Ep. 20 How to Turn Lost History Into Compelling YA Nonfiction

2026-03-06

How do you write powerful YA nonfiction that brings forgotten women in STEM back into the spotlight? In this episode, authors Lindsay H. Metcalf (Footeprint) and Debbie Loren Dunn and Janet Fox (The Real Rosalind) explore the craft of writing young adult nonfiction, the research process behind uncovering hidden scientific histories, and how to transform archival discoveries into emotionally compelling narratives. From the stories of Rosalind Franklin and Eunice Newton Foote to broader conversations about credit,...

How do you write powerful YA nonfiction that brings forgotten women in STEM back into the spotlight?

In this episode, authors Lindsay H. Metcalf (Footeprint) and Debbie Loren Dunn and Janet Fox (The Real Rosalind) explore the craft of writing young adult nonfiction, the research process behind uncovering hidden scientific histories, and how to transform archival discoveries into emotionally compelling narratives.

From the stories of Rosalind Franklin and Eunice Newton Foote to broader conversations about credit, persistence, and passion in science, this discussion dives deep into what it takes to write nonfiction that resonates with teen readers.

Whether you’re an aspiring author, educator, historian, or simply passionate about women in science, this conversation offers practical writing advice, research strategies, and inspiration for telling stories that matter.

Topics covered:

✔️Writing YA biographies

✔️Researching overlooked women scientists

✔️Crafting emotional arcs in nonfiction

✔️Turning anger into purpose-driven storytelling

✔️Balancing historical and scientific accuracy with narrative engagement ✔️Advice for aspiring nonfiction writers If you care about STEM history, women’s contributions to science, and writing meaningful books for young readers, this episode is for you.

Subscribe for more conversations on writing, research, and publishing. 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Writing YA Nonfiction

04:12 Why Forgotten Women in STEM Matter

09:35 From Anger to Purpose: Discovering Rosalind Franklin’s Story

14:48 Research Deep Dive: Finding the Truth in the Archives

20:10 Crafting Emotional Arcs in Nonfiction

26:42 Writing for Teens Without Oversimplifying

32:05 The Power of Persistence in Science and Storytelling

38:30 Advice for Aspiring YA Nonfiction Writers

44:15 Final Takeaways and Encouragement

Lindsay H. Metcalf's site: https://lindsayhmetcalf.com/books/

Debbie Loren Dunn's site: https://brownanddunn.com/books/

Janet Fox's site: https://janetsfox.com/