Words in Pictures
Comic and Graphic Novel Programs
Words in Pictures is a comics and graphic novels program. This year-long program includes discussion groups, interactive author talks, writing book reviews, and hands-on workshops.
Words in Pictures provides students with a platform to explore their voices, develop new skills, and connect through the power of visual storytelling. Words in Pictures will culminate in a public exhibition and print anthology showcasing the original work created by RI students.
Programs Offered
Graphic Novel Discussion Groups for Teens
Join us monthly
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Write Your Own Book Review of a Graphic Novel
Use your favorite book
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From Sketch to Story
Comic and Graphic Novel Workshops
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Submit Your Story
For a chance to be published and meet an author
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Have Questions?
Need to know more?
Contact Diana
From Sketch to Story:
Comic and Graphic Novel Workshops
Create your own comic or graphic novel, design a character or craft a book cover. Our make-your-own series is open to all skill levels and lets students choose a project, based on the unique stories they want to tell. Experienced instructors provide guidance to help bring their artistic vision to life.
Whether you're into superheroes, fantasy, memoir, or any other genre, all styles and ideas are welcome!
Workshops 2025
February 18-21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Providence Public Library (PPL), in partnership with Write Rhode Island, will host a Introduction to Comics during February School Vacation Week. This is a beginner level course for middle school students in grades 6-8 meeting at PPL. Registration is required.
February 8, 15, 22 and March 1 from 1:00 -3:00 p.m.: Write and draw your own comic book at School One! Learn the basics of storytelling, world building and plotting, character design, panel layout, and dialogue writing. This class will guide you step-by-step to bring your unique story to life through the dynamic art of comics. By the end, you'll leave with a completed comic and the skills to keep creating! Registration is required.
Monday, March 7- April 7 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Create Your Own Comic *virtual* with Cathy Johnson. Write and draw your own comic book! Learn the basics of storytelling, world building and plotting, character design, panel layout, and dialogue writing. This class will guide you step-by-step to bring your unique story to life through the dynamic art of comics. By the end, you'll leave with a completed comic and the skills to keep creating! Registration is required.
Graphic Novel Discussion Groups for Teens
Middle and high school students are invited to join our engaging Graphic Novel Discussion Groups!
Whether you’re a lover of graphic novels or just getting into them, this is the perfect chance to connect, learn and share your thoughts and ideas.
Co-hosted by Write Rhode Island and community partners, these monthly sessions offer students a chance to analyze writing and storytelling techniques of graphic novels in a fun, interactive setting.
Each month the group focuses on a different book so students can join one session or attend them all. The program is free but registration is required. See below for session information and to register.
Book Groups
January 22, 2025, 6:00 p.m.- The Hills of Estrella Roja by Ashley Robin Frank. The first 10 students to register get a free copy of the book. Join Latino Book Awards and Write Rhode Island over Zoom!
February 22, 2025, 4:00 p.m. - Other Ever Afters: New Queer Fairy Tales by Melanie Gillman. Discuss this feminist, queer fairy-tale collection by Melanie Gillman with Youth Pride Inc and Write Rhode Island. Register with Youth Pride.
March 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m. - Borders by Thomas King. A virtual discussion hosted by Silvermoon LaRose, at the Tomaquag Museum. Registration Link Coming Soon.
submit your comic
Student Exhibit With Prize: Meet the Creators
We want you to send us your original comic or graphic novel.
Submit in one of our three categories: graphic novel book cover, character or complete polished short-form comic or graphic novel.
We are accepting submissions February 15-April 15, 2025.
It’s not a contest though there are prizes.
As part of the project we will select three winners who will have the exclusive opportunity to meet an author and illustrator for a one-hour, in-depth discussion about their creative process, the art of storytelling, and the world of comics and graphic novels. And your work will be exhibited as part of a group show in June and travel to libraries around the state.
Have a question? Ask Diana.
Write a book review of your favorite comic or graphic novel
You select and read a book that is a graphic novel or comic that is age appropriate and at least 100 pages long. Read the guidelines and submit a review. Write Rhode Island will accept reviews until June 20, 2025. Former winners of Write Rhode Island are invited to participate.
Prizes and Publications:
We will select 20 book reviews to publish. We will publish the review in our newsletter, online and in print. If your review is selected, we will pay you. Every student who is selected will receive a gift card as a thank you. Earn community service for writing book reviews. Some teachers will give you extra credit in a class or community service. Write Rhode Island will complete forms for you.
Have a question? Ask Diana.
