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 Writers
00:31 Introducing Nancy Churnin
02:15 Why Biographies
04:01 William Hoy Origin
07:18 Finding Story Subjects
11:16 Research Methods
14:38 Accuracy And Sensitivity
18:48 Choosing What Stays
21:03 Staying Focused On Theme
24:54 Empowerment Themes
26:05 Projects With Every Book
29:11 Biggest Writing Lesson
29:52 Perseverance Through Rejection
32:53 Craft Advice For Nonfiction
36:28 Rapid Fire Questions
40:15 School Visit Joy
42:42 Encouragement And Farewell
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