*collaborative post*
Want to hear a secret? Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to write a book. I have always been a massive bookworm, for years I would fall asleep with my glasses still on my face and a book in my hands, the page I was reading lost until morning. I love reading, I love how I can physically just be sat in my living room but, through the power of words on a page, feel like I’m in a whole different place, watching the excitement and drama of someone else’s life unfold. Books really are amazing.
I have always admired how authors are able to make you feel so many strong emotions just through the sentences they have creatively crafted together. There have been times I have slammed books closed in frustration, cried my eyes out with what feels like genuine grief at the demise of a main character and times I have laughed so hard it hurts. That’s my dream right there; I would love to write a story that people really invested in, that moved them and made them really feel something. So why haven’t I done it, you might be wondering? Well, I have a good reason. Two good reasons actually, one is called Leo and the other is called Alex.
Don’t let motherhood stop you from chasing your dreams
When I was 22 and pretty fresh out of university, motherhood happened and for the last four and half years I haven’t had the energy, motivation and time to commit to writing a book. I have tried to write a novel (I managed three chapters of a directionless thriller and gave up) but these little people of mine demand so much time and attention, something I am happy to give them by the bucketful. Recently though, I have realised that using my boys as an excuse not to chase my dreams isn’t really the example I want to be setting for them as they grow up. After all, it’s 2018, aren’t we supposed to be able to have it all? I love my boys dearly, I am a stay at home mum and their happiness and needs are my priority, always, but I’m sure that their happiness doesn’t need to come at the expense of my dreams, does it?
I have reached a point now where my head is full of so many ideas that I need to start writing them down. I am scared if I don’t bite the bullet and get writing this story then I never will. I have a genuine fear of being an old lady looking back on my life and regretting never chasing my dream, that one thing I have wanted since I was a little girl with books piled high up next to my bed and a fantasy of seeing my own book on the shelves of a bookstore one day. I’m going to go for it, the ideas are there, the motivation is there, all I need to do now is banish the self doubt and tell the little voice saying ‘you can’t do it’ to shut up and just get typing.
Association of Learning Creative Writing course review
As well as being a busy mum serving as a hurdle in my path towards reaching my dreams , my confidence in my writing is lacking and I need to get over this before I can fully commit to this project. I think if I brushed up on my writing skills a little bit, really put some effort into learning how to write fiction, then there really would be nothing holding me back. With no childcare options, going to a night class or college or committing to an Open University degree seem unrealistic goals to be setting myself right now. However, there is a way I can learn some creative writing skills, brush up on my writing knowledge and still get help and guidance from a tutor, all from the comfort of my own home and at a time and pace that suits me. Association of Learning is an online provider of industry recognised, quality courses. I am enrolled on the Creative Writing Level 3 diploma, I have tutor guidance and there are 14 really interesting and useful modules for me to work through.
The creative writing course from Association of Learning is exactly what I need to help give me the boost in both knowledge and confidence to finally get started on my book. The best thing about Association of Learning is that you can complete the modules in your own time, there is no rush to get coursework completed by a specific deadline. Students enrolled on the creative writing course do have only 12 months to complete all the modules and the exam, however, I have had a good look through the modules and whilst the work load isn’t small, it can definitely be completed within the space of a year, even if you are a busy parent like me.
I am so excited to work through all the different modules and to be a student again. I love learning new things and I feel like this is something I have really missed since becoming a mum and my brain became overrun with thoughts about nappies, milk and keeping two little people alive! Modules include: short story writing, scriptwriting, non-fiction writing, life writing, novel writing, getting published and loads more. If you have dreams of becoming an author one day but want to gain some valuable skills and knowledge too then this distance learning creative writing course from Association of Learning is definitely worth looking in to.
Once all the modules and exam are completed and marked by your tutor via email, you will then receive your certificate. The Creative Writing Level 3 is a fully accredited course, following the Ofqual Qualification framework and certificated by an Ofqual regulated awarding body. If you are looking for writing jobs (rather than being a freelance writer) having this qualification on your CV will be really beneficial and help you to stand out amongst the other candidates.
Association of Learning have a large variety of courses available at really affordable prices, you can split the cost in to manageable monthly instalments if needed too. If raising a family has slowed down your career progression, or if you just fancy starting to climb a completely different career ladder, then learning from home with Association of Learning and around all your existing family commitments could be the best route for you to take.
I am so excited to really get stuck in to this course and at long last write that book I have desperately wanted to write since I was a child. I love being a mum, my boys are my whole world but being a parent doesn’t mean I can’t chase my dreams too. The same goes for you, if you really want to do something, it doesn’t matter how hectic life is, make the time to follow your dreams. By working hard, being passionate about something and doing a job you love, you will be setting an amazing example to your kids and inspire them to chase their own dreams as they grow up too. Being a stay at home parent is a wonderful yet demanding and exhausting job but it doesn’t have to completely consume you and, with a bit of juggling, you can still achieve all those things you have always dreamed of.
WIN A CREATIVE WRITING COURSE FROM ASSOCIATION OF LEARNING
Do you dream of being a writer too? Love the sound of studying from home and working through a course at your own pace? You are definitely going to want to enter this giveaway. Association of Learning have kindly agreed to offer one of my lucky readers a place on the Creative Writing Level 3 course. You can find out all about the modules included and the work involved by checking out the course outline here. Unlike if you were paying for the course, this prize does not include tutor support. However, you will have access to all the modules, have your work marked and assessed and receive your official certificate when the course is completed.
If you want to gain valuable creative writing skills, enter the giveaway using the rafflecopter below – good luck!
Terms and conditions.
No purchase necessary. Giveaway open to UK entrants only. Giveaway closes 12am April 25th. One winner will be chosen at random using Rafflecopter. Association of Learning is responsible for delivering the prize, Naptime Natter can not be held responsible if you do not receive your free enrolment on the course. The prize is a 12 month subscription to the Creative Writing Level 3 diploma (minus tutor support). Your information and data will not be shared or sold to any outside parties.
Have you always dreamt of doing something but raising a family put those plans on hold? If you have managed to make your dream a reality, alongside bringing up your children, then I would love for you to share your inspiring stories in the comments below.
Disclaimer: I received a 12 month subscription to the Creative Writing Level 3 course from Association of Learning free of charge in return for this honest review. All words and opinions are my own.
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I have done some creative writing courses and have always enjoyed them . The beauty of writing in my opinion is that you’re never too old to decide to really go for it . This is an amazing prize ,any person interested in writing will really benefit from it .
I always wanted to be a writer throughout secondary school. I still love the idea. I think perhaps I’d like to start with children’s book because my attendance toon span isn’t great!
Oh wow, that is fantastic news you have enrolled and it will be such an amazing course! In fact I went to a creative writing workshop at the weekend and for pretty much 60 minutes wrote non-stop… it was quite refreshing writing something different to blog work and maybe I do have a novel in me 🙂 Sim x
If you won this course, what would you use your skills to write?
my autobiography and hope it would not bore my readers
My biography. I already have it written – it needs polishing but hopefully this course would enable me to do that and give me the confidence to do something with it!
Wow, what a great prize to win! I am like you – I have always wanted to write a book. I’ve started several over the years only to give up. I am a bit of an instant gratification kind of girl and I just can’t seem to write more than a couple of chapters before the novelty wears off. It’s so much harder to write a book than people might think but I know it’s inside of me somewhere! Hope the writing course pays off and you are a best-seller one day!
I have always wanted to write a book!! This course looks amazing. Great giveaway. Kaz
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What an awesome giveaway – the course sounds fab!
Good on you! Your writing is lovely so go for it. If I was to win I would use it to just improve my writing. I’ve never been great at it but this would help me
This would be amazing to give me a helping hand with writing a book
I would love to write my own stories based on real life events that have happened in my life.
Online courses are great as you can do so much without the commitment of a location in the same way x
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wow It must be such an exciting project for you! I know that you always wanted to write and it sounds like this will be so helpful! Plus the format is perfect for mums at home! I will need to look into it. I am not seeing myself as a writer but never say never!
Ahhh so great you are doing this hun I am so proud of you and I agree motherhood shouldn’t ruin your dreams it can even be a springboard to your dreams I can’t wait to see where this takes you…thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub and happy Eaaster hun! xoxo
What an amazing opportunity! I would love to win. Well done lovely! #coolmumclub
I would like to write an historical novel
My autobiography.
I actually started writing a paranormal romance for young adults a few years ago but I lost my mojo and it’s just sitting on my pc unfinished so I would use this writing course to improve/finish it and maybe I could even get it published!
A creative writing course sounds great! Since becoming a mum I’ve been trying to get back to “me” by doing stuff that makes me happy and feel more like myself again. Online courses are so handy for family life.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
Wishing you all the best of luck with this course – it sounds like a great way to improve your creative writing skills and finally start writing that book. I have several half-written attempts at novels so I would probably want to try to finish one of those! 🙂 #coolmumclub
I’d love to write children’s stories and illustrate them.
I am in the process of writing a novel right now but sometimes I lack focus or I hit a creative block. I would love to develop more creative wring skills.
*writing
Ive had a wonderful and interesting life, so i would love to write My Story
This course seems to be good, I have written about improving Creative Writing Skills, I will try to share your valuable information with my readers as well.
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It’s my dream to write a thriller novel so I would aim towards that
I mostly write short stories so I’d love to branch out a little and try scriptwriting or something. 🙂
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I ould love to win this course for my husband who has a wonderful way with words but could use the coaching to get them onto paper
I want to write a fantasy trilogy – I’ve already written most of it, but need help to get it just right and encouragement to finish it as I’m at a bit of a standstill!
i’m undecided about whether i’d gift it to my husband who is really into creative writing or to do it myself to boost my confidence in perhaps writing short stories or even poetry.
I would love to write a romantic novel. I’m an old romantic at heart.
I’m thinking of writing a semi-autobiographical novel 🙂
I have always dreamed of writing a book but never knew how to start
Writing my first novel
Uplifting stories for children to encourage them to live their own freams
Like you, I have always wanted to write. When I was younger I was always writing short stories and poetry, went on to pursue a degree in English Literature and then due to finances, family commitments, etc, my dream was placed on the back burner. Now, due to illness, I work part-time so would love to pursue my dream, although I am struggling with how to go about it, so this course would be perfect for me.
I would love to write a book aimed at young adults, something inspirational and motivating.
I’ve always thought I had a book hidden in me somewhere so maybe this is the time to capture my future
I suffer from severe anxiety and agoraphobia. I use writing short stories as a way of therapy to clear my thoughts worries and feelings . I’ve never had the confidence to let anyone else read them not even my fiance . I’m hoping a course would help me build my confidence in my short story writing . Thanks for the chance
If I won this course I would use it to further my idea for a book that I have started the first chapter for. I feel I lack the ideas and confidence to drive it forward
nice article, i will not let motherhood stop me from chasing my dreams,
thanks for share.