SCBWI AZ - The Theorem of Storytelling | VIOLET DUNCAN

The Theorem of Storytelling workshop explores storytelling as a pathway to reimagine writing through an Indigenous-centered lens, examining how story shapes identity, creative expression, and personal transformation.

Grounded in a strength-based approach, the workshop moves away from deficit-based perspectives and instead invites participants into meaningful introspection. Through guided reflection and transformative writing practices, participants uncover the strengths, experiences, and cultural knowledge they already carry, using story as a catalyst for growth, healing, and creative discovery.

Attendees will engage in story mapping, narrative reframing, reflective storytelling, and guided creative writing exercises that encourage them to examine inherited narratives, explore lived experiences, and develop their authentic voice. This process supports participants in cultivating a writing practice rooted in balance, well-being, cultural identity, and relationality, empowering them to create stories that inspire personal transformation while contributing to stronger, more connected communities.

Cost:

Member Cost: $25.00

Non-Member Cost: $45.00

Critique Cost: $60.00

Date:

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Time:

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm (Arizona Time | MST)

LOCATION: Online Zoom Platform

If you are unable to attend the program live, a recording will be made available within a week after the event concludes. The recording will be available to registered attendees for 30 days after the recording link has been posted.

Violet has agreed to provide up to 10 written critiques of board book, picture book, chapter book, or middle grade manuscript critiques. Only registered attendees who sign up and pay for a critique when registering are eligible.

• Board Book or Picture Book Manuscript Critique: send a Word document, double-spaced, no more than 800 words.
• Chapter Book, Middle Grade Novel Manuscript Critique - send a Word document, double-spaced, 10 pages of the manuscript, and a one-page synopsis for your better understanding of the work as a whole. Note: the 10 pages do not include the synopsis.

Attendees must submit their critique materials to no later than Monday, October 19, 2026. Completed critiques will be returned to attendees by the end of January 2027.

By signing up for this event, the registrant acknowledges that audio taping, videotaping and/or transmitting or aiding in any of the foregoing of any part of the conference (including, but not limited to, presentations, individual sessions and networking events) is prohibited. Additionally, the material in all handouts and presentations is copyrighted and may not be reprinted, blogged, written, orally transmitted, and/or reproduced without written permission of the copyright holder.

Refund Policy:

SCBWI is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. SCBWI Regions are managed by unpaid volunteers. Region funds support programs that benefit SCBWI members.

As part of the event planning process, Regional Advisors must sign contracts with venues, speakers, critiquers, vendors, and others who will be providing services during a regional activity. Registration fees collected for an event must cover the cost of these contracts; therefore, refunds are the exception rather than the rule. In the rare case a refund is granted, it will always be less any credit card processing fees and any other processing expenses.

Requests to refund registration fees for in-person activities will be decided on a case-by-case basis. By registering for an event, you acknowledge that you have read and accept the event’s refund policy.