Panel by Panel: How to Write Comics and Graphic Novels (Even if You Can’t Draw)

with author Marcie Colleen

Get ready to bring your stories to life—panel by panel!

In this presentation, Marcie Colleen breaks down the building blocks of comics and graphic novels—from panels and gutters to bubbles and sound effects—all through the lens of a writer. Perfect for storytellers of all kinds, this session proves you don’t need to draw to create compelling stories in a comics format. Packed with fun examples and behind-the-scenes insights, participants will leave eager to turn their ideas into panel-based stories that leap off the page.



This webinar purchase includes lifetime access to the 130-minute video, transcript, and downloadable audio track.


"Marcie, this was so informative! What a great boost to learning about graphic novels. I enjoyed your course at UCSD and was so happy for this session!"

- Gigi Matlack


"Thank you, Marcie! This was so informative and inspiring!"

- Stefan Karlsson



Your Instructor


Marcie Colleen
Marcie Colleen

In previous chapters Marcie Colleen has been a teacher, an actress, and a nanny, but now she spends her days writing children’s books! She is the acclaimed author of THE SUPER HAPPY PARTY BEARS chapter book series with Macmillan/Imprint, as well as picture books, LOVE, TRIANGLE, illustrated by Bob Shea (Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins), PENGUINAUT!, illustrated by Emma Yarlett (Orchard Books/Scholastic), and THE BEAR'S GARDEN, illustrated by Alison Oliver (Macmillan/Imprint). Her latest picture book, SURVIVOR TREE, illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner Aaron Becker (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) celebrates the real life story of a pear tree who survived the September 11th attacks and was named a 2022 ALA Notable Book!

Marcie is an Epic! Originals Senior Writer/Editor, creating comics and other prose for their digital platform, including KITTEN NINJA that has over 6 million reads! She lives with her husband and their mischievous sock monkey in San Diego, California.


Course Curriculum


  Panel by Panel: How to Write Comics and Graphic Novels (Even if You Can’t Draw)
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund.

"Yes, Great information! Thanks for sharing the ins and outs of graphic novels."

- Bev Taylor


"So much fun. Exercising some writing muscles I don't often use."

- Cheryl Blackford

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