You are here: Home / Archives for December 2009

Seven Things I learned in a Creative Writing MFA Program

December 8, 2009 By Rocky

1. No character ever stands in front of the mirror and narrates what he or she looks like. No matter how sexy, tortured, or intelligent he or she may be.

2. #1 also, sadly, includes rain-stained windows.

3. When one of your stories is being workshopped, if someone says “I– I just don’t get it,” ignore that person for the entire semester. In extreme cases of annoyance, ignore that person for the entire program.

4. In said workshop, make note at what point in the story “I don’t get it” was discussed, and make sure you get it yourself. If you don’t, rewrite.

5. “Muttered,” “sputtered,” “scoffed,” and/or “declared” will never, ever take the place of “said.” No matter how hard you try. Elmore Leonard doesn’t lie.

6. Most of the time, your stories really do suck. Unfortunately, no one has the nuts to tell you so. No one but yourself. Rewrite some more.

7. Writing is actually pretty easy — all you need is concentration; enough personal insight to know what you really want to say; thick skin against all criticism, including “I don’t get it;” and the muscle to throw your heart, bleeding and pumping onto the blank page, exposing it for all the boots and Manolos willing to dig in their well-worn heels and make you bleed even more. Easy.

This wonderful insight comes from Gordon Hurd at www.afterthemfa.com.

Filed Under: Benefits of an MFA, Writing Craft

How a Technique Stephenie Meyer Used in Writing her Twilight Novels Can Help Your Writing

December 3, 2009 By Rocky

Beginning stories and novels is always a challenge. Most beginnings are discarded eventually. Often, these ignoble starts bear no resemblance to the final product. This difficulty is, I believe, a direct result of the writer having an unclear idea of the story and of the characters who will populate their imaginary world. Stephenie Meyer, the highly successful author of the ‘Twilight’ series, offers a tip in the way that she began her first novel. Stephenie’s experience of beginning Twilight can be used to a writer’s advantage when starting a new story or novel project.

Stephenie, who had written very little and had no great ambition as a writer prior to the amazing success of Twilight, did not sit down initially to write a bestselling coming-of-age vampire novel series. She was a reader, a sporadic writer, and fan of the “vampire-genre” and of the “romance-genre”. Her compelling story that becomes ‘Twilight’ begins with a dream she had one night. This dream will eventually become the ‘meadow scene’ in her first book where Bella Swan, in the forest with Edward Cullen, discovers Edward is a vampire. This is a powerful, key scene in the novel, and Stephenie has described how jolted she was by the images in the dream. Stephenie awoke and wrote the dream down, and this became the key scene the entire book was written around.

We all have dreams and flashes of scenes and characters from time to time, but what Stephenie did with this dream is something that writers can use to begin to craft a story. Stephenie wrote outward from the key scene she devised from her dream to answer the questions posed by the scene:

  • Who were the two people in the dream/scene – a human girl and a handsome vampire?
  • And, why would she willingly give herself to him?

These two questions make up the key components of the story, and in answering them, Stephenie is drawing her readers into a detailed world where vampires and humans exist throughout a long and complex history.

How to use what Stephanie did with Twilight

  1. Begin with a compelling image or character.
  2. Free-write the scene you imagine, or as much detail as you can about the character that you see/imagine.
  3. Step back and answer some questions about what you have written:
  • What came before this scene?
  • What is important about this scene and how did the character get to this place or in this situation?
  • Why does this particular scene matter to the character that is there?
  • What could make this scene or situation worse or complicate the issue or event?
  • What is the natural outcome of the event, and, what is the least likely outcome?

The key takeaway from what Stephenie did with Twilight is to find a compelling scene and then to seek to answer the questions about who is there and what is going on. You write both forward and backwards from the event, trying to give it a realistic (regardless of genre) past that got you to that point, and future, that the story and characters will inexorably move towards.
You may not know exactly where the story will end, but if you begin with a vivid character or scene you can write around it to tell a compelling story.


Filed Under: Writing Craft

Applying to a Creative Writing MFA Program

December 3, 2009 By Rocky

The most important aspect of your application to a creative writing MFA program is your writing sample. This is by far the most important factor, followed closely by solid letters of recommendation by people that can offer comments on your ability to develop as a writer.

In your writing sample you must be able to demonstrate your writing abilities with a few different writing samples, or one small part of a longer work, perhaps a chapter of a novel. For admission to almost any MFA program You will be required to send in a writing portfolio. Most programs will ask for samples of work in the form you are applying to work in, such as fiction or poetry. Generally fiction programs want several completed short-stories or a few chapters of a novel. None of the work you submit in a portfolio needs to have been published, but it does need to be your best work, and it has to be error free. If you do have published “clips” to send in, that will probably work in your favor. Again, make sure what you submit as samples is error free and your best material. Have a friend or mentor – preferably one who is a writer or editor – look over your proposed portfolio before you submit it. Remember, you only get one chance for that vital first impression.

When applying to an MFA program begin to get your application material together well in advance and prepare a portfolio of writing samples that you can use for several applications. Also, get at least four or five people who can speak to your potential as a writer to agree to write or fill out the required recommendation form that the program will want. It is always a good idea to apply to three or four of your “dream” programs, and to also have three or four “safety” programs that are somewhat less competative. Creative writing programs are very subjective on admissions, and you may see your application rejected not because you’re not a good writer, but that the particular reviewer at that program did not like your style. In the end though, good writing will pay off and you will get accepted to the right program for you if you are determined and do your research and preparation ahead of time.


Filed Under: Applying to an MFA Program

How to Select the Right Creative Writing MFA Program

December 3, 2009 By Rocky

There are numerous places in the United States and Canada to study for a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. The growth of college and university based writing programs now means that almost all large universities have a creative writing MFA program. These programs are varied in scope and focus, and many offer low-residency tracks along with more traditional residential programs. Besides the delivery format of the programs, MFA curriculum varies from program to program, and it is now possible to study in a program tailored to your particular interest, whether that is creative non-fiction, short-stories, novels, or poetry.

Because there is such a variety in MFA programs, it is important that you research your options carefully so you can select the program that is the best fit for you and your particular goals as a writer. When you begin looking seriously at MFA programs, take the following into account:

  • What is the format that you want… residency or low-residency, or perhaps part-time study.
  • Who is actually teaching the courses and seminars you will take. Many universities and colleges will list high-profile writers as instructors when in reality they only teach one lecture per semester or make very minimal appearances. Find out the names of the full-time teachers and read some of their work.
  • What is the overall reputation of the program you are applying for. Has it been around for a long time? How do potential publishers, employers, and writers regard the program and university where it is located? A course with a good reputation, such as the one at Stanford, Pacific University, Bennington, or the University of Iowa, can make a huge difference when you are applying for initial jobs.

Finally, one of the most important things to look for is the content of the course of study and define how it would benefit you and your particular goals as a writer. One size does not fit all when it comes to MFA programs. Look for the program that interests you the most and where you think you will be pushed to develop as a writer. This is a case where you want to be challenged and to grow.

Remember, it costs nothing to begin to do some research on-line, and the more you know about possible MFA programs, the more likely you are to make the right decision for you.


Filed Under: Selecting the Right MFA Program

The Benefits of an MFA in Creative Writing

December 2, 2009 By Rocky

For anyone seriously wanting to pursue a career in creative writing, an MFA is a fantastic stepping stone into the professional writing world.

There are many paths you can take armed with an MFA in creative writing, and even if you decide not to work specifically as a creative writer, you can still benefit from the MFA in other literary or journalism careers. Many industries look favorably on a creative writing MFA as it evinces a thorough understanding of the English language, and an ability to write well. Businesses involving marketing and public relations need people who can write creatively and well.

For people with the dream of being professional writers, the benefits of an MFA program in honing ones craft and skill are immense. You will graduate with a huge wealth of knowledge that will put you in a great position to kick-start your writing career, and you will likely make connections in the writing world. Your teachers will have had years of experience in the industry, and will be able to open the doors to potential employers and publishers. Your fellow students will also be helpful to you and you will build a network of friends and contacts that can be invaluable during your writing career.

If you love writing, and have the desire to take your skills to the next level, an MFA is something to seriously consider.


Filed Under: Benefits of an MFA
« Older Posts