Photo Credit: David Blank Something that really excited me about WUSTL’s MFA program was its impressive rotation of visiting writers. In nonfiction this semester alone we hosted readings from Dinty W. Moore, who also visited one of our graduate classes; and Meghan Daum, who led a small discussion workshop prior to her talk. Hurst… Continue reading Meeting Alison Bechdel, WUSTL’s Visiting Hurst Professor in Nonfiction
Category: November 2015
On Finishing my MFA
Image: waferboard In September 2012, I embarked upon a creative writing MFA at Stony Brook, Southampton. This was my first return to academic environs since my completion of an MA in sociology in 2010. In the intervening years, I taught briefly. I also attempted to write on my own. The idea appealed to me romantically—sitting… Continue reading On Finishing my MFA
How Writing Saves My Life
This is the time of year when people start to talk a lot about gratitude and thankfulness. This is also the time of year when the days drastically shorten and leave with more darkness daily than light; that is both literal and figurative. I don't remember how many years ago I first heard of "Seasonal Affective Disorder"… Continue reading How Writing Saves My Life
Navigating the MFA Application Process: An Interview With Ishelle Payer
Image: Sarah Murray How many programs did you apply to? How did you narrow your list down? I applied to ten programs in total. While it was pricey—well, because it was so pricey—I went for broke, reasoning that I couldn’t afford another round of applications, so I had better hedge my bets. I was lucky… Continue reading Navigating the MFA Application Process: An Interview With Ishelle Payer
What is a Low-Residency MFA?
Image: Siebuhr This is a topic I've wanted to write about since I was given the chance to contribute to this blog. Most of the narratives you hear about an MFA are narratives stemmed in full residency programs. When I was applying for schools, there were some negative comments that were spouted out about low-residencies,… Continue reading What is a Low-Residency MFA?