Marlene Said:

Telephone Interview with the university of Leeds?

We Answered:

I did one with them, albeit a short one, (under 10 minutes), some 28 years ago. I was going for an undergrad place. Fairly regular stuff, no hard questions. I think they were probably more trying to ascertain how well I spoke English as I was a foreign applicant.

I also did numerous telephone interviews for jobs during my career. No one tended to ask really tough questions.

Usually the things they'll ask about: describe yourself a little (don't waffle, just be simple, and short; how did you learn about the program; why did you choose to apply to Leeds; do you know where Leeds is [I can't tell if you are from the UK, but surprisingly enough, there are those who applied and didn't really know where the university was]

Ronnie Said:

Distance Education? Goddard College? Literature/Creative Writing?

We Answered:

The program at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR is low-residency and accredited. I'm just finishing up my first year in the program. The faculty (and department in general) is amazing--they really bend over backwards for their students.

http://www.pacificu.edu/as/mfa/

Patricia Said:

Is an MA or an MFA a waste of time?

We Answered:

Yes, and so is a BA in Creative Writing.

Becoming a writer is a great goal to have, but it really isn't a reliable career aspiration. In other words, you need to have a backup plan.

Becoming a published author requires 3 things, of which you only control 1:
1) Talent. This is the part you can control.
2) Timing. Publishers will only pay for something that will turn a profit for them, and that very much depends on market trends; what's hot, what's not.
3) Luck. When you submit a manuscript to a publisher, there's no sophisticated vetting process to determine who gets taken on and who gets rejected. Your work is read by one guy, and if he doesn't see potential in it then it goes into the reject pile. Obviously different people will see different things, and it's a matter of your manuscript landing in front of someone who will see value in it. This is the reason that so many authors who are famous today still had to endure dozens of rejection initially.

Fred Said:

how prestigious n 'worth-it' is it to do a creative writing course at the university of leicester?

We Answered:

Mmmm...."creative writing"......"Leicester".....

No.

Im trying to write a novel, so hear my heart, Im not mocking....I just think we need to write our classic in an attic. I heard that often studying this kind of art can rip the soul out of it, because its all about higher criticism and systemises it all...but then, that argument doesnt hold up when you cosnider fine art etc

At the end of the day, follow your heart. Never do a Uni course for job prospects...few of us ever use our degree etc vocationally anyway . Uni is for life experience and wisdom, not a CV

All the best

Christina Said:

What MA degrees are prerequisites for a PhD in English? Is it only an MA in English, or are there more?

We Answered:

Usually you would need an MA but if you feel you have other qualificates that would make you a suitable PhD candidate, then talk to the English department at your local university and see if they will accept you ... good luck.