After my children left home, I wrote an (unpublished) YA novel and took a few short courses in creative writing. Monique Roffey, who was my tutor on a course at UEA, suggested the next step would be to apply to take a MA.

I applied for a few courses, but the flexibility, particularly the January start date, at Manchester Met made it an easy decision. I took the part-time, online MA in creative writing. I started with a new piece of writing, less than half a page, that became the inspiration for my work for the MA. That short piece developed into my dissertation.

My first term was quite traumatic. It had been a long time since I had been in education, I had never taken a degree, and I am dyslexic. It was very scary having others read my writing. Through feedback, I began to think about what it would take and what I was trying to achieve.

Initially I found it hard to prioritise my university work in my home environment. I also found it difficult to think of my MA as work because it is after all reading and writing - and how much fun is that! But by my second year, I realised how much I had progressed, how much better my understanding and critical knowledge had become. Reading others work and recognising good writing and not so good writing has helped me identify my bad habits and made me reassess my own work.

At this point, I must mention the huge support that is available at Manchester Met. The academic and study skills tutors and the learner development courses are super helpful. In my first year, I did several courses on grammar and academic writing which were very useful.

The writing required for the dissertation to complete the MA, was the first section of what has developed into my manuscript. Converting to the MFA has been a fantastic experience for me. It was a step up to continue writing without the support of the different classes, but with the encouragement of my mentor, I have honed my writing skills and have enjoyed working independently.

I have kept up with several people from each of the modules I have taken. WhatsApp groups have given a social aspect to an on-line course. It has been essential to have friends who are willing to read and give feedback of ongoing work as well as fun to read others writing and see the choices they have made for their work in progress.