I am a writer. But like Annie Dillard said, I hate writing, love having written. The allure of a program like an MFA is that you end with a book-length manuscript (at least in the programs I'm looking at) that has been critiqued by faculty and advisors. Having a solid draft to query is a big draw, but having the structure that requires me (via a deadline) to have the result I want is super helpful. External motivation is key for forcing me to accomplish my own goals. So I guess I disagree with your whole premise here, but not combatively, just that the need to write for me is less in the enjoyment of the emotionally taxing process and more in the satisfaction of having given form to something that was little more than an idea in my head. It's incredibly satisfying, so much so that I keep doing it. But a book-length manuscript eludes me as of yet, and I have notebooks full of outlines and ideas and character descriptions etc etc. I'm considering an MFA, but find that a funded program appeals to my economic sensibilities, but a low-res scenario with summer workshops appeals to my life logistics. Balancing family and location etc are all considerations. It's hard to think, especially after listening to your videos, that paying for one can be worth the investment outside of personal fulfillment. I wish MFAs had better-established funnels for navigating the publishing industry and better networks of publishing resources, agents, editors and collaborators than it seems I assumed they had but am realizing they don't. Still, I keep thinking I want to pursue one anyway. I want that external motivation to finish a manuscript baby!
An MFA in creative writing can be a great experience. I get what you are saying about having the guidance to create a manuscript. Just know that for every MFA student who leaves with a publishable book, there are a hundred others who give up on their thesis manuscripts and move on to other work. Some of my MFA friends, all of whom are very talented, realized at the end of their two years that their manuscripts were more or less a dead end. But like you said, having the accountability to be creative is very important, and that is something you can find in an MFA program. Also, like you said about MFA connections to the publishing industry, you are right. Some programs have more connections than others, but getting an MFA is far from a guarantee of being published. There is an oversaturation of MFA students and graduates, and they far outnumber the demand of agents and publishers.
I decided to apply to an MFA program for Creative Writing because I knew I needed the space and time to write and I knew that workshops weren't going to cut it. I also didn't want a low res program because I couldn't see myself on track with just 10 day intensives. I needed to be on a campus consistently. I just do better with that structure. I also chose my program because I would learn about publishing design as well. That's the added bonus of my program.
Im considering a MFA because the bachelors im about to receive in the spring is NOT CUTTING IT. Despite doing undergrad in creative writing in these four years I HAVE NOT DONE ANY CREATIVE WRITING AT ALL. Most of the writing I have completed OUTSIDE of schoolwork including a 91,000 word novel that I am in the process of revising and editing. I paid all that money just to barely creative write at all... Graduate school actually sounds like we would get into the core of the theory that comprises creative writing and that sounds so fun to me. Also having a novel as homework sounds AMAZING. I would just do it for school instead of always having to fight between finishing assignments and working on a novel.
Sorry to hear about your undergraduate experience! Depending on the type of MFA program you go to, there will probably still be a lot of other work to do besides creative writing. Some students in my program were more successful in finding writing time than others. I was able to write quite a bit. But even though you'll be taking lots of classes and possibly teaching classes, doing actual creative writing will definitely be part of the curriculum, so at least some writing will be built into your schedule. However, you'll probably need to do more than just what is required for classes, especially while working on your thesis.
Great video. I'd add two things: 1. Money. I'd personally only recommend low residency/part time programs that allow you to work at the same time or full time MFA programs that you can get into on a full or almost full ride, either through a scholarship or assistantship. Unless you're very well off. Considering the likely financial payoff for a career as a creative writer, I wouldn't go into debt for an MFA. 2. What kind of writing do you do? If you're trying to be a commercial writer who's all about delighting readers with gripping novels that meet their expectations for the genre, most MFAs won't teach you how to do that. Sure, you can improve your writing, but there are far cheaper, faster ways to do that. I'd say most MFAs (especially those that are paid) are best for writers of literary or at least upmarket fiction (nowadays there are plenty of programs that welcome speculative fiction, YA, etc., so I wouldn't say MFA programs aren't for that kind of "genre" writer.).
This is a really helpful video. I’ve been trying to decide if I want to go for an MFA for nearly 5 years, and the questions you posed are by far the most helpful. Thank you!
Come through for the Bird by Bird reference! Very helpful. I'm finishing up my BA in Individualized Studies with a Creative Minor. I am a poet and I perform but I could really write all day. I think to the point I could one day teach it.
I have a request, I would love your tips on how to improve your poetry. I have a bachelor's in literature and we briefly looked at poetry. I love to write it, but I am an amature.
I'd love to help! I actually critique poetry, short stories, and other creative and professional writing for a living. Here's a link to my poetry gig on Fiverr: www.fiverr.com/s/bxkVWm
Hi Brian, not sure you still check your comments on here but I have been going through all your MFA videos and wow are they helpful! I was wondering if you had any opinion on a foreigner applying to MFAs in the US - unfortunately they're not really a thing anywhere else and I really believe they would advance my writing greatly. In your opinion, is there any chance for a non-native speaker (but with undergrad and grad. done in English + freelance journalism experience in English + some lit. mag publications) to get into one of them? I was thinking of mainly targeting the less competitive ones either way because of that, but as I could only afford a fully funded one, I'm a little afraid they wouldn't want a non-native TA (and if I understand correctly this is how they pay you + give you insurance). Any advice or input on this would be extremely helpful! Thanks either way for all your content :)
International students are very welcome! Most MFA programs pride themselves for their diversity and inclusivity. My program was not very diverse compared to some, but we did have one international student, so I know for a fact that it is possible, especially with your extensive experience!
I am a writer. But like Annie Dillard said, I hate writing, love having written. The allure of a program like an MFA is that you end with a book-length manuscript (at least in the programs I'm looking at) that has been critiqued by faculty and advisors. Having a solid draft to query is a big draw, but having the structure that requires me (via a deadline) to have the result I want is super helpful. External motivation is key for forcing me to accomplish my own goals. So I guess I disagree with your whole premise here, but not combatively, just that the need to write for me is less in the enjoyment of the emotionally taxing process and more in the satisfaction of having given form to something that was little more than an idea in my head. It's incredibly satisfying, so much so that I keep doing it. But a book-length manuscript eludes me as of yet, and I have notebooks full of outlines and ideas and character descriptions etc etc.
I'm considering an MFA, but find that a funded program appeals to my economic sensibilities, but a low-res scenario with summer workshops appeals to my life logistics. Balancing family and location etc are all considerations. It's hard to think, especially after listening to your videos, that paying for one can be worth the investment outside of personal fulfillment.
I wish MFAs had better-established funnels for navigating the publishing industry and better networks of publishing resources, agents, editors and collaborators than it seems I assumed they had but am realizing they don't. Still, I keep thinking I want to pursue one anyway. I want that external motivation to finish a manuscript baby!
An MFA in creative writing can be a great experience. I get what you are saying about having the guidance to create a manuscript. Just know that for every MFA student who leaves with a publishable book, there are a hundred others who give up on their thesis manuscripts and move on to other work. Some of my MFA friends, all of whom are very talented, realized at the end of their two years that their manuscripts were more or less a dead end. But like you said, having the accountability to be creative is very important, and that is something you can find in an MFA program. Also, like you said about MFA connections to the publishing industry, you are right. Some programs have more connections than others, but getting an MFA is far from a guarantee of being published. There is an oversaturation of MFA students and graduates, and they far outnumber the demand of agents and publishers.
I decided to apply to an MFA program for Creative Writing because I knew I needed the space and time to write and I knew that workshops weren't going to cut it. I also didn't want a low res program because I couldn't see myself on track with just 10 day intensives. I needed to be on a campus consistently. I just do better with that structure.
I also chose my program because I would learn about publishing design as well. That's the added bonus of my program.
Nice! Yeah, on campus was definitely the right choice for me too.
Im considering a MFA because the bachelors im about to receive in the spring is NOT CUTTING IT. Despite doing undergrad in creative writing in these four years I HAVE NOT DONE ANY CREATIVE WRITING AT ALL. Most of the writing I have completed OUTSIDE of schoolwork including a 91,000 word novel that I am in the process of revising and editing. I paid all that money just to barely creative write at all... Graduate school actually sounds like we would get into the core of the theory that comprises creative writing and that sounds so fun to me. Also having a novel as homework sounds AMAZING. I would just do it for school instead of always having to fight between finishing assignments and working on a novel.
Sorry to hear about your undergraduate experience! Depending on the type of MFA program you go to, there will probably still be a lot of other work to do besides creative writing. Some students in my program were more successful in finding writing time than others. I was able to write quite a bit. But even though you'll be taking lots of classes and possibly teaching classes, doing actual creative writing will definitely be part of the curriculum, so at least some writing will be built into your schedule. However, you'll probably need to do more than just what is required for classes, especially while working on your thesis.
Great video. I'd add two things:
1. Money. I'd personally only recommend low residency/part time programs that allow you to work at the same time or full time MFA programs that you can get into on a full or almost full ride, either through a scholarship or assistantship. Unless you're very well off. Considering the likely financial payoff for a career as a creative writer, I wouldn't go into debt for an MFA.
2. What kind of writing do you do? If you're trying to be a commercial writer who's all about delighting readers with gripping novels that meet their expectations for the genre, most MFAs won't teach you how to do that. Sure, you can improve your writing, but there are far cheaper, faster ways to do that. I'd say most MFAs (especially those that are paid) are best for writers of literary or at least upmarket fiction (nowadays there are plenty of programs that welcome speculative fiction, YA, etc., so I wouldn't say MFA programs aren't for that kind of "genre" writer.).
Hi, interesting comment. Can you guide me on other options to become a commercial writer? I am particularly interested in Romance and Mystery.
This is a really helpful video. I’ve been trying to decide if I want to go for an MFA for nearly 5 years, and the questions you posed are by far the most helpful. Thank you!
Glad I could help!
Come through for the Bird by Bird reference! Very helpful. I'm finishing up my BA in Individualized Studies with a Creative Minor. I am a poet and I perform but I could really write all day. I think to the point I could one day teach it.
It sounds like an MFA (or even a PhD) could be a good fit for you!
I have a request, I would love your tips on how to improve your poetry. I have a bachelor's in literature and we briefly looked at poetry. I love to write it, but I am an amature.
I'd love to help! I actually critique poetry, short stories, and other creative and professional writing for a living. Here's a link to my poetry gig on Fiverr: www.fiverr.com/s/bxkVWm
Great advice thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Hi Brian, not sure you still check your comments on here but I have been going through all your MFA videos and wow are they helpful! I was wondering if you had any opinion on a foreigner applying to MFAs in the US - unfortunately they're not really a thing anywhere else and I really believe they would advance my writing greatly. In your opinion, is there any chance for a non-native speaker (but with undergrad and grad. done in English + freelance journalism experience in English + some lit. mag publications) to get into one of them? I was thinking of mainly targeting the less competitive ones either way because of that, but as I could only afford a fully funded one, I'm a little afraid they wouldn't want a non-native TA (and if I understand correctly this is how they pay you + give you insurance). Any advice or input on this would be extremely helpful! Thanks either way for all your content :)
International students are very welcome! Most MFA programs pride themselves for their diversity and inclusivity. My program was not very diverse compared to some, but we did have one international student, so I know for a fact that it is possible, especially with your extensive experience!
@ thanks for the reply, I appreciate it! And glad to hear that :)
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