Comments on: An MA in writing – is it worth it?

By: Jessica Markwell

Jessica Markwell — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 21:21:19 +0000

In reply to Brooke Vlasich. I absolutely agree that you don't need a degree to be a writer and people like Charles Dickens, Harper Lee and Augusten Burroughs prove the case. I hope you find the sort of group you are looking for Brooke - one that offers encouragement as well constructive criticism.

By: Brooke Vlasich

Brooke Vlasich — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 20:08:34 +0000

As an aspiring writer, I found a class I took in Creative Non-Fiction to very helpful in building my perspectives and confidence. I was always apprehensive to write even though I had a strong desire and passion to pursue writing. I think benefited from having a great teacher and classmates who were perceptive and encouraging about the elements I needed to fix. At this point I am looking for just that, a writing group I can submit my work to who will critique my work and help me develop my writing effectively and constructively. The class helped give me a foundation to explore and develop my skills, and now I am developing on my own. If another workshop or event is available and peaks my interest, I will consider it, but I don’t think you need a degree to be a writer.

By: Linda Maye Adams

Linda Maye Adams — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 23:31:34 +0000

Some of taking writing workshops is making sure that you get the right class for you. I’m an organic writer, and one of my challenges is that most writing classes are taught by people who outline. The instructors often boasted they wouldn’t have a problem with organic writers and then once they encountered me, they thought I was two-headed alien. I found that once I took workshops by people who were organic writers, I was able to learn a lot more.

By: Jessica Markwell

Jessica Markwell — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 11:30:45 +0000

In reply to Jill Scarr. I'm glad your experience was positive Jill - good luck with your novel.

By: Jill Scarr

Jill Scarr — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 18:30:49 +0000

I completed my MA in Creative Writing at Newcastle University last year and found it one of the most rewarding years I have ever spent. I read some wonderful literature, some of which I would never have looked at twice in a bookshop. The reading, together with first class teaching has helped me rework my novel and open up my imagination to other forms of writing. My fellow students, all ages and nationalities, brought different perspectives to writing. My only regret is that it ended.

By: Ruth Livingstone

Ruth Livingstone — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 22:43:16 +0000

Great post and just been to buy your book from Amazon, as I’m thinking of writing a memoir of my parents experience as missionaries in Kenya during the 1950s and 1969s. Doing a BA in creative writing at Birkbeck and enrolled just before the fees skyrocketed. Have gained a tremendous amount from the course. Yes, I might have learnt the same skills, slowly and painfully on my own, but it certainly helps to have a structured and supportive class.

By: A. D. Norton

A. D. Norton — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 21:52:11 +0000

In reply to Gill James.

What school is it may I ask? It seems implausible that “many” students are published before they leave! It’s a tough nut to crack in a highly competitive field.
If you can afford it, great. If not, don’t take out loans for MA or MFA.

By: Jessica Markwell

Jessica Markwell — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 08:06:06 +0000

In reply to Jo Carroll.

Spending your online course money on books sounds very sensible Jo – all tutors seem to agree that the best way to learn is to read, read, read. Also, I don’t think I’d have found my MA nearly so helpful without the direct interaction I had with tutors and other students.
Best of luck with your writing!

By: Jo Carroll

Jo Carroll — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 08:10:43 +0000

I gave up my online MA – it was expensive and I really didn’t feel I was learning enough to justify the outlay. Some of those I studies with have agents now, but none (as far as I know) have a publishing contract. Meanwhile I carry on enjoying my writing, and spend the money buying books!

By: Randy

Randy — Sat, 24 May 2014 03:30:24 +0000

Talent cannot be taught but craft can be honed. And I especially enjoyed trying my hand at different genres and the inspiration of other writers in class. Is it worthwhile? Yes. Is it necessary? No.