English Literature & Creative Writing Personal Statement Example 1

'I write for the same reason I breathe- because if I didn't, I would die.'

I believe that Isaac Asimov sums up writing particularly aptly. Whilst it could be classed as hyperbole, I feel my sentiments are similar. I have never wanted to do anything other than write and study Literature. I have an extensive interest in most genres, but my reading and writing tend to lean more towards both science fiction and fantasy.

Some of my favourite authors, for instance, are Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Tolkien and Christopher Paolini. I often imagine a novel as a true expression of the author's emotion, experiences and imagination. This, I think, is what allows a quality book, like those from the aforementioned authors, to become so widely loved and appreciated.

I think that reading and writing go together perfectly, and that the success of the latter is entwined with the scope of the former. This is the main reason I wish to study this course. I have always been told I have an extensive imagination and writing allows me to channel it into creating unrestricted, fictional worlds.

Literature, as a subject, has always seemed to show me paths and authors that I had never considered before, such as Ian McEwan at A Level, and John Steinbeck prior to that.

I have been lucky enough to meet two published authors - Jenny Hall and Alex Scarrow. Both were encouraging about their field and the ideas we discussed. Scarrow also told me to 'always have an end in sight.'

Although mentioned in terms of narrative, I think of it as a life tip too. Know what you want to achieve, and then take steps to do just that. I am sure that studying at University will provide the first steps towards my dream of becoming a published author.

Other subjects have allowed me to develop a multitude of skills. Politics has taught me to see a text's political influence and explore high key, current debates. Theatre encourages the development of oratory skills, and provides historical insights into literary context.

Media serves as a creative outlet, giving me an opportunity to develop projects around my personal narrative interests, such as the tale of the antihero. Within these subjects I have explored other writing mediums, such as script, speech and article construction.

I have been asked to use my writing skills in the past, such as penning leaving speeches for our head boy and girl in Year 11. Last year I took part in work experience at the local newspaper, at the end of which two of my articles were published in the weekend's paper. I also assist regularly with events at my local church and primary school.

I enjoy researching history, particularly Ancient Egyptian mythology due to its continued significance and investigation in modern day Literature and the media. I hope in the future to be able to travel to the Valley of the Kings as well as the ruins of civilisations such as the Mayans and the Aztecs.

In my spare time, I enjoy socialising with friends as well as activities such as swimming and walking. I also enjoy attending the Theatre and have seen a diverse number of plays, as well as performing in a number of them during school and college.

I feel that University will allow me to develop and grow as both a writer and a person and it would be amazing to continue to immerse myself in a subject I love.

I wish to live away from home due to the fact that I spend a lot of time, and enjoy, travelling independently. I also think that the opportunity for young writers is significantly higher in the larger cities.

I am looking forward to being able to represent and get involved with the University community, and I believe it is a wonderful place to pool and gain knowledge with a collection of like-minded people. Extra-curricular activities also interest me, particularly if they are relevant to my interests such as performance, sport and debating.