This is a follow-up post to my last one about what a Creative Writing MFA should do for you. In the wake of describing some of the goals for MUW’s new low-residency MFA, I’ve been thinking about that old saw that MFA programs have ruined literature. The idea, which has been around almost as long asContinue reading “Are All MFA Grads the Same?”
Category Archives: Education
What can (should) a Creative Writing MFA do for you?
As many people will tell you, you don’t need an MFA to be a good writer. Many writers, even since the MFA became ubiquitous, have proven that point (not to mention the greats that somehow managed it before MFAs existed). So why bother (or pay for) getting a degree? The traditional wisdom used to be thatContinue reading “What can (should) a Creative Writing MFA do for you?”
Writing for New Media
Many things about The W’s new low-residency MFA in creative writing get me excited, especially communicating with prospective students, but lately the most exciting part has been putting together a fall schedule. That is still very much in flux and will depend on the needs and desires of the students who actually apply — as I’ve toldContinue reading “Writing for New Media”
Letters of Recommendation for MFA in Creative Writing
Recently, after posting on this blog about the Letter of Intent and the Writing Sample, I received a question about who should write letters of recommendation for a program in creative writing. I thought it might make sense to elaborate on that answer here. Let me preface my comments by saying that I can only discuss how IContinue reading “Letters of Recommendation for MFA in Creative Writing”
Thoughts on the MFA Writing Sample: What are we looking for?
As I begin to review writing samples submitted for The W’s new low-residency MFA in Creative Writing, I’ve been thinking about what it is, exactly, that I hope to see in them, and how I will make my final decisions. The writing sample is the main ingredient of the application packet; everything else either confirms whatContinue reading “Thoughts on the MFA Writing Sample: What are we looking for?”
What to say in your Statement of Purpose? (for an MFA Creative Writing)
Okay, so you’ve decided to apply to an MFA program in creative writing, and you are saddled with the unenviable task of writing a “statement of purpose” or “letter of intent” as I decided to call it in our new low-residency MFA program‘s application requirements. You’re undoubtedly flummoxed, thinking what the heck do I say,Continue reading “What to say in your Statement of Purpose? (for an MFA Creative Writing)”
Follow Up: Not to GRE
This is just a quick follow-up post to my previous one “To GRE or Not to GRE” — that was the question. And the answer is… NOT! Yesterday our Graduate Council voted to allow our new low-residency MFA in Creative Writing to remove the GRE as a requirement for admission. This was not without someContinue reading “Follow Up: Not to GRE”
To GRE or Not to GRE
Mississippi University for Women, where I direct the creative writing program, was recently approved to offer a low-residency MFA in creative writing. As part of the approval process, I had to bring the proposal to our graduate council. Most of our programs require the GRE with the application, so when there was some initial resistanceContinue reading “To GRE or Not to GRE”
A Thought on Meter
I’m in the middle of grading poetry exam, and thinking about how difficult it is to teach writers about rhythm, especially meter. This group of students is doing pretty good discussing it, but this always reminds me of the challenges they have in actually scanning a poem or hearing stressed and unstressed syllables in aContinue reading “A Thought on Meter”
Low-Residency MFA Steps Closer To Reality
I’ve written a few posts about my ideas on a low-residency MFA in creative writing. Last week, those ideas became a lot closer to reality. You might say they’ve been realized at Mississippi University for Women, when our governing board voted to approve our proposal. But I’ll really believe it’s real when we have students.Continue reading “Low-Residency MFA Steps Closer To Reality”
Kendall Dunkelberg 