Picture Books That Pop! with Xelena González

Saturday, August 27, 2022, 1-6 PM, CST
Instructor: Xelena González
Nonmember: $135; Member: $115; Student/Vet/Mil $75
*In-person at Gemini Ink

Bring your questions, curiosity, and enthusiasm to this picture book workshop where we will explore what makes this genre unique. 

We will share our own ideas for stories, if we have them. And, upon request, we will receive oral feedback from others in the story circle. Along the way, we’ll enjoy three generative writing exercises to spark new stories. Finally, we will discuss how to get started in the industry – from writing and editing to finding an agent or illustrator. 

This is a playful writing genre that needs new and diverse voices, so all writing levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Illustrators, teachers, and parents are also encouraged to attend.

Students will leave this workshop with the following tools:

• A printed resource for writers and artists interested in creating/publishing picture books
• New ideas for picture book manuscripts or illustrations
• A better understanding of what makes this genre unique

Xelena González is a storyteller, poet, and visiting author who centers self-love in her multi-disciplinary workshops. Her picture books include the recently-released Where Wonder Grows and the award-winning All Around Us. Her third collaboration with friend/muralist Adriana Garcia is forthcoming by Simon & Schuster (2023). Xelena’s storytelling skills were honed as a public librarian in her hometown of Yanaguana/San Antonio and in Guangzhou, China, where she served as head librarian for an international school. Xelena began writing picture books while working with incarcerated youth through a Gemini Ink Writers in Communities program (now called Partner Classes). Her writing for adults includes poetry, essays, screenwriting, and her independent project Loteria Remedios.