December 2024

The Power of Throughlines


<p>Throughlines, like other forms of repetition (the rule of three, golden threads, and so on), exist for a greater purpose. Whether a single thread or a layered tapestry, throughlines weave a story together and can create an emotional impact for readers. Throughlines may be used in pictures books or novels, fiction or nonfiction, and can communicate theme, add to character development, create a mood, and more. In this session you’ll learn about the power of throughlines, discover how a throughline is developed, observe examples of single and layered throughlines, see throughlines in action in mentor texts, and explore the possibility of throughlines in your own writing. Along the way you may discover that a throughline can communicate the heart of your writing. Please have a drafted picture book, the first chapter of your novel, or two or three poems handy to use in writing activities during the session.<br></p>

Lecture replays are available after the free trial ends. To end your trial early, email brooke@inkedvoices.com .

About Lecturer

About Rob Sanders

Rob Sanders is a teacher who writes and a writer who teaches. He is known for his funny and fierce fiction and nonfiction picture books and is recognized as one of the pioneers in the arena of LGBTQ+ literary nonfiction picture books. Rob’s nonfiction work continues to break new ground, including the first picture books about the Pride Flag, the Stonewall Uprising, a transgender Civil War soldier, a gay presidential candidate, and the first gay marriage in America. His work continues to introduce readers to heroes of the LGBTQ+ community—from Harvey Milk to Gilbert Baker, from Cleve Jones to Bayard Rustin, and more. His fiction explores friendship, relationships, standing up for others, and being allies. Blood Brothers, his first middle grade novel, released in July 2022 and was selected as a 2023 NCTE Notable Novel in Verse. 2024 releases include Rob’s first nonfiction poetry collection—Queer and Fearless: Poems Celebrating the Lives of LGBTQ Heroes (Penguin Workshop) and two fiction picture books—Between You and Me (HarperCollins) and We Are a Class! (Beaming Books). And Rob pays it forward. He’ s a frequent speaker, mentor, coach, and critiquer and serves on the SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund Steering Committee.