From Story to Script: An Introduction to Writing Graphic Novels

Name: From Story to Script: An Introduction to Writing Graphic Novels
Start: 2025-10-23T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-11-13T23:59:59-05:00
Location: From Story to Script: An Introduction to Writing Graphic Novels

Online | Novels, Graphic Novels

Turn your story into a compelling graphic novel—whether you're an author, an illustrator, or both! In this four-week course, you'll learn how to shape your story ideas into a dynamic visual narrative alongside award-winning graphic novelists.

October 23 - November 13

Cynthia Yuan ChengJasmine WallsAnne Appert

Online

$399

Overview

A 4-Week Online Course

Have a great idea for a graphic novel but unsure where to begin? Whether you’re an author, an illustrator, or both, this four-week online course will help you navigate the creative and structural elements of graphic novels. You’ll refine your concept, explore storytelling techniques, and determine the best path forward—whether you’re illustrating the story yourself or collaborating with an artist.

Join graphic novelists Cynthia Yuen Cheng and Jasmine Walls with special guest Anne Appert to make progress on your graphic novel this fall!

Live presentations at 7pm – 8:30pm Eastern on Thursdays (October 23 & 30, November 6 & 13)
Weekly writing exercises
Differentiated exercises to support authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators

Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend the live sessions and you would still like to register, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through December 31, 2025.

Why This Workshop?

It is hard not to notice the growing popularity of graphic novels. Kids and teens love the sparse, yet powerful text, and the engaging visuals. If you want to learn more about this unique storytelling form, join graphic novelists Cynthia Yuen Cheng and Jasmine Walls to help you understand what makes a graphic novel, and how you (as an author, an illustrator, or an author/illustrator) can craft your own graphic novel. By the end of our four weeks together, we want you to have a clear path forward of building your own graphic novel.

Recommended readings will help us create common examples to share during the course. Here are some texts recommended by faculty:
BUZZ! by Ananth Hirsh and Tess Stone
The Pirate and The Porcelain Girl by Emily Riesbeck and NJ Barna
Cardboard Kingdom series by Chad Sell
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

This course will offer:

Engaging presentations
Graphic novel analysis and discussion
Hands-on exercises
and differentiated experiences for authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators.

Feedback Expected

Informal Q & A during live sessions
Informal feedback on hands-on exercises in the virtual classroom
Guided discussion about your strengths as an author, illustrator, or author/illustrator when it comes to creating a graphic novel.

A Note About Feedback and Critique

It’s a Great Fit For…

Beginning graphic novelists. Not sure where or how to begin your graphic novel for children or teens, join this course for strategies to support this new adventure.
Storytellers of all kinds: authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators. We know that all kinds of creatives are eager to try the graphic novel form. Build on your strengths and add tools and insights needed to take your graphic novel idea from concept to creation.
You need a workshop that fits into your schedule. This is an online course. All live lectures will be recorded so that you can watch the recordings at a time that best fits your needs. The virtual classroom is available for questions and interaction with your faculty and fellow writers.
You’d like a high level of engagement with fellow writers and faculty so that you can experiment and grow as a graphic novelist.

Detailed Agenda

All Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

At least one week prior to the course, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow storytellers and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).

Week 1: Introduction to Graphic Novels

Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 7 – 8:30pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)

Welcome
Presentation One: Introducing the Graphic Novel! (What it is, Who is creating them, Why readers love them!) with Cynthia Yuan Cheng
Storyteller Introductions (with a graphic!)
Overview of virtual classroom and week one exercise/reflection

In the Virtual Classroom:

Introductions
Discussion of exercise/reflection

Week 2: Let's Get Building!

Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 7 – 8:30pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)

Presentation Two: From Story to Script (The Building Blocks of Graphic Novels) with Jasmine Walls
Overview of week two exercise/reflection

In the Virtual Classroom:

Discussion of exercise/reflection
Discussion thread: Graphic Novel Library

Week 3: Considerations for Authors, Illustrators, and Author/Illustrators

Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 7 – 8:30pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)

Panel with Cynthia Yuen Cheng, Jasmine Walls and special guest Anne Appert (What if I can illustrate my own graphic novel? What if I can’t?)
Breakout sessions: Author group; Illustrator group; Author/Illustrator group (Book analysis and discussion + crafting a pitch)

In the Virtual Classroom:

Self-guided exercise on crafting a pitch
Book Discussions continued

Week 4: Bringing it All Together!

Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 7 – 8:30pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)

Presentation three: Finding Your Path Forward & Formatting Your Graphic Novel with Cynthia Yuan Cheng
Open Q & A

A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve

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Commitment Required for the Best Experience

This multi-week online program is best if you attend or watch all presentations and reserve time for the writing exercises and reflections.

(Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend the live sessions and you would still like to register, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through December 31, 2025.)

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.

Learn About Planning for the Right Commitment.

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How It Impacts Kids

Graphic novels are beloved by kids and teens. Their pacing and form are not only engaging but impactful. This course will help you understand this unique storytelling form and start your own journey towards crafting a graphic novel.

Why Do We Mention This? Learn More About Our Mission.