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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Telling It True cover reveal + When should you attend an educator conference?
Published 8 days agoΒ β’Β 3 min read
Hello friends!
First, a bit of fun family news. On Oct. 28th, my husband made the historic first flight of the X-59, a prototype experimental aircraft designed to test whether we can make future aircraft quieter so we can (someday) fly supersonic across the U.S. I got to sit next to the control room and hear and watch everything. It was so cool! Check out the NASA video below.
From left to right: In the Little, Brown book at NCTE, signing books for educators, with my panel on using STEM books to teach 21st Century soft skills.
I am just back from the 2025 National Council of Teachers of English convention in Denver. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with educators from across the country.
Are you an educator? Here's my lesson plan handout for the session I gave with several STEM authors on teaching "soft skills" like critical thinking and revising ideas in light of new evidence using books.
Are you a writer? You might be wondering if these conferences are worth it for authors. You might consider attending an educator conference if:
You are a published author, and your publisher is paying your way.
The conference is in or near your hometown. Day passes are more affordable as are exhibit-hall-only passes. In this case, even not-yet-published authors might attend.
You have family nearby or can book a school visit in conjunction with a conference to reduce expenses.
If school visits are a major part of your author business. These conferences are tax deductible (travel plus registration), and this type of conference offers great connections, which might make them a good use of your marketing dollars.
Telling It True cover reveal
Telling It True (craft book) is in final edits. What do you think?
This book will be on sale soon, so stay tuned! You'll be the first to know.
Changes to course offerings for 2026
I'm tired, folks! So I'm changing up a few things for 2026. I will no longer offer separate, monthly Nonfiction Mini Webinars in 2026. Instead, almost all my own teaching will be done within my Reimagining Insiders paid community (only $5 per month; learn more here). Here are some other additions to the Reimagine Insiders Community for 2026:
I'm already planning a couple of pop up sessions in the new year on Scrivener (January) and OneNote (February), which will be free and open only to community members (recorded).
Next year, we'll work through the process of writing and revising a nonfiction project in 12 months. We start in January with finding and testing story ideas using my six questions framework. That will be the focus of our live office hours for January, so bring your ideas, and let's test them.
Each month I'll share written snippets from Telling It True and Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book in our forum, to help you make progress all month long.
Want to join us? It's a wonderful and supportive group! You can cancel any time. Here's the link.
Things I'm loving right now
Slow Horses Season 5 on Apple+. My favorite ensemble cast! I can't resist this group of MI5 rejects relegated to Slough House, run by the thoroughly gross but smart Jackson Lamb. Based on the novels by Mick Herron.
Pluribuson Apple+. (Caveat: I've only seen the first episode). Grumpy, bestselling romantasy author Carol Sturka is the only person on Earth immune to an alien virus that renders everyone a happy hive mind. Apple also released a free sample of character Sturka's romantasy book, Bloodsong of Wycaro as a tie-in.
Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work by Ryan Holiday. What makes books, movies, and more "classics?" Holiday dissects. (Note: Written in 2017, there are a few outdated examples, like to Harvey Weinstein. π¬)
Happy writing and revising!
And happy Thanksgiving all you American friends.
Kirsten
Books make magical gifts
Why not give the gift of reading this holiday season? I offer autographed copies of all my books through Once Upon a Time, an independent LA-area bookstore. Click here to learn more.β
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A new review for This Is How You Know
Check out this lovely review of This Is How You Know by Libres Books (Michigan School Librarians).
And don't miss my conversation with Dan Skinner of Kansas Public Radio. Listen on YouTube here.β
Here's the latest roundup of the newest juvenile nonfiction books released by U.S. publishers. You'll find the full list of 52 books in Edelweiss by clicking the link below.
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.
Hello friends! Behind the scenes: Society of Experimental Test Pilots banquet at Disney; with fabulous friends at my B&N event; visiting our older son for Parent's Weekend at UC San Diego. First, a huge thank you for all the outpouring of support for This Is How You Know, illustrated by Cornelia Li. It was such a joy to see so many friends at my Barnes & Noble Story Time (center) as well as my LA County Library event where we made oobleck and did other STEAM activities. From the bottom of my...
Hello friends! Left to right: With fellow authors Dana Middleton and Nell Cross Beckerman; with young readers at story time at Once Upon a Time Bookstore in support of Science Saturday. As you have undoubtedly heard, my next picture book, This Is How You Know , illustrated by Cornelia Li, is out now from Little, Brown. I just hosted two events and have two more coming up. If you are local, I hope you'll join me. Signing and Storytime at Barnes & Noble - Palmdale at 11:30 a.m. October 4th....
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