Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations
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.
Episodes
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 wit...
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 engagin...
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 ...
Want to finally finish your writing projects? Discover the accountability system that's helped two children's authors publish dozens of books!
In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten Larson sits down with fellow children's author Marcie Colleen to reveal their secret weapon: an 8-year accountability partnership that starts at 5:30 AM every weekday.
What You'll Learn:
- How to find the perfect accou...
🎧 Nonfiction vs. Informational Fiction: Where Do You Draw the Line? | Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations
Join host Kirsten Larson and Sibert Honor author Colleen Paeff as they explore one of children's literature's most debated topics: the distinction between nonfiction and informational fiction. When should authors stick strictly to documented facts, and when is it okay to fictionalize elements to serve the story?
In This Epis...
🎙️Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations | Ep. 12: Connecting with Educators Through Conferences with Patricia Newman
Want to build relationships with the educators who share your books with kids?
In this episode, Kirsten chats with Sibert Honoree and environmentalist Patricia Newman, author of Sharks Unhooked, illustrated by Becca Hall (Millbrook Press), about how authors can effectively pitch, present, and participate in teacher ...
Revision Magic & the Art of Critique: Tips from Michelle Cusolito | Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations
🎧 Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations is the podcast for children's authors who want to deepen their craft, hosted by Kirsten W. Larson, award-winning nonfiction picture book author and leading educator in children's nonfiction writing. In each episode, Kirsten interviews authors, illustrators, and editors about the craf...
Join host Kirsten Larson as she takes you behind the scenes of the delightful picture book Alpacas Here, Alpacas There with author Carrie Tillotson and authenticity reader Mariana Llanos. In this insightful episode of the Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Podcast, discover the crucial role of cultural authenticity in children's nonfiction and the collaborative process that brings diverse stories to ...
Let's Fly: How Barrington Irving's Record-Breaking Flight Journey Became a Children's Book | Children's Nonfiction Craft
Join host Kirsten Larson as she interviews Chana Stiefel and Captain Barrington Irving about their picture book "Let's Fly: Barrington Irving's Record-Breaking Flight Around the World." Discover the craft behind adapting Barrington's incredible aviation journey from a 50,000-word expedition log to middle grade t...
School Visits for Children's Authors: Expert Tips with Ann Koffsky | Nonfiction Kidlit Podcast
In this episode of the Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations podcast, host Kirsten Larson interviews Ann Koffsky, author and illustrator of more than 50 children's books, about how to create successful school visits and venue events.
Ann shares her expe...
In this episode of Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson interviews debut author Kamilani Hurley about her Junior Library Guild selection "Kaho'olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People."
Learn valuable insights about:
- Kamalani's Journey to Children's Writing
- Crafting Unique Perspectives
- Developing Emotional Arcs
- Balancing Complex Topics
- Using Sidebars Effectively
- Writing Tips and Advice
- Future...
🔍 How to Write Page-Turning Nonfiction Picture Books | Writing Craft Tips with Beth Anderson
Master the art of writing gripping nonfiction picture books in this craft-focused interview with award-winning children's author Beth Anderson. Discover the behind-the-scenes process of her latest book "Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and The Race to Save Abraham Lincoln," illustrated by Sally Wern Comport (Calkins Creek).
✍️ WRITING CRA...
🎨 Join us for an inspiring conversation with Katherine Roy, the acclaimed creator of "Making More" and "Sea Without a Shore" with Barb Rosenstock! In this episode, Kirsten Larson interviews Katherine about her fascinating journey from RISD graduate to award-winning nonfiction author and illustrator.
Discover how a stint as a deckhand sparked Katherine's passion for marine biology, leading to her breakthrough book deal with Simon B...
What does it take to craft a compelling children's nonfiction book proposal?
Today I talk to Stephanie Gibeault, author of MAKING SENSE OF DOG SENSES, to learn more about book proposals.
Show notes:
Classes and resources mentioned:
• Jane Friedman’s book proposal post (which also includes a proposal template): https://janefriedman.com/start-here-how-to-write-a-book-proposal/
• Highlights Foundation: https://www.hi...
What does it take to craft a compelling children's nonfiction book proposal?
Today I talk to Stephanie Gibeault, author of MAKING SENSE OF DOG SENSES, to learn more about book proposals.
Show notes: Classes and resources mentioned:- Jane Friedman’s book proposal post (which also includes a proposal template): https://janefriedman.com/start-here-how-to-write-a-book-proposal/
How do we craft, edit, and sell poetic nonfiction picture books? Today I talk to Buffy Silverman, author of STARLIGHT SYMPHONY, to learn more about writing in rhyme.
Show notes: Classes and resources mentioned:- Renée LaTulippe's Lyrical Language Lab: https://www.reneelatulippe.com/lyrical-language-lab/
- Laura Purdie Salas's Poetry site: https://laurasalas.com/poetry/
- Poetry Friday: https://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-...
Learn more about RAINBOW ALLIES and download the educational resources: https://www.nancychurnin.com/rainbow-allies
Are you going to be at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference or in the Boston area the weekend before Thanksgiving? Here's Nancy's panel information:
Friday, Nov. 22 Boston Convention Center
415 Summer Street, Boston 02210
10:45 Affirming the Humanity of Diversity, 9:30 a.m. t0 10:45 a.m. in Room ...
What does it take to become the author of a nonfiction picture book series? Nell Cross Beckerman, author of CAVES and VOLCANOES (both illustrated by Kalen Chock) explains.
Episode links:
Head to Nell's website for classes for writers, links to buy autographed books, educator's guides and more: https://www.nellcrossbeckerman.com/#/
As a special gift, you can watch Nell's Zoom where she shares her whole creative process for writing...
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