Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

• 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

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• 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 

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• 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    

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• 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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