One question I get about my new textbook A Writer’s Craft is, how is it possible to teach poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama all in one semester? This post is a continuation of “How I teach 4 Genres in 1 Semester, Part I,” where I talk about the efficiencies of teaching 4 genres at the intro levelContinue reading “How I teach 4 Genres in 1 Semester, Part II”
Tag Archives: creative writing
How I teach 4 Genres in 1 Semester, Part I
Teaching creative writing in 4 genres makes it more interesting, fun, and efficient than teaching the genres individually; you can see how each genre relates to and informs the others.
Why 4 Genres?
Why 4 genres? Because it is challenging, rewarding, and fun to teach them together and learn things from each that can be applied to any genre.
More Thoughts on MFA Applications
About a year and a half ago, I wrote a series of posts about MFA applications, beginning with “What to Say in your Statement of Purpose.” At the time, The W was just launching its low-residency MFA in Creative Writing, and I wanted to be transparent about the application process by telling prospective students whatContinue reading “More Thoughts on MFA Applications”
Plagiarism in Creative Writing
The recent plagiarism controversy sparked by Melania Trump’s speech to the Republican National Convention on August 18, 2016 has me thinking. Besides the obvious political ramifications of being found to have used ideas and language from Michelle Obama, which has to be embarrassing on multiple levels, the controversy has raised issues of plagiarism definitions and importance.Continue reading “Plagiarism in Creative Writing”
Up Periscope: Testing the Waters of Social Video
Last week, I took the plunge into Periscope, Twitter’s live streaming video app. I’ve been thinking about trying this technology for a while now, but frankly, I felt a little daunted. I shouldn’t have. Live streaming video using Periscope couldn’t be much easier. I downloaded the app, tested it with a couple of very short videosContinue reading “Up Periscope: Testing the Waters of Social Video”
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?”
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”
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”
New Graduate Program Proposal: Nuts and Bolts
I’ve been writing the past few days about our new MFA proposal for a Low-Residency program in creative writing. You might think that sounds nice, and it is exciting to consider and put together a brand new academic program from the ground up. You get to rethink how you want to structure a program, whatContinue reading “New Graduate Program Proposal: Nuts and Bolts”
Kendall Dunkelberg 