MA English 2001 From Aberdeen to Celebrated Author
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen? I really liked the campus after visiting during an open day.
Why did you choose your particular course? I've always loved books and reading and English was one of my best subjects at school.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences? I very much enjoyed the Creative Writing course I took with Alan Spence as the tutor. Learning from one of the greatest Scottish writers was amazing!
If you were involved in any clubs and societies as a student, what did you enjoy most about them and what benefit do you think they have for students? I was a member of the swim team and really enjoyed travelling with the rest of the team to compete against other universities. I think they're a great way to meet people with similar interests outside of your chosen degree programme.
If talking to a group of prospective students, what advice would you give them to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen? I was very homesick when I first went to university and thought I was the only one feeling that way, when years later I discovered that lots of people felt the same way but were too scared or ashamed to tell anyone. Don't hide away and think you're alone, talk to others and share how you're feeling; and don't feel bad if university life is different from what you expected! Also, don't listen to anyone who says it's always cold in Aberdeen. It's one of the sunniest cities I've ever been in and the buildings just glitter in the sunshine.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was your first job after graduating from Aberdeen? I worked in Virgin Megastore on Princes Street in Edinburgh which I used as the inspiration for my first novel.
What is your current job? Self-employed writer/Admissions Manager for the University of Edinburgh (I have two jobs)
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now I worked in a shop for a number of years which was the inspiration for my first novel. I then got a job as a receptionist at the University of Edinburgh and worked my way up to Admissions Manager. At the same time as working, I studied part-time for an MA in Creative Writing and wrote four novels which have been published by Luath Press.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way? Yes, I learnt so much about writing from the course run by Alan Spence which I took during my degree.
One Top Tip
Please share your one top tip that you think is most important for our current students or recent graduates that will help them when starting out on their career paths. I always like to quote John Lennon - "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
