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

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

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