what students are saying

I thought your class was as thorough and comprehensive as any graduate class I've ever taken.
kathy doherty
Author, The Thingity-Jig
The Lyrical Language Lab course challenged me to look at my own writing, as well as published picture books, poetry, and prose pieces, with fresh eyes and a strengthened set of skills. Upon completing the course, I better understand the technical aspects of poetry and have a new vocabulary with which to discuss and analyze lyrical writing. I've been inspired to write well outside my initial comfort zone - in forms and on topics that I wouldn't have thought to tackle without Renée's and Laura's encouragement. The instructor video feedback sessions gave me new confidence in my ability to write, revise and critique poetic and lyrical texts. I'll be applying what I learned in this class to every manuscript I write! Beyond that, the course left me with a new sense of energy and excitement about writing poetry for publication - and for my own enjoyment. I can't say enough good things about this well-organized, content-rich, and exceptionally FUN course.
katey howes
Author, Rissy No Kissies
I naturally hear rhyme and rhythm but love learning more about the technicalities. So when I heard Renée was creating this class, I was salivating! I’ve gotten to know Renée over the years, and she 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.
penny parker klostermann
Author, There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight
Fast-paced and intense, the Lyrical Language Lab is densely packed with poetic principles. The feedback alone is worth twice the price of admission. You can't help but improve your craft by taking this course.
jay
Children's writer
When I began this class, I was apprehensive. Could I keep up? Would I feel inspired to create good writing? I found the lessons to be very clear and easy to follow, but I admit I struggled the first two weeks. But by week 3, something changed. I began thinking creatively and poetically. ALL DAY LONG. I learned to keep a notebook with me at all times to write down thoughts, snippets of rhyme, creative ideas... This class reignited my passion for writing, challenged me to be better and changed me, not only as a writer but as a creative person. I have more confidence, more focus, more talent, and a wonderful community of writers to connect with in the alumni group. This class is a gift you need to give yourself. You will be very thankful you did!
leslie kelley
Children's writer
This course is intense and perfectly planned. You learn about the basics, the rhyme crimes you're about to commit, how to establish meter, and choosing your voice with lots of opportunities to practice. Getting feedback from Renee and Laura is so valuable—that's where the nuances get addressed. Best online course I've taken.
mary worley
Children's writer
The Lyrical Language Lab is a fantastic introduction to poetry, meter, and form for younger audiences. LLL also covers free verse and topics such as the narrative, lyric, and dramatic voice. I have taken writing courses in other genres for years and learned more about revision and the musicality of language in this course than in any of my other courses. I found new ways to revise my work to make it richer and more engaging. The Lyrical Language Lab course offered many opportunities for writing and trying out meter and form. Feedback was generous and covered not only the immediate work but the bigger picture of what the work might become. Renée and Laura picked up on so much more than I ever would have spotted myself. My classmates were supportive and gave excellent feedback. I'm excited to move forward with my writing and use all of the great resources provided by the course!
LP
Children's writer
This course exceeded all of my expectations. The content is clear and complete. The multi-faceted delivery with readings, videos, and recordings enhanced and extended my learning. The video feedback is an amazing feature of this course. Hearing my work read aloud and then getting specific and detailed comments and suggestions, for every lesson, was invaluable. Renée and Laura were personable but pointed with their critiques. They left me feeling positive and purposeful.
joan riordan
Children's writer
Renée's Lyrical Language Lab is a master class! Immerse yourself in this rich guide to the intricacies of splendid storytelling and your writing will improve exponentially!
donna l. sadd
Children's writer
The Lyrical Language Lab course with Renée LaTulippe and Laura Purdie Salas was informative, supportive, and challenging! I learned more than I expected about lyrical writing techniques and finished the course motivated to continue learning more. I love the fact the course's primary focus was on children's picture book writers. Renée and Laura are both expert instructors.
donna righi
Children's writer
Fast-paced and intense, the Lyrical Language Lab is densely packed with poetic principles. The feedback alone is worth twice the price of admission. You can't help but improve your craft by taking this course.
jay
Children's writer
The best part of this class isn't the convenience (extremely convenient for folks with all sorts of schedules) or the reasonable price (totally worth it) or the helpful lessons which provide an amazing base understanding of poetry and lyrical language (they do, they do!). It's not the great community of fellow writers (wonderful) or even the inspiration that comes with the daily assignments (although that's CLOSE to the best part). No, the best part of The Lyrical Language Lab is Renée herself -- warm and supportive, generous with her time, and so specific with her feedback that you'll see an immediate improvement in your work. Just amazing.
suzy levinson
Author, Poems About Animals in Pants
Thank you, Renée and Laura! This class was a financial stretch for me, and I'm so glad I took a chance on it. Not only has my writing improved with each lesson, it's continuing to improve as I integrate and practice what I've learned. This has been such a positive and uplifting experience.
maile mccarthy
Children's writer
Before taking this course, I had always been fearful of poetry. I found it confusing and hard to write. Since falling in love with writing picture books, however, I have found that lyrical language and poetry are essential ingredients to mastering the craft. The Lyrical Language Lab gave me the tools to not only understand poetry, but to appreciate it and apply it to my own writing. I highly recommend this course to any writer.
charlotte offsay
Author, A Grandma's Magic
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.
teresa robeson
Author, The Queen of Physics
Wow! Thanks! I don't want to bloat your ego too much, Renée (hehe), but you are the best teacher I ever had. No lie. I love the way you encouraged us to do more. You brought out the best in us.
kathleen cornell berman
Author, Birth of the Cool
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!
kirsten larson
Author, A True Wonder
Take this course! Renée is a fabulous teacher, her lessons clear and focused, her assignments and feedback top notch. This course will improve your writing.
carolyn combs
Author, What's This Tail Saying?
Excellent course! So much to digest. It will definitely help with my prose writing. Ms. LaTulippe definitely over-delivers with this course. Just make sure you can keep up!
darshana khiani
Author, How to Wear a Sari
Voice! Lyrical language! Cut the adverbs! Use poetic tools! Every time we write a story, we hear these injunctions from agents, editors, and publishers. If you want to ramp up your story and amp up your writing skill, Renée LaTulippe's Lyrical Language Lab is a MUST. Whether you write in rhyme or in prose, for the youngest child or the tween, the techniques taught here are the ones you need to use. The lessons are created for the beginner and for those who are well-versed in writing, and the mentoring is superb. The feedback I got on the stories and assignments I handed in was worth many times over what the class cost -- and each lesson was a mini-workshop in itself, something I can go back to as I move forward. Bravissima, Renée!
vivian kirkfield
Author, Making Their Voices Heard
First I want to say that Renée LaTulippe is a remarkable teacher. She makes the world of poetry, rhyme, and scansion easy to understand. The Lyrical Language Lab is without a doubt the best course in children's writing. Renée has given me all the tools I need to be successful in the business of writing. Thank you, Renée! From the bottom of my heart!
robyn campbell
Children's writer
Absolutely perfect class for those who want to learn how to identify and use poetic elements in their writing. Not necessarily writing poetry itself, but in your prose as well. The most valuable part of this class is the feedback and opportunity to revise and receive feedback again! Renée is a wonderful instructor and her feedback was invaluable in helping to understand and use the content. Cannot recommend this course highly enough.
rebecca koehn
Author, After the Rain
For a person who was completely new to poetry and just getting into writing, it was worth every penny. Renée explains things in such great detail with wonderful examples. The exercises were relevant to developing our own style of writing. She also goes above and beyond with her critique. Never did I feel totally inept (even though I was!). Her help was always accurate and constructive to help every writer grow. I’d recommend this class to anyone who needs a bit more “lyrical” in their language!
andi burnum
Children's writer
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!
heather kinser
Author, Small Matters
I've taken several children's book/writing courses online. The Lyrical Language Lab is by far the best! The course is well-organized and chock-full of clear and concise information. Renée is super helpful, offering support and feedback along the way. I cannot recommend this course enough for anyone who wants to write in rhyme or pump up their prose!
alexia andoni
Children's writer
Completing Renée's Lyrical Language Lab was an absolute joy. I loved everything about it -- the comprehensive lessons, the helpful assignments, the supportive group of fellow writers, and Renée's insightful, expert-level feedback. I've noticed a significant improvement in my writing over these five weeks. Highly recommended!
gabrielle snyder
Author, Two Dogs on a Trike
I am a beginning writer so although I thought this class was phenomenal, it may have been a bit too advanced for me. Thankfully, Renée's feedback and methods are so detailed and well presented that I feel confident, as I continue to write, I can refer back to them and progress quickly. We also had an exceptional group who were all extremely talented and generous with their comments and feedback. If you're ready to dive in and commit, beginner or advanced, this is a phenomenal course. 5 stars!!!
chris harris
Children's writer
As a picture book writer, I took this course in order to learn more about metered verse and how to apply poetic devices to my prose. It exceeded my expectations and will truly be "the gift that keeps on giving." Many thanks to Renée for her comprehensive course and her thoughtful feedback. I recommend this experience to anyone who is serious about improving her writing.
anne c. bromley
Author, The Lunch Thief
This class was the absolute best investment of my time and money to improve my writing! The amount of material covered exceeded my expectations. I took this class to improve my prose because I didn't think I would ever write poetry or rhyming books. Now I'm looking forward to writing more poetry and a rhyming book!
janine johns
Children's writer
Renée's course is just delightful. I highly recommend it and would do it all again in a heart beat. I found Renée to be a lovely mentor who knows so much about the mechanics of poetry. The course content is easy to understand and Renée helps you every step of the way. Intensely rewarding. A must for aspiring picture book authors.
jacqueline
Children's writer
Renée's The Lyrical Language Lab went beyond the highest of expectations. In a short period of time, I learned many new poetic devices which helped me become a stronger writer. Her lab provided ongoing examples of poetry and prose, references to resources, and reinforcement practices. Renée's in-depth feedback was invaluable for identifying flaws that needed revision and for making suggestions on improvement. She gave individual attention to each participant in her lab, as well as encouraged us to connect as a group and learn from one another. The Lyrical Language Lab was an awesome experience that I would highly recommend to anyone who appreciates language and wants to raise the bar with their own writing!
patricia cooley
Children's poet and author
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. Thank you.
michelle norman
Children's writer
The Lyrical Language Lab exceeded all of my expectations! In four short weeks, I learned the principles of poetry and how to apply them to my picture books. The lessons were thorough and well organized, and Renée 's feedback for each assignment was extremely helpful and encouraging. I highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in writing picture books.
donna cangelosi
Author, Mister Rogers' Gift of Music
I was a beta tester for this course. For the first time in my life, I started believing that I could write poetry. And I started adding more lyrical language to my prose. Prior to the class, I wouldn't have known what adding lyrical language to my prose even meant I also gained the confidence to attempt a little scansion in my critiques when partners submitted rhyme. It's all clicking, thanks to this course and Renée's unique approach. I especially love the small class size and the individual responses to homework assignments and questions that Renée gives each student. Oh, and the audio snippets to demonstrate things like meter are fantastic!
alayne kay christian
Author, An Old Man and His Penguin
This course was incredible. I came in as a complete beginner and feel like I've walked away with such great information--the real nuts and bolts of poetry. Renée's feedback is SO detailed and specific, while at the same time very encouraging. This woman really knows her stuff, and makes the whole process a lot of fun.
jess irish
Filmmaker and writer
My stories are going through a language transformation thanks to The Lyrical Language Lab. I definitely strengthened and sharpened my language tools while adding a few to my belt. Thank you!!
sarah maynard
Children's writer
I loved this course! I have learned SO much from Renée. She is a very giving teacher. Her feedback is spot on and plentiful. The course was challenging at times for me and I was working long hours at it. But I can already see the improvement in my writing. I am not so afraid of the rhyme and it has definitely improved my prose. This course was truly fun and enlightening! I'd take it again and am hoping she runs her advanced class!
lisa venditelli karmel
Author and illustrator
The Lyrical Language Lab is a great step in building writing skills for those who write poetry for children or picture books or both. Renée LaTulippe clearly knows her stuff and gives great feedback on the lessons. There is a nice intimacy in the small classes (I think our class was seven) and an opportunity to receive feedback from several people. The price is reasonable and the lessons are terrific. I learned a great deal and recommend this course for any children's writers.
rosi hollinbeck
Children's writer
Lyrical Language Lab is an excellent course for any writer. The lessons are clear and build on one another. I'd never studied poetry before, and I learned so much on how to improve my prose with poetic techniques. Renée is a wonderful teacher. She is encouraging and gives helpful feedback. The private Facebook page is an important part of the class. We can read the assignments posted by fellow students and benefit from Renée's feedback on all the posts. I'm excited to grow as a writer using what I've learned in this class. I highly recommend Lyrical Language Lab. I loved every minute of it!
cheryl secomb
Children's writer
What an amazing class! The class covers everything a poet or lyrical prose writer could need. The topics were well chosen. The materials were incredibly well planned. The assignments were perfectly designed. The class was manageable, even during a busy time. I've been recommending the class to everyone!
liz steinglass
Poet/Author, Soccerverse
By participating in the Lyrical Language Lab with Renée LaTulippe, my ability to use poetic techniques in my writing has far exceeded my expectations. Working within a Facebook group with other dedicated writers has been motivating and fun. Our group included writers from three continents, and yet we all seem to experience similar joys, frustrations, and expectations within the process of writing. Renée walked with us every step of the way. I highly recommend LLL to new and experienced writers who want to improve their poetry AND their prose. Thank you, Renée!
denise engle
Children's writer
Excellent class which far exceeded my expectations! I came into the class expecting mostly review of what I thought I already knew....a refresher with some new insights. Within even the first lesson and throughout each, I found myself in awe thinking, "Wow....I didn't know that..." or "Whoa....that is so cool....!" I could not wait to put each lesson into practice! I had always been praised for my lyrical poetic abilities and declared them a gift. Yet I have been unsure of the ability within myself. This class has given me the tools and insights to boost my confidence....because I know what I need to do to perfect my gift and I am SO excited about it!
AA
Children's writer
Worth every penny. This course covers all you need to know about lyrical language. The excitement and anticipation we had for the next assignment was like waiting for Christmas morning. What's in our writing stocking for today? Renée's knowledge of the subject is extensive, and she is encouraging, but always points out how you can improve. You will probably find yourself with either a good start to a new manuscript or a polished revision of an existing one. Beg, borrow, or steal, but take this course.
sjr
Children's writer
Fabulous online class. It is impossible to take this class and not improve your use of lyrical language. The quality of feedback was by far the best I've ever received from any instructor.
ZL
Children's writer
Never having taken an online class before, I closed my eyes and took the plunge into The Lyrical Language Lab. It is absolutely one of the best things I've done as a writer. Because of the class, I have pulled out old manuscripts and now understand why they didn't sound quite right. Although I've been writing for years, this class helped me look at language, the position of words, and the sound and rhythm of words in a new way. Always encouraging, Renée's feedback and guidance is quick, specific, and deep. The invaluable lessons and resources are helpful way beyond the time frame of this class. This class is worth every penny and every minute spent on it.
ellen leventhal
Author, A Flood of Kindness
Renée's Lyrical Language Lab fulfilled my hopes, and taught me more about rhythm and rhyme. I've taught poetry to middle school kids for a long time, but still didn't use, or know, about all the tools that this class teaches. The feedback also taught me not only how to improve my writing, but what things I should be looking for when I write. Each lesson is a new step in learning, and a new inspiration to write again and see if it can be something to be proud of.
Linda baie
Educator and poet
Renée does a great job of introducing the concepts of lyrical language. Her instructions are clear and concise. Her examples are spot on. Her assignments are creative and useful. I loved the way she took all those wonderful poetry lessons and concepts straight into prose and picture books. An excellent class for both prose and poetry writers.
doraine bennett
Poet and author
I loved Renée La Tulippe's Lyrical Language Lab. I thought I knew about rhyme -- boy was I wrong! There is so much to learn about lyrical language. Renée is truly an expert. Her feedback was spot on and she presented the material in a student-friendly format that was easy to follow. The pace was not overwhelming either, although you do have to commit and keep up. I would highly recommend this course!
danielle dufayet
Author, You Are Your Strong
Renée LaTulippe's Lyrical Language Lab has changed my writing. My goal in taking this class was to write picture books with a fresh poetic voice. Before this class, I disliked poetry; now I'm in love with language. Renée has developed a comprehensive class that includes explicit lessons, audio, poetic examples, as well as references to poets and book resources. The private Facebook group provided a wonderful community in which to share and receive terrific feedback from Renée. She continually challenged us and brought out our best.
ST
Children's writer
Renée LaTulippe's Lyrical Language Lab exceeded my expectations. With paced, clear, and relevant content provided in 20 lessons across several weeks, I was free to put in the exact time I needed to absorb and apply the principles presented. With focused (but also flexible) exercises and assignments in each lesson, I immediately put to use the concepts and terms I'd learned in both new writing efforts and works-in-progress. We always had Renée's encouraging comments on our work, as well as the choice of sharing our work with others in the class--a bonus source of feedback. What I learned in LLL, what this class infused my craft with, already shows up in my writing style.
damon dean
Children's writer
Lyrical Language Lab