Relationships drive story. In this interactive 90-minute craft workshop, we’ll explore how friendships, rivalries, and antagonistic relationships shape character and plot across picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction. Through guided discussion and hands-on exercises, participants will learn practical techniques for creating dynamic, emotionally authentic relationships that deepen stakes and move a story forward.
Carina Licon
Carina Licon is an Associate Editor at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers/Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. She is interested in middle-grade and YA with a focus on books featuring underrepresented stories and voices. She’s especially reeled in by character-driven stories with whip-smart protagonists; spooky and atmospheric middle-grade speculative fiction; contemporary YA thrillers; friendship breakup stories; romance with lots! of! angst!; and stories rich with diverse cultural traditions and storytelling. Born and raised in El Paso, TX, Carina enjoys discovering local restaurants, movie podcasts, and spending time with her very intimidating 8-pound guard dog.