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MFA

Hi - My name is Jennifer and I'm new to this site - hoping you can help me with a choice I'm trying to make. I am a 31 yr. old mama of one 3 yr old. I'm currently working on a graduate degree (an MA) in creative writing (non-fiction thesis, memoir)& need to decide what to do next. I have an undergrad in speech-language pathology and worked in this field for 9 years before deciding to take writing more seriously. Now that I have, I don't ever want to stop. I have always written, but in the past, have pursued "safer" degrees/occupations. My heart says I need to figure out a way to support myself and family and keep the writing. The rest of me is scared to death. I've been thinking about the terminal degree for writers - an MFA - but with student loan debt, I feel like I only have one more shot at a degree & don't want to "waste" it. I've really got to stop going to school! Does anyone out there have an MFA? If yes or no, what do you do to support yourself/your family? I know that when I'm not writing I am a cranky, mean, miserable person. When I am writing, I learn, I find ways to help other people, I feel SO good. I guess I'm just feeling afraid. I know myself and my habits pretty well, enough to believe that trying to work in a different field and fit writing in doesn't go very well. I LONG to be a mother who can work at something totally unrelated to writing and take care of a child after and then, write late at night or early in the morning, but I haven't figured out how to do that yet. Thanks for your time! Jennifer

By wytewave at 07/01/2004 - 11:58pm | Writing Mama | previous forum topic | next forum topic

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Yes to MFA

I'm like you: I feel sickhearted when I'm not writing regularly. Here's my 2 cents on the MFA racket: I have an MFA that I got from Eastern Washington University in Spokane. I focused on nonfiction and wrote a memoir/travelogue of living in Taiwan for my thesis. I worked with some more well known writers (like Ursula Hegi -- before Oprah chose her book and sent her packing to Manhattan) and also lesser known writers (but good teachers). When I finally decided (after some deliberation) to do an MFA, it was because I'd determined that I wanted to spend 2 years focused primarily on my writing, I wanted to be in the company of others who were similarly dedicated, and I wanted to learn what I could from writers whose work I admired. It was important that I not be attached to outcome, because I knew that an MFA didn't necessarily mean a great job at the end of 2 years. I finished my MFA in '97 and lived in Taiwan for another year. I live in Portland, OR now and I've been lucky to find jobs I really like, (I've taught ESL at a community college, I teach for the Writers in the Schools program, which means teaching creative writing to high school students, and I've taught writing classes to women prisoners at a correctional facility here). These kinds of jobs wouldn't pay all the bills, and it's because of a partner who also works that I have the freedom to cobble together an interesting schedule. It's also nice because the flexibility allows me to be home with my 6-month-old boy. You don't need an MFA to be a good writer, of course, but I recommend doing it if you can, to allow for that dedication to your writing, to meet others and make good contacts, and to find new ways to put your work out there. (Incidentally I've noticed a plethora of low-residency type programs springing up, which cater to people who can't do a full-time program -- this would mean gathering twice a year for 10-15 days, for workshops and classes, etc., and then writing with a mentor/teacher the rest of the year). Anyway, good luck to you. I'd be happy to provide more information, if you have more questions.

By Maud at Sun, 07/04/2004 - 5:50pm |

MFA cont.

I guess I'm basically taking two years to do what you did with an MFA. I was accepted into the Art Institutes (Chicago) MFA program last year but couldn't go because of lack of funding - so I chose an MA program closer to my partners family and it has been exactly what I needed (community, discipline, time to improve/write). I have finished the first draft of a memoir but I'm interested in fiction too. I wanted to share a couple of things - 1) I read an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education by a man who said he was experiencing MFA backlash - or something like that. Community colleges weren't willing to hire him because he didn't have an MA! They didn't understand that the MFA was a terminal degree - that he had teaching experience and knew how to teach writing. Have you experienced anything like that? 2) Low residency programs would be a good match but I really need something that offers an assistance ship and tuition waiver. I get so aggravated when I look into low residency programs because they sound so great but provide no funding other than loans. 3) I'm leaving for Portland on Saturday for the Tin House writing workshop/program. I'll be in Abigail Thomas' non-fiction workshop. I really wanted to be with Dorothy Allison but she's doing fiction and AT has written a memoir in a similar format to what I've been doing. Have you read "Safekeeping�? I was accepted into the mentorship program which means I get to meet with an editor to talk about the shape of my manuscript - get advice, etc. There are going to be some amazing people there and I'm feeling nervous. I have a question for you - we're supposed to get "face time" with an agent. I have no idea what to do with "face time with an agent". Were you given any advice in your program or have you had experience with an agent? Thanks for your reply above - it's nice to know another mama who is writing & I was excited to see you wrote a memoir.

By wytewave at Wed, 07/07/2004 - 3:35pm |

i don't have an MFA currently

i don't have an MFA currently, but will be applying to a program this spring, for entry this fall.

most of what i have read about MFA programs is that how beneficial they are depends on the kind of writer you are, and what you are looking to get out of it. for example, one of my main reasons for looking into them is that i want to teach writing at the university level, and an MFA in writing would qualify me to do that. also, that's an example of how to make $$ with an MFA, although i will warn you taht it's usually not the kind of $$ that will support a family unless you land a full-time gig.

however, i also want an MFA because i think it would be a big bonus to my writing for me to have that community of fellow writers, in face-to-face regular contact. also, i think i have come as far as i can for now by just motivating myself and teaching myself. i think i would benefit from the deadlines and structure of a program.

hope taht helped at all, goo dluck!

By esperanza at Sat, 07/03/2004 - 4:09pm |

Working at the university level

I am in an MA program that never stops reminding us all (literature, comp and rhet, creative writers) about how few jobs there are. Add to that the pressure to publish a book, usually, before a 4 year will hire you. Despite this, I still think it sounds like a good idea. I'm a grad assist. teaching Freshman Comp courses and I think the biggest reason these courses drive me crazy is because the students HAVE to take them. I imagine teaching creative writing would be refreshing because the students, undergrad or grad, would want to be there. I think CW profs often have to teach Freshman Comp too - but if you could teach CW courses as well maybe there would be a balance. Anyway - thanks for your reply, and good luck with your applications!

By wytewave at Wed, 07/07/2004 - 3:41pm |

I don't have an MFA but I fel

I don't have an MFA but I feel everything you wrote. It is a struggle. You can make a living with your writing but it's no easier than working a regular full-time job.

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By Trula at Sat, 07/03/2004 - 5:59am |

Thoughts/Questions

You wrote- "You can make a living with your writing but it's no easier than working a regular full-time job." Is there anything easier about it? Do you at least feel more fulfilled in some way? I struggle with the idea that I need to be in a writing profession constantly. I think what it comes down to is I need to make writing the priority, even if I had a job in another field. I'm trying to think of alternative careers that I could connect to writing. I do know that when I worked as a speech therapist - a job which didn't offer much space for creative writing (non and fiction), I felt like I was just existing instead of living. I can only imagine how busy you must be with your own business. Writing can be scary to me sometimes because it's all on me - it's my work - there isn't anyone telling me what to do. My success depends on luck and my abilities. Adding a business to that is something I admire.

By wytewave at Wed, 07/07/2004 - 3:48pm |