Dear Ms XXXXXXXXXX:
I am writing
to you in regards to my suitability for acceptance into the Advanced Diploma of Arts (Professional Writing).
In December
2006, I began to pen my first novel. It is an epic fantasy piece, currently in its fourth revision and incorporating 130,000
words. As I worked through the process of writing my novel, I began to realise how little I actually knew about writing correctly.
Over the
past nine months I have moved to correct this. Through continued practise, reading a wide range of text books and general
literature, joining online critique groups and with the help of previously published authors, I have improved my standard
of writing immensely.
Writing
is very important to me. I write every day. I am married and have three children, but I still make the time to write, hopefully
without neglecting them. They are very supportive of my desire to write, allowing me the solitude I require each evening in
which to practise my craft.
Since June
I have completed eight short stories. All have been submitted to various genre markets. Currently AntipodeanSF have accepted
one for publication in their 10th Anniversary edition. I have also entered four short story competitions, and submitted
for an anthology. All deadlines are still to be reached at the time of writing this letter. I have had two non-fiction essays
published through the Fiction Factor newsletter.
Everything
I write is self-edited and then passed through writer’s workgroups, and/or other writers I know. I then rewrite all
my work and resubmit for critique. After a final polish, all have become much better pieces and are submitted for publication.
I have found feedback on my work, from a number of different areas, to have been extremely useful. I also enjoy critiquing
other writer’s work, and have become an active member in online workgroups. I have recently completed critiquing an
American English teacher’s first attempt at a novel aimed at the Young Adult market. My comments, suggestions and general
overview were well received.
Participating
in the Advanced Diploma of Arts (Professional Writing), would allow me to continue my progression and evolution as a writer.
I very much would like to change my career one day, from an IT administrator to one as a full time novelist.
If accepted
I would prefer to be able to work in External mode. I work full time for the xxxxxxxx. I live in xxxxxxxxxxxxx with my wife
and three children. Currently, I find the time to write during the evening, after my youngest is in bed. The ability to retain
this routine would be beneficial for my entire family. Not having to travel into town each evening would also be welcomed.
Thank you for
the opportunity.
Yours sincerely,
Brenton Tomlinson
