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Live webchat with author and creative-writing tutor Louise Doughty, TODAY, Thursday, 10 May at 12noon

6 replies

PatrickMumsnet · 08/05/2012 10:46

We are delighted that Louise Doughty, author of Whatever You Love (shortlisted for the Costa Fiction prize) and A Novel in a Year, will be joining us at MNHQ this Thursday to talk about her own writing experiences and what it takes to be a novelist while juggling two school aged children with no childcare. Louise is also a highly experienced tutor of creative writing and happy to take questions about everything from the value of taking a creative writing course (she's teaching one of our first Mumsnet Academy courses with author of One Day, David Nicholls) to the publishing process and getting your novel published.

Alongside writing highly acclaimed novels, Louise has written for radio and broadcast, writes a weekly column for the Daily Telegraph (Short Story Club), is a regular on BBC Radio 4, and was a judge of the Man Booker Prize in 2008. There's not much Louise doesn't know about writing so please join us this Thursday at 12 midday, and if you are unable to join us, please post a question on this thread in advance.

PatrickMumsnet · 10/05/2012 12:00

Hi everyone,

And a very warm welcome to the brilliant Louise Doughty. Louise will be here for the next hour to answer your questions about her own work, publishing, creative writing courses and all things writing. Please welcome Louise!

PatrickMumsnet · 10/05/2012 12:46

@LouiseDoughty

[quote Snowtiger] Hi Louise Thanks for answering my first question - if Patrick's still in the loo can I ask another? There's a lot of talk (here & in general) about MAs in CW but is it possible to write a good novel without doing an MA? I have looked into a few near me but am not only terrified at the prospect of applying, I also have no idea how I would afford the course or fit in the work / study around school hours. Should I find a way to do it or just get on with writing?

Hi Snowtiger,
He's back but he's in a good mood, he'll let us off. Lots of interest in MAs on this thread but do think about short courses too. Yes, loads of brilliant novels get written without MAs - without knowing you, my suggestion would be, write as much as you can on your own, but if you find you're grinding to a halt or reach the point of needing feedback, consider a course then. Having a bit of structured support is great, but it's no substitute for working on your own - which we all have to do anyway.
Louise

[/quote]

Hi Snowtiger, as I'm here and Louise is being rather modest, I going to shamelessly plug her forthcoming Mumsnet Academy course with David Nicholls which we are doing in partnership with the Faber Academy. She is an amazing teacher of creative writing and has helped countless students over the years overcome structural problems and develop as novelists. Often an intensive, short course can be really helpful. Worth checking out maybe. Plug over!!

PatrickMumsnet · 10/05/2012 12:49

@Cwm

Hi Patrick, since you've mentioned the course, do you have any plans to offer it in any other locations? I'd love to do it but really can't get to London Sad

Hi Cwm, YES is the honest answer and we hope to announce these soon. Drop me an email with your details and I'll keep you posted. Where are you based?

PatrickMumsnet · 10/05/2012 12:53

@Cwm

Patrick, I'm in the North West, I'd be very interested in a course near me! Will drop you an e-mail - thank you!

Please do and good luck with the writing!

PatrickMumsnet · 10/05/2012 12:59

Last question anyone?

PatrickMumsnet · 10/05/2012 13:02

A huge thanks to Louise for so much brilliant advice and honest insight. Thanks also to everyone who posted their questions.

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