Humanity Hallows Issue 6 Out Now
Pick up your copy on campus or read online
By Jacqueline Grima
Manchester Writing School has recently welcomed another established author to its teaching team. Novelist Susan Barker will be teaching on the MA/MFA Creative Writing novel route from September.
Susan, who studied Creative Writing at the University of Manchester, spoke to Humanity Hallows about her journey to becoming a published writer: “I started writing fiction when I moved to Japan after university. I was teaching English in junior high schools near Kyoto and began writing about my experiences in a journal, before gaining enough confidence to make the leap to writing short stories. Most of my early fiction was set in Japan, narrated by Japanese characters, and of dubious literary merit, but, through the process of writing it, I discovered that I loved crafting imaginary worlds and experimenting with language.
“I later returned to the UK to study for an MA in Novel Writing at Manchester University, and the critical feedback, guidance and support I received was invaluable. I met my literary agent in the second semester, and had a publishing deal before graduation. In retrospect, my route to publication was extremely easy, though the actual writing of my novels has been very challenging and labour-intensive. I love writing though, even when it’s brain-grindingly difficult, and I feel genuinely blessed to have been doing this for as long as I have.”
Susan feels that her experience of studying for a writing MA will help her understand the anxieties of her students: “As a graduate of a creative writing MA myself, I remember well how nail-biting it can be to submit fiction to be critiqued by the rest of the group. Therefore, I hope to create a friendly, inclusive workshop environment, and to emphasise the communal sense of purpose: that all the writers are there to support and encourage each other, build connections, engage with each others’ work, and sharpen their close reading and editing skills.
“I hope for my workshops to be positive, inspiring and constructive, with lots of discussion and sharing of ideas as a means of illuminating the fiction writing process. The Manchester Writing School has an outstanding teaching staff and an excellent reputation for published alumni, and I am very much looking forward to joining the department, leading workshops and providing supervision for MA students.”
Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing Nicolas Royle is looking forward to welcoming Susan to the Writing School team: “We are very happy to welcome Susan to the teaching team. She’s a fascinating novelist and a very nice person. What more could you want? Students will benefit greatly from her coming on board.”
For more information about the MA/MFA in Creative Writing, visit the Manchester Writing School website.
Featured image: Seagoth “This album is dedicated to all of the people who can’t take a day off from themselves, to the people who have to face their greatest fears every single day – and to all the pain we feel, may we heal”. – Seagoth on How to Stay Wide Awake. While studying music…
Featured image: So La Flair Theatre Ellie Campbell and Megan Keaveney graduated last year from Manchester Theatre School. The pair met at a house party in their first year, where Ellie was standing on a table singing her heart out to Florence and the Machine. Megan locked eyes with her and knew they would be…
Featured image: PA As members of BTS embark on their military services, South Korean singer and songwriter Golden Maknae Jungkook is taking a venture into his new solo journey. Jungkook is celebrated for his outstanding stage presence and vocal ability to traverse different genres. With the discovery of his new upcoming album Golden, including 11…
Featured image and photography: Nathan Cutler aAh! Magazine highlights the up-and-coming talent of Manchester Fashion Institute (MFI) students this spring, introducing the young artists and designers who are sharing unique, creative and innovative work. Our MFI Fashion Spotlight focuses on three second-year Fashion Art Direction students who are taking part in the university-led project titled…
Leave a reply