Chaney is a graduate from the MLitt Creative Writing programme...

Tell us a little bit about your background...

I am incredibly grateful for the experiences I have had that made me who I am. My previous degrees were in Journalism and Communication Studies, both awarded with honours from the University of Alabama. During my time at UA, I served as Founder and President of the Society of Professional Journalists, a Justice on Academic Honor Council, a tutor for primary school students through a local non-profit, and I was a member of several honour societies.

The greatest honour I received during my time in undergrad was receiving the Holle Award for Excellence in Media Writing. I was awarded this for writing a series of investigative articles covering the experiences of different minorities in the South. I was also honoured with the Alpha Delta Pi National Philanthropy Volunteer of the Year for my community service work.

Furthermore, I interned in Congress in both the Senate and House of Representatives, worked for a year as a broadcast journalist in a Top 40 News Market, and worked in public relations for two years before moving to Glasgow to pursue my Master of Letters.

What solidified my desire to move to Glasgow was my time as an exchange student in Scotland during my third year of university.

A fun fact about me is that I grew up next door to a WWII veteran named Mr. Roy Benton. He used to tell me stories about fighting in the war and encouraged my love of reading. He is one of the main reasons I decided to pursue a master’s in Creative Writing.

What drew you towards undertaking this degree?

I have always considered myself a creative individual, even from a young age. I published a children’s picture book at the age of ten and have been writing since! While I feel confident when it comes to news writing, I wanted to expound upon my creative writing skills in order to become a novelist. I saw a master’s degree in Creative Writing as the best way to achieve this.

When it came to selecting a university, Strathclyde came to mind due to its high international rankings, location and Creative Writing faculty. In autumn 2024, I met with Dr. Rodge Glass, then course convener, over Zoom. He was one of the only professors in the world who would take the time to do that—and I would know because I asked other professors to meet with me to answer my questions. After meeting Rodge, I knew Strathclyde had a friendly, welcoming environment I wanted to experience. Since arriving here, Strathclyde has exceeded all my expectations.

I am immensely grateful for the encouraging faculty and the friends I have made. I am also thankful to be a Dean’s Scholar and greatly appreciative of the Humanities and Social Sciences: Glasgow 850 International Master’s Scholarship.

What was a typical week like on the programme?

A typical week as a student on the MLitt in Creative Writing is filled with classes. Some of my lectures feel like literature classes. We read myriad novels, short stories, poems and screenplays. Often, we have writers visit the class for a Q&A. I love the variety of material we have the exciting opportunity to engage with. Something that sets Strathclyde apart from other universities is the focus on student-led editorial groups. Peer feedback is a cornerstone of the course. Additionally, I am currently enrolled in a “Made Project” class, where students create a piece of art that corresponds with a story we are writing. For example, one of my friends is crafting a statue of a pigeon. I am developing a website that tells a story about mother/daughter relationships told by different makeup looks through the decades. The creativity of my classmates never ceases to amaze me.

What is the academic support at Strathclyde like? 

My professors are encouraging, friendly, and helpful. Everyone has been easy to talk to. What I appreciate most about my course is how the professors genuinely seem to want to help students. They are there to answer any and all questions, whether that’s in-person or via email.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for this course?

Go for it! Attending Strathclyde is one of the best decisions I have ever made. They say, “People Make Glasgow.” Well, people certainly make Strathclyde. I am grateful for the lifelong friends I have made here and the lessons I have learned in and out of the classroom.