Writing the Woman Behind Children’s Books: Researching Ursula Nordstrom with Nancy Hudgins

Writing the Woman Behind Children’s Books: Researching Ursula Nordstrom with Nancy Hudgins

What can a legendary children’s book editor teach us about writing, research, and trusting young readers? In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson interviews Nancy Hudgins, author of Books Good Enough for You: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, to uncover the hidden story behind one of the most influential figures in children’s publishing. Ursula Nordstrom helped shape classics like Charlotte’s Web, Goodnight Moon, and Where the Wild Things Are, but her own story has remained largely untold for older readers until now. Nancy shares how primary source research—including letters, archival documents, and even surprising legal records—revealed new insights into Nordstrom’s life, including details never before published. You’ll hear how these discoveries shaped the book, why middle grade was the perfect format, and what today’s writers can learn from Nordstrom’s fearless approach to storytelling. Whether you’re a children’s writer, educator, librarian, or book lover, this conversation offers powerful insights into: * How to use primary sources to deepen nonfiction storytelling * The art of revision and editorial feedback * Why respecting young readers leads to better books * The ongoing importance of freedom to read Plus: behind-the-scenes stories of beloved classics like Goodnight Moon and the creative risks that changed children’s literature forever. 00:00 The Shocking Discovery: Ursula Nordstrom’s Untold Story 01:00 Welcome + About Nancy Hudgins & Her Book 02:00 Why Write About Ursula Nordstrom? 04:00 Why This Story Matters Now (Censorship & Kidlit Today) 06:00 Why Middle Grade? Choosing the Right Audience 09:00 Diving into Primary Sources: Letters, Archives & Surprises 12:30 Research Rabbit Holes & Unexpected Finds 16:00 What to Include (and What to Leave Out) 20:00 What Kids Can Learn from Ursula Nordstrom 25:30 The Story Behind Goodnight Moon 30:30 Research Advice for Nonfiction Writers

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

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

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/ [https://lindsayhmetcalf.com/books/] Debbie Loren Dunn's site: https://brownanddunn.com/books/ [https://brownanddunn.com/books/] Janet Fox's site: https://janetsfox.com/ [https://janetsfox.com/]

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