Do a creative writing course

30 out of 240 credits complete

30 out of 240 credits complete

Today I went to buy a notebook and some pens

was rejected by Birkbeck today – going to close this one as a fail

As I have previously mentioned, I posted my application last week; sent special delivery so I would be sure it arrived before the deadline.

Yesterday I found a piece of paper in the out-tray of the printer. It was the final page of my writing portfolio. Now I know for a fact that the page was not in the out tray the other day. I checked and double checked that every page was present and correct.

If I were an admissions officer for a degree course I don’t think I’d be terribly impressed by a writing sample that has a page missing; particularly the last page that actually makes the entire thing work.

I swore at myself for a number of minutes for my stupidity, but today I think dark forces are at work. Gremlins!

The application went in the post about half an hour ago; sent special delivery and so guaranteed to arrive before the application deadline on Saturday.

It’s completed, in the envelope, and ready to post. I have booked half an hour to run to the post office at 10pm today so it should make it by the deadline (missing only one reference that I have marked as “to follow”)

I have no strong feelings about this application. It’s a stronger one as I have been able to include 5,000 words of prose and a synopsis rather than just 2,500 words; and the personal statement is better formed (useful that I proof read it and removed the reference to Middlesex from the third paragraph). I suspect though that it’s a little late in the day to be trying to get on to the course.

“Students are selected on the basis of their degree (this requirement may be waived in certain cases, for example, students with exceptional talent who will benefit from the programme) and a portfolio of work of about 5,000 words, which could consist of short stories, a section of a novel plus synopsis, or a mixture of both; or the equivalent sample of non-fiction writing. Applicants must also submit a personal statement in which they discuss their current writing, ideas for future projects and place their work in the context of contemporary writing”

I got the offer letter today and I’ve written the return note that turns down the place.

I was accepted for the MA course. Unfortunately they have moved it from Tuesday evenings to Tuesday afternoons.

I’m going to have to turn the place down. I’m going to tell them why I’m turning the place down and the unrealistic dreamer in me is going to hope that they will change it back again.

In the mean time I now have two weeks to get an application in to Birkbeck; I have e-mailed them today to track down the application forms and I will start on my modified personal statement at lunch time.