Bethany Coates
asked
Kendare Blake:
Do you feel that your Writing MA got you where you are today in your career or would you have got published without it? A lot of people say writing degrees are useless and hinder creativity, so I wanted to know what your opinion is as something with one who's an author and has one. Are they worth the student debt?
Kendare Blake
My MA made me a better writer, because it let me have a full 13 months devoted to nothing but writing (and living in glorious London). It was during the course that my short stories started to sell, and I'm sure that was because the short stories I was writing then were better. But do I think it was necessary to get it? No. Creative writing courses are fun, and immersive, and put you in a very writerly headspace and a very collaborative environment with other writers, so they're great. But they're not necessary. Before I enrolled in the MA course I was prepared to repay the debt for the rest of my life. I sort of figured that's what would end up happening. But even if it had I don't think I'd regret it (yet). It was a hell of a year.
More Answered Questions
Will Hulme
asked
Kendare Blake:
I'm not sure if they are mentioned in the books, but do the main families (Arron, Westwood, Milone, Vatros, Lermont etc) hold any aristocratic or governing titles? Or do they just happen to be the most powerful in their respective regions and are considered regular old islanders? If so, how are they often addressed? (My apologies for cheating and squeezing three questions in one, but Fennbirn is calling me back!!)
David Maxwell
asked
Kendare Blake:
Hi Kindare, I noticed from one of your answer that your characters "go" and you "follow." I find it the same. My characters lead me down a path and I follow. As a newly published author, I'd love any advice you might have on how to go about sharing those stories with the masses. Can you offer any insight on how to get the word out for a new book?
Vikki Louise Greasby
asked
Kendare Blake:
Hey Kendare, I'm currently thinking of writing a book called Ragdoll and I have been inspired by your amazing book, Anna Dressed in Blood. I would really like some advice on this as it will be my first story to write. What would really draw the reader into reading it and how can I keep the story going through a steady flow without the reader getting bored of it?
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