I wonder...and please ignore me if you don't want to/can't answer this question...how would you go about choosing an MFA program for writing? There are so many, and they all look wonderful, but they are expensive and would be a big life change. What makes one stand out?
I only ask you because you're an extremely talented and knowledgeable author, and I don't trust information that's purely google-able.
First off, it depends on what kind of writing you want to do. There are very few MFA programs that provide a focus on science fiction or fantasy or in fact any kind of genre fiction. (Academia still sneers at genre fiction, and it tends to be MOST sneering in its creative writing programs.) Seton Hill and Stonecoast are the traditional two that I know about; I know much less about online/low residency programs, meaning basically "I know there are some" and that'll be "some" + 1 if Ashland's genre fiction track can fly.
Now, here's the other hand. I know maybe two professional spec fic writers who have MFAs. If you want to write speculative fiction, an MFA is not necessary. If you want some kind of structured learning, Clarion is the big 6-week boot camp thing, but I think the shorter ones are kinder (to one's mental health as well as one's checkbook): Viable Paradise is the one I can think of off the top of my head, but there are several.
On yet a third hand, if you're interested in more mimetic kinds of fiction, or creative nonfiction, or poetry, my best advice is to find someone you want to learn from and choose your program that way.
So be sure you know what your goals are before you start. If an MFA won't get you closer to what you want to do, then choose a different path. If you want an MFA because you want an MFA (and believe me, I get it, that's why I have a Ph.D.), then I say strength to your arm and best of luck.
Thank you so much! This is extremely helpful, and so good to know.
What I want is to be a writer. Which is slightly disingenuous because I am a writer - I write every day and have for the past five years. I've just never been published, and that's the end goal. To be an "author", the kind of writer that other people know is an author. I would love to work with writers, teach writing, or otherwise be around writers. But most of all I want my stories published, and to see them in someone's hands.
I've considered Clarion and MFA programs because I want to be the best writer I can be, and I want an agent to pick me up. (As a side note, if I was getting a degree for pleasure, it would have to be a Ph.D. - I already have an M.Ed.)
Thank you again for taking the time to share this with me! It's really is good to know and very helpful to me in making decisions!
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momijizukamori
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Date: 2017-11-18 06:53 pm (UTC)Congratulations!
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Date: 2017-11-18 07:38 pm (UTC)P.
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Date: 2017-11-19 04:10 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-11-20 06:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-11-20 01:16 pm (UTC)I wonder...and please ignore me if you don't want to/can't answer this question...how would you go about choosing an MFA program for writing? There are so many, and they all look wonderful, but they are expensive and would be a big life change. What makes one stand out?
I only ask you because you're an extremely talented and knowledgeable author, and I don't trust information that's purely google-able.
no subject
Date: 2017-11-20 07:28 pm (UTC)Now, here's the other hand. I know maybe two professional spec fic writers who have MFAs. If you want to write speculative fiction, an MFA is not necessary. If you want some kind of structured learning, Clarion is the big 6-week boot camp thing, but I think the shorter ones are kinder (to one's mental health as well as one's checkbook): Viable Paradise is the one I can think of off the top of my head, but there are several.
On yet a third hand, if you're interested in more mimetic kinds of fiction, or creative nonfiction, or poetry, my best advice is to find someone you want to learn from and choose your program that way.
So be sure you know what your goals are before you start. If an MFA won't get you closer to what you want to do, then choose a different path. If you want an MFA because you want an MFA (and believe me, I get it, that's why I have a Ph.D.), then I say strength to your arm and best of luck.
no subject
Date: 2017-11-20 11:06 pm (UTC)What I want is to be a writer. Which is slightly disingenuous because I am a writer - I write every day and have for the past five years. I've just never been published, and that's the end goal. To be an "author", the kind of writer that other people know is an author. I would love to work with writers, teach writing, or otherwise be around writers. But most of all I want my stories published, and to see them in someone's hands.
I've considered Clarion and MFA programs because I want to be the best writer I can be, and I want an agent to pick me up. (As a side note, if I was getting a degree for pleasure, it would have to be a Ph.D. - I already have an M.Ed.)
Thank you again for taking the time to share this with me! It's really is good to know and very helpful to me in making decisions!
no subject
Date: 2017-11-20 03:37 pm (UTC)