Hello friends!

Images of PA Bootcamp materials, Kirsten and Isabella Kung and ABLA's Big Sur Workshop — PA Bootcamp (l), at Big Sur with Isabella Kung (middle and r)

Back from Big Sur! I had a delightful time at Andrea Brown Literary Agency's Big Sur Writers Workshop (which, I learned, is actually held in Monterey). It was my first time on faculty, and it was a joy to help two different groups of five writers as they worked to improve their manuscripts. Registration for next year opens May 10 and scholarships are available.

Surviving PA Bootcamp: I went undercover at PA Bootcamp in Los Angeles for my adult rom-com spy thriller set on a movie set. Over a weekend, I was drilled on walkie talkie and set etiquette, learned how to read call sheets and log pay vouchers for "extras" alongside mostly college students and recent grads. So far in February, I've logged more than 10,000 words on the revision, and I hope to be done with the plot-level revision later this spring. My critique group is reading my revised first four chapters right now.

Two Learning Opportunities:

Elementary educators are a major market for STEM picture books. Yet, how many years has it been since you observed an elementary science lesson? I'm already signed up for Emily Starr's No Wizards, Just Science, a 90-minute Zoom webinar (March 11 at 1 p.m. Eastern), designed for the kidlit community, that pulls back the curtain on elementary science instruction. Attendees will learn how to refine curriculum guides, author presentations, back matter, and marketing messages to directly address the needs of elementary science educators and their students. Come learn how to strengthen your partnership with educators and deepen your positive impact on young readers. Learn more and sign up here.

Last Session: Reimagine Your Writing starts Feb. 25, 7 p.m. Eastern

Last Chance for Reimagining Class: Ready to transform your nonfiction picture book manuscript? The final session (for now) of the "Reimagine Your Writing" book club starts Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Eastern. After this session, I plan to refocus on my Nonfiction Mini webinar series for the rest of the year. "Reimagine Your Writing" is an intimate 6-week book study where we'll explore innovative story structures, scene-crafting, and techniques to bring facts to life for young readers. ($60 for all six sessions). Learn more and register here.

Read on for more news and offerings below. Until next month, happy writing and revising!

Kirsten

Inside this newsletter:

Join me for Write. Submit. Support. (a mini MFA)
The Fire of Stars ebook - $1.99 February only
Reimagine Insiders Office Hours for March 7: Scene versus Summary
Next podcast drops Mar. 7 with Kamalani Hurley (plus get the February Beth Anderson transcript)
March 2025 "New in Nonfiction" List (164 titles)

Join me for Write. Submit. Support. for nonfiction

Write Submit Support for Nonfiction 2-5 p.m. Central, 3/23, 4/27, 5/18, 6/22, 7/20, 8/24

Ready to take your nonfiction to the next level? Write. Submit. Support for Nonfiction offers expert guidance, a supportive community, and accountability to help you refine your work and get it submission-ready. Join me this spring—learn more and sign up here.

The Fire of Stars eBook $1.99 at Amazon, B&n, Apple, Google, Kobo

Celebrate Women’s History Month early with The Fire of Stars—the story of Cecilia Payne, the woman who discovered what stars are made of! 🌟 For the entire month of February, grab the ebook for just $1.99 across Amazon, Apple Books, B&N, Google Play, and Kobo.

📖 Orbis Pictus Honor Book
⭐ “A luminous thematic pairing.” — Kirkus Reviews

Don’t miss this chance to add an inspiring STEM story to your collection!💫

March 7 Insider Office Hours: Scene vs. Summary

This is a graphic for the Reimagine Insiders Paid Community — **Join us!**

How do you decide when to write in scene versus summary—and how do you do it well? In our March live office hours, Reimagine Insiders will dive into this essential craft skill with live coaching, examples, and discussion. Join this paid community (on Payhip) for just $5/month to access this session, access an archive of videos and craft posts, plus get discounts on webinars and critiques—sign up today! Learn more here.

Next podcast episode, plus transcript

Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Ep. 7 with Kamalani Hurley: Writing Unique POVs in her book Kaho'olawe

Tune in for the next episode of the Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations podcast (on Youtube as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) with native Hawaiian author Kamalani Hurley dropping March 7. Kamalani and I talked a lot about trusting your instincts as a writer, along with the unique POV she used for her picture book. I'd appreciate it if you rate and review wherever you listen to help other nonfiction fans discover the podcast.

Get the full transcript for my February interview with author Beth Anderson here.

New in Nonfiction

Roundup of March New Releases

Here's the latest roundup of the newest juvenile nonfiction books released by U.S. publishers. You'll find the full list of 164 books in Edelweiss by clicking the link below.

See the list