Apply for The Verge
In children’s literature, story is rarely carried by words alone.
From the visual storytelling of picture books to the subtle design elements in middle grade novels and the fully integrated panels of graphic novels, the relationship between text and image plays a defining role in how a narrative is experienced. Each format requires writers to think differently about how meaning is conveyed—and how words and visuals work together to shape the reader’s understanding.
In this 90-minute webinar, Newbury Honor winning author/illustrator Eugene Yelchin guides participants through the unique interaction between art and text across three distinct formats: picture books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels. Through a comparative approach, the session explores how storytelling shifts depending on form, and how writers can make intentional craft choices that allow both words and images to carry narrative weight.
Participants will examine how to avoid redundancy between text and illustration, how to use visual elements to enhance pacing and emotional impact, and how to approach storytelling with a more integrated, format-aware perspective. Whether working with an illustrator or writing within a visually driven format, this session offers practical insight into creating richer, more layered stories that fully engage the reader.
In this 90-minute webinar, Newbury Honor winning author/illustrator Eugene Yelchin guides participants through the unique interaction between art and text across three distinct formats: picture books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels. Through a comparative approach, the session explores how storytelling shifts depending on form, and how writers can make intentional craft choices that allow both words and images to carry narrative weight.
Participants will examine how to avoid redundancy between text and illustration, how to use visual elements to enhance pacing and emotional impact, and how to approach storytelling with a more integrated, format-aware perspective. Whether working with an illustrator or writing within a visually driven format, this session offers practical insight into creating richer, more layered stories that fully engage the reader.
Who Should Take This Session:
- Illustrators or author/illustrators interested in storytelling through text and art
- Writers working in or exploring picture books, middle grade, or graphic novels
- Authors interested in strengthening the relationship between text and visual storytelling
- Writers transitioning between formats who want to understand how storytelling expectations shift
- Authors looking to improve pacing, page turns, and narrative clarity through visual thinking
- Creators who want to better understand the role of illustrators and design in storytelling
- Writers aiming to create more intentional, immersive, and visually aware narratives
About Writing Barn Craft Webinars:
Industry professionals: authors, agents, editors, etc. facilitate these events. Price points are low and attendance is high, anywhere from 50-200+ attendees. Writing craft and industry engagement are explored. *REPLAYS are made available for all registrants 2 business days after the event and are available for a limited time.*
Eugene Yelchin is a painter, designer, and a writer and illustrator of books for young readers. His many accolades include a National Jewish Book Award, a Newbery Honor, National Book Award Finalist, a Sydney Taylor Award, Golden and Crystal Kite Awards, and Tomie DePaola Award. His books have been included in Best Books of the Year lists by the New York Times, People Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and USA Today among others, and have been translated into fourteen languages. Visit him at eugeneyelchin.com
About Eugene Yelchin
