June 3 @ 7:00 pm - June 5 @ 7:00 pm
Online
$59Overview
A Two-Night Mini Online Course
Do you have an idea for a graphic novel for kids or teens? Or do you have an idea, and you’re wondering if the graphic novel form is the right medium to tell it? Join Emily Rosenthal and Cynthia Yuan Cheng to begin your journey of transforming ideas into the graphic novel form. This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, but loads of information.
- Monday, June 3 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Wednesday, June 5 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
- Recordings available until July 31, 2024
Why This Workshop?
When it comes to graphic novels, there’s so much to love. They feature engaging plots, intriguing characters, and imaginative worlds that capture the imagination of young readers. The visual format allows for creative storytelling techniques, such as visual metaphors, dynamic panel layouts, and expressive character designs, which keep kids eagerly turning the pages. The unique combination of visual storytelling, engaging narratives, and diverse representation are just the beginning.
If you are just starting your study of this exciting storytelling form, join Emily Rosenthal and Cynthia Yuan Cheng to build your knowledge, skills, and confidence in graphic novels. Whether you’re a storyteller, illustrator, or simply a fan of graphic novels, Emily and Cynthia want to help you on your journey. They’ll cover topics like:
- Terminology and essential components of graphic novels
- Tips for formatting a graphic novel script
- Insight into the ever-evolving graphic novel market
- An illustrator’s perspective on the collaborative process between writer and illustrator (whether you are an author, an illustrator, or an author/illustrator)
- The visual flow and storytelling in published graphic novels
- And more!
Following the program, faculty will send out a writing prompt and a drawing prompt to ignite your creativity and give you practice working in the medium.
Feedback Expected
- None is included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You have an idea for a story and are wondering if a graphic novel is the right medium to tell it. We’ll help you find out!
- You are an author who wants to learn about the graphic novel form. This short course is a good fit for anyone looking to explore the graphic novel form.
- You are an illustrator who wants to learn about the graphic novel form. This short course is a good fit for anyone looking to explore the graphic novel form.
- You are just starting out with kidlit and want to learn the basics of graphic novels.
- You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart! This is not a full workshop; they are short sessions meant to build your understanding of the graphic novel form.
Tentative Agenda
At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.
IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:
If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through July 31, 2024.
Please note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately. You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, along with a post-course creative exercise, usually within 24 hours.
All Times are Eastern Standard Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Part One: Monday, June 3, 2024 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
- What makes a graphic novel a graphic novel? (Terminology and components) with Emily
- Ways to format your graphic novel script with Emily
- Analysis and discussion of published graphic novels (with a focus on ideas in combination with form) with Emily
- Writing Exercise (to do on your own): The Script with Emily
- Open Q & A with Emily and Cynthia
Part Two: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
- Graphic Storytelling (whether you are an author, an illustrator, or an author/illustrator) with Cynthia
- Revisiting published graphic novels (with a focus on visual flow) with Cynthia
- Open Q & A with Emily and Cynthia
- Creative Exercise (to do on your own): The script + visuals from Cynthia
How It Impacts Kids
Graphic novels feature inventive plots, intriguing characters, and imaginative worlds that capture the imagination of young readers. Learn more about how your ideas fit into this engaging form.
Testimonials from Our Community
“I knew I could not attend in person but I signed up because you offered the recording. Having that option was invaluable.”
“Keep the mini courses going for those of us that can’t attend at the Highlights Foundation Campus! It helps us stay in touch and keep our skills growing!!
