Ricardo Pierre-Louis is a Chicago-based writer and purveyor of the fantastic Substack, Dreaming of Kafka. Ricardo, a 2025 StoryBoard alum, answered a few questions about his experience at StoryBoard last year.
1. What inspired you to apply for StoryBoard?
Once I saw that Deesha Philyaw was teaching at StoryBoard, I quickly submitted my application. It’s rare for an emerging writer to get the chance to learn from a revered professional such as her. When I got accepted to StoryBoard, it was one of the highlights of my year. The people I met, and the things I learned there have been invaluable for me as a writer.
2. What type of creative writing project were you working on (and how’s it going now?!) and what aspects of StoryBoard week helped you move that project forward?
While at StoryBoard I workshopped a novel that I’m currently working on. The advice I got from my instructor and peers has been invaluable. I feel like I’ve been able to push past a creative wall that has helped unlock other opportunities for me since. My novel is still in progress, but since last summer I’ve been able to land a meeting with an agent, and receive a fellowship due to it.
3. Tell us about the social aspects of the StoryBoard week. How did these complement the workshop components?
The most underrated part about writing is how communal it is. None of your favorite books were put together by just one person. The social aspects of StoryBoard helped me work on building that community and meet other fantastic writers who may someday be my beta-readers, editors, or co-conspirators for my next project.
4. What was one thing about StoryBoard that absolutely blew your mind and you’ve been telling other writers about all year?
I’m still in awe of the fact that I got my work reviewed by Deesha Philyaw. As an early-stage writer, it’s incredibly challenging to get feedback or critique on my work, especially by someone of that caliber.
StoryBoard 2026 applications are due March 27. Apply now!
