🎨 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

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.

• 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

How do we craft, edit, and sell poetic nonfiction picture books? Today I talk to Buffy Silverman, author of STARLIGHT SYMPHONY, to learn more about writing in rhyme.

• Renée LaTulippe's Lyrical Language Lab: https://www.reneelatulippe.com/lyrical-language-lab/
• Laura Purdie Salas's Poetry site: https://laurasalas.com/poetry/
• Poetry Friday: https://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/

• April Pulley Sayre
• Laura Purdie Salas
• Joyce Sidman
• Irene Latham
• Maria Gianferrari
• Katey Howes
• David Harrison

• THE PUMPKIN SEED'S SECRET by Hannah Barnaby, illustrated by Cédric Abt
• PIGS DIG A ROAD by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Brian Biggs
• JUMPER by Jessica Lanan

Connect with Buffy at https://buffysilverman.com/

You can order STARLIGHT SYMPHONY wherever books are sold. Please support Buffy by asking your local library to buy a copy of STARLIGHT SYMPHONY for its collection. Details about the book here: https://lernerbooks.com/shop/show/24762

To get the full transcript of this podcast, sign up for my newsletter. It will be included with my next monthly mailing. https://kirsten-w-larson.ck.page/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 RAINBOW ALLIES and download the educational resources: https://www.nancychurnin.com/rainbow-allies

Are you going to be at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference or in the Boston area the weekend before Thanksgiving? Here's Nancy's panel information:

Friday, Nov. 22 Boston Convention Center

415 Summer Street, Boston 02210

10:45 Affirming the Humanity of Diversity, 9:30 a.m. t0 10:45 a.m. in Room 209

1:50 p.m. Signing copies of Rainbow Allies in the Publishers Spotlight booth

Saturday, Nov. 23

10-12 a.m.

Morse Institute Library 14 East Central St, Natick, MA

Ten Tree Books, an independent bookstore, will provide and sell books that I will sign.

To get the full transcript of this podcast, sign up for my newsletter. It will be included with my next monthly mailing. https://kirsten-w-larson.ck.page/8ca48d284c

What does it take to become the author of a nonfiction picture book series? Nell Cross Beckerman, author of CAVES and VOLCANOES (both illustrated by Kalen Chock) explains.

Episode links:

Head to Nell's website for classes for writers, links to buy autographed books, educator's guides and more: https://www.nellcrossbeckerman.com/#/

As a special gift, you can watch Nell's Zoom where she shares her whole creative process for writing VOLCANOES, which includes appearances by editor Katie Heit, art director Brian LaRossa, and illustrator Kalen Chock. https://tinyurl.com/Volcanoes-zoom