Graphic novels and hybrids are hotter than ever, and this course gives you everything you need to write, illustrate, and pitch them successfully to publishers. Whether you're a writer, illustrator, or both, you'll gain valuable tools and insider knowledge to bring your stories to life.
Perfect for those looking to create full-length graphic novels or hybrid books that mix text and illustrations, this course dives into essential techniques—from crafting engaging scripts and dynamic visuals to using text bubbles, bold onomatopoeia, and other graphic novel elements.
Fun, practical, and packed with inspiration—this course is a SUPER WOW!
COURSE SYLLABUS:
Advanced Week 1: Welcome, Welcome! We're Glad You're Here! History of Graphic Novels What's a Graphic Novel? Course Textbooks Generating Fresh Ideas for Hybrid or Graphic Novels Making an Avatar of Your GN Reader and Characters Adapting Existing Literature or Hybrid Novels from the Public Domain, Classic Literature or Your Own Stories Case Study of Three Graphic Novel Adaptations of Anne of Green Gables
Advance Week 2: Writing Spiritual, Faith-Based or SEL Graphic Novels Writing Jewish Graphic Novels Writing Catholic and Christian Graphic Novels Writing Hindu Graphic Novels Writing Muslim Graphic Novels Writing Buddhist Graphic Novels Writing Spiritual & Mindful Graphic Novels Connecting to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Nature-Based, Indigenous, and Wiccan Spiritualities
Advanced Week 3: Writing Part 1 Read Me First Graphic Novels for Grades K-2 (ages 5-7) and CBs (ages 7-9) MG Graphic Novels for Ages 9-12 and YA Novels for Ages 12-18 Character & Character Development Getting Inspired with Literary Genres & Archetypes Getting Started Writing Cherry Mo's Magical Drawing Lessons Thumbnail Templates for Illustrators AND Writers
Advanced Week 4: Illustrating Introduction to Illustrating Graphic Novels Working with Diversity Basics - How to Draw Interview with Hugh D'Andrade Visual Elements Stylistic Elements & Working with Panels Blank Graphic Novel or Cartoon Panel Templates Tools & Line Fills & Color Type More Fonts Creating Print Ready Art Paige Braddock's Outline for Peanut, Butter, and Crackers + Interview and some Sample Color Pages Websites and Social Media
Advanced Week 5: Revision and Fabulous Interviews Instant Access Week Awesome Interview with Larissa Marantz and how she can help you! The Wonderful World of Revising Your Story The Wonderful World of Revising Your Illustrations Awesome Interviews with Andrea Colvin now at Little Brown Special Guest Presentation from Kirk Benshoff at First Second Books
Advanced Week 6: Submitting Your Work Final Live Week The Submission Package Queries and Proposals, Plus, Fiona Smyth's Package More Pitch Packet Examples Graphic Novel Agents Graphic Novel Publishers Connecting with Agents and Publishers Tracking Submissions
TESTIMONIALS
"So grateful that Mira prompted me to peek into the world of Graphic Novels. Thanks to this course, GN is no longer a foreign genre to me but one I can confidently add to my writing toolbox. Thank you to everyone for making it a fantastic course!"
-Naja Lund Aparico
"This is the fourth CBA course I have completed and every course has given me information about the world of children's books that I could not find anywhere else. The Graphic Novel course has helped me focus on the genre of books I want to illustrate and write. The support of Mira and the instructors with individualized comments as well as their detailed lessons has made this an incredible course. Many thanks."
-Ruth Bowman
“The richness of the material made me feel like I was in a graduate level class - from the historical perspective, to the many recommended texts and worksheets.... So impressed and inspired. I'll never look at any book the same again!”
Check out these add-on prompts to kickstart your writing!
Prompts: Chapter Book Story Prompts, Part 1
$15.00
Prompts: FAB Funny Beginning PB Story Prompts
$15.00
Prompts: Middle Grade Story Prompts, Part 1
$15.00
Prompts: Illustration Prompts, Part 1
$15.00
"This course is a MUST for anyone interested in writing in this exciting genre. Great content... great feedback... great opportunities to get your questions answered, to get an amazing critique or to just connect with other like-minded authors! And if you are someone who already knows you love writing chapter books (and maybe even knows a lot about writing them) this course gives you that "push" that you need to get in and get writing... and do it right! Don't miss it!"
Wendi Silvano
"This class has been chock-full of useful information that will no doubt propel my work as a professional writer forward. But more than that, it’s given me a feeling that I’ve tapped into the right place, the right people, the right groove. It’s as if, at long last, I’ve found the golden key that unlocks the door to writing success. To experience such a generous source of support and knowledge in the field of children’s writing is truly a blessing."
Linda Moore Kurth
"The Children’s Book Academy rocks. I’ve taken 3 classes and each one was like a mini MFA program. The depth of the information is challenging, but the support system is amazing. I have made real friends and watched my writing and illustrating get better and better. I am so happy to have found these classes and will be using these materials for every writing and illustration project I embark upon from here on."
