Yippee – I have been accepted

Following my disappointment with Nottingham University, I reappraised my options.

Had I set my sights too high applying for an MA in creative writing? Yes, almost certainly.

My husband said, “Why don’t you just write? You don’t need to do a course. Just write.”

But I feel that I do need a course. And I tried to explain to him why.

• I need guidance. I can write on my own; and I do. But how can I know what is good and bad. I am too close to the process.
• I need structure. Too often this happens; I sit down to write and get distracted – check Twitter and follow-up a few tweets, check my emails, look at my blogs, look at other people’s blogs, get onto Facebook, play Zuma Blitz …. You get the picture?
• I want someone else to read my work with a critical eye and offer advice and suggestions. I want an audience.

So, what did I do since my last rejection?

1. I applied to do a 12 week Creative Writing module (Start writing fiction) at the Open University
2. I registered for a couple of days ‘Writing Great Short Stories’ course at Knuston Hall
3. I applied to Birkbeck University, part of the University of London, for a place on their BA in creative writing

My interview at Birkbeck took place last Monday. I had 15 minutes to persuade two very young lecturers that I was a suitable candidate. They sent me an email on Wednesday, informing me I had been accepted. Yippee. Can’t wait!

Author: Ruth Livingstone

Walker, writer, photographer, blogger, doctor, woman, etc. View all posts by Ruth Livingstone