Pop Culture Critic

For many of us, picture books are what first sparked a lifelong joy for reading and crafting stories. From Max's wild rumpus to Sam-I-am's obsession with green eggs and ham, these books stay in our hearts long after the last page has been read. In this bilingual workshop, we'll revisit our favorite children's books through the eyes of a writer and illustrator, getting to the bottom of what makes some books so memorable. Then we'll develop and write our own books - mapping out characters, plot and narration. We'll consider pacing, illustrations, and what special details we can add to keep readers coming back again and again.

You can create a story from scratch, explore a cultural children's story that has been shared with you, or dive into a timeless fairy tale, transforming it into a fascinating page-turner that's all your own.

HOT TAKE! — You’ve got one, and we want to hear all about it. From pop music icons to indie movies to social media trends, dive into the part of culture that you never stop thinking about, and learn how to put it all down on paper. In Pop Culture Critic, we’ll dig to the bottom of our cultural passions and come back out with a short piece of pop culture criticism that will have us all talking.

What’s the difference between a basic review and a real critical piece? How can we weave our personal narratives into cultural critique? Let’s zoom in on that one thing that lights us up, and create something sharp and memorable to share with the world! Once you have these tools in your toolbox, you’ll be using them for life.

If you can’t wait to turn the page, the writer has succeeded in telling you a great story. What does it take to develop characters, settings, dialogue, and plot elements that have you on the edge of your seat? This workshop answers those questions and more! We’ll breakdown the parts of fiction writing each week and test out what we’ve learned with some on-the-spot writing. You’ll work with your peers, too — giving advice and feedback, while hearing what they have to say about your work.

Not only does this workshop make you a better writer, but when you understand the process, it makes you appreciate your favorite writers even more. Don’t leave us on the edge of our seats — register now for this workshop!