You thought Professor Ingman would make you a better writer, but there was more to genre study. She pointed out that this won't turn me into a heavy reader, even if this was what she expected me (and my coursemates). After three months, you could tell that you still had a long way to go before you could compose a good prose.
The aim of this module was to explore a chosen genre through practice in writing. You didn't think long and hard about your preference. Horror fiction, which your instructor thought was a good choice. Most authors tried to pen a scary story, she said. And some tales were more terrifying than the others. She didn't seem pleased when you enumerated a few authors who were renowned in the genre. Stephen King. (She thought he was everyone's favorite writer in that genre. She didn't seem interested at all.) Bram Stoker. (She doesn't want to read another paper on "Dracula".) Mary Shelley. (She cautioned me about writing an essay on "Frankenstein".) The professor asked me if I knew other female authors in this genre. I haven't finished "Woman in Black". She looked at me thoughtfully.
I had trepidation when the professor discussed student feedback. I don't know if I could handle constructive criticism, but we were told that we should keep an open mind. The professor suggested a holiday. (I don't have a passport. Yet.) It turned out to be a rewarding experience nonetheless. These were the things I learned from this module:
Original writing is not a requirement. I found out that I was a work in progress. In fact, the professor pointed out that our education won't end after we left the English Department. Writing must be a lifelong vacation, but there was no need to look too far ahead. She pulled a leg (or so I thought), reminding us that we could compose a paragraph. (I was about to blurt e-mail, but it might not be the right moment.) I couldn't tell which ones would pen a classic, as we were on even ground. It was an encouraging sign.
One must be confident of one's writing skill. Professor Ingman reminded us that we didn't get a place in the English Department for nothing. Professor Hoyles, our admissions tutor, saw our potential on our application form and admissions essay. (And she reminded us not to take his remark on Medieval English seriously.) Doubting would mean there could be room for improvement. There shouldn't be any other reason.
Creative writing could be a result of a collaboration. I could tell which ones don't take this module seriously, but I wouldn't dismiss them. They may turn out to be the ones who could pen a good prose. I would do my best to be receptive to their ideas. They could help me become a good writer, but I must beat the deadline first.
