Think nonfiction kids' books are boring? Think again! I'm a writer, teacher, and writing coach dedicated to helping students reimagine their true stories, turning them into captivating reads. Subscribe to my newsletter for tips, new releases, and more.
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I broke my ankle—and kept hiking 😬
Published 5 months ago • 3 min read
Hello friends!
Whelp, I am just back from a long weekend in New Mexico followed by ABLA's Big Sur Children's Writers Workshop where I served as critique group mentor for two fabulous picture book groups. Photos below.
Hiking in NM (on a broken ankle), Santa Fe!, at Big Sur with mentees
The photo at left is just after I stepped off a large rock and fractured my ankle (the fibula, NOT the weight-bearing bone), but continued to hike on it. And then walk 3+ miles around Santa Fe including the Georgia O'Keefe Museum. I am currently in a walking boot waiting to see if the orthopedist will put me in a cast.
Needless to say, I finally have no excuse but to be "butt in chair" working on manuscripts, pitches for editors, and everything else for a bit. If you have any hacks for living with a cast or walking boot, please send them my way!
Telling It True: Please Review
In good news, my latest book Telling It True, was an Amazon #1 new release in "Children's Literature Writing Reference" thanks to YOU! If you found this book helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on Goodreads, Amazon, or wherever you review your books. It makes a huge difference in helping other authors discover it.
As a reminder, Telling It True is both a prequel and companion to Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book, and it represents the sum total of my 15+ years of professional writing, editing, and teaching experience. It's for nonfiction writers of all formats and age categories.
This means kids all over California will read the book and vote for their favorites in each category over the next year. I am so honored!
Things I'm loving right now
Riot Women (BritBox): As BritBox puts it: "Five menopausal women form a punk rock band to take part in a local talent contest, and suddenly find they have a lot more to shout about than they ever imagined." Yes, please!
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon: I am telling everyone I know to read this book. Picture Outlander's Claire Fraser solving the mystery of a rapist's murder in 1789 Maine.
Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks: Warm and comfortable for long days in the walking boot! Plus they are guaranteed for life. I have exchanged holey socks for new ones.
Read on for podcast updates and my current offerings.
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.Link
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
If you've been thinking about joining Reimagine Insiders but haven't taken the leap yet, there's still time. We're working together on children's nonfiction projects throughout 2026, and you can jump in right now to get the structure, community support, and expert guidance that will help you finally complete that manuscript you've been dreaming about.
Through monthly craft posts and group coaching calls (our "office hours"), you'll move step by step from generating and vetting story ideas to drafting, revising, and shaping a submission-ready manuscript. Our next meeting is March 6th. Whether you're a teacher exploring writing during your breaks, a librarian with stories to tell, or a writer seeking accountability, Reimagine Insiders offers the thoughtful support you need. It's only $5 per month! Learn more and join us at writers.kirstenwlarson.com.
Think nonfiction kids' books are boring? Think again! I'm a writer, teacher, and writing coach dedicated to helping students reimagine their true stories, turning them into captivating reads. Subscribe to my newsletter for tips, new releases, and more.
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