Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

Kirsten W. Larson
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Books
  • Updated Monthly

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. May 1

    Writing Nonfiction Graphic Novels and Comics with Teresa Robeson Ep. 22

    What if your next nonfiction project isn’t a picture book—or even prose—but a graphic novel? In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson talks with award-winning author Teresa Robeson about how to write nonfiction graphic novels for kids. Teresa shares practical tips, industry insights, and creative strategies for turning real stories into visual, page-turning nonfiction. Whether you write picture books, middle grade, or YA nonfiction, this conversation will help you explore a fast-growing format in children’s publishing and give you clear steps to get started. In this episode, you’ll learn: *Why nonfiction writers should consider graphic novels right now *Key differences between graphic novels, picture books, and prose nonfiction *How to structure scenes, panels, and page turns *What skills transfer from traditional nonfiction writing *How to write a graphic novel script (no drawing required!) *What to include in a nonfiction graphic novel proposal *Tips for research, visual storytelling, and working with illustrators *Beginner-friendly resources to learn the craft Teresa also shares her favorite graphic nonfiction mentor texts, advice for getting started, and encouragement for writers ready to try something new. 📚 Mentioned in this episode: Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud Making Comics by Scott McCloud The Art of Comic Book Writing by Mark Kneece Kids Comics Unite (writing community) 00:00 Hook: Why Try Nonfiction Graphic Novels? 00:32 Welcome + Meet Teresa Robeson 01:10 How Teresa Got Started in Graphic Novels 02:05 Why Graphic Novels Are Booming 03:05 What Makes a Story Work Visually 05:30 Key Differences from Picture Books & Prose 08:10 Writing in Panels: Concision & Page Turns 10:05 Research + Skills That Transfer 12:30 Getting Started + Best Learning Resources 15:45 Scripts, Proposals & Publishing Tips 20:05 Practice Tips + Final Advice for Writers

    33 min

  2. Apr 3

    Ep. 21 What Belongs in Back Matter? A Nonfiction Author Breaks It Down

    What if the back pages of your nonfiction book could transform a curious reader into a lifelong learner — and make your manuscript more attractive to publishers at the same time? In this episode, host Kirsten W. Larson sits down with award-winning children's nonfiction author Annette Whipple — author of nearly 40 books including Flick: The Truth About Lizards — to explore the craft and strategy behind back matter in nonfiction picture books. Whether you're a debut author wondering what to put after "The End," or a seasoned writer looking to level up your submissions, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas for making your back matter work harder for readers, educators, AND publishers. 🦎 What You'll Learn: • What back matter actually is — and why it matters more than most writers think • How back matter can function as the "rest of the meal" after your main text appetizer • Why Annette includes STEM activities (like a lizard tongue challenge!) in her books • How to plan back matter DURING drafting, not as an afterthought • Annette's genius trick: saving cut content in a separate document for potential back matter • The surprising way Annette's back matter inspired a full-size foldout poster in her hardcover editions • Common back matter mistakes — and how to avoid them • How strong back matter makes your book more marketable to editors • The difference between back matter and a teacher's guide — and why you need both 📚 Books Mentioned: • Flick: The Truth About Lizards by Annette Whipple • Who Knew? The Truth About Owls by Annette Whipple • The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion by Annette Whipple • Fire of the Stars by Kirsten W. Larson • Wood, Wire, Wings by Kirsten W. Larson ⏱ Chapters below ↓ #NonfictionKidLit #WritingForKids #PictureBooks #KidLit #BackMatter #ChildrensBooks #NonfictionWriting #WritingCraft #KidLitCommunity #BookWriting #WritingTips #NonfictionPictureBooks #AnnetteWhipple #KirstenWLarson 0:00 Introduction: What Is Back Matter? 1:11 Meet Annette Whipple, Queen of Back Matter 2:08 The Real Job of Back Matter in Nonfiction Picture Books 3:08 How Annette's Thinking About Back Matter Has Evolved 3:53 Who Is Back Matter Really For? (Kids, Teachers & Parents) 5:21 A Deep Dive into Flick: The Truth About Lizards 6:20 Scaly Superstars: Featuring 12 Lizard Species 7:00 The Terrific Tongue Test: Adding STEM Activities 9:43 Planning Back Matter During Drafting (Not After) 11:07 Annette's Writing Hack: Saving Deleted Content for Back Matter 13:00 Sponsored Message: Reimagine Insiders Community 13:00 Collaborating with Editors on Back Matter Decisions 15:32 How Annette's Back Matter Created a Full-Size Foldout Poster 18:22 Classroom Connections: How Back Matter Extends Lessons 19:44 Thinking Cross-Curricular: STEM, SEL, and More 23:12 Why Strong Back Matter Makes Your Book More Marketable 27:53 Common Back Matter Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) 29:26 Annette's Checklist: Questions to Evaluate Your Back Matter 31:36 The Big Poster Reveal! Hardcover Foldout Explained 33:20 What's Next for Annette Whipple 34:02 Wrap-Up and Call to Action

    35 min

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (25)

5
out of 5
7 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.

Information

You Might Also Like