It's important to point out this only applies to the US. A lot of people around the world won't have to go into crippling debt to attend higher education.
I’m currently in an MFA program and I LOVE every moment of it! I’ve met so many amazing people and it has already opened so many doors for me. It’s not for everyone, of course, just like getting a doctorate isn’t for everyone. But it can be a life-changing experience for some people who enjoy honing their skills and learning more about the craft. The program I’m in also teaches the business side of professional publishing. They also give a choice between getting an online teaching certificate, or a professional writing certificate-this is in addition to the MFA degree.
03:00 is SOOO true, I imagine by the design of the MFA program you are placed into an all too real Dunning-Kruger effect. Where you live out that opening sequence of Raiders of the Lost Arc: you collect you crew (artistic toolbox, story crafting tools in this case) go to Peru & find the Jibito temple (research & find your MFA program) the grab the idol and gradually head out. The Dunning-Kruger realization is the colossal marble chasing you to the exit.
Shealin, Are you the only person on this channel, other than last Tuesday I never seem any else speak, it's not the reason I dislike you, I really enjoy watching talk passionately about writing. It's just wanting to know, because everyone is different so that mean I get to hear about different writing experience and talents which is more valuable to me because I discover a lot more. Compare to one person?
I almost pursued my MFA after graduating with a bachelor's in English but decided against it because I realized that an MFA wouldn't do much to help me achieve my goals. I want to write genre fiction---namely dark erotic fantasy. There are more programs that welcome speculative fiction than there used to be, but after looking further into things, I realized most still focused heavily on contemporary literary fiction and highly literary speculative fiction (think magical realism and slipstream). They also didn't teach a lot of skills critical to what I want to do: self-publishing, book marketing, developing gripping plots and likable characters, worldbuilding, etc. There are a few popular fiction MFAs in the US, but as far as I can tell, they're all expensive and have very limited funding. Far better to learn by doing in my case. :)
Personally I feel that getting a traditional publisher for my first novel would be about 1000 times more validating as a "real writer" than getting an MFA.
![Should You Get an MFA in Creative Writing? [Pros and Cons]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/c4VV9HX-jdQ/mqdefault.jpg)
It's important to point out this only applies to the US.
A lot of people around the world won't have to go into crippling debt to attend higher education.
Most folks in the US who go into crippling debt, choose to do so. There are always ways to avoid that.
I’m currently in an MFA program and I LOVE every moment of it! I’ve met so many amazing people and it has already opened so many doors for me. It’s not for everyone, of course, just like getting a doctorate isn’t for everyone. But it can be a life-changing experience for some people who enjoy honing their skills and learning more about the craft. The program I’m in also teaches the business side of professional publishing. They also give a choice between getting an online teaching certificate, or a professional writing certificate-this is in addition to the MFA degree.
Great content! Glad you mentioned the student debt and how it's not a good idea. 100% agree there!
03:00 is SOOO true, I imagine by the design of the MFA program you are placed into an all too real Dunning-Kruger effect. Where you live out that opening sequence of Raiders of the Lost Arc: you collect you crew (artistic toolbox, story crafting tools in this case) go to Peru & find the Jibito temple (research & find your MFA program) the grab the idol and gradually head out. The Dunning-Kruger realization is the colossal marble chasing you to the exit.
My MFA will be fully funded!
How did you manage that?!🎉❤
Genevieve Glen
Shealin, Are you the only person on this channel, other than last Tuesday I never seem any else speak, it's not the reason I dislike you, I really enjoy watching talk passionately about writing. It's just wanting to know, because everyone is different so that mean I get to hear about different writing experience and talents which is more valuable to me because I discover a lot more. Compare to one person?
There are others I guess, but I think I've heard her say that she manages Reedsy's social media... that's why you see her a lot over here
What is a MFA or what does it stand for?
Masters of fine arts degree
3
I almost pursued my MFA after graduating with a bachelor's in English but decided against it because I realized that an MFA wouldn't do much to help me achieve my goals. I want to write genre fiction---namely dark erotic fantasy.
There are more programs that welcome speculative fiction than there used to be, but after looking further into things, I realized most still focused heavily on contemporary literary fiction and highly literary speculative fiction (think magical realism and slipstream). They also didn't teach a lot of skills critical to what I want to do: self-publishing, book marketing, developing gripping plots and likable characters, worldbuilding, etc.
There are a few popular fiction MFAs in the US, but as far as I can tell, they're all expensive and have very limited funding. Far better to learn by doing in my case. :)
Shaelin 😍
Denesik Stream
First!!
Are you sure?!
A degree does not give you the talent to be a good writer.
But still, most editors would publish stories written by writers with MFA...
Personally I feel that getting a traditional publisher for my first novel would be about 1000 times more validating as a "real writer" than getting an MFA.
Almost nobody pays for an MFA.
they would definitely apply the fully funded programs.