Writers of the Future

The opportunity to experience the work of DMU’s Creative Writing postgraduates is hard to turn down, and provides an invaluable experience for current students. I am looking forward to an insightful and immersive hour spent listening to readings of poems, short fiction and extracts from novels.

The Postgraduate Creative Writing Showcase will be held from 2-3pm on Tuesday 24th February in De Montfort University's Clephan Building, room 2.29. Even more tempting, it’s completely free to attend.

As an undergraduate, I feel that this event is a look into the future I don’t want to miss!

Rose Godfrey

An inspiration for the wannabe writer

When I was advised to watch third year De Montfort Creative Writing students give us a preview of their work, I expected to see for myself the level of talent and imagination I should be aiming for over the next couple of years.

And I was not disappointed. For a start, the range of subjects covered was impressive enough. From completely frank depictions of how girls and boys’ lives work, to the diary of a mayfly to a book of foreign words with no English translation, the ideas were endless. And clearly, so was the creativity.

I mentioned previously what I’d been expecting. In actual fact, I expected nothing more than that. No, I didn’t mean it would be nothing more than students showing what I should be aiming for. Because the diversity of subject matter and style showed me one thing: that there isn’t one standard to be aiming for. And that’s the main thing I have taken away with me from this event.

Grace Liu

The Not So Daunting Third Year Publications

Today, I went to the Demon Crew event to see the third year students introduce their work at the Cultural Exchanges festival at DMU.

I wasn't really sure what to expect but, I went with high hopes and I couldn't wait to see where I'll be in 2 years time (although the idea of public speaking terrifies me). The students had some amazingly creative ideas that I fed off and really enjoyed hearing about.

Everyone seemed to really enjoy talking about their work and it gave me confidence. I can't wait for it to happen me and I was thoroughly impressed with the event!

Sarah Sarsby

Post-graduate writers at DMU, an inspiration to me

I think it is always important to support people, and the best possible opportunity I had to do this was attending a talk which featured post-graduates on the DMU Creative Writing course, sharing their work. I was completely inspired by them, their work was absolutely extraordinary.

Excited, was an understatement. They inspired me so much, because one day, I hope to be where they are now. All of them were so confident in their words, and it made me realize that, if I work hard enough, perhaps people will enjoy listening to my words, as well as reading them.

It was fantastic to hear both a mix of poetry and short stories, especially as I enjoy writing both of those genres, and as I listened to them speaking, it helped me think about how I could be making my words better, so people enjoy them out loud too.

Since starting the Creative Writing course, I've learned that you can write about anything really. I loved listening to a poem that featured sweets, such as a green jelly baby, a dolly mixture and a liquorice allsort. It made me and the audience laugh as a comical piece. It's starting to make me think that writing about my love for 'Mini eggs' is not all a bad idea. It was a very enjoyable experience, and I wish them well for the future.

Claire McGowan