I did it because I thought it would teach me to be a better writer. It did in some ways, but I always have the feeling that my work was better before the MFA. The thing it definitely taught me was to be a closer reader and to rely on instinct and organics more as a writer rather then planning everything out before I wrote it.

The number one con was that the format of the MFA Program is not conducive to an organic writing process, ironically enough…A writer has to create X by a certain date, revise X by a certain date, and enlighten his teachers with XX in critical analysis by a certain date.

If I were to do it again, I’d make sure I applied to a full-residency program. I did a low-residency, which was a great experience in itself…I just think I would have gotten more out of a full residency at, say, Columbia. I think I’d be inspired by NYC…

As someone who would like have her name on the spine of a book one day, I can empathize too well with the sorts of ups and downs you must have experienced with that. But, I guess I’m also someone who hasn’t done an MFA, and who has sort of just started this journey, and who hasn’t gotten enough rejections thrown in my face yet. And maybe, even if I’m a little thin-skinned, I’m a little too optimistic for my own good. I hear the stats, know the reality, hear it from the inside from people who work in the business, and it’s such a daunting task that the realist in me wonders why bother. But I have to believe that with the remaining decades in my life, I’ll be able to win that lottery if I keep buying a ticket every day left to me.

So, sob story it is, but luckily for you, you’re a good writer, and as someone once said to me, if you keep knocking, someone’s bound to answer the door.

Anyway, just wanted to drop my two cents to those entries since they were so interesting.

Btw, I may pose you a few questions here and there, as suggested by Vivian

Just saying.