lyrical language lab
self-study courses

Thank you for your interest in the Lyrical Language Lab self-study courses!

Below you will find everything you need to know about the course. Be sure to read through the Course Content, Course Objectives, and Testimonials. If you still have questions, contact me!

AT-A-GLANCE

• two options to choose from
• self-guided, flexible, on your time and terms
• comprehensive, in-depth lessons
• audio/video components
• library list

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 below 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 one or two assignments for feedback (depending on option chosen).

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 below for more information.

$ 399

19 in-depth lessons
work at your own pace
feedback on two assignments

PAYMENT OPTIONS offered through this button:

PayPal, Pay in 4, ApplePay, Debit/Credit

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 one 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 below for more information.

$ 249

11 in-depth lessons (Module 1)
work at your own pace
feedback on one assignment

PAYMENT OPTIONS offered through this button:

PayPal, Pay in 4, ApplePay, Debit/Credit

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

• InFOGRAPHICS and supplemental materials for
download

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• TRAIN YOUR EAR for rhythm, rhyme, and lyrical language

• SHARPEN your analytical and critical eye for revision

• BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION in the four major meters

• LEARN POETIC TECHNIQUES to enhance the musicality and emotional pull of all your writing, rhyming or prose

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 STUDENTS ARE SAYING

I thought your class was as thorough and comprehensive as any graduate class I've ever taken.

Renée has a special skill for communicating her VAST knowledge of language and poetry in a way that is easy to understand. There is a huge difference in possessing the skills and being able to teach them. Renée has this gift. Her class is wonderful! To me it’s just the right balance of mechanics and application.

The feedback and interaction with Renée, who is one of the most personable teachers I've ever had, makes this course worth every penny...actually, worth way more than the price! I've taken many, many writing courses, and the best ones are where the teacher is accessible and guides you through the lessons as though she were right in the room with you, having coffee and chatting. There may be other classes out there on writing poetry, but none have this kind of value for the money. Plus, Renée has credentials to back up her teachings. I rate her class as among the top 3 of all the ones I've taken...and that's saying something.

If you want to understand the nuances of writing poetry and, once and for all, sort out how to fix your rhyme and meter, turn to the Lyrical Language Lab. For the love of rhyming and lyrical picture books, spend a few weeks in this illuminating course and learn the rules of writing poetically--with Renée's help. This course is the best thing you can do to amp up your poetic and lyrical knowledge...and have loads of fun doing it!

This was by far the most helpful language-level course I've ever taken. Aside from the lesson-specific exercises, students have the opportunity to rethink their works in progress. That's where the magic happens. The process of rewriting a manuscript or poem in so many different ways opens up the writer to new ideas and approaches. The class helped me completely restructure a prose picture book that was giving me trouble. So thanks, Renée and Lyrical Language Lab!

Just wanted to tell you how very much I have enjoyed this class and how inspiring each and every lesson has been. Your lessons were firecrackers in my pocket.

lyrical language labself-study courses