April 15, 2026 - May 6, 2026
Online
$399Overview
Weekly Online Course
What is an image system and how can you use one to create your novel in verse? A term originally used in filmmaking, this technique encourages creatives to use setting and time period, the main character’s passions, hobbies, and viewpoints to craft connective and prolonged imagery within a piece of work. This creative tool is especially useful when it comes to novels in verse. Join verse novelist Cordelia Jensen for a four-week online course to establish the image system for your verse novel.
- Live Lectures (with closed captioning) Wednesdays at 7pm Eastern (April 15, 22, 29, May 6)
- Weekly Writing exercises April 15 – April 29
- Access to recordings of each lecture through June 30, 2026
- Connection with peers in the virtual classroom
- Weekly informal feedback from your instructor on assignments and open Q & A
Why This Workshop?
An image system is a powerful tool that storytellers use to connect all aspects of their stories– characters, setting, mood, and more. The novel in verse benefits from this prolonged imagery as a poetic way to weave together the story’s structure within the format of verse. Cordelia Jensen understands how to brainstorm, develop, and implement image systems into verse, and is ready to teach you ways that image systems can connect your verse with readers.
During this 4-week course you will:
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- Attend lectures (or watch recordings), explore resources, and complete weekly exercises
- Explore how imagery can drive character development, emotional arcs, and plot
- Receive feedback in the virtual classroom on weekly writing assignments
- and more!
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are drafting or revising middle grade or young adult novel in verse and wish to incorporate images and visual motifs to deepen and layer the narrative, and connect the poems.
- You are looking for writing exercises to extend your understanding of the form and grow your plot. Each week you will be asked to complete a series of writing exercises. You can receive feedback in the virtual classroom from your instructor and peers.
- You need a workshop that fits into your schedule. This is an online course. You may attend the live sessions or watch the recordings at your convenience.
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 June 30, 2026.
All Times are Eastern Time.
Pre-Workshop
Course Assigned Reading:
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Long Way Down, by Jason Reynolds
Audacity by Melanie Crowder
Suggested Reading:
Lilac and the Switchback by Cordelia Jensen
Every Shiny Thing by Cordelia Jensen and Laurie Morrison
The Way the Light Bends by Cordelia Jensen
Week 1: Wednesday, April 15
- Welcome with introductions
- Definition of Verse Novel and image systems
- Filmmaking origins of an image system – and what it does for novels in verse
- Overview of first writing exercise and how to share in the virtual classroom, including best practices for collaborative feedback.
Week 2: Wednesday April 22
- Discussion of Image system types through three verse novels
- Character Growth (Inside Out and Back Again)
- Scattered Type (Audacity)
- Thematic (Long Way Down)
- General Tips from the story side of the verse novel
- Overview of second writing exercise
Week 3: Wednesday, April 29
- Review and in class exercises for working with:
- Setting
- Character age/developmental age
- Objects/passions/hobbies
- General tips from the poetry side of the verse novel
- Overview of third writing assignment
Week 4: Wednesday, May 6
- Q&A with Guest Faculty
- Reflections and What’s Next
Resources
- Imagining an Image System for Your Novel in Verse, by Cordelia Jensen
- Auditioning Poetry Devices for Your Verse Novel’s Voice, by Cordelia Jensen
- Writing a Verse Novel: If I Can Do It, So Can You, by Kathryn Erskine
- YA Wednesday: Better and Verse, by Padma Venkatraman
About This Online Verse Novel Writing Course
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
Feedback Expected
- Informal written feedback in the Virtual Classroom from peers and faculty
What If I Can't Attend Live Sessions?
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 June 30, 2026.
- Please note that if you cannot attend live but you’d like to receive recording links by email, you must register for this course. Recordings are not sold separately; they are only available to those who register.
- Please also 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, usually within 24 hours.
Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Workshop?
Commitment Required for the Best Experience
This multi-week online program is best if you attend and engage in all the sessions live. If your schedule does not allow you to attend all the live sessions and you would still like to register, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings with closed captioning. They’re posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through June 30, 2026.
The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How Does This Workshop Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Novels in verse impact readers in powerful ways. Learn approaches to making your verse novel as engaging for readers as possible.
Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat?
You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards), prior to the event.
