🔍 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 CRAFT TECHNIQUES COVERED:

• Creating page-turning tension in nonfiction

• Writing historical events for young readers

• Balancing context and pacing in picture books

• Developing character emotions in nonfiction

• Using research to enhance storytelling

• Working with editors and illustrators

Perfect for nonfiction picture book writers, children's book authors, and anyone interested in writing engaging historical stories for kids. Beth shares specific examples and practical techniques you can apply to your own writing.

👉 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Nonfiction Fest: www.nffest.com

Kirsten's "Reimagine Your Writing" Workshop: writers.kirstenwlarson.com

Beth's website: https://BethAndersonWriter.com

Free educator guide: https://bethandersonwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/hiding-in-plain-sight-ed-guide.pdf

Interiority w/ Mary Kole: HTTPS://KIDLIT.COM/2017/10/23/WHAT-INTERIORITY-IS-AND-WHY-IT-MATTERS/

Psychic distance from Emma Darwin https://emmadarwin.typepad.com/thisitchofwriting/psychic-distance-what-it-is-and-how-to-use-it.html

Kirsten's website (to join newsletter for transcripts and for podcast website): https://kirstenwlarson.com

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📚 Buy "Hiding in Plain Sight": Available at all major booksellers

🎨 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 Boughton. Learn about her unique creative process, from messy sketches to stunning final illustrations, and get insider tips on:

• The art of nonfiction storytelling
• Balancing facts with visual appeal
• Research techniques for illustrators
• Working with authors and editors
• Creating dynamic compositions
• The importance of reference materials

#ChildrensBooks #Illustration #PictureBooks #Nonfiction #KidLit #Publishing #CreativeProcess #AuthorInterview #ArtEducation #ChildrensLiterature

Links:

Scott McCloud's UNDERSTANDING COMICS: https://bookshop.org/p/books/understanding-comics-the-invisible-art-scott-mccloud/228758?ean=9780060976255

Katherine's bookmaking process: https://www.instagram.com/reel/COyWwu0H4Xk/?hl=en

Follow Katherine:

Website: https://www.katherineroy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherineroystudio/

Follow Kirsten:

Website: https://kirstenwlarson.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstenwlarson/

To get the full transcript of this podcast, sign up for Kirsten's newsletter. It will be included with the next monthly mailing.

Sign up here: https://kirsten-w-larson.kit.com/8ca48d284c

Want to shape the conversation? Join my Reimagine Insiders paid community for an opportunity to ask future guests your questions. https://writers.kirstenwlarson.com/b/insiders

Learn more about my new class, "Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book: A step-by-step revision course," here. https://writers.kirstenwlarson.com/b/craftingclass

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.highlightsfoundation.org/

• MG Expository Pitches Post (including Stephanie's pitches): https://kirstenwlarson.com/2024/09/20/winning-expository-book-pitches-examples-and-analysis/

• Stephanie's website: https://stephaniegibeault.com/

• Her X profile is @GibeaultWrites: https://x.com/GibeaultWrites

• Her Instagram profile is @stephanie_gibeault: https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_gibeault/

To get the full transcript of this podcast, sign up for Kirsten's newsletter. It will be included with my next monthly mailing. Sign up here:

https://kirsten-w-larson.kit.com/8ca48d284c

Want to shape the conversation? Join my Reimagine Insiders paid community for an opportunity to ask future guests your questions.

https://writers.kirstenwlarson.com/b/insiders