Institute of Children's Literature

Hey! It's great. I just received my first assignment back. It had a lot of good 'suggestions' and some great pointers.
I'm weak on my plots, so it means I'll just have to try harder on the next one.

Very informative thread. I was wondering if anyone can talk a little more about what the assignments are like. Except for the reading they send, can I do all of it on my pc? How much time will it take up on a weekly basis?

majiklmoon was giving us a play by play on how the course went with her. I was hoping she could continue with that.

Well, the first one for me was using a picture to start my story from.
I actually tossed around a few options for the choices I was given before I finally found one I like.
The second one was using word association.
I found it amazing where one word took me. I ended up with a few story starters, again.
I haven't been putting as much time into it as I want to. I have found that if I stare at one of my assignments for too long I get really frustrated.
I've had about six weeks in between due dates.
I print out my stories to edit, but I send everything by email. Computers are great!!
It really is how much time you put into it. I do research on breaks at work, and keep a pad of scrap paper around to write ideas down as they come across.

So if I had a lot of time to put into it then it might go faster. If I had less time I might go at a slower pace (but not too slow)???

Anyone who went all the way through it - what are you final thoughts?

I have been recieving mail from them for years. I would like to make sure I get the advanced course at the lower price of 300. I guess I could just call them and tell them. When do classes start?

Basically, you get set up with an instructor and it's one on one. Mine told me when my next assignment is due, and'll do that for each one.
And I just work on it when I can.
I actually started with the magazine course and I'll work up to the novel/book(?) course.
So far I'm learning. There's a lot of extra side assignments and suggestions with each assingment. Plus your instructor/mentor will give you additional work to do/look at/read if they feel you could use the extra information.

willfs,

They will not allow anyone to take an advanced course if they have not taken a beginning course yet. In fact, a student cannot take the advanced course unless their beginning course's instructor recommends them for it. Also, if the price is less, it won't be the same course as one that is the full price. A reduced price course will have less assignments.

My Experience With ICL

Hey all!

I haven't gone through all the posts, so some of what I say might be repetitive. If so, I apologize.

I took the test in 1992 and began the courses shortly thereafter. Because of 'life situations' I had to drop out. (Single mom at the time, financial problems, etc.) I couldn't afford the classes, even though the payments were fairly low. (That gives you an idea of my situation at the time.)

They never tried to sue me, to which I was extremely thankful.

Approximately 14 years later I called to see if I could re-enroll in the courses. (I had been writing on my own for years without them, but I wanted to see if I would gain anything by taking the course.)

I was AMAZED to find out that they still had me on file, and that they allowed me start up where I left off... all I had to do was pay a small (re-)startup fee, and continue making the payments.

I loved my instructor! Not only was she very kind and helpful, but she gave me a LOT of confidence... the one thing I am truly lacking.

Not long after I re-started the classes (and finally paid them off!) my father was diagnosed with cancer and had passed away just five months later. I didn't have the heart to write anymore, so I contacted them and told them what had happened.

They put me on leave until I felt that I could start up the classes again.

A year later, I called and told them that I was ready, and for a very small fee (I think it was $35.00 but please don't quote me) I started the classes again.

My only complaint was that they never re-assigned an instructor and just told me to send in my assignment. (Which I did.) I waited for approximately six months and finally got a letter telling me that, because I didn't send in my assignment, (huh?) they were dropping me from the classes.

That really disappointed me!

I'm sure it was just a clerical error, but nevertheless I haven't responded yet. I can't really fault them for this, since they really were wonderful about working with me. And I'm sure, when I get my butt in gear, I'll give them a call and work out the problem.

As far as the assignments go... they aren't too complicated or lengthy. If you are an experienced writer the pace might bother you. BUT!! If you are just starting out it's a great way to go.

I've been writing for approximately 10 years now, (on and off) and to me (at this stage of my writing development) the assignments are way too basic. I've received critiques from writers such as yourselves that have been just as helpful as the ones I received from my instructor. I've even submitted one of my ICL stories from class to an online critique group to see what other writers thought of it, and they managed to catch problems that my instructor did not.

Again, this is not to discourage anyone in any way. Like I said, as a writer just starting out, the help I received from my instructor was wonderful, not to mention the incredible vote of confidence she gave me. (I have to note that even though she did make me feel good about my writing, she also pointed out my weaknesses, so it wasn't all gush. And I was thankful for that as well.)

I'm not sure if this will help anyone in making the decision to join ICL, and I surely don't wish to discourage anyone... I just thought I'd pass along my experiences so that it might give you a little push in whatever direction you're taking.

Take care!! And Happy Writing!!
~Em

I almost put this in the newbie forum, and maybe I should have, but how would one go about getting out of this forum as much as you could from ICL? Should I just start writing short stories and getting critiques? I then pay the forum back by giving a few crits? How can AW help me perfect my writing skills like an ICL instructor would? The flash fiction activity seems like good practice but no one every gives honest critiques there, which is fine. I am not complaining here. I guess I am the type of personality that needs someone to tell me "if you want to get from A to B, this is the way you should go." ICL seemed to have that mapped out for me. I'd like some suggestions on how to use Absolute to get me from A and headed toward B.

That is an interesting question. I'm new here myself so I am still looking around. I have found that often my instructor tells me things I figure out after I send in assignment. It is nice to have a "published" opinion.

Hmm... Maybe find a few friends here that are not afraid of telling you when you 'suck'. I have one of those in my office where I work. I get a kick out of it, and she's usually right on!

DragonTears said:

Hi all, I was wondering if any of you have gone through them and if so, what was your experience like, what ways did they help you, etc... I am contemplating on enrolling but would like some input from others who have already gone through the course.

Thanks and happy writing!

Click to expand...

I am taking the course... just submitted lesson 3 and am loving the feed back and structured format of the course. SO FAR, I have only good things to say about the course!

I was an instructor at ICL some years ago. At the time, I thought the instruction was very helpful, and many students do eventually get published. But if you don't have the money, you can find most of the same information on the web these days. You also can get critiques plus make contacts through sites like this one. And there are very many generous published writers who will help show you the ropes.

Ellen Jackson, author
THE WINTER SOLSTICE
www.ellenjackson.net

Has anyone had the problem of not getting critical feedback from their instructor? My last 3 assignments have been nothing but praise (and a couple minor grammar fixes).

I really like my instructor, but I know my writing is not that good, so I am thinking of asking for a new instructor. But then there's no guarantee I'd get one that would offer better feedback.

Anyone had an experience like this?

I just was accepted to the ICL's Wrting for Children and Teenagers course this week. Does anyone know about the instructor that I was assigned - Joyce Hansen? I am supposed to start my course in January. For those of you taking the course are you submitting assignments via snail mail or email?

It sounds like you have been assigned a very good instructor. I had never heard of her, so I did a quick google search. She's won several awards and has lots of books under her belt.

Not all instructors take e-mail assignments, some are only snail mail. Send the institute and e-mail asking if your instructor takes e-mail assignments. Even if she doesn't you would do well to consider trying her for at least one assignment; not all the instructors are as qualified as yours.

There's one piece of advice I can give. Edit the heck out of your assignments before sending them in. I'm talking like a dozen times.
Of course if you have been writing for some time you already know that.

Best of luck.

kansasgirl said:

I just was accepted to the ICL's Wrting for Children and Teenagers course this week. Does anyone know about the instructor that I was assigned - Joyce Hansen? I am supposed to start my course in January. For those of you taking the course are you submitting assignments via snail mail or email?

Click to expand...

email

kansasgirl said:

I just was accepted to the ICL's Wrting for Children and Teenagers course this week. Does anyone know about the instructor that I was assigned - Joyce Hansen? I am supposed to start my course in January. For those of you taking the course are you submitting assignments via snail mail or email?

Click to expand...

I've never heard of your instructor, but that's not saying much. I googled mine to find out a little more.

I'm on leave of absence from my ICL course because life got in the way, but when I was working on it, I submitted via email. When I enrolled, they'd given me someone that only did snail mail, which was not what I wanted. I called them and asked for an email accepting instructor. They switched me and sent out another instructor introduction package right away. If you really want an instructor who accepts email, call student services and get one that accepts email. You can also read the instructor profiles on the ICL website and request one. That doesn't mean they'll be available, but there's no harm in trying. I did that with my adult writing course at their sister school, Long Ridge Writing Group.

mware01 said:

Has anyone had the problem of not getting critical feedback from their instructor? My last 3 assignments have been nothing but praise (and a couple minor grammar fixes).

I really like my instructor, but I know my writing is not that good, so I am thinking of asking for a new instructor. But then there's no guarantee I'd get one that would offer better feedback.

Anyone had an experience like this?

Click to expand...

I haven't had that problem. Mine offered both criticism and praise. However, I read a post or two on the ICL forum by people who indicated a lack of criticism from their instructors. Most stated that they received criticism and praise though.

mware01 said:

Has anyone had the problem of not getting critical feedback from their instructor? My last 3 assignments have been nothing but praise (and a couple minor grammar fixes).

I really like my instructor, but I know my writing is not that good, so I am thinking of asking for a new instructor. But then there's no guarantee I'd get one that would offer better feedback.

Anyone had an experience like this?

Click to expand...

I took the course in 2003 and I had the same experience; minor grammatical errors and praise, praise, praise. I've recently gone back and read some of my assignments with a more experienced eye. Some things were done very well and others I cringed at. I always wondered it I was really that talented. My instructor was Virginia (Ginny). I have no idea if she's still there.

So where on the site is this forum?

Also, what if my goal is not magazine writing? Do they have courses for writing children's books? Should I start at magazines?

willfs said:

So where on the site is this forum?

Also, what if my goal is not magazine writing? Do they have courses for writing children's books? Should I start at magazines?

Click to expand...

It's not part of absolutewrite, their website is: http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/

I haven't submitted any of my articles to Magazines. It's really just to bring your writing up to speed. It's also helped me a lot for MG. Kids have short attention spans, so I now look at each chapter like a separate entity. Have I edited it to the level of a magazine article for one of my assignments (for me, that's at least 6 edits)? Does it have a beginning, middle and end? Most important of all, how good is the ending? Does it leave the reader wanting more?

The cool thing is the last three lessons you can submit the first three chapters of your manuscript.

Now, the course isn't cheap (I don't recall how much, though I could check). And you can get almost the same level of help here, but only if you really, really work the boards (submit writing samples, really read people's replies, decide who's advice to follow, edit other's work, etc).

The other caution is to make sure you're writing stills don't exceed your instructors. If you get to the point where you are not getting criticism, it doesn't mean your writing is great (yes, I thought that =-0). It means it's time to ask for a new instructor.

That happened to me, and I wish I would have asked for a new instructor sooner. The one I have now is the former editor for one of the largest children's magazines and a very competent editor.

mware01 said:

It's not part of absolutewrite, their website is: http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/
....
That happened to me, and I wish I would have asked for a new instructor sooner. The one I have now is the former editor for one of the largest children's magazines and a very competent editor.

Click to expand...

In this case, if you have the money ($400? $800? ) it might be to a person's advantage to have a teacher like that. Then again, so many who take the course get pubbed by a non-paying children's mag (it's in the "good news" section of their newsletters). I didn't take the course, just read a lot of children's books and books about writing for children, and articles on the ICL site (that's free), and have had three stories pubbed by those same non-paying children's mags. But I keep reading, keep writing, and keep polishing. I write in other genres too, though.

Question to former or current ICL students:

I am considering starting at ICL and had a question about communication between the student and the instructor. I understand that the normal flow is you send in your assignment, the instructor critiques it and sends it back with a detailed letter.

What happens if you don't understand the instructor's critique on an assignment, or you have a question? Are you allowed to email the instructor, chat over the internet? I am one of those people who generally prefers to be in a classroom and directly speaking to a teacher. But with the responsibilities I have now making time to physically attend a class is difficult. Plus ICL seems like a really comprehensive program.

Thanks,
Darshana

Hi Darshana,

Not only does your instructor send you a letter, but you send one to her (or him) as well. If you have a question that you want to be answered quicker, there's a "send note to Instructor" button on the student services webpage.

I've never used it, but am going to be soon, as I need a little clarification on my next assignment.

They also have a Student helpline, but I've never used it either, as I get such good responses to my basic writing questions from this board.

Remember, the course works better if you improve your writing as much as you can on your own first.

And, welcome to the boards!

I love the Institute. Lesson 6 was just returned with some really good advice. My next assignment is to revise lesson 6. I love the honest feedback from my instructor.

Hello all. I am a graduate of the basic ICL course and I re-upped and took an advanced course as well. I think they are a wonderful service to us writers. The first course, yes it is geared more to magazines, but it also gets you moving, creating, and editing. It also gets you submitting...PROPERLY the first time out. They show you how to write a query, how to write a submission, how to write a status check letter. You dont have to teach yourself and beat your head against the wall trying to figure it all out. That was the most useful thing they helped me with. Writing is fun and easy, its all the rest that I had a hard time with. At the end of the basic course you do get to decide if you want to continue with magazine work or progress forward with a book idea. It can be both a full length novel or a couple PB's.

The cost with shipping and books is about $700 (I think its $680 if you pay in full, but I could be wrong).

Just my $0.02
ctny

Ctnyrene said:

At the end of the basic course you do get to decide if you want to continue with magazine work or progress forward with a book idea. It can be both a full length novel or a couple PB's.

The cost with shipping and books is about $700 (I think its $680 if you pay in full, but I could be wrong).

Click to expand...

That's still out of my league, money-wise. Esp. since most of the children's mags don't pay much or at all. So to recoup that money, you need to get a large publishing house to accept your PB, which as you said, would be the next set of courses. I've learned a lot from reading PBs, reading children's mags, and reading up on querying and cover letters, etc. And thankfully it was all free. But then, that's just the route I took, and for me, it worked. (Got an agent on the strength of my MG novel.)