Someone's laughing all the way the Bank...

[erastes]

I just discovered that one of the most prestigious writing courses was offered at the University of East Anglia, it was founded by Malcolm Bradbury in 1970 apparantly, and competition is fierce. (It's an MA (Master of Arts) in Creative Writing)

So I thought - well, why not? So I trot over to the UEA website and have a look, and it seems promising - it consists of one workshop a week, (do-able, possibly work would give me an day off) over two Semesters. And I think... Hmmmm. That sounds good.

As usual with most educatory brochures they are incomprehensible so I give the nice lady a ring at UEA and ask her to confirm the course. "Yes, one workshop on a Tuesday"

Me: Oh OK. Can't see the fee anywhere...

Her: Same fee as all courses at the UEA.

Me: (fainted) ...(weak voice) what.... £3,138?

Her: Yes. And it'll be going up next year, it'll probably be £4,000.

Me: ........ Oh.. Ok. Thanks....

Well, I'm sorry about that, but world famous and presitigious you might be, MA in Creative Writing, but who the FUCK can afford that? Unless you are a wealthy person who doesn't work, or a housewife with a nice husband.

Let's work that out shall we? *calculates*

That's approximately £25 an HOUR. You could probably get a private tutor for less. You can't tell me that 24 (number of students) times £4K = *£96,000* is the real cost of a yearly course.

*cries* I really wanted to do it, too.

Hey - I've got an idea. I'll promise to write more Snucius - say two Snuciuses every week, and you send me money? email to imnotcassieclaire@ripyouoff.co.uk

*removes tongue from cheek*

Comments

Re: CW at UEA

[erastes.livejournal.com]

And really, when you come down to it, all the MA DOES is (perhaps) make it easier to find an agent.

I'd rather just send an agent £4K with the query letter.

*G*

Aw thanks. I'd be all right as long as I didn't have to explain passive voices or showing and telling....

Re: CW at UEA

[ter369.livejournal.com]

And really, when you come down to it, all the MA DOES is (perhaps) make it easier to find an agent.

Maybe if you're writing literary fiction (no genre category), or if you write fiction regarding a field in which you are educated/experienced (i.e., rocket science, mathematics, veterinary science, etc.) Then the writer's degree is a marketing hook. (I have an M.A. and write about the field of my coursework, but my agent wasn't interested in that. His interest is if he knows editors who are currently looking for that kind of manuscript.)

Agents want to represent authors whose books they can sell. That can mean one's writing is technically done well and entertaining, but the agent still needs to connect with it as something they are a match for pitching to publishers.

Re: CW at UEA

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Absolutely, I am much more of the opinion that if the agent likes your writing then they are going to see you, rather than be at ALL impressed with doughy writing and whatever certificate you can produce.

But then, it is said in some places that mentioning a prestigious MA like this one in your query letter is more likely to get your sample read.

I shall stick to my writing and strive to improve by myself.

nod.