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/

Debbie Loren Dunn's site: https://brownanddunn.com/books/

Janet Fox's site: https://janetsfox.com/

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

Join host Kirsten W. Larson for a deep-dive craft conversation with award-winning nonfiction author Deborah Heiligman—known for Vincent and Theo, Charles and Emma, Torpedoed, and her newest YA biography, Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs. America, A Love Story.

In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, Deborah breaks down her entire narrative nonfiction process:

• How she researches using primarily primary sources

• How to build tension-packed scenes in nonfiction

• Why young adult biography is about telling a story, not being a scholar

• How she finds her mantra for each book

• Why she starts her biographies in the middle

• The surprising challenges of writing Loudmouth

• What she hopes young readers take away from Emma Goldman’s story

Whether you're writing children’s nonfiction, YA biography, narrative nonfiction, or simply love craft discussions with master writers, this episode is rich with insights you won’t want to miss. 📚

Books discussed:

• Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs America, A Love Story

• Vincent and Theo

• Charles and Emma

• Torpedoed

• She Persisted: Clara Lemlich

🔗 Learn more about Deborah Heiligman: deborahheiligman.com

🔗 Learn more about host Kirsten W. Larson: kirstenwlarson.com

00:00 – Welcome to Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

00:39 – Introducing Loudmouth & Why Emma Goldman

02:04 – From Clara Lemlich to Emma Goldman

03:51 – Who Was Emma Goldman?

05:36 – Writing Biography: Hook, Theme & Mantra

08:55 – Finding the Book’s Shape & Mantra

11:45 – The Messy Process of Finding What a Book Is About

13:29 – Deborah’s Research Process: Primary Sources First

17:10 – When Secondary Sources Matter

19:11 – Avoiding Bias & Forming Your Own Interpretation

23:05 – When Research Turns Into Writing

25:56 – Choosing Where to Start a Nonfiction Story

27:57 – Building Mystery in Nonfiction Structure

30:51 – Crafting Scenes in Narrative Nonfiction

33:14 – When Research Contradicts Itself

37:01 – Balancing Emotion, Fact, & Tension

43:22 – Nonfiction Details: What You Can and Can’t Include

45:45 – YA vs. Adult Nonfiction: What’s the Difference?

49:34 – What She Hopes Readers Take Away

50:16 – The Amazing Scene That Didn’t Make the Book

52:30 – Where to Find Deborah Heiligman

53:40 – Closing Thoughts & How to Support the Podcast

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q3KYjmcvyBGfeYBuTqY60dE8koU5eae8/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111347193035867287487&rtpof=true&sd=true