This article examines the history of the creative writing doctorate in Australia and traces how its form became more radical over the last 25 years. The work of Edward Cowie, who established the first creative writing doctorate, is placed in context of developments which followed his pioneering degrees. Considering ERA, a case is made for the further radicalisation of the creative writing PhD to meet requirements for new research standards. Keywords: exegesis, creative writing PhD, DCA, ERA