Comments on: When To Get Your MFA. Or Not.

By: The Nervous Breakdown

The Nervous Breakdown — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:36:48 +0000

[...] the previous installment, I detailed my undoubtedly flawed if also successful plan to apply to MFA programs. This week, how I made my decision to go, and some lessons [...]

By: Literature News | Dark Sky Magazine

Literature News | Dark Sky Magazine — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:04:13 +0000

[...] – In college, I had two writing teachers with opposing views of the MFA: Annie Dillard urged me to go right away, and Kit Reed said don’t go, in fact never go, get a job, preferably a magazine job, and just write. I tried Kit’s advice first, which appealed to the loner contrarian I was back then. And so in the time between when I graduated college and when I applied, I moved to San Francisco, took a job in a bookstore and got a cheap apartment with two friends. I found an internship at Out/Look, the journal of LGBT studies and culture, and helped organize Out/Write, the first national LGBT writers conference in San Francisco. – MFAs in The Nervous Breakdown [...]

By: J.M. Blaine

J.M. Blaine — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 03:17:43 +0000

I too should wait for part two
to comment
and add my own experiences
with the world of MFA…

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:51:39 +0000

When I got rejected by the only two MFA programs I applied to, I decided to take that money I had socked away and make a film instead… (which lead to another one… and another one… and another one… ad infinitum, amen.

I learned WAY more than I ever could have in film school (or so I keep telling myself) by simply *doing*.

And now, there’s nothing that gives me greater pleasure when one of my friends, who hold MFAs from either of the two illustrious schools who so rudely snubbed me, asks for professional ‘real-world’ advice.

Not that I don’t still wish I had their higher-level connections (which is one of the things that MFAs can provide, and it’s not to say that an MFA is a bad or unnecessary or non-useful thing, but still…), but I tend to side with Kit Reed. Learn by doing in the real world.

By: Ronlyn Domingue

Ronlyn Domingue — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:50:58 +0000

During my seven years in the regular work world, I saved money knowing I’d to to grad school one day. I was compelled to get an MFA, although I really expected to study public policy or education. The experience was what I needed. However, I don’t think anyone has to get an MFA to learn to be a better writer. Such programs are only one option among many.

You’re right about those mythical connections–they’d don’t exist. Good writers willing to do the hard work of writing, seeking an agent, etc. do find their way.

Thanks for this insightful piece!

By: Megan DiLullo

Megan DiLullo — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:57:50 +0000

I’m very curious as to what you have to say in part two.

It’s always nice to hear what someone has to say who’s been out there. This is very helpful.

Thanks, Chee.

By: Pris

Pris — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:21:45 +0000

I’m really looking forward to part two, also. Thanks for writing this and zowie, I’m impressed by your accomplishments in the field!

By: David S. Wills

David S. Wills — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:00:15 +0000

Good to know. I was also wondering what it was. I know a few people who have MFAs.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:44:07 +0000

It’s a Master of Fine Arts degree. There’s one hangning on the wall in front of me right now. I have mixed feelings about it, but I’ll wait until Alexander posts the second half before I sound off on that.

By: James D. Irwin

James D. Irwin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:33:04 +0000

tell me when you find out. I don’t have the energy to look up MFA, let alone get one…

By: Greg Olear

Greg Olear — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:56:01 +0000

Thanks for sharing this, Alex. Looking forward to Part Two.

Happy Thanksgiving!
G

By: Simon Smithson

Simon Smithson — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:13:49 +0000

I really need to get over to Wikipedia and find out more about what an MFA actually is. Masters of Fine Arts, or something along those lines?