Would You Recommend ICL To Your Friends Or Your Foes?

DenimSoul

Shelf bound or bust!
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Oct 31, 2005
Messages
179
Reaction score
15
Location
Oklahoma
Hi Everybody,

How many of you are current students of the Institute of Children's Literature? How many are graduates? Do you regret taking the course? Are you happy with the experience?

I took the ICL course years ago and I've had mixed feelings about it. One good thing I can say about it though, is that it keeps you writing on a regular basis. I think that point alone makes the course worthwhile to new writers.

Has anyone taken the advanced course? Does it involve writing a book manuscript? Or does it still revolve around writing for magazines?

Everyone is great about responding to my threads. Thank you!!
 

PrettySpecialGal

roll, roll, roll in ze hay
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Oct 16, 2005
Messages
2,026
Reaction score
688
Location
wis ze "photographer husband"
I took the ICL course years ago as well. I do believe that it served its purpose for the time; I was in Germany with my husband in the Army, and not many colleges of interest to me there. I grew up wanting to write, and did so, but realized I needed some focus and refinement of skills. So, for that, it served me wonderfully. However, other things have happened, and I have not been able to get serious about my writing again until now. (past 2 years) I've kind of toyed around with the thought of an advanced course, but I think I've found some good people around here to critique my things and offer suggestions, and since $$ is scarce- I think I'll save it for when I go and get my Masters in creative writing.

So I guess that all boils down to- it was good for me back then when I needed it, but not sure it'll be the best for me now. (still gotta work on concice word choice!)

Good question!

PSG
 

Button

Resident in Question
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jun 9, 2005
Messages
3,184
Reaction score
358
Location
Star Dusty
Website
www.calissaleigh.com
I just filled out the application and sent it in. I've heard wonderful things about it, but mostly I just want that extra nudge to get to writing. Anything I learn would be of great benifit.

Can you all tell me about the advance course? What does it do?
 

Inspired

Super Member
Registered
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
457
Reaction score
33
Location
Minnesota
There's a previous thread on ICL, if you want more opinions.

I would highly recommend the basic course for the beginning writer. I don't have experience with the others.
 

Inspired

Super Member
Registered
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
457
Reaction score
33
Location
Minnesota
Go to the ICL website and find "writer's retreat." It's a message board frequented by ICL students. You may find a few who've taken the advanced course.