After the MFA: 10 things I learned

My journey as a full time graduate student in the MFA in Creative Writing degree program at The New School in NYC, has come to an end.   I'm a graduate!!

So many people asked me, "DuEwa, why another Master's degree - you already have one?" and "Why an MFA, you're already a writer."  I felt the need to immerse myself in the writing life in a different way.  I wanted to study the craft and expand my knowledge in ways that I hadn't before.  I wanted to be linked to serious writers and learn from esteemed professors who have published or at least have taught writing for many years.  Did I expand my knowledge? Yes.  Did I study and link up with writers I did not previously know?  Yes.  Was the journey difficult at times?  Of course.  Am I glad I applied to the program, went through it and finished?  TOTALLY!!!  A mentor once said to me, "Anything worth having is worth struggling for."  And I did. 


I was lucky to have already been published in journals, magazines and online prior to coming into the MFA program, but that experience did not prepare me for my two year journey.  The MFA program is its own world.  They don't care what you've done prior - it's all about what you can show right now as a writer and how you contribute to the program. 

10 things I learned from my MFA experience:

1.  Listen to the criticism and feedback during workshop without being defensive or arguing.  Reflect upon all feedback whether you feel it applies to you or not.  If anyone gives you criticism that is disrespectful and more like a personal attack, take a mental note, but refrain from verbal sparring.  Let their immaturity show through while you take the high road.


2.  Talk to previous graduates - alumni who also attended your school and hear what their experience was like.  But do not use what they tell you as a barometer.  Go in with an open mind, not baggage from someone else.


3.  Stand up for the perspective or ideas you have, even if it differs from that of your peers or instructors.  And do it in a way that is mature and respectful.  Be prepared to back up what you're saying with research if need be.


4.  Do not expect to receive a great amount of help or support from anyone who has *shown* you that they do not *get* or agree with what you're trying to do.  You have to believe in yourself and know your abilities as well as your limits.


5.  Sometimes, it's best to keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself - no one needs to know everything you think.  Your one opinion may not carry as much weight as the group or collective opinion does.  Understanding this is part of being a mature student who is willing to grow.


6.  Network, network, network while you're in the program.  Attend readings, support authors, go to events your professors have.  You never know who you may link up with who holds the keys to a freelance writing gig, an agent contact or a paid reading/conference gig for you.  Send your writing out to publications and people who you believe can help you. 


7.  Realize that your instructors are people too.  They're not superhuman, or perfect or without flaws.  If you have a conflict, talk to them and address it either privately or at least in a way that will benefit everyone involved. 


8.  Revise, revise, revise.  Your writing is not *the sho-nuff stuff* unless it goes through the ringer many times over.


9.  It's okay to show others outside of the MFA program your writing, to get a different perspective.  You can listen to the feedback and decide which way you want to go.  Remember the source of creativity is you.  Your instructors and peers are there as a sounding board, but you have to be comfortable with the final product.


10.  Your MFA experience is what you make of it.  No one's going to hold your hand, stroke your ego or serve you up a publishing deal or agent on a silver platter.  Writing is work and can be extremely rewarding if you know how to organize your ideas and can devote the time and attention that your craft needs. 

Check out The Creative Writing Blog for information and perspectives on getting an MFA degree.