturing sensory details and emotional impressions while in the field   This conversation is a must-listen for children’s book authors, nonfiction writers, and educators seeking to bring rich, authentic details into their stories. 📖 Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India’s Woven Trees is available wherever books are sold. Learn more on Sandhya's website. https://www.sandhyaacharya.com/ 🔗 Transcript, summary, and writing resources at Kirstenwlarson.com. Key moments: 00:00 – Introduction: Living Bridges and Authentic Storytelling 01:00 – Inspiration: A Spark from Bridges and Gratitude 05:00 – Research from Afar: Falling Down the Rabbit Hole 07:00 – From Nonfiction to Informational Fiction 09:00 – Traveling to Meghalaya: Immersive Research in Action 12:00 – Writing with All Five Senses 15:00 – Cultural Authenticity and Community Collaboration 18:00 – The Power of Fictional Elements in True Stories 23:00 – Collaboration with Illustrator Avani Dwivedi 27:00 – What’s Next for Sandhya

    33 min

  5. 11/07/2025

    Ep. 16 - Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in Kid Lit

    🎙️ Episode 16: Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in KidLit How do successful children’s authors move seamlessly between board books, picture books, early readers, middle grade, and even books for adults—without losing their voice or audience? Host Kirsten W. Larson sits down with award-winning authors Marzieh Abbas (A Dupatta Is…, Yasmeen Lari: Green Architect, Aarzu All Around) and Valerie Bolling (Let’s Dance!, Ride Roll Run: Time for Fun!, A Flea for Justice, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom) to discuss how they write “all the things.” You’ll hear how they: Balance fiction, nonfiction, and informational fiction Adjust craft for different age levels Use mentor texts to grow across forms Manage career focus and creative bandwidth Say yes to opportunities that expand their writing lives Perfect for children’s authors, teachers, and anyone curious about the creative and business sides of kidlit. 🔗 https://marziehabbas.com/ 🔗 https://www.valeriebolling.com/ 📚 Learn more: kirstenwlarson.com | writers.kirstenwlarson.com 00:00 Ep. 16 - Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in Kid Lit 00:07 Title: Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in Kid Lit 00:38 Chapter 1: Meet Our Guests 01:55 Chapter 2: Exploring Different Forms of Writing 09:53 Chapter 3: Craft Considerations Across Genres 42:44 Chapter 4: Career Impact of Writing Across Genres 50:39 Chapter 5: Future Writing Goals

    55 min

  6. 10/17/2025

    15 Fostering a Love of ALL Kinds of Nonfiction with Melissa Stewart

    In this episode of the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast, host Kirsten W. Larson interviews award-winning nonfiction author Melissa Stewart. They discuss Stewart's five kinds of nonfiction classification system, its impact on writers, educators, and publishers, and the importance of expository nonfiction. Stewart shares insights on finding the perfect hook for manuscripts, how nonfiction authors connect emotionally with their topics, and how her research process shapes engaging books for young readers. They also spotlight Stewart's new book "From BAM! to BURP," including her initial inspiration during a school visit. 00:00 Welcome to Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations 00:17 Introducing Melissa Stewart and Her Work 01:30 Exploring the Five Kinds of Nonfiction 06:25 Impact on Educators, Librarians, and Publishers 08:56 Addressing Misconceptions About Expository Literature 13:39 Emotional Connection in Nonfiction Writing 18:02 The Importance of a Strong Hook 21:05 Finding the Perfect Hook: A Journey 24:44 Staying Organized as a Prolific Author 27:20 The Phases of Research 28:40 Deciding What Stays and What Goes 31:11 Introducing 'From BAM! to Burp!' 31:47 The Hook and Approach for Complex Topics 33:52 Personifying a Carbon Atom 37:23 Trends in Children's Nonfiction 40:58 Upcoming Book: Monarch and Mourning Cloak 46:00 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers 46:29 Conclusion and Podcast Outro Find more resources on Melissa's website: https://melissa-stewart.com/ Kirsten's website: https://kirstenwlarson.com/ Support the podcast through our Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/NonfictionKidlitPodcast

    47 min

  7. 10/03/2025

    14.5 A Peek Inside Elementary Science Classrooms with Emily Starr

    Welcome to the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast! In this episode, host Kirsten Larson sits down with Emily Starr, founder of Starrmatica, to explore the craft and business of writing true stories for kids—especially in STEM and science education. Discover how to inspire curiosity in young learners, the latest trends in elementary science classrooms, and actionable tips for authors and educators to make science engaging and accessible. Emily shares her expertise on integrating nonfiction picture books into science curricula, the impact of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and how authors can align their work with classroom needs without sacrificing creativity. Whether you’re a children’s author, educator, or parent passionate about STEM, this episode is packed with insights, book recommendations, and practical strategies. Join Emily's science workshops for children's writers here (or purchase the replays): https://starrmatica.com/kidlitscienceseries/ Timestamps / Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Meet Emily Starr & Starrmatica 01:00 - Emily’s Background and Mission in Science Education 03:17 - The State of Science Learning in US Classrooms 05:31 - Why Elementary Science Matters: Sparking Curiosity Early 07:45 - Common Misconceptions & The Importance of Early Science 10:00 - How Science is Taught Today: Time, Challenges, and Opportunities 13:05 - The Shift to Inquiry-Based Science & NGSS Overview 16:20 - Challenges Teachers Face Bringing Science to Classrooms 18:20 - How Authors Can Support Teachers with STEM Books 21:00 - What Makes a Great STEM Picture Book for Classrooms 24:00 - Designing Books to Nurture Curiosity and Inquiry 27:00 - Book Structures & Storytelling Techniques that Spark Inquiry 30:00 - Using Books to Model Scientific Thinking & Practices 33:00 - Advice for Authors: Aligning with Classrooms Without Losing Creativity 36:00 - Emily’s Book Recommendations & Standout STEM Titles 39:00 - Emily’s Upcoming Book and Author Workshops 41:00 - Final Advice for Children’s Nonfiction Authors 43:00 - Where to Find Emily Starr’s Resources & Closing   Keywords: nonfiction kid lit, STEM books for kids, science education, elementary science, inquiry-based learning, Next Generation Science Standards, NGSS, children’s book author, writing for kids, science picture books, author resources, teacher resources, book recommendations, Emily Starr, Kirsten Larson, Starrmatica, curriculum guides, science teaching tips, inspiring curiosity, children’s nonfiction, podcast

    36 min

  8. 09/19/2025

    14. Self-Publishing Children's Books: From Idea to Success with Award-Winning Author Darcy Pattison

    Ready to take control of your children's book publishing journey? Join host Kirsten Larson as she interviews self-publishing expert Darcy Pattison, who has successfully published 70+ children's books through her own publishing house, Mim's House Books. What You'll Learn: When self-publishing is the right choice vs. traditional publishing How to develop your art directing skills for picture books Essential business skills every indie author needs Marketing strategies that actually work for children's books How to get your books into schools and libraries The truth about making money in self-publishing Using Kickstarter for book launches and pre-orders Key Takeaways: Why self-publishing is about "abundance vs. scarcity" The importance of building a backlist for long-term success How to find and work with illustrators (contracts included!) Metadata that boost discoverability Why one book won't make you rich (and what will) 📖 About Darcy Pattison: Award-winning children's author with 8 traditionally published books and 70+ self-published titles. Founder of Mim's House Books and creator of the upcoming guide "Publish: Find Surprising Success Self-Publishing Your Children's Book." 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Mim's House Books: mimshousebooks.com Indie Kids Books blog: indiekidsbooks.com Darcy's Kickstarter (launches Sept 15): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darcypattison/publish?ref=profile_created&category_id=48 Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome & Introducing Darcy Pattison 01:48 – Darcy’s Publishing Journey 05:00 – Betting on Yourself as a Creator 08:03 – Why Self-Publishing? Speed, Profit & Control 11:30 – The Power of Series and Backlist 14:45 – Misconceptions About Self-Publishing 18:12 – Becoming Your Own Art Director 22:30 – Ensuring Quality for Schools and Libraries 26:48 – Distribution, Metadata & Marketing Strategy 32:55 – Kickstarter for Children’s Books Perfect for: Children's book authors, illustrators, indie publishers, picture book creators, nonfiction writers, anyone considering self-publishing

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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6 Ratings

About

Ready to take a deep dive into the craft and business of nonfiction kidlit? In Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, Kirsten W. Larson, author of ”Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book,” chats with creators of nonfiction new releases about the craft and business of writing nonfiction for children and teens.

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