Michelle Cusolito's love for writing nonfiction picture books is palpable and, we dare say, contagious. In this episode, she generously shares her process, where her ideas have come from, and how she follows the muse—even when she's on deadline for a different project.

No matter what you write, Michelle's interview is a good reminder to write what you love... because that's when the passion shines through.

Listen in to discover:

• Why Michelle is drawn to writing about the ocean
• How she came to write a latest picture book about trees (that aren't in the ocean!)
• The information she gives to her illustrators (and what she leaves out)
• How she researches her books
• The importance of experiencing things firsthand when she's writing about a topic
• Her recommendations to writers who can't travel to do in-person research
• Where science is happening (Hint: it might be closer than you think!)
• How she organizes her research
• Her love of notebooks and working analog-style
• Nonfiction author Beth Anderson
• The beauty of spare text
• How In the World of Whales was inspired by a real-life event
• What made her stop everything to write the first draft
• How the 12 x 12 Creativity Book Group works
• How to handle critiques
• How she was able to go on a weeks-long expedition with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute to do research for her books
• Why it's important to make genuine connections as a writer

Books mentioned in this episode*:

• In the World of Whales by Michelle Cusolito and Jessica Lanan
• Flying Deep by Michelle Cusolito and Nicole Wong
• Diving Deep by Michelle Cusolito and Nicole Wong
• A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone by Michelle Cusolito
• Jellyfish Scientist by Michelle Cusolito and Ellen Rooney
• Rooted in Wonder by Michelle Cusolito and Mayra Wright
• Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati
• Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book by Kirsten W. Larson
• Giant Squid by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann

Get 25% off Michelle Cusolito's Rigorous Research webinar (co-presented with Charlesbridge editor Karen Boss) here: www.12x12challenge.com/michelle

Please note: There is a change in the sound level about halfway through the podcast. We've adjusted it as much as we can. We apologize for any inconvenience while listening.

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