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Inspired? Would you like to see your name on this website and your book up on those bookshop shelves? This is where we bring you a round up of writing tips, ideas and hints. | Will a Degree in Creative Writing Turn You Into A Writer? |
by Emma Cooper. More than ever we are seeing an increase in the number of writing courses within the United Kingdom, but are they a worthy investment for the budding authors among us? Is writing an art form that can be taught or is it indeed simply a natural talent that someone is born with? My opinion is that, perhaps it’s a little of both. Writing degrees are a fairly new fad within the U.K, but have been popular in the States now for some time. Incidentally, there are few big names that have benefited from doing a degree in Writing, but more are appearing all the time. But don’t be eluded into thinking that writing novels is the only occupation that can be acquired from having a creative writing degree; many courses are geared towards touching on all areas of writing. From storytelling to journalism, from script writing to travel writing, there is much you can learn from a degree. UCAS offer over eighty courses in writing in the U.K, under many different names, whether it be ‘Creative Writing’, ‘Writing for media’ or simply ‘Writing’ so there is bound to be a course to suit everyone * There is no set benchmark for what needs to be included in a writing degree, so each one will be different to the next. You need to look into what you want from your degree and see whether or not the course offers it. * Many degree courses will have a modular structure, which allows you to pick and mix between a selection of subjects. You may wish to study poetry but not screenwriting for example. You may pick a subject that you think you’ll love but find it to not be all you expect or similarly you may find that you have a talent for a particular type of writing that you may never have previously considered! * Your tutors will usually be published professionals who will give you plenty of one on one feedback. There are also often group workshops within each module so there are always fresh thoughts and comments to think about. This is brilliant for building confidence and making new friends! * You may feel already that you’re a competent writer but a degree can only help you hone that skill. You may find that you have a distinctive style but no technical proficiency or vice versa. Either way, a degree is a good way to become a well-rounded writer. * Assignments and deadlines are a great way of finding out whether or not writing truly is your passion. It’s also a good representation of the real world. Even the most successful fiction writers will still feel the pressures from their publishers! * What is it you want to achieve after your degree? If you’re determined for a career in journalism or screenwriting then it’s a good idea to get a qualification to get you off the ground. You can always take an MA later on to focus on your specific profession more thoroughly. There is a lot of time and money invested into doing a degree, so consider whether or not this is what you really want. You may find that you get what you need from doing a short course or a local workshop. But there are plenty of ways that you can test the waters. * You can take a weeklong writing retreat at Arvon for around £550. You choose the type of writing you wish to focus on and professional writers hold each course. Take a peek at http://www.arvonfoundation.org * The BBC has some mini courses online that are completely free! This is great if you want to see if writing is for you but are too busy for a course. Try it out at http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/getwriting/minicourse * Still unsure? There are useful comments from professors and case studies from students and mature students who have taken a degree at www.nawe.co.uk |
| Posted: 27/08/2008 16:00:34 Last Updated: 27/08/2008 16:01:52 |
Chick Lit > Writing Tips :: Will a Degree in Creative Writing Turn You Into A Writer?