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In this Aviatrix Writers’ Room conversation, former NASA public affairs specialist and author of four nonfiction picture books, Kirsten W. Larson talks about writing true stories for young readers. We dig into how she learned the craft, the communities and organizations that helped her grow, and the realities of traditional publishing timelines (especially for illustrated nonfiction).
Kirsten shares a clear-eyed look at writing “school and library” work-for-hire books, what those contracts mean for rights and creative control, and why she ultimately shifted her focus toward her own trade projects. We also talk about nonfiction kidlit craft—how research becomes story, why emotional connection matters, and the revision mindset behind her Reimagine Your Writing craft books Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book: A Step-by-Step Revision Guide and her latest launching February 1st - Telling it True: How to Write Non-Fiction Kids (and Teens) Want to Read (Reimagine Your Writing).
What we cover
• How Kirsten developed her craft (study, critique, repetition, feedback)
• Communities that helped: critique groups, SCBWI, NFFest, webinars, classes
• What “kidlit nonfiction” really asks of the writer: story first, facts supported in back matter
• The publishing timeline reality for illustrated books (and why it takes years)
• Work-for-hire school/library books: what the contracts typically mean (flat fee + publisher holds rights)
• How to break in: magazine clips, portfolios, pitching educational publishers
• Why she wrote Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book (and what it’s designed to solve)
• What she’s building next: a broader nonfiction craft “prequel” + a middle grade graphic novel project
• Encouragement for new writers: read what’s being published now, learn the medium, write, revise, repeat
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Thanks so much for listening!
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Blue skies, happy reading, and happy listening!
-Liz Booker
