What does poetry have to do with prose ... and why should you study it?

Picture books are meant to be read aloud. Using poetic techniques in your prose will help you create read-aloud language that will transport children (and their parents) into a world of imagination — in as few words as possible.

Poetry has much to teach us about the craft of writing:

conciseness

poems must convey big concepts in



tiny spaces

word choice

every word must have a purpose and



be the BEST word

imagery

poems show us how to look at things in



unusual ways

emotional weight

from sad to silly, poems know how to



make us feel

STORYTELLING


poems tell short but important stories

RHYTHM, RHYME, AND SOUND

poetry makes music out of words

The Lyrical Language Lab 

     teaches children’s writers the poetic techniques

     that will make their writing more powerful

     and infuse their manuscripts with

     poetry, music, and magic.

SESSION NOTICE

NEXT SESSION: JANUARY 2024

I will be co-teaching this session with kidlit developmental editor, writing coach, and poet Lou Piccolo: www.loupiccolo.com.

This session already has a waiting list. Join the mailing list so you don’t miss out on session updates and openings!

Because I usually only know about a month ahead of time if I will be able to offer a class, I am not able to confirm when the next session will be.

To be notified of new sessions, please join the mailing list.

If you prefer not to wait, please check out the self-study options below.

Thank you for your understanding.

Subscribe to receive notices about new sessions of the Lyrical Language Lab, as well as book releases and giveaways.

"It's getting harder and harder

to get everything in such a short form. That's why I urge everyone to study and write poetry. The conciseness and music of poetry is what we're searching for in our books."

---Ann Whitford Paul

interactive

lyrical
language lab

course

with instructor Renée M. LaTulippe

• 10 weeks

• 19 lessons

• 30+ minutes a day

course objectives

Help you train your ear for rhythm, rhyme, and lyrical



language.

Show you how to use poetic techniques to enhance the



musicality and emotional pull of all your writing,



whether rhyming or prose.

Give you a strong foundation in meter.

Sharpen your analytical and critical eye for revision.

who is this class for?

PB/MG/YA writers who want to punch up the lyricism of



their prose (and rhyme!) through poetic techniques.

Children's writers who need a stronger foundation in



the mechanics of rhyme and meter.

Writers who would like to learn more about writing



poetry for children.

Anyone with a WIP in need of revision.

what you receive

19 incremental, in-depth lessons and flexible schedule.

Private class forum for feedback and sharing.

Detailed video feedback on assignments.

187-page e-book of the complete course, yours to



keep forever!

Course content

module 1: the elements of poetry

Module 1 builds a strong foundation for understanding and talking about the mechanics of poetry and for beginning to write poems and poetic prose. Topics include rhythm, meter, cadence, breath, scansion, rhyme, sound devices, figurative language, and imagery.

module 2: poetic practice

Module 2 introduces free verse and the voices of poetry and includes writing prose and poems in various styles to bring together all the skills and concepts developed in Module 1. The focus is on practicing lyrical language and poetic techniques rather than on “becoming poets.”

module 3: poetry in prose

Module 3 consists of reading and writing lyrical prose; bringing the elements of poetry to prose writing; how to avoid purple prose; and
editing and revision strategies.

each lesson includes...

introduction of new concept

samples showing the concept in practice

audio and/or video component (where applicable)

daily assignment (e.g., writing a short poem or prose piece and/or applying concept to your WIP)

downloadable infographics and supplemental materials

personal feedback on assignments -- I am with you every step of the way!

a personal message from your teacher

Hello! I’m Renée LaTulippe, founder of The Lyrical Language Lab. As a fellow writer, I’ve taken many expensive online writing classes and I know how important it is to choose wisely. I encourage you to read the course description carefully to be sure that this is the right place for you. If it is … then I can guarantee that the fully guided version of The Lyrical Language Lab is the most interactive writing course you will find online. I am with you every step of the way, not only giving you in-depth feedback on your assignments, but being available to answer all your questions in the private class forum, which is where a lot of the real learning happens. And because I keep class size small, you can be assured of getting all the personal attention you need.

That means that for ten weeks, you’ll practically have a private mentor walking you through the lessons and assignments and helping you apply those lessons to your WIPs.

I’m not going to lie: this class is INTENSIVE …

and can be time consuming, but if you’re ready to learn everything there is to know about meter and poetic technique, and to take your writing to a new level, then this is the place for you. Just remember … you’ll need to come ready to work and willing to share your journey with your classmates!

I love teaching and I take your learning seriously. I can’t wait for the opportunity to work with you!  

Renée

pricing

full interactive course $579

How do you sign up?

Because of the personal attention and comprehensive feedback required, this course is offered only once or twice a year.

If you would like to be notified when the next sessions are planned, please join the mailing list below. It is the only way to find out about class offerings. 

Note that by joining this list, you will also receive very occasional emails about my book releases, giveaways, and free tutorials.

Enrollment is on a first-come first-served basis.

self-study

lyrical
language lab

courseS

• self-guided

• flexible

• on your time and terms

options for self-study

option 1: lyrical language lab complete course

This option contains all the same lessons as my fully guided course (Modules 1-3), including all supplemental materials, downloads, and audio/video components. You also have the opportunity to submit two of your assignments to me for feedback, and have email access to ask questions about the lessons as you complete them. Although lessons will arrive every other day, you are free to complete them at your own pace. See the course description above for more information.

option 2: intensive rhyme & meter crash course

This option contains all the lessons, materials, and audio/video components of Module 1 as stated in the course description, which means 11 intensive lessons with a focus on rhyme and meter. You also have the opportunity to submit two of your assignments to me for feedback, and have email access to ask questions about the lessons as you complete them. Although lessons will arrive every other day, you are free to complete them at your own pace.

Not sure if self-study is for you?

Be assured that the lessons are extremely detailed and provide many examples of the lesson topic, including audio and video files to further illustrate concepts. Assignments ask you to practice specific concepts by writing short poems or prose pieces, and include ideas for further practice and study.

Ready to get started?

Choose your self-study option and start writing!

How does self-study work?

Decide which course fits your needs.

Hit the Buy Now! button to remit payment.

Wait for your confirmation email.

Within 24 hours, you'll receive your first lesson via email!

Subsequent lessons will arrive in your inbox on alternate days.

At the end of your self-study, you may submit up to two assignments for feedback.

You may post your work and general questions on the lessons in the dedicated private Facebook group.

complete
lyrical language lab
self-study course

$ 249
  • 19 in-depth lessons (Modules 1-3)
  • work at your own pace
  • feedback on two assignments
  • facebook support group

intensive
rhyme & meter
self-study course

$ 139
  • 11 in-depth lessons (Module 1)
  • work at your own pace
  • feedback on two assignments
  • facebook support group

what students are saying