tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post6041782942604570867..comments2024-03-16T18:32:15.171-07:00Comments on Writing About Writing (And Occasionally Some Writing): 14 Reasons (not) to Get an MFA In Creative Writing (And Two Reasons It Might Actually Be Worth It)Chris Brecheenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07819138776404280633noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-42412813172736610962019-05-05T07:58:52.342-07:002019-05-05T07:58:52.342-07:00This sounds like a great reason to do it! (My mom...This sounds like a great reason to do it! (My mom wanted me to be a lawyer so bad.)Chris Brecheenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07819138776404280633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-13003031412472264072019-05-05T04:25:01.801-07:002019-05-05T04:25:01.801-07:00I’m actually just switching from a law degree to a...I’m actually just switching from a law degree to an English lit with Creative degree. I gave Law my best shot but I was fighting with myself the whole time because I knew it was Creative Writing that I really wanted to be doing Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15369465677050035112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-2827640570681023562016-05-23T08:07:05.028-07:002016-05-23T08:07:05.028-07:00My low res MFA was more than thirty. Just saying. ...My low res MFA was more than thirty. Just saying. But I'm so immensely glad I did it because... http://www.rebeccagrabill.com/blog/2016/5/13/7-reasons-you-might-want-an-mfaRebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15292597646595740720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-37478131335851595582015-06-14T03:00:18.158-07:002015-06-14T03:00:18.158-07:00I noted a homophone error towards the end of the a...I noted a homophone error towards the end of the article -- "phase" in place of "faze" in the fifth paragraph from the bottom.Alex Harmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18081758930952296822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-41559547237901438652015-03-02T13:50:08.863-08:002015-03-02T13:50:08.863-08:00Actually it's generous. Costhelper.com puts th...Actually it's generous. Costhelper.com puts the national average (in the USA) at THIRTY grand. And fully funded MFA's are definitely the exception, not the rule.<br /><br />Glad you're enjoying your program, and found a good one! (Really I am.) The usual pedagogy in the USA makes yours the exception, not the rule, and you are WELCOME to take a cruise around the internet if you don't believe me. It's also been almost three years since I wrote this and the major cultural backlash MFA programs started getting hit with has caused a few to revisit their first principles. (Though not many.)Chris Brecheenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07819138776404280633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-81380128120748309122015-03-02T13:38:19.426-08:002015-03-02T13:38:19.426-08:00Getting an MFA for 20,000 dollars may be steep*Getting an MFA for 20,000 dollars may be steep*Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-56128177474846001162015-03-02T13:36:25.834-08:002015-03-02T13:36:25.834-08:00A lot of this is true, a lot of this is false. I o...A lot of this is true, a lot of this is false. I only have time to speak to the latter. Most MFA programs, including the one I am currently attending, are fully funded. None of us are going into debt. You teach a composition course, work in a writing center, or in some other capacity work your way through. And it isn't just the tuition that is fully funded, we get a monthly stipend that pays the bills and affords a bit of spending money. Furthermore, most of the readers and writers I know are not so narrowly minded as you imply under the heading JOIN A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS..., we read just as much mainstream fiction as the other guy. In fact, I'm probably the only person in my program (including our Professors) who enjoy writers that are language based, experimental, etc. Also, my program is not a top ten program: I'm at a major state school. I do meet authors, I have met agents who read my work and met with me one on one. There are connections to be made through various avenues in an MFA program. Moreover, the idea that an MFA fosters a certain brand of fiction is horribly misleading. A lot of MFAs allow writers to explore different genres, and a lot of MFAs have people in them who are just like everyone else: they love to read fantasy, sci-fi, YA, as well as literary realism, etc. Getting an MFA for 20,000 dollars, but it has been my experience, and this is borne out by just the slightest bit of research that most programs provide funding. Poets and Writers rank the top MFA programs based on a myriad of factors, one being the cost, and anybody can peruse their scale and see that most schools provide funding. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-67591348138189498532015-02-06T14:06:34.171-08:002015-02-06T14:06:34.171-08:00Getting an MFA paid for by student loans has basi...Getting an MFA paid for by student loans has basically guaranteed I'll never write again. I work 2-3 jobs to keep ahead-enough of the wage garnishment so I can keep a roof over my head (I'd need to earn 100k/yr to make just the MINIMUM payments on my loans, oh but wait, if I was making 100k/yr I guess I wouldn't qualify for the minimum payments...). My life has been a nightmare of instability, debt colletctor calls, no time to do anything but work shit jobs (and the ones you are qualified for with an MFA are all, basically, shit jobs, you're just flipping e-"articles" or disinterested tutoring students instead of burgers) since I completed classes in my 'pay-to-play" Ivy league program. This is easily the worst mistake of my life and I am sure it has taken several years off my pathetic tenure here on the planet already. Worst part is, I still want to write, even actually do maybe once a month when I get a free afternoon. But lets face it--48hrs/yr does not complete the novel. Or even many stories. Not that they get accepted anyway--it's clear my program accepted me simply because I could get loan money, not because I had much talent. Give it up, I know.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-42373709458703899332014-09-11T20:37:28.281-07:002014-09-11T20:37:28.281-07:00Chiming in unsolicited: would you be *satisfied* i...Chiming in unsolicited: would you be *satisfied* if your writing was "good enough for [your] professors"? Pointing out areas to improve your writing is their entire job. It's what you are (or were) paying them to do. Wouldn't you be irritated if you handed in a piece and they said, "Yep, it's great. I got nothin. See ya."Brandon Carbaughhttp://brandoncarbaugh.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-89879584987023715522014-07-20T16:31:44.640-07:002014-07-20T16:31:44.640-07:00I know this article was written a couple of years ...I know this article was written a couple of years ago, but I'd like to thank the author - it's great food for thought, and the fact that most of the 'cons' are making me sigh with relief tells me that, as an on-the-fence potential student, it's not something I really want to do.<br /><br />I'm completing an MA in Writing in the UK, where I have always lived, and was persuaded a few months ago by a couple of teachers that I should apply for an MFA (or even a PhD) in the US, because a) I would have a chance of getting in and b) unlike the UK, funding is something that actually exists. I have been torn for months. I would like to experience a new culture and have 'time to write' (something that has come out the mouths of all my teachers), but lots of things have been putting me off, too. Mainly, that I don't want to be one of the many people I know who have been clinging on to institutions for as long as they can, trying to get their foot in the door as a teacher, but avoiding the real world and not actually writing anything. I also hate the snobbishness that I've read between the lines on quite a few MFA websites. If I manage to make a name for myself writing, it will probably be in YA fiction, which is not something that a funded programme seems to approve of. By 'allowing myself time to write', I would in fact be pulling further away from my real interests out of academic requirement.<br /><br />I think the scales really started to tip yesterday. I went into the city for an event in a bookshop, where an agent who has previously read your first three chapters spends ten minutes firing comments at you - e.g., 'You do *this* well, and it will be your USP, but cut *that* scene and you have more chance of getting a reader to want to continue,' and so on. <br /><br />It was infinitely more helpful than anything I've learned in over a year in education, and it only cost five quid.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-82540146341505185802014-04-22T09:54:25.198-07:002014-04-22T09:54:25.198-07:00It's always good to get the other side. I'...It's always good to get the other side. I'm glad you wrote it! Someone wrote in on the Mailbox asking for reasons TO get an MFA a few weeks back; you might appreciate that reply. It's not as popular of a post though, and it is probably harder to find.<br /><br /><br />http://chrisbrecheen.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-mailbox-is-mfa-worth-it.htmlChris Brecheenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07819138776404280633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-68921387659572296502014-04-22T05:53:58.936-07:002014-04-22T05:53:58.936-07:00Thank you for the civility of your response. So m...Thank you for the civility of your response. So many writing forums espouse such negativity that I simply shake my head and move on. It is a tough decision and I am extremely grateful and fortunate I was able to make the decision and to benefit from it. However, with regard to your reference to younger students note, I would like to add that from my perspective, the MFA is even more beneficial because they are young and can have that much more writing experience behind them. It certainly is a big cost and investment of time but well worth it. That's why I responded. There were many con comments and I thought it would be nice to add some pros to the comments. Again, many thanks for the response. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-3843500090868728232014-04-21T23:03:08.057-07:002014-04-21T23:03:08.057-07:00I'm actually tremendously glad you like what y...I'm actually tremendously glad you like what you got out of an MFA. If you are happy then that's really all that matters. Certainly just following your passions is what more people should do. But a lot of young writers (especially the kind Googling the question of an MFA's utility) would be wondering if $21k and 3 1/2 years would get them any further than cultivating their own discipline.<br /><br />That's a pretty large investment to approach with the idea of "couldn't hurt." Most people are going to want to know exactly how much that kind of time and money COULD help. Which is why I wrote the article. <br /><br />Lovely to hear about folks who are making it work for them though. Thank you!Chris Brecheenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07819138776404280633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-84522170604556191702014-04-21T22:24:35.060-07:002014-04-21T22:24:35.060-07:00I just completed my MFA and my first manuscript th...I just completed my MFA and my first manuscript through National University. I know many people will say I bought my degree and they are right. I spent every penny from my full-time teaching position to do so. My main reason for spending three and half years of taking challenging courses,spending $21,000.00, was to become a better writer, and complete the book that I had been procrastinating finishing for twenty years. I have no regrets. I will add $4,000.00 a year to my salary because I already have an MA. from UCSD where I obtained a B.A. in English Literature, two teaching credentials, one Administrative Credential and now my MFA in Creative Writing from National. I didn't consult with Google or anyone else before I enrolled in my program, I just did it. Do I think my 190 page manuscript is worth a damn? Hell yes I do, it means the world to me because instead of talking about how much I wanted to write a novel I actually completed one. Will it get published? It was not my intention to pitch it anywhere besides the garbage when I thought I couldn't do write another page but I have no intention of trying to get it published. It wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell but it's still mine, and it took revision, upon revision, upon revision to complete it but I love writing, and I would do it over in a heartbeat. I am really proud of what I accomplished and I encourage anyone with the desire to pursue a degree in writing or any other discipline to go for it. It certainly won't hurt your resume.Josephine Brinkmannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-64273212243392828152014-03-22T13:02:22.790-07:002014-03-22T13:02:22.790-07:00Not Davis, specifically. I just mean the MA progr...Not Davis, specifically. I just mean the MA program. I think that's a good call you made there.Chris Brecheenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07819138776404280633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-73964382709619895042014-03-22T13:01:45.790-07:002014-03-22T13:01:45.790-07:00UC Davis has a lit focused MA in creative writing ...UC Davis has a lit focused MA in creative writing that I've given more than a cursory look. I really think that's the way to go unless you're absolutely sure about the kind of writing MFA's encourage.Chris Brecheenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07819138776404280633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-73961591622370915122014-03-22T12:53:49.169-07:002014-03-22T12:53:49.169-07:00I am currently going for an MA in Creative Writing...I am currently going for an MA in Creative Writing, and I'm getting just as much (if not more) opportunities than probably an MFA degree could EVER afford, because it's a rounded approach in not just creative writing, but literature and rhetoric. In a sense, this makes me more marketable...do I want to get published? Sure! But I'm also wanting to teach and be well-rounded as a person. Thank you for this very informative article. :) Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03750600021751481393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-47140746646729594472014-02-03T13:54:46.351-08:002014-02-03T13:54:46.351-08:00Tricky. I'm not sure there's a really ste...Tricky. I'm not sure there's a really stellar answer. Connections with other writers are tough to forage even in a writing program. I have found some success in kind of going through the paces in your typical places and then forming "elite cadres" out of the folks you get on with who are actually serious about it. I have usually connected with one or two other writers in many of the online or local groups and those people have gone on to be part of a group who regularly send each other writing for feedback even after the original group petered out or ended.Chris Brecheenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07819138776404280633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-47788861856904595422014-02-03T12:42:58.249-08:002014-02-03T12:42:58.249-08:00I've been toying with the idea of going back t...I've been toying with the idea of going back to school lately and your post has brought up a lot of important points. I'm not committed to the prospect of going back--in fact, reading a bunch of admissions requirements today reminded me what I disliked about my undergrad experience in creative writing. I do wonder what you'd recommend, apart from graduate studies, in order to be a part of a community of writers. I spent a lot of time abroad after graduating and feel a bit out of touch. That, and getting more opportunities for publication, were the motivating factors in thinking about going back to school. I'm curious what you have to say about the process of making connections with other writers.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15120440868358986279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-24999600815433575872014-01-09T23:37:59.440-08:002014-01-09T23:37:59.440-08:00I hope you regain faith and interest in your writi...I hope you regain faith and interest in your writing. It sounds as though by every bellwether that matters you are capable and competent.Chris Brecheenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07819138776404280633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-82536254854832067192014-01-09T23:06:50.878-08:002014-01-09T23:06:50.878-08:00This afternoon I withdrew from my MFA dramatic wri...This afternoon I withdrew from my MFA dramatic writing program after completing half of the credits. I'm going to get a certificate to teach language arts in middle school instead. Creative writing programs aren't all about creative writing. There are pretentious jargon-heavy academic readings and pretentious jargon-heavy discussions about postcolonial issues--all of which require hours of preparation. In addition, every semester I was expected to write a full-length script including no less than two rewrites. My writing was never, ever good enough for my professors. I should mention that I am a published writer (magazines, newspapers, online literary journals). I also have a published play for which I receive annual royalty checks. One of my scripts was recently chosen for a prestigious competition. Nevertheless, I never earned a grade higher than a B. Consequently, I've lost faith in my writing. Worse, I've lost interest in writing. I hope this is a temporary state. Furthermore, the future for an MFA graduate seems to be as an adjunct for community colleges--if you're lucky. In fact, only two of our program's recent graduates are teaching at a community college. But one of them had college teaching experience before he earned his MFA. Another had a temporary job at the post office. He's unemployed now. A fourth makes pizzas.You get the idea. The only guarantee that comes with an MFA is debt. Thank you for your article. I'll read it every time I question my decision to leave. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-70568377086836975892013-11-08T09:23:13.003-08:002013-11-08T09:23:13.003-08:00It's tough for me to say, having never read yo...It's tough for me to say, having never read your writing, but my initial impulse is that if you are not burning to get one and absolutely sure that it's the right path, it probably isn't. I don't actually dislike MFA's. I just think they are too often undertaken as a "Don't know what else to do" next step.Chris Brecheenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07819138776404280633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-30710086056250715112013-11-08T08:53:58.236-08:002013-11-08T08:53:58.236-08:00Dude, you are hilarious. I have until Nov. 13th t...Dude, you are hilarious. I have until Nov. 13th to make my decision. What's a douchebag like me supposed to do? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-21181561184814205792013-05-07T21:06:07.024-07:002013-05-07T21:06:07.024-07:00Well just name it Chris (and try to have a threeso...Well just name it Chris (and try to have a threesome in it), kay?Chris Brecheenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07819138776404280633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660089177097719300.post-5783222992511922372013-05-07T21:02:32.100-07:002013-05-07T21:02:32.100-07:00Damn. You just seriously tipped the scales on my ...Damn. You just seriously tipped the scales on my decision. Thanks for saving me 30 grand--I'm going to buy a car.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com