Catherine H - January 13, 2012 writes:

I am on assignment N6 and it is going SO slowly. I know exactly why the assignments as how they are - they just want you to complete a huge range of writing styles - and don't get me wrong - I am greatful as I have already earned from my writing. However, I feel that each assignment is no more interesting than the last and am now itching to get on to the fiction part. I know I am nowhere near that - but just wanted to know how many assignments are there for the non fiction? And how many for the fiction? Just so I can work out a bit of a time line and not run out of tutoring time!!! You get 4yrs to complete don't you? Thank you!

Tracey G - January 14, 2012 replied:

Hi Catherine I'm also doing the comp writing course. I'm on assignment 4 now and struggling a bit to get motivated too. Well done for earning so far! As far as I know there are 20 assignments in all and I assume that 10 are for non-fiction and 10 for fiction. I know how you feel - I actually wish I'd chosen to do the fiction part first as I feel like I have more ideas for that. I have also enrolled for the childrens writing course as well and at least that gives me a chance to flex my fiction muscles. Yes, you do get 4 years to complete but at the rate I'm going at the moment it won't be enough! I think you also asked about skipping an assignment. I suppose it is possible but I expect you have to waive the refund part - but maybe that doesn't matter? Good luck with it all. Tracey

Catherine H - January 16, 2012 replied:

Thanks Tracey, Ok...so I'm on N6 so I guess not really that long til I complete the non fiction. That does make me feel a bit better actually. I did work out initially that I could do it in a year (and actually, you could do it MUCH quicker than that if you had the time/motivation. I think I'd actually find it easier if I had official deadlines for assignments rather than work at your own pace (however much I LIKE work at your own pace I'm actually better if I work under pressure). I can set my own deadlines but knowing they are my own, I won't be as strict on myself. Oh well, I will keep going as the end of Non Fiction is in sight! x x

Jessica K - January 17, 2012 replied:

Hi their. Who sets the assignments. I assumed they were included at the end of each module. I have only skimmed through the course material since receiving it today, but apart from assignment 1, I can not locate the others for each subject. Thanks for any advice

Tracey G - January 17, 2012 replied:

Hi Jessica As you go through the course and send in assignments you get a new one back when your work comes back to you. I think the course documents should come with the first 2 assignments and then when you get assignment 1 back with comments from your tutor you should also get assignment 3 and so on. Tracey

Jessica K - January 18, 2012 replied:

Thanks Tracy, I appreciate the advise. By the way, would you advise to complete the modules in order or go straight to one of the fiction modules?

Tracey G - January 18, 2012 replied:

Hi Jessica At the beginning you have to decide whether to do non-fiction or fiction first. They advise non-fiction I think because it is easier to break into and get published. I did choose non-fiction and I am gradually ploughing my way through (on assignment N4 at the moment) but I must admit there are times when I wish I'd gone for fiction first as I seem to have more ideas for that. I think you have to consider what you are most interested in and go with it. Good luck and hope you enjoy it. I don't mean to sound negative about the course as I am really enjoying it and I'm hoping that at least one of my articles has been accepted for publication so it's all good so far really. Good luck with it all, Tracey

david k - January 19, 2012 replied:

Hi all, I am about to send off Assignment 16... please keep going, you will be so pleased you did! I have a client I am writing a book for and I loving it!

Catherine H - January 20, 2012 replied:

Wow! Well done David! Oh, to be on Assignment 16!! I think my struggle is to write about a range of subjects. I tend to write about what I know and find it hard to get motivated to research anything that doesn't interest me. Assignment N6 asks for 3 ideas of completely different subjects but I keep finding myself coming up with things that I have already written about! I'm not keen on interviewing so it's just hard to get going on this one really.