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
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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
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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
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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
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Ep. 10: Ensuring Cultural Authenticity with Carrie Tillotson and Mariana Llanos
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 life.
Learn about:
What authenticity readers do and why they're essential for culturally accurate children's books
How alpacas are viewed differently in the US versus their cultural significance in Peru
The research process including connecting with experts from Peru
The journey from first draft to book contact over a 7-year period
How illustration choices enhance cultural representation
Whether you're a children's book author, illustrator, educator, or simply love picture books, this episode offers valuable insights into creating authentic, respectful, and engaging nonfiction for young readers.
About the Book
Alpacas Here, Alpacas There is a rhyming nonfiction picture book comparing alpacas in their native Peru and in North America, beautifully illustrated by Peruvian illustrator Elisa Chavarri and published by Beach Lane Books.
Connect with Our Guests
Carrie Tillotson: https://carrietillotson.com
Mariana Llanos: https://www.marianallanos.com/
Order signed copies: Annie Bloom's Books in Portland, Oregon:https://annieblooms.com/
About the Podcast
The Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Podcast explores the art and business of children's nonfiction with today's leading authors and illustrators. Host Kirsten Larson, author of "Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book," dives deep into research methods, writing techniques, and publishing insights.
Subscribe to my newsletter for new episodes and to receive transcripts at https://kirstenwlarson.com!
#ChildrensBooks #PictureBooks #KidLit #NonfictionForKids #CulturalAuthenticity #DiverseBooks #AlpacaBook #AuthorInterview #WritingForChildren #PictureBookCreation #Alpacas #PeruvianCulture #PublishingJourney #SensitivityReaders
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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