Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

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

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

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

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

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 

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-Publishing18:12 – 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
 
 

13.5 Accountability & Community with Marcie Colleen

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 accountability partner for writers
Different accountability systems that actually work (not just morning check-ins!)
The "Adequate Daily Progress" hack for preventing frustration
How to stay motivated during tough creative periods (including pandemic writing!)
Why is only takes small chunks of writing time to make your book a reality
Where to find accountability partners in writing communities
Perfect for: Children's book writers, picture book authors, middle grade writers, nonfiction authors, freelance writers, anyone struggling with writing consistency
Guest: Marcie Colleen - Author of "Happy Friendsgiving" and multiple children's books, comics, and graphic novels
Resources Mentioned:
12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge
"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron
"Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert
Marcie's "Last 100 Days" writing workshop; email Marcie here for information.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Meet the 8-Year Writing Partnership
02:30 - How We Started: From Critique Partners to 5:30 AM Accountability
07:45 - What Is an Accountability Partner? (Definition & Benefits)
15:20 - Different Accountability Systems That Work
18:45 - Blocking Distractions: Email, Social Media & Focus Strategies
21:10 - Grace vs. Discipline: When to Push vs. Rest
24:45 - Goal Setting Without the Overwhelm
28:00 - Writing Through COVID: Staying Creative During Crisis
31:40 - The "Big Magic" Approach to Writer's Block
34:50 - Habit Formation: Don't Get Off the Bus
37:25 - Where to Find Your Perfect Accountability Partner
39:45 - The 100 Days Challenge: Year-End Writing Goals
42:30 - Lightning Round: Productivity Tools & Recent Wins
44:15 - The "Adequate Daily Progress" Method Explained
47:30 - Making Invisible Work Visible: To-Do List Hacks
49:20 - Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Results

13. The Nonfiction/Fiction Divide with Colleen Paeff

🎧 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 Episode:
• How Colleen defines nonfiction vs. informational fiction in her own work
• Why her books "The Great Stink" and "Firefly Song" stayed nonfiction while her upcoming "Rainbow Truck" and "Pufflings Fly Free" became informational fiction
• The role of emotional storytelling in factual narratives
• How research depth affects genre decisions
• Practical advice for authors struggling with this choice
• Amazing research organization tips using the Obsidian app
About the Guest: Colleen Paeff is the Sibert Honor-winning author of "The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem" and the starred-review book "Firefly Song: Lynn Frierson Faust and the Great Smoky Mountain Discovery."
 
Connect with Colleen at: https://www.colleenpaeff.com/
Support the podcast through our Bookshop (we earn a small commission at no cost to you): https://bookshop.org/shop/NonfictionKidlitPodcast
Perfect for: Children's book authors, educators, librarians, and anyone interested in science writing for kids, research techniques, and the craft of nonfiction storytelling. #NonFictionBooks #ChildrensBooks #KidLit #ScienceBooks #AuthorInterview #WritingCraft #InformationalFiction #PictureBooks #Research

Connecting with Educators Through Conferences with Patricia Newman

🎙️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 and librarian conferences.
🌟 What you'll learn:
Why these conferences matter
How to pitch successful proposals
Smaller conferences to try
Budget-friendly tips for authors
Whether it’s worth presenting before you're published
Patricia also shares what’s next for her writing journey!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review.
📩 Sign up for Kirsten’s newsletter to get the full transcript: https://kirstenwlarson.com
Connect with Patricia Newman: https://www.patriciamnewman.com
https://x.com/PatriciaNewman
https://www.instagram.com/patricianewmanbooks/
https://bsky.app/profile/patricianewman.bsky.social
#NonfictionKidlit #PatriciaNewman #SharksUnhooked #KidlitPodcast #ChildrensAuthors #AuthorTips #LibraryConferences #TeacherConnections

Radical Revision with Michelle Cusolito

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 craft and business of nonfiction picture books and beyond.
In this episode, Kirsten speaks with Michelle Cusolito, author of two stunning new nonfiction picture books: "Jellyfish Scientist: Maude Delap and Her Mesmerizing Medusas," illustrated by Ellen Rooney and "In the World of Whales," illustrated by Sibert honoree Jessica Lanan. In this episode, Michelle helps authors by sharing her innovative approach to revision, including:
How she uses "magnetic poetry" techniques to reorganize text
Why working analog (away from the computer) can unlock creativity
The power of asking for specific feedback from critique partners
Her unique "placeholder" technique to avoid research rabbit holes
How structure decisions influence the entire storytelling process
Michelle offers practical wisdom on finding fresh approaches to picture book biographies, knowing when your manuscript needs more work, and developing effective critique partnerships that truly improve your writing.
Whether you're struggling with revision or looking to level up your critique group experience, this episode provides actionable techniques from a master of the craft.
Links:
Blog post about Michelle’s magnetic poetry approach: https://www.michellecusolito.com/blog/2019/7/31/magnetic-poetry-approach-to-writingrevising
Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFugLSJX_Nc
5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Critiques: https://kirstenwlarson.com/2025/05/28/five-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-your-critiques-inspired-by-my-convo-with-author-michelle-cusolito/
Michelle’s website: https://www.michellecusolito.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcusolito/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mcusolito.bsky.social
Eight Cousin’s Bookstore: https://www.eightcousins.com
 
#NonfictionPictureBookWriting #ChildrensBookCraftPodcast #WritingForYoungReaders #STEMStorytellingForKids #ResearchTipsForChildrensAuthors #PictureBookStructureAndRevision #InterviewsWithKidlitCreators #RevisionTechniques #PictureBookBiography #NonfictionWritingCraft