want to engage with others’ writing. So a criticism that is sometimes made of MAs in creative writing, that they encourage everyone to write similar books, isn’t the case.
Chelsey Flood and Jacqueline Wilson
‘I was working on the book that became Infinite Sky before I went there but I didn’t know how to tell it, I tried it as adult literary fiction and
then a memoir and then it found its place of comfort.’
A particular benefit was ‘the level of UEA course’s relationship with the publishing industry. We met a lot of agents and publishers. I was one of two students in my workshop group writing young adult fiction. Although the focus was not on YA it meant that when we met agents I would stand out.’ For writers with a draft manuscript who want to work towards submitting to agents and publishers while also learning tools to self-edit, the Golden Egg Academy is an alternative to higher education set up by publishing professionals (and unlike MA courses does not have academic entry requirements, you simply submit work in progress). Experienced editors deliver targeted analysis and editorial consultancy through a structured programme which can be tailor-made for each participant, including day workshops, one-to-one editorial surgeries and intensive manuscript feedback. Some elements of the programme are mandatory such as the Mapping Your Novel course (and picture book equivalent) devised by founder Imogen Cooper, former editorial director and now senior editor with Chicken House. The Golden Egg editors, who all have impressive track records in publishing, then advise writers on the best path through the training. Some, such as James Nicol, are selected for one-to-one mentoring. James has spent 18 months in the Golden Egg programme alongside a full-time day job as a library services development manager, and now in turn
mentors new participants. His first novel, The Apprentice Witch, will shortly be published by Chicken House, which also awarded him a scholarship towards Golden Egg fees. ‘There are no promises that you will get published, although it has
worked for me, but you will certainly get closer to publication. I’ve continually evolved as a writer during the process, which I chose to move through quite quickly. You can take it slowly and do as much as your circumstances allow. ‘I’d started writing again after a long break about five years ago. I used to write a lot in my early 20s, then life and jobs got in the way. I took creative writing courses, because very few people had read my work before. Once I was working seriously on a project my creative writing tutor suggested I talked to an editorial consultant. I’d worked in books for a long time but not from the writer’s side and had no idea how to get my manuscript into shape. The Golden Egg book mapping course in particular encourages you to step away from your book as a writer and analyse what it needs. ‘Golden Egg prepares you for working with a publisher. When I had my first consultation with editors Bella Pearson and Beverley Birch at a workshop, I thought it would be like getting my homework back but they were interested in what my ideas and solutions were.’
James’ summing up of the Golden Egg experience could apply to an MA course or any other serious structured learning journey for a writer. ‘You find out that writing takes dedication and stamina, that you get out what you put in, that it helps to set interim goals and that there are no quick fixes.’
Geraldine Brennan specialising in children’s books and education. She regularly reviews for the Observer literary awards.
FOUR GREAT BOOKS FROM ALMA JUNIOR SIX
THE ADVENTURES OF PIPÌ THE PINK MONKEY Carlo Collodi
ILLUSTRATED BY AXEL SCHEFFLER £6.99 ISBN 9781847495594
Pipì isn’t like his four brothers or the other young monkeys living in the forest of Hullabaloo: he has bright-pink fur, a mischievous character and a rebellious streak that lands him into all sorts of scrapes. In this story, an expanded version of Collodi’s original tale, we see him lose his tail to an ancient crocodile, end up as a valet to a young master, fall into the hands of fl ying bandits and become emperor of a tribe of apes.
Collodi wrote The Adventures of Pipì the Pink Monkey immediately after the publication of his renowned Pinocchio, and the little monkey’s adventures present clear similarities – both in terms of themes and characters, with his more celebrated masterpiece. This rediscovered gem of Italian literature, beautifully illustrated by Axel Scheffl er, preserving all of Collodi’s trademark wit and linguistic crispness, will delight and enthrall a new generation of children. Adapted and expanded by Alessandro Gallenzi.
M.M. Vaughan
When Parker moves from London to New York, he struggles to adapt to his new school and environment. His scientist dad is constantly at work on a top-secret venture for a major corporation, when one day he is kidnapped and a sinister enterprise comes to light. It is up to Parker, along with his deaf sister Emma, their friend Michael and the pet pig their father left behind, to fi nd and rescue him. M.M. Vaughan lives in London. She has spent the last eight years working with children with emotional and behavioural diffi culties.
THE EMERGENCY ZOO Miriam Halahmy
£6.99 ISBN 9781846883972
It is late August 1939: Britain is on the brink of war and children are to be evacuated. When Tilly and Rosy fi nd out that their pets will – along with countless other animals – be taken to the vet to be put down, they decide to take action. Inspired by real events during World War II, The Emergency Zoo is a touching tale of courage, resourcefulness and camaraderie in desperate times, as well as a stirring defence of animal welfare. Miriam Halahmy is an established writer; her last novel, Hidden, was a Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week.
THE NEW TEACHER
Dominique Demers ILLUSTRATED BY TONY ROSS
Mademoiselle Charlotte, the new teacher, is not like the others: she wears a large hat that makes her look like a scarecrow, and she talks to a rock. The children think she is crazy at fi rst, but soon realize she makes school more fun than ever. The fi rst book in Dominique Demers’s popular series – it will make you wish you had a teacher just like her. A former professor and journalist in Canada, Dominique Demers is the author of over fi fty books for both children and adults.
£6.99 ISBN 9781846883996
£6.99 ISBN 9781846883958
www.almabooks.co.uk
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