Hello friends!

These are images of Kirsten's anniversary dinner, Disney day, and "She's writing a best-seller" candle — November happenings

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving for all you readers from the United States!

November has been super busy with an Eagle Scout ceremony/ luncheon for my oldest (left), celebrating Veteran's Day at the LA Chargers football game (center), and watching Back to the Future: The Musical (I highly recommend).

I also continued to plan my revision for my adult rom-com/thriller, using Tiffany Yates Martin's Intuitive Editing. I'm on my second pass of my scene-by-scene outline for the revised book after feedback from critique partners unearthed a few plot holes.

I've also been reviewing final art and the cover for my next picture book, This Is How You Know: How Science Happens, illustrated by Cornelia Li (Little Brown Books for Young Readers). Cross your fingers we hit our projected release date of 9/16/25. I'll share the cover just as soon as it's final.

This month's question is: Is it stuffing or dressing if you don't put it inside the turkey? What do you think? Shoot me an email and weigh in. And if you have a favorite recipe, I'd love to see it.

I'm so thankful for each and every one of you this holiday season. I hope you can carve out some time for creativity.

Kirsten

Inside this newsletter:

Join the New Year's cohort for Crafting Your Nonfiction PB; save 30%
Inked Voices Nonfiction PB Critique Cohort starts Jan. 8; apply now
Write.Submit.Support. 6-month mentorship, $400 off
Transcript link for Episode 3 of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations with Buffy Silverman
Scene Snippets in Expository Writing (Insider Community discussion)
December 2024 "New in Nonfiction" List (50 titles)

30% off Crafting Class New Year's Cohort

This is an image of a typewriter and the words "A course I'll gladly revisit time and time again!" - student review

Write Your Children's Nonfiction Book in 30 Days (+ Live Q&As!) Transform your idea into a polished children's nonfiction book in just 30 days! Get:

• 20 daily lessons

• Comprehensive workbook

• Expert guidance

• 2 BONUS live Q&A sessions (1/15 and 2/13, also recorded)

• Private community support (Facebook)

Special New Year's offer - 30% off until Jan 10! Learn more here. And if you have any questions, please let me know!

Inked Voices Nonfiction PB Critique Cohort

Nonfiction Picture Books Workshop, with Kirsten Larson, January 8-March 29, 2025

From Inked Voices: Work with author Kirsten Larson and a small group of peers to revise your nonfiction picture book manuscript. Writers will engage deeply with their own work and that of their peers through workshopping, revision, and craft discussion. 5 writers max. Apply by Nov. 21, 2024.

Write. Submit. Support Mentorship, $400 off

Write. Submit. Support six month session with Kirsten Larson starts 3/23

Are you ready to take your work to the next level? Join me for Write. Submit. Support through The Writing Barn. Learn more about this six-month mentorship program and apply at The Writing Barn. Take $400 off until 12/5/24.

New podcast episode, plus transcript

This is an image of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Converasations Episode 3 with Buffy Silverman

Don't miss episode 3 of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations (on Youtube as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.). Buffy Silverman (Starlight Symphony) provides tips and encouragement for writing in rhyme. Don't have time to listen? Get the transcript here.

In the Insiders Community

Is your expository book falling flat with too much "telling" vs. letting the reader immerse themselves in the story? Even non-narrative books can benefit from scene snippets.

Does your expository nonfiction book give readers the feeling of "being there" and experiencing the story in real time? If not, consider adding a "scene snippet." Here's an example from SEA WITHOUT A SHORE by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Katherine Roy.

“Pointy swordfish. Stocky jacks. Blunt-nosed mahi-mahi.
They cluster. Nibbling scraps bobbing in the water. Chasing morsels fallen from the weed.
They scatter. Dodging up, down, left, right. As hungry adults circle, chase, and bite. Watch out!"

Do you notice the rich setting details and minute-by-minute action indicative of narrative scenes? How does this snippet differ from a narrative scene?

In my latest craft post in my Reimagine Insiders Community, I examine the similarities and differences between narrative scenes and expository "scene snippets," including techniques you can apply to your own work. Reimagine Insiders is less than the price of a coffee a month. Get exclusive craft posts, monthly video, and quarterly live Q&A Zooms, plus discounts on classes and critiques. Learn more about the community here.

New in nonfiction

Roundup of December New Releases

Here's the latest roundup of the latest juvenile nonfiction books from U.S. publishers. You'll find the full list of 50 books in Edelweiss by clicking the link below.

See the list