Anna Beecher

What are you doing now?

I'm a writer and a creative freelancer.

Shortly after I graduated from Westminster I was commissioned to write a play for young performers by Young Vic, Taking Part, and I recently wrote a one-man play which went to the Edinburgh and Buxton Fringe Festivals and Vault Festival in London. I also write and perform poems and stories. I was a recently a finalist in the UK National Poetry Slam at the Albert Hall and I often perform at festivals like Glastonbury and Latitude. 'Nest', a poetry show for babies and adults that I created with a physical performer and an amazing designer, is off on a national tour next year.

My work also involves supporting other people to write, make theatre and share their stories. I run lots of workshops and creative projects with older people, community groups and schools. I'm currently leading a big intergenerational project at Battersea Arts Centre.

What did you find most valuable about your course at Westminster? How did the skills you learnt during your degree help you to shape your career?

Studying Creative Writing at Westminster gave me the chance to explore many different fields of writing, from poetry and prose to radio plays and memoir.

It was a chance to develop my voice and work out where my strengths were. My English Literature modules opened up my mind to theory, making me ask important questions about the limits of language and how writing shapes and is shaped by the culture it comes from. Above all the degree gave me time and support to think really deeply about what I do.

Why would you recommend Westminster as a place to study?

The tutors are supportive and challenging, the study body is full of interesting people and London is a great place for creatives to be.

What was the best thing about being a student in London?

London is so full of things to be inspired by. You can watch a different play, go to a different poetry reading, book launch or gallery every day. That's invaluable.

What extra-curricular activities did you participate in that enhanced your time at the University?

Throughout my degree, I tried to get what I was writing into the 'outside world' as much as possible.

I entered the poems I wrote at Westminster into competitions and was lucky enough to win a few and I turned the short radio play I wrote and recorded at Westminster into a sound piece for festivals. I also created a theatre piece at Battersea Arts Centre made up of poems and stories during the time I was a student and undertook an internship at Soho Theatre.

Building connections and experience alongside studying definitely meant that when I graduated it was easier to get work.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing a similar career?

1. It is your job to write, not to decide whether your writing is 'worthy'. Once you've written something just get it out there (enter a competition, perform it, record it as a podcast). Get into the habit of doing this.
2. Think of teaching/leading workshops as part of your practice as a writer/creative. It sharpens your skills and pays the bills.
3. Be organised. Freelancing means every day is different which is very stimulating but it can be overwhelming if you don't learn how to budget your creative energy and time.
    

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

I'm writing a novel which I began when I was a student at Westminster. I won a scholarship to attend Winchester Writers' Festival at the end of my degree, where I was able to pitch the book to editors and literary agents. This yielded some really useful feedback and connections. I recommend applying for the Festival Scholarship to any young writer.