Anna-Sophia Soulis – How MA Creative Writing (Online) revealed new aspects of being a writer

I knew AUB had a great reputation, and a friend of a friend had studied filmmaking there and went on to have a super-successful career, so I knew that it was a fantastic university. I also knew that this MA could be the influence and resources I needed to improve my creative writing, and therefore take my novel-in-progress to the next level. I decided to apply, and after a series of telephone conversations with the amazing admissions staff at AUB and a formal application process, I was admitted!

I had my doubts as to whether I’d get a place on the course because I had got a 2:2 for my undergraduate degree in Fine Art and Visual Culture at the University of West of England in the year 2000, so I wasn’t sure whether a lower grade would affect my chances of acceptance on the course, but it didn’t.

The course itself is incredible! Each unit offers a new learning experience and has helped me to consider aspects of being a writer that I hadn’t previously thought of, such as running a writing workshop or exploring poetry and critical theory.

I have built on my understanding of the fantasy genre in 'Im/Possible Worlds', honed my craft in 'Craft of the Writer', and learned to develop my skills in writing reflective and critical analysis. In 'Writer in the World', I devised a creative writing workshop, and in 'Writer as Researcher', I learned how to read –really read – an author’s words.

Thanks to the 'Advanced Poetics' unit, I plan to write more poetry and hopefully perform it at open mic sessions. The poet Glyn Maxwell gave a “fireside chat” with 'Advanced Poetics' course leader Dr Natalie Scott, which was inspiring and highly educational. One takeaway from this was turning the term “form” in relation to poetry to “faum” which meant working to a specific poetry form became more flexible and less rigid and constraining.

Dr Kevan Manwaring’s fireside chats with Michelle Zeitlin – the MA Creative Writing Industry Patron – are wildly interesting and prove that a career path doesn’t have to be linear. Michelle runs a talent agency in the US and her insight into the creative industry is fascinating.

The feedback and tutor commentaries are constructive and helpful, both throughout the learning process and through the feedback from the assignments. My cohort is also incredible, offering so much support, encouragement, insight and constructive feedback.

I highly recommend the MA Creative Writing (Online) course for anyone who wants to take a deep dive into the world of creative writing.