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Notes by Benjamin Black, in chronological orderNotes by Benjamin Black
Hello all.

I know it has been quite some time since I was here. Logged in today to find out that one of my stories was a finalist in the Quills, supernatural/genre, so that's cool.

Also thank you for the merit badges and all that.

Cheers.
What a great suprise to come back to *Bigsmile*
Welcome back! *Cool*
Thank you Schnujo's having school probs Author IconMail Icon Words Whirling Round Author IconMail Icon and Adherennium Author IconMail Icon for the merit badges.

I have not been here in forever, it seems, but university is keeping me busy. If it weren't for this site and the feedback and encouragement I received regarding my writing, I would never have thought I was worthy of enrolling, so cheers to all of you.
Yes Schnujo's having school probs Author IconMail Icon I am studying creative writing now, and it is the positive feedback I received here that encouraged me to do this. I am drinking less and rarely drug, and last time I checked, No STDs. So all is good!!
Creative writing?!? WOW! HOW AWESOME!!! *Party*

As for your college life experiences, good job on staying out of trouble with those things that can really ruin a college experience, if not a life. *Wink*

Good luck in school! I'm so excited for you! *Delight*
You're welcome!
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Hey all,

got the results of my first assignment back. 11 out of 15 which according to my tutor is a "great job".
Finished the first thesis I have ever done in my life, arguing that rock and heavy metal music has had a positive influence on society.
Currently working on assignment number 3!
I am looking forward to starting 'Introduction to Creative Writing', because at the moment it is all just core university stuff but it is all very interesting.

And on an even more positive note, my cat returned after 5 months of being AWOL, pretending like nothing happened!!
"S'up can opener?" - cat probably.

Glad things are going well course-wise.
Thank you.
I just finished my first Uni assignment which involved a lot of research.
My topic is "The role of rock and metal music in influencing society and culture."
I have not written for fun during this time, but I am still here when I have the time.


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Sounds like a really interesting paper - and fun research. Hope you're enjoying (or making the best of) Uni!
And don't worry, we won't forget about you. *HeartV*
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Last one.
Enjoy.
'Flame Trees' is my favourite Cold Chisel song and one of my two favourite Aussie rock tracks ever (the other is 'The Unguarded Moment' by The Church).

Seen Chisel live twice now, and their last album Blood Moon was criminally ignored by the public.

I will say my faavourite Australian band is the Angels (RIP, Doc), a band I have seen live more than any other, including the night when they closed down the Old Lion Hotel for good.
Thanks ddenki24

stevengepp Flame trees is an amazing song. My fave Aussie band still has to be The Screaming Jets.
I haven't posted in a while. Getting ready for my Uni course in creative writing.
But anyway here is some Australian music for the world.

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I like 'How Far Have We Really Come?'

I just finished (as in last year) a creative writing degree through Open Universities Australia and Curtin University. So it's a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing). Was fun and actually quite easy to get consistent good grades (I think only 3 subjects I got credits; the rest were distinctions or higher). I mean, it didn't actually help my writing, but that piece of paper is what some overseas publishers like to see.
I am doing the exact same course, also through Open Uni and Curtin.
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Before I forget, I want to thank stevengepp and ddenki24 for their advice regarding creative writing courses.
I am now officially a university student enrolled in a Bachelor of Creative Writing.
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Some music for your morning (or evening).

One of the best vocalists on the planet right now.

See it through to the end. His voice only gets more powerful.

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For fans of Mongolian throat singing.

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See ya tomorrow!
Love The Hu's music, and their videos are awesome.
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It ain't Power or Thrash Metal, but it is some damn fine Blues Rock.
So people, I have a question.

What are your thoughts on creative writing courses? Are they worth it?

Specifically an Australian Bachelor of Creative Writing.

Do they help or are they a waste of time?

Thanks in advance.
I completed a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) through Open Universities Australia, based out of Curtin in WA.

To be honest, I got very little out of it apart from a piece of paper, and the degree is the sort of thing many US publishers expect you to have. However, I also had more published works than over half of the lecturers. I only did it as something to do after the divorce and to help my overseas career.

Now, having said that, because I have 20 years of publication experience behind me, and this being my third Bachelor’s Degree, this course was not designed for me. For some-one new to writing, or straight out of high school, who has not yet developed their own style, and with limited professional experience, I think it would be a huge benefit.

The main issue is that it was Australia-centric. Australia is a pathetic market, especially for genre fiction, and their focus on what Australian publications expect is limiting.

But, as a beginner’s course, it is very good, covering everything (with the exception of synopsis writing). The electives meant I could gear my study towards my interests, which made it fun to do much of the time. My GPA meant I was second in my class/year, so I have to say I also found the work easy. I did learn a few things (experimental writing, some of the professional writing elements, etc.), so it wasn’t like it was a total loss.

That’s my experience and take on it.
Thanks for the tag, Lilli ☕
Thank you stevengepp for this most helpful advice. It is much appreciated.
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