EPISODE 112: Writing Heart-Led Children’s Biographies with Nancy Churnin

Way-Word Writers hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome award-winning children’s nonfiction author Nancy Churnin, known for inspiring stories about real people who changed the world. Churnin shares how a Dallas Morning News article about deaf baseball player William Hoy led to her first children’s book after a 13-year journey, launching her focus on lesser-known changemakers. She explains how she discovers subjects through curiosity and articles, approaches research differently depending on available sources, and ensures accuracy and cultural sensitivity by working closely with families, communities, and scholars. Churnin discusses finding the “heart” of each story, choosing what to include in picture book narratives, creating student projects tied to each book, lessons in perseverance and humility, and advice to write about someone you love, seek support, and stay focused on meaning over facts.00:00 Meet Way-Word Writers00:31 Introducing Nancy Churnin02:15 Why Biographies04:01 William Hoy Origin07:18 Finding Story Subjects11:16 Research Methods14:38 Accuracy And Sensitivity18:48 Choosing What Stays21:03 Staying Focused On Theme24:54 Empowerment Themes26:05 Projects With Every Book29:11 Biggest Writing Lesson29:52 Perseverance Through Rejection32:53 Craft Advice For Nonfiction36:28 Rapid Fire Questions40:15 School Visit Joy42:42 Encouragement And Farewell This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com