Chiamaka Okwuenu enrolled on the MA in Creative Writing and Publishing to develop her skills as a writer. Since completing the course in 2023, she is continuing to write in her spare time while following a career in financial services.
Chiamaka said: “I have been a writer for as long as I can remember. I created a little storybook in primary school and it was a delight to see people smile as they read my stories. I needed a way to build on my existing skills and the creative writing course at BU was the perfect opportunity.”
Chiamaka particularly valued the learning environment at BU, including the support from lecturers, the interactive style of the classes and opportunities to gain practical experience. This included being part of the Memory Markers project, involving working with care home residents living with dementia and capturing creative pieces that reflected their lives.
Now writing alongside her day job, Chiamaka is making the most of opportunities to develop her creative skills. She said: “I haven’t reached my desired destination, but the stops along my journey have been rewarding. I have always worked in financial services and pursued my writing in my spare time - a pattern that continues today. While I look forward to dedicating myself fully to writing someday, for now I write whenever I can, focusing on documenting the world within and around me. Working in a different field exposes me to diverse people, places and experiences, which in turn feeds my creativity.”
When asked for her advice for other aspiring writers, Chiamaka said: “My advice would be to keep writing, keep creating and keep sharing your creativity. The more you share, the more creative you are forced to be. As a writer, there’s a natural tendency to shield your work from outside influences to preserve originality. However, feedback opens your eyes to new perspectives and ultimately creates a better reading experience for your audience.”