Chalk + Ink: Episode 90; Exposing the Root of Nonfiction with Ann McCallum Staats

Spring has sprung and there's no better way to celebrate then to place a preorder for Ann McCallum Staats' fabulous Fantastic Flora: The World's Biggest, Baddest, and Smelliest Plants. The lyrical writing will raise your spirits and the lush illustrations make you want to reach out and touch them.

While you wait for the book, be sure to listen to this podcast episode because Ann McCallum exposes the root of nonfiction. It's a true nonfiction tutorial. Ann has tons of tips for you including how to find a nonfiction structure that highlights your passions, how to craft enticing sidebars, and how to write a nonfiction book proposal.

Another way you can pass time until your copy of Fantastic Flora arrives in the mail is to read the books that Ann recommends: 

A Stone Is a Story by Leslie Barnard Booth takes something benign and makes it exciting.

Anyone who likes math should check out books by Ann Marie Stevens.

Race to the Bottom of the Earth by Rebecca Barone is told in multiple points of view from various Antarctica explorers.

With any luck, Chalk + Ink will feature Leslie and Ann Marie later this season.

For now, enjoy all the nonfiction tidbits Ann has to offer us. Happy listening.