Lesley McKenna

BA Hons Creative Writing

"I wrote several novels when my children were growing up, but never had the confidence to send them to publishers. Over time I put some of my work online for a fan site I had set up for Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

I received really positive feedback from people who read it and this boosted my confidence. Then by chance, I saw an advert in my local paper for the BA (Hons) Creative Writing course at the University.

I applied and was accepted on the basis of my portfolio. This was the best decision I ever made. I improved my writing skills by learning from professionals and found the feedback and reviews from my tutors and my peers really helpful in evaluating my work. It was also a brilliant experience to mix with other like-minded writers

I would advise anyone who feels strongly about returning to education to just take the plunge and do it!

Find out everything you can about your course of interest and the financial support you can receive. It’s also worth speaking to lecturers too.

Returning to education has transformed my life. Not only did I gain the skills to succeed as a writer, but I’ve also gained a new social circle that I didn’t have before.”