[julyjuly101]

Hi, I love to write and I want to be a published author. I also love film and so I applied to film courses and got onto one at University of the arts wimbledon which is where I'm meant to be going in september.

But I'm thinking now, should I reapply next year for creative writing courses instead? Do I really need to do one to become a good author?

I'm scared there wont be as many opportunities for me if I'm just a qualified writer and nothing else, the course I'd be doing next year would cover animation, producing, set design, cgi, computer skills and a lot more. But I'm also scared my heart won't be in it, where it would be in a writing course.

And then I'm scared that I might not get onto a creative writing course and I'll be stuck at home for two years...



Ah someone give me some advice?

[poony]

Have you spoken to someone from the field? Many authors / journalists didn't do creative writing at Uni. English will be a good general subject to go for.


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[edjunkie]

Ask yourself why you choose the course that you have. Are those reasons still valid?

It should be possible to take creative writing courses/modules alongside your degree. It does not have to be all or nothing. Most successful writers did not specifically study creative writing at degree level. Many fiction authors gain inspiration from their other life experiences. A creative writing course will help you with writing techniques and structure, but the source material has to come from you.

Since you will be based in the London, even if your college does not offer a creative writing course, there are many part time courses available. As a full time student you may get concessionary rates. Have a look at City Lit, it's part time course has helped several now published authors develop whilst doing other jobs or courses.

[arty]

(Original post by julyjuly101)
Hi, I love to write and I want to be a published author. I also love film and so I applied to film courses and got onto one at University of the arts wimbledon which is where I'm meant to be going in september.

But I'm thinking now, should I reapply next year for creative writing courses instead? Do I really need to do one to become a good author?

I'm scared there wont be as many opportunities for me if I'm just a qualified writer and nothing else, the course I'd be doing next year would cover animation, producing, set design, cgi, computer skills and a lot more. But I'm also scared my heart won't be in it, where it would be in a writing course.

And then I'm scared that I might not get onto a creative writing course and I'll be stuck at home for two years...



Ah someone give me some advice?

Hey! I'm basically in the same position as you! I completed a Foundation course in Art and Design this year and then accepted a place at Wimbledon College of Art to study BA Fine Art starting Oct 2012.
(Though I know yours was a film course)
Throughout the year I was sceptical about whether I was on right pathway! Anyway after much deliberation I have decided now to ditch the Arts degree and reapply this year for an English Literature BA. I might even do a joint honours with Art History so I don't have to completely leave it behind!


Anyway if I were you I would also be thinking about an English Literature degree and not just 'creative writing'. Chances are you'll be able to study creative writing as an elective during the course, or you could even do a joint honours. http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/unde.../english/qw38/
Such a versatile degree you'll be able to choose what you do with it afterwards. Then this year could be spent doing a relevant job or some work experience with a publisher/publication.

[julyjuly101]

Hey, thanks for the replies Still pretty torn. It's nice to know people don't think it's necessary to do a english or creative writing degree to be a published author, and those courses I could do on the side look really handy!

I think I might go ahead with the course, just because I do love film as well and it does look like an exciting course, and then I'll do writing courses at the weekend. I'll sleep on it

Thanks for all the help!

[blueflower114]

(Original post by julyjuly101)
Hi, I love to write and I want to be a published author. I also love film and so I applied to film courses and got onto one at University of the arts wimbledon which is where I'm meant to be going in september.

But I'm thinking now, should I reapply next year for creative writing courses instead? Do I really need to do one to become a good author?

I'm scared there wont be as many opportunities for me if I'm just a qualified writer and nothing else, the course I'd be doing next year would cover animation, producing, set design, cgi, computer skills and a lot more. But I'm also scared my heart won't be in it, where it would be in a writing course.

And then I'm scared that I might not get onto a creative writing course and I'll be stuck at home for two years...



Ah someone give me some advice?

If you don't feel ready / thing you can do more with your future prospects then delaying university by a year won't really change much. I stayed for a third year at college and it did me the world of good- didn't feel ready to go to university last year, so instead I'm going this year.