I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I can sometimes be a bit...ahem...chirpy. My closest friends will tell you there is not a dark, stormy cloud on this Earth, in which I cannot find something shiny and silver and hopeful to hold onto. Sometimes (I think? maybe?) this can be endearing; often (I’m sure) it’s annoying as hell.
If you’re in the latter camp, better skip this post because, my lovelies, I’ve got absolutely, positively, floating-on-puffy-white-clouds, wonderful news. Ready?
As you may or may not remember, I was in London this week to scope out my top two choices for graduate schools and complete step 2 (The Interview) in my quest to become a poor college student/children’s book writer.
Well, I’m happy to report, I’m one step closer to that dream of abject poverty: I’ve officially been accepted to both programs.
From a practical standpoint, this means I’m just a student visa and a one-way plane ticket away from writing children’s books in the UK (For the record, I’m doing my best to contain the chirpiness and limit the squealing in public).
I’ll be deciding between the two programs -- both of which are year-long programs that specialize in writing for children -- over the next couple of weeks. But since you’ve been such a big part of this journey, I thought I would give you a chance to weigh-in too (Don't miss our poll at the end of the post).
BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
First of all, you’re not seeing things; that castle-looking thing really is a school where students write about princesses and wizards and superheroes (Only in Europe!). I was really hoping the interior would resemble Hogwarts, but alas it’s mostly carpet and conference tables. Absolutely no moving staircases or suits of armor. Also, instead of owls, there are peacocks. It’s nestled in the little town of Corsham, a quick bus ride away from the lovely city of Bath (about 90 minutes by train from London).
More on the actual program here.
UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER
You actually have to walk through a cemetery to reach the University of Winchester, but once you arrive, you’re greeted with the quaint brick buildings (and some not so quaint modern ones) of a traditional college campus. Winchester is an adorable little city just one hour away from the heart of London. It’s got two farmer’s markets (a must-have in my book) and cute coffee shops just inviting you to come in and write the next bestseller.
More on the actual program here.
{Images via Elizabeth Farrar for Bella Vita}
If you’re in the latter camp, better skip this post because, my lovelies, I’ve got absolutely, positively, floating-on-puffy-white-clouds, wonderful news. Ready?
As you may or may not remember, I was in London this week to scope out my top two choices for graduate schools and complete step 2 (The Interview) in my quest to become a poor college student/children’s book writer.
Well, I’m happy to report, I’m one step closer to that dream of abject poverty: I’ve officially been accepted to both programs.
From a practical standpoint, this means I’m just a student visa and a one-way plane ticket away from writing children’s books in the UK (For the record, I’m doing my best to contain the chirpiness and limit the squealing in public).
I’ll be deciding between the two programs -- both of which are year-long programs that specialize in writing for children -- over the next couple of weeks. But since you’ve been such a big part of this journey, I thought I would give you a chance to weigh-in too (Don't miss our poll at the end of the post).
BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
First of all, you’re not seeing things; that castle-looking thing really is a school where students write about princesses and wizards and superheroes (Only in Europe!). I was really hoping the interior would resemble Hogwarts, but alas it’s mostly carpet and conference tables. Absolutely no moving staircases or suits of armor. Also, instead of owls, there are peacocks. It’s nestled in the little town of Corsham, a quick bus ride away from the lovely city of Bath (about 90 minutes by train from London).
More on the actual program here.
UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER
More on the actual program here.
{Images via Elizabeth Farrar for Bella Vita}
Congratulations!! This is something to be quite chirpy about!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, congratulations! I'm so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I wanted to let you know that I voted for Bath Spa, but for the most superficial of reasons. I always liked the Wife of Bath's story from Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales," also the name Bath Spa is kinda groovy like there are scented mud wraps and deep tissue massages along with homework assignments. And the whole castle backdrop..what an inspiration.
I'll be very interested to see which one you pick. Good luck in your decision-making.
Elizabeth, I'm really, really happy for you. I can feel your excitement from across the pond and across the whole US. You have so many wonderful things in store for you. I'm certain, no matter which school you choose, it will be the right decision. I just wish it wasn't so darn far away. We will miss your brilliance, energy, and enthusiasm in Condon while you are away.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! Such exciting news!! Good luck !!!! Your chirpiness is refreshing!!
ReplyDeleteI had a problem deciding...on one hand, my loyalty is to Bath, then again cemeteries are more my style, and naming a character after me would be lovely. I won't even discuss the chirpiness.
ReplyDeleteYou sounded like you were leaning towards Winchester but whichever way you go may your journey be blessed.
ReplyDeleteSo I like Bath, but Winchester is a) closer to London and b) has farmers markets and coffee shops.
ReplyDeleteCASSSSSSSTTTTTTLLLLLEEEEE!!! ;) Oh, and I wanted to choose two options, but it wouldn't let me. So, here's my other "vote" - I don't care. Just name a character after me. LOL! ;) Best wishes on this once in a lifetime adventure my friend!! Congrats!!! OXOX
ReplyDelete