Class Description
Whether you’re a writer who has an idea for a graphic novel, an artist who is not sure how to write a graphic novel, or a cartoonist who has started a graphic novel but is unsure how to get it published, this class is for you. In this eight-week workshop, we’ll cover the major elements of creating, completing and publishing a graphic novel, and you'll receive actionable feedback to help your project reach its full potential.
Each week we’ll cover topics in three domains: writing, drawing and publishing, including how to design and write distinctive protagonists and supporting characters; how to create a rough pencil draft (thumbnail) to improve the book’s clarity; and how to ensure the plot is presented in a way that can hook the attention of editors and agents.
Each week, we’ll study successful graphic novels created for youth and adults as we cover a new lens to review your work. Graphic novelists will include Gabrielle Bell, The Bui, Cece Bell, Art Spiegelman, Josh Neufeld, and Ebony Flowers. We’ll also review up to five pages of two to three students' graphic novels in progress each week and give feedback on the writing and drawing elements of the submitted manuscripts.
This class is will give you nuts-and-bolts exposure and practice in graphic storytelling whether you want to create—or make progress on—a graphic novel yourself, or use concepts from this class to create a script for another artist to illustrate. No previous art experience is necessary. Guest speakers will include an editor, or digital artist for those interested in inking or coloring their graphic novel digitally.
Driving to the center? For evening or weekend classes, we recommend SP+ Parking at 45 Binford Street for the most affordable parking around. It's about a 10-minute walk to GrubStreet and offers a flat rate of:
- $13 after 4pm Monday-Friday
- $9 all day Saturday-Sunday
Writing Roadmap: We've created a simple, goal-based writing roadmap to help you find the perfect GrubStreet course for your writing needs.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.