Priscilla Yeung is an MA Creative Writing student.
Priscilla is a fiction and non-fiction writer and an MA creative writing student at City. Her short story appears in the University of Oxford Torch magazine, Antithesis Journal and TOKEN x Deptford Literary Festival's anthology.
She is the editor-in-chief for the Battersea anthology. Find her works at Priscilla Writing.
What was your main motivation to undertake postgraduate study?
I transitioned from a career in finance to pursue my passion for writing, which leads to a MA in creative writing. This program offers a unique balance of industry insights, practical experience, and a focus on the craft of storytelling. It helps me to understand how writers fit in the publishing industry and continues to develop our craft in writing.
The MA in creative writing provides a comprehensive curriculum that delves into various forms of writing – from short fiction to novel and non-fiction. It helps me to explore storytelling in different genres and styles.
This program covers various techniques and approaches to develop my writing skills. By studying alongside writers from different genres and background, and engaging in collaborative workshops, I have gained constructive feedback and learn from their invaluable perspectives.
What were you doing before applying for a postgraduate degree?
After my undergraduate in social anthropology, I moved on to work at the fast-paced financial services industry in the City of London. However, I always knew I had a creative bone in me. I dedicated my spare time and energy to nurturing my creative side by writing short stories and blogs.
In addition to my full-time job, I managed a thriving blog about travelling and the expatriate lifestyle, which allowed me to connect with a diverse global audience. This passion for writing and storytelling eventually led to the publication of my debut collection of short essays with one of Hong Kong's most renowned publishers.
These experiences, both in the financial domain and as a writer, have shaped my perspective and fuelled my aspiration to pursue further education to refine my craft and expand my professional horizons.
Could you tell us about the modules you are particularly interested in one your course and why?
My favourite module is the novel studies led by acclaimed author Deepa Anappara . Deepa is exceptional in how she thinks about the craft and imparts great knowledge week after week on specific topics that subvert the dominant Western and male narratives. Through her course, we question the possibility of writing a novel in different ways. She has diversified the reading list, which is not only a symbolic move but also insightful from a craft perspective. It helps students to think outside the box creatively.
I also enjoy the 'working as a writer' module taught by Joe Thomas. The module equips students with how to approach literary agents, work with publishers and build our reputation in the industry.. Knowing the business side of things makes the course practical for those who just begin their writing career in the UK.
What was the critical factor(s) in your decision to join your degree at City, University of London?
I choose to study MA creative writing at City primarily because of the workshop module. Every week, we read and critique three pieces of work-in-progress writing from our course mates.
Workshopping is a key feature of the course, and I am glad we all take it very seriously in our workshop group. The process helps us to read creative work with a critical mind and learns to offer feedback in a constructive and respectful way. In turn, it helps us to review our own work critically and objectively too.
Most classes concentrate on two days of the week. This structure helps people to schedule their life accordingly with minimal disruption, especially for those still working.
In addition, our course leaders also organise many networking opportunities with publishers, agents, and book launch events from our alumni. It's amazing to see those who came before us have done so well after completing this degree.
Lastly, the central location of the university is ideal. I can come to City easily by bus or underground. It minimises changes in the lifestyle and social relationships I have already established in London.
What opportunities and experiences has City offered you so far?
Pursuing a MA in creative writing at City has broadens my reading list and literary appetite. I have ventured far beyond my usual reading preferences, exploring diverse themes and genres that were previously uncharted territory for me. Reading beyond the usual genre helps me to rethink critically on the type of work I create and explore themes across genres. It is truly eye-opening.
This postgraduate course has transformed my understanding of the power of storytelling. I have witnessed first-hand how exceptional storytelling can ignite change and shape the world we live in. In particular, it amplifies the voices of underrepresented writers, bringing forth the untold stories that have long been absent on the bookshelves.
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