Not a Masters in Creative Writing

It’s time for me to work in the open again, so I am going to try to find some dialogue with you, whoever you are, existing reader. Hi, how are you? Every few years, as I spin out about what it is I want to be and who I am and the work I should be doing and otherwise question my existence, I think about getting another Masters (or, God forbid, a PhD). The last couple of times this has happened, I’ve seriously considered going for a Masters in Creative Writing. Specifically, this one from Open University as it’s online, accredited, and I’ve heard good things about their programmes. Three years ago I went so far as to register and then decided last minute not to do it. At the time a friend said, “What do you need a degree in writing for? Just write.” Since I’m on sabbatical and not earning any money at the moment, this time around I’ve been questioning the tuition. I’ve also been thinking about the hierarchy and structure of a Masters programme more generally. I asked a writer friend…