Susannah Dickey

I loved studying at Goldsmiths. I met a lot of stone-cold legends, many of whom I'm still friends with now.

A transformative experience

The reading list for MA Creative & Life Writing introduced me to work by writers I wouldn't have sought out independently, completely overhauling what I previously understood about the potentials of poetry and fiction.

As a result my practice completely changed, and another consequence of the course was the tutors encouraged me to take writing seriously, to think of myself as a writer and to approach my own practice with serious intent. 

While at Goldsmiths I finished my debut novel, Tennis Lessons, which was published in 2020 by Doubleday UK. I also wrote the short story which went on to become my second novel, Common Decency, published in 2022.

Life after Goldsmiths

I'm currently working full-time as a writer - I've published two novels and one poetry collection, with a third novel and another collection on the way.

I supplement the money I make writing with freelance work - teaching, editing, manuscript assessments, writing commissions - and I love the freedom the work gives me, the opportunity to design my own creative timetable and to really dedicate myself to writing.

I'm hoping the future looks a lot like the present: more writing, much writing, more books, death.

Advice for future students

You're never going to regret being a nerd about it all - find a subject you have an inexhaustible enthusiasm for and let that enthusiasm sustain you.

Studying in New Cross

The Marquis of Granby is one of the best pubs in London. I also loved the Goldsmiths library - the printers and I developed a highly symbiotic relationship.