So I’ve decided upon a course of action.
A few weeks back, as in the first part of September, I decided, after a half hour of deep consideration, to step up.
I’m putting my money where my virtual mouth would like to be, and going on a course. Specifically, an Open University Post Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing.
Because it’s a post grad, I had to dig out and send a picture of my original degree certificate to show that I had the credentials. Well, I almost had the credentials, as they preferred a 2:1 or above, and I’d barely scraped a 2:2 for my non-efforts at the time. However, because of my entire nine months’ worth of consistent blogging which showed that I’m going to be more serious about my education this time around, they have actually let me on. Perhaps I should be taking the undergraduate course, but that costs way more and you have to commit yourself to longer than a year and I really need to take this thing one step at a time, so.
Suddenly, week one has finished and I’m already a little shocked at how much actual writing I’ve been expected to do, on top of the reading. There. Is. A. Lot.
My main discipline is going to be ‘creative non-fiction’, as I’ve realised in this past nearly-year, that it is far easier to not have to make stuff up. Although, that assumption is quickly being dispelled now that I realise just how much research one needs to do to, like, do it properly. Luckily the one page sound bites I put up as blog posts don’t need much in the way of prep as it’s just basically what I’m thinking of in that moment. But apparently, if you want to do something a little more meaty, you need to actually work at it.
There will also be a minor dabble in fiction too, as you get to pick a secondary, so I can dip in my toes and see how that goes.
I’m basically saying all this in order to explain why I may not be writing my blog as often as I have been, but I won’t be stopping completely, because this girl still has to run sometimes, and occasionally may even travel.
So wish me luck, and if you notice an improvement in the calibre of my posts please do let me know.
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Very best of luck with the course.
Thank you. Will need all the luck I can get!
Congrats, Rita! This is huge and exciting. I wish you all the best as you navigate this awesome adventure as a writer. I hope you keep us posted from time to time on this particular part of your story, in addition to your tales of travel and running experiences. I’m cheering you on.
Ah, thank you Kat. It is a little exciting and scary at the same time. Talking of scary, I have ordered a copy of The Halloween Tree, so looking forward to comparing notes!
Yay! I’m excited to have a reading buddy. My copy was delivered during the week. I hope to be starting it within the next few days. My book club is discussing it on the 21st of October.