One writer's magazine that I often enjoy is Poets and Writers. Though I don't write for the literary marketplace I do read lots of it. And despite what some people in the business would have us believe, writing is writing whether it's for a literary audience or the genre lovers. This past issue P&W had their annual feature on MFA programs.
I'm way beyond the point of wanting to pursue another master's degree but I often wish I had considered it when I started my writing career. In truth, I didn't even know such programs in creative writing existed. When I did learn of these programs, I should have investigated further. I might have found one that fit my financial and time restraints.
In today's world of the MFA offerings around the USA, many colleges are competing for those writers hungry for that degree. What do they hope to get with that degree?
I think firstly they want professional advice, assessment and the sharing of expertise and knowledge their instructors will bring into the classroom. But how expert are their teachers? Are they multi-published authors? Are they experienced teachers? Teaching is about more than knowledge. One has to be able to convey what you know in a manner that students can learn what they need. Have previous graduates of the MFA program found success. If a MFA candidate has already ventured into publishing, will the program raise their writing to a higher level?
One of the other expectations of enrolling might be making contacts and becoming part of a larger writing community. There are other less ambiguous measures when selecting a program? Is it a residency program which would mean leaving a job, a family and certainly increase cost? Is it low residency or non-residency meaning you'll save money and perhaps keep the day job but lose the face to face contact with your instructors? And will any debt you incur be worth the possible advancement to your writing career?
I do have regrets I never took the MFA path but I know I couldn't afford the financial or personal tradeoffs I would have had to make when I started writing. Do you think MFA programs are worth the costs and time? Have you heard good or not so good things? Are all such programs equal? Do you ever read Poets and Writers?
15 comments:
Some good questions. I'd think a teacher with experience - several published novels - would go far beyond one who just knew his English well. Never thought about taking one and no regrets that I didn't.
It would've been helpful but I'm not sure it would be worth the money.
It all depends on the individual. The few works I've read from people who've earned MFAs have not been impressive.
The writing felt stiff as if maybe their instructors were still over their shoulders.
It might be nice as a base, but nothing beats experience in reading and writing.
If I could get the money together, I'd do it. But I'm not spending money on education right now. I have other things that demand that kind of money that will give me a better return on my investment.
I had considered doing an MFA sometime last year but just never got down to it.
I'm with you and Michael - if I had the money, I would try that route, but now . . . I don't have the time, or money.
I know Poets & Writers, but I mostly read Writer's Digest. I don't think all programs are equal. It really depends on the teachers and what they bring to it. Yet if I had the money and time, I'd totally give it a try! :)
I hadn't heard of MFAs until the last few years. My college certainly didn't have anything like that - would have been fun :)
Funny-as a nurse I'm all about forwarding my education, but as a writer I've never considered it.
I know of two writers who got theirs and they suck at writing. Then I know one lady who is often sad she didn't get hers, yet she is really good at writing.
I don't know that I would spend the money on it, myself, but to each their own fun.
The academic writing world is so much different than those writers in the trenches churning out manuscripts. I considered it for awhile then decided against it. It's just not the world I wanted to be in, and pay a ton of money for as well.
I'm in a MA program in creative writing. The professors are all multi-published. One has published more than 20 novels in two genres. In just one class I definitely increased my writing and research skills. Well worth the money for me, but I can see where it wouldn't be worth it for everyone.
As a reader, I don't care whether an author I love has a degree or not. It's the quality of the story telling. There are plenty of workshops and classes, online and off, that offer high quality education.
I've subscribed to P&W, and am on their mailing list.
Our college in town has an MFA program and I often read through their material and just drool over the offerings. If I had the money and went for it, my motivation wouldn't be for the three letters after my name, it would be to soak up literature, learn how to read and write it with a deeper understanding, to absorb a great use and appreciation of the language. I think it would be wonderful!
Once again, I don't have good answers for you. I think many people are succeeding without an MFA. Would it help? I am sure that it would, but can a person recoup the money invested? Maybe. Maybe not. And if you have a busy life, it would certainly hamper your ability to be INVOLVED in your own life.
Post a Comment