Carly Holmes - Creative Writing (MA) (PhD)

Carly Holmes' UWTSD Experience

Hi! I’m Carly Holmes and I work as an editor and publishing manager at Parthian Books . I’ve published two novels and a collection of short stories, and I am currently working on my third novel.

Name: Carly Holmes

Course: Creative Writing (MA) (PhD)

Previous Studies: English Literature

Hometown: Born in Jersey, raised in Ceredigion

Published publisher: Editor, publishing manager and author Carly Holmes (right) in conversation with Jodie Bond (left) at the launch of Jodie’s novel.

What is your favourite thing about Lampeter campus?

I loved Lampeter campus when I undertook my BA there as it was vibrant, friendly, and small enough for a shy person like me to feel comfortable.

Why did you choose UWTSD?

I was familiar with the town anyway, and honestly, I was a very introverted and shy person and was in a long-term relationship locally so didn’t want to go far afield to university.

What do you enjoy outside your studies?

Lots of reading, spending time with my cats, and writing.

How did your Creative Writing studies help you in your career?

I have graduated (three times). I dreamed of being a writer and working in publishing, and after a decade-long sidestep into social work I finally, after my PhD, began to publish my writing and worked as a freelance editor and proofreader before getting a permanent job with Parthian in 2019.

What was your favourite thing about your undergraduate studies?

I was in love with the medieval literature courses when I did my BA in English Literature, and particularly Chaucer.

Would you recommend UWTSD?

I was raised in Ceredigion and went to UWTSD Lampeter campus for my BA degree in English Literature from 1994-1997. I then went on to do my MA (Carmarthen campus) in Creative Writing from 97-99, and then my PhD in Creative Writing back at Lampeter from 2010-2014. I’ve published two novels and a collection of short stories,and am currently working on my third novel.

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