Should i get my mfa in creative writing

In retrospect, I could have written, written, and written as well somewhere less extravagant. I had never considered one of the wonderful, yet less gold-plated, programs. And there are strong programs around the country in the same vein: The University of Iowa and their two-year residency program is the gold standard of the writing MFA and has a massive alumni network; the University of California, Irvine has a three-year residency program that produced Richard Ford and Michael Chabon ; and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor is also notable.

So, here, the first advice might be to consider: Where are you located? And what are the best programs for a person with in-state tuition? Second: can you see yourself in an online degree program? When I attended an on-campus MFA program, there was just a trickling of online programs. The quality of teacher-writers in these programs has soared. The University of New Orleans low residency mostly online, with occasional brief on-campus sessions MFA matches students to a specific professor and offers one-month summer residencies abroad.

Over at Antioch University in Los Angeles, the low-residency program that requires only ten days on site per semester emphasizes one-on-one mentorship as central to their program goals. Perhaps you feel an urgent need to get away from home. Do you want to land near the publishing centers of New York? The entertainment industry in Los Angeles?

Somewhere far from these distracting urban centers? There are excellent programs fitting each of these descriptions. The schools should be able to get you on the phone with someone willing to talk about their experience. Conferences can give you energy and inspiration along with an introduction to the publishing industry.

The Write Life has a list of 60 writing conferences. Running from one afternoon to an entire year, community classes are a less formal alternative to an MFA.

These relationships can last years or decades and be more fun and informal than classes. Search for one online or start your own. You can also work one day, month, or project at a time and expect a totally customized approach. Good luck with this decision! It's a big one.

Blog My Book About. Should you get an MFA in creative writing? Instead of a yes or no, I want to: Compare the biggest pros and cons Give you some suggestions as you consider your decision Recommend resources for applying to and financing your program Offer some MFA alternatives.

Examples of specialized programs or concentrations: Chatham University offers specialties in food writing, travel, nature, and social engagement Savannah College of Art and Design focuses on non-fiction. Be honest with yourself and your goals, so you can choose the path that will best help you Ignite Your Ink.

Instead of wading through the plethora of writing books on your own, start with these gems vetted by an editor and receive notifications when a new Ignite Your Ink article is posted. Click here to download your list now or wait for it to arrive in your inbox.

Good luck Igniting Your Ink! What programs, books, or communities have helped you become a better writer? Share them in the comments below.

For more industry knowledge, writing tips, and ways to educate yourself on writing, subscribe to Ignite Your Ink. Caitlin Berve is a fantasy author, editor, and speaker. Through Ignited Ink Writing, she edits novels, creates video tutorials, and writes. Her collection of modern fairy tales When Magic Calls is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. Caitlin seeks to fill the world with the kind of writing that lingers with readers and find magic in modern times.

This article addresses some of the common questions and comments I receive in response to my earlier articles about MFA programs and will help you decide which writing education path is right for you. Your MFA or other writing degree will make you a better writer, but it might not have the most current information about the writing industry. Academia tends to live in its own bubble, so you need to step outside that bubble and connect with working writers and published authors to complete your writing education.

Insanity is a common theme in literary fiction and fear in people. I survived my MFA. A MFA in Creative Writing is surrounded by myths of college teaching positions, publication, and more. Back About Events Calendar. Back Contact FAQ. Identify your end goal To pursue her goal of publishing a novel, immerse herself into literary culture, and satisfy a crossroads moment of her life, Jordan Rosenfield decided to apply for MFA programs.

Filed Under: Craft. September 2, at am. Brande says:. April 7, at pm. Edward Hicks says:. April 6, at am. April 5, at am. Neil Larkins says:. Speak Your Mind Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Grab our free book outline template!