[laura-aldridge Posts: 3 Status: Offline]

Hi All,

I did a search on any ICL queries and the only one I could turn up was a thread from 2009.

So I wanted to reach out and see if anyone else had any feedback on the course and how they found it.

I'm self publishing my first children's book already and I have a degree in screenwriting, so I'm not totally new to writing. I really just want to make sure the course is going to be worth it as money is tight and as the 2009 thread mentioned - the acceptance letter seemed a tad formulaic so it almost gives me the impression that anyone is accepted in an effort to get students. I realize that probably isn't the case.

Would really love to hear from folks who have gone through the program - specifically those who already had creative writer training prior to the course.

Thanks!

-Laura

[dkshumaker Posts: 1,060 Status: Offline]

Hi Laura,

I won't have any new information as my thoughts were probably in the 2009 class as it may have been that long since I've done my second course with ICL. When I took my first course in 2005 -06, I don't think there were as many online courses as there were today. But I got so much out of it, I did do the Advanced Books Course a few years later. I think writing for kids is very different than writing for adults so I definitely learned a lot and at the time highly recommended ICL. Since then, there are a lot more courses available online for possibly less money, that I think it would be worth exploring the boards for "online courses" to see if you find some suggestions. Here is a more recent thread than the ICL one, but this one focuses on PBs:

https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?topic=78654.msg984065#msg984065

I hope this helps and I hope others chime in! But bottom line is that I did find ICL very helpful. I loved the one-on-one feedback I received from my instructors.

[Vijaya Posts: 8,622 Status: Offline LISTEN. Let all mortal flesh keep silence ... WWW]

Here is a newer thread.
https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?topic=85729.msg1073760#msg1073760

If you want to do magazine writing, then it'd be great. I don't believe they allow you to take the book course without first taking the basic one, but you can ask.  I've loved the one-on-one mentorship and definitely think it's the best bang for the buck because so many courses tend to be for a short time but you don't grow as much over 2 months as you do over 2 yrs so your instructor is with you that whole time.

Check into other programs like 12X12 for picture books or the Highlights Foundation workshops--scholarships are available. All the best.

 Full disclosure: I am both an ICL graduate (magazine and book courses) and a retired instructor.

[mrh Posts: 4,688 Status: Offline www.marciahoehne.com WWW]

Full disclosure: I'm also a retired ICL instructor, having taught from 2000-2016. Also, caveat -- the Institute changed hands at that time, and I haven't seen the updates they've made in the last almost-2.5 years.   

Honest opinion: When I started teaching, and long before that, ICL was the best course of its kind out there. The curriculum was wonderful and the one-on-one instruction couldn't be beat. However, we know the internet has truly exploded on the scene since that time, and now there is such an abundance of offerings. You have much more choice, and what you choose will depend a lot on your goals and your learning style. 

I think ICL is especially valuable for those who:

-- Are primarily interested in the magazine market, or in starting out by writing short pieces
-- Want one-on-one instruction
-- Want an online class as opposed to in-person/classroom setting
-- Want to set their own schedule -- ICL offers great flexibility for you to take the time you need to complete the course, even if life gets in the way
-- Want the six upper-division undergrad college credits, which can apply for teacher re-certification as well as a for a bachelor's degree
-- Want to earn those credits for a fee that includes books and is much more affordable per credit than most offerings
-- Have an interest in writing educational NF for schools and libraries, as many instructors have expertise with this

Not every applicant is accepted, no, but the reason it seems most are is because they would also be accepted into this college-level introductory course if they were registering for it on a brick-and-mortar campus.

I hope this helps!

[Anne Marie Posts: 3,031 Status: Offline VAMPIRINA has arrived on Disney Junior! WWW]

I learned a ton from the class back in the late 90s and I too was an experienced writer and writing teacher.  Writing for kids is a different ball of wax than almost any other kind of writing.

But Vijaya's and mrh/Marcia's points are very good and far more current than my experience.