Aliya Siddiqui
Building on a lifelong love of storytelling, the Writing Fiction for Young Adults course helped Aliya Siddiqui broaden her creative horizons, explore new genres and develop her own distinctive voice.
‘Prior to enrolling on the Writing Fiction for Young Adults course, I was sitting my second-year final examinations while exploring creative writing courses that would allow me to make the most of my summer break and explore the edges of my curiosity.
‘Ever since childhood, I have been passionate about reading and writing stories. I grew up watching my grandfather write poetry, which inspired me greatly and ignited a keen interest in literature. There has always been an intrinsic motivation within me to learn more about writing, and after publishing my debut poetry collection, Deafening Silence, in 2024, I found myself particularly receptive to exploring creative writing and working across different forms and genres.
‘I have always loved expanding my imagination as far as possible, exploring the boundless worlds that stories can create.
‘Throughout the course, I particularly enjoyed exploring the foundations of YA fiction, from developing compelling characters and conflicts to understanding how an effective storyline takes shape. The exercises encouraged me to look beyond simply having an idea and consider how structure, character motivation and genre work together to create a story that resonates with its readers.
‘One of the most challenging aspects of the programme was writing an outline completely outside the genre I usually gravitate towards. I tend to write about pain, torment, suffering and dystopian worlds, so developing a romantic-comedy storyline was initially quite challenging. At the same time, however, I found the experience exciting and captivating, as it encouraged me to think more idiosyncratically, step beyond my usual creative boundaries and develop a deeper understanding of different genres.
‘Since completing the course, I have been working on short stories and a novel, and I hope to write across multiple genres in the future. Alongside this, I am focusing on my degree in business studies and working towards building an online literary salon where writers, readers, poets and thinkers can exchange ideas, theories, philosophies and stories.
‘If you’re considering studying a creative writing course, I would encourage anyone with a story to tell to take the leap. The course helped me understand YA fiction more deeply, strengthen my storytelling, and develop my own creative voice. If you love writing and want to turn your ideas into meaningful stories, this is a wonderful place to begin.’