Local Author Inspires Students Through Creative Writing Workshop

Local author and illustrator Rashad Doucet recently engaged with 2nd and 3rd graders at Juliette Gordon Low Elementary School (JGLES) in Savannah, Georgia. This event was part of the Savannah Book Festival’s “SBF@Schools” program, designed to promote literacy and creativity among young students.

Doucet, who has been drawing since childhood, shared his journey from doodling in church to becoming a published author of three books. During his visit, he discussed his creative process, showing students how an idea evolves into a finished book. “This gets them excited,” Doucet stated, referring to his book, “Art Club,” which focuses on a child learning about comics in school. He emphasized the unique combination of writing and drawing, stating, “You can do both of those things at the same time.”

The session was interactive, with Doucet inviting the students to suggest ideas for new characters. On this occasion, they inspired him to draw a coal mining unicorn with the superpower of turning things to ice. Doucet highlighted the value of comics, or sequential art, as a medium that merges various talents. “Comics have been around for a long time, so it’s good to finally see it getting some traction,” he said. “I want people to read, and I think comics are a great way to engage kids.”

Principal Evanita Wallace-Lewis noted the significance of Doucet’s visit, explaining how it helps students understand the importance of literacy in any profession. “Literacy is a marker of what we do,” she said. “It helps our children see they can do that. It creates in them that love that we want for them to have for literacy.”

All students received a signed copy of Doucet’s book, “Art Club,” as a takeaway from the event. Wallace-Lewis emphasized the long-term benefits of this gesture, stating, “Kids love getting things, and what better way to show them the importance of reading than by giving them a book? They can build their own home libraries and read it themselves or share it with siblings, demonstrating that reading can be fun.”

Doucet’s visit serves as a reminder of the impact that authors can have on young minds, inspiring a new generation to embrace creativity through writing and illustration.