Hi all
I am looking to study an English Lit degree, and am considering A215 as a second level 2 module, after completion of A230. (or possibly alongside it, I am still trying to weigh that one up in terms of workload!) The module will no doubt be invaluable in terms of learning about the structure of different literary forms. Although I dabble in writing poetry now and then, I haven't written a short story since I was in high school 15 years ago, nor have I ever been particularly inspired to. I much prefer writing poetry, and that is intermittent.
I was always told I had a great imagination for creative writing while at school, and gained good marks, but if someone asked me to come up with a short story right now, I wouldn't have a clue where to start or what to write about. I don't have a brain bursting full of ideas for plots for epic novels!
I guess what I want to know is if this module is really only suitable for those who constantly write in their spare time, and have a head bursting full of ideas and inspiration for writing fiction or those who already have notebooks filled with stories already? I would primarily be doing this module to learn about structure of literary forms, but I would still want to gain good marks. Is it a module where there has to be an inherent talent for writing fiction that can't be 'taught'?
Thank you for any thoughts or feedback.
Hi Alicia
I am currently doing A215, having completed A175, the now discontinued Start Writing Poetry, a couple of years ago, but no other OU courses. My concerns before enrolling were almost identical to yours, but it has been fine. The first 'fiction' section was really interesting and the initial coursework is applicable to writing in any genre. You only have to submit the first two TMAs in prose form ( in the Fiction section ), so at the moment I am preparing to submit my TMA04 Life Writing as 40 lines of poetry + Commentary. Somewhat to my surprise I did really well in TMA02 the short story, but haven't written another one since! The course does teach writing skills and techniques and I know that my writing has developed positively as a result, so I'm happy. If you want to be able to determine a formula for achieving a high mark, this may not be the course for you.
( ran of of space ) just wanted to add that I made the last comment because I have noticed some students getting stressed about this and complaining that it is all subjective. However these tended to be people who hated writing poetry and said they couldn't understand how it could be evaluated. I think it is a really well designed course and it has stimulated me to write more poetry, join local poetry groups, and submit poems for competitions etc.