Question #1:Family doesn't take my life or my career choice seriously?I'm a writer. I have published in academic and a couple of more mainstream magazines/journals. I worked hard in high school and received a scholarship to a top 10 liberal arts college. I completed my MFA in creative writing, MA in English, and I'm currently in my last two years (hopefully) of my PHD. I have two completed manuscripts that I have faith in (and so do my professors). I know that job prospects for writers are incredibly competitive in academia and outside of academia. I know that for all the years put into getting all of my degrees, they probably won't translate into a higher income like some other more "marketable" degrees might. I know that most writers (even successful ones) don't make nearly as much money as people think. But I don't want to do anything else. Writing and analyzing literature is my passion. It seems like every time I go home or call my family, they are trying to convince me to abandon what I've been working toward. They've never made an effort to read any of my stories or articles. I don't know. It just makes me incredibly depressed sometimes that my family doesn't acknowledge me.Question #2:What jobs could you have w/ a MFA in Creative Writing?Thanks.Question #3:Seeking Creative Writing Recommendation for MFA Writing Program.?Hi. It's been over 10 years since I first took my last English Literature course back in College. I'm now looking to applying to a graduate program in Creative Writing. Problem is, I need some recommendations, but currently don't have any. I'm considering requesting my English Literature professor for a recommendation, but I haven't spoken to her in eons. How should I approach her for a recommendation for a MFA (Masters in Fine Arts) in Creative Writing Program? Should I just call her for an appointment and show her my writing samples, then see if I get a recommendation from her?Thanks. Question #4:Does one necessarily have to have an English/MFA degree in order to write a book?I am itching to start an outline for a novel. I love thinking up stories and scenarios, etc.The thing is that I don't have a degree in English or an MFA or anything related to creative writing. My bachelor's degree is in history and I thought about writing historical fiction - something I like to read myself. Do I need to have an academic background pertaining to literature and creative writing (i.e. English, MFA, M.A. in English) or am I good enough with my history degree? Since historical fiction requires a certain amount of historical research, I'm cool with it (did a lot of it when I was in college). Thanks for your comments and help! Question #5:What education do I need to teach Creative Writing at the University level?My ambition is to teach Creative Writing at the University level, but I'm not completely sure what education that would entail. I hear that colleges and universities no longer hire faculty with only a masters - one must have a PhD. But the highest level of education you can get in Creative Writing is the MFA, or so I've been told. I've been planning to get an MFA in Creative Writing and a PhD in Literature, but I'm not completely sure about the logistics of getting accepted to school. How much do Graduate schools really care what your degree is in? Can I get into a PhD program after getting an MA/MFA in Creative Writing? I know that Creative Writing MA programs don't really care what you major in, but would getting my Bachelors in Creative Writing hurt me at the PhD level, or should I get my BA in Literature? I'm currently in year 4 or 5 of my BA and because I've taken so long in school I've pretty much completed every class in the English department, but I can only get my degree in one or the other (CW or Lit). My heart is really in Creative Writing, and I'm not even sure if I'll continue past my BA - I might just end up being a writer, but I don't want to regret this down the road.Question #6:Can you take time off during medical school to complete a two year master's degree program?I know that some medical students take time off during medical school for a number of reasons: research, maternity, unforeseen circumstances, etc. I've also heard of some med students taking time off to pursue something completely unrelated to medicine, such as a 1-year master's program in creative writing.I want to know if it is possible to take TWO years off during medical school to get an MFA in studio arts. I know two years is pushing it, especially if it is in something totally unrelated such as art, but is this even possible? Do you think med schools would allow it? Has anyone ever done this/know of someone who has? And if not, will there ever be time to pursue an MFA after medical school? Thanks. Question #7:What are great creative writing schools?I'm applying to university in the fall, and I want to get an MFA in Creative Writing, as well as a doctorate in psychology or neuroscience (yes, I know it's odd), or possibly in English lit.I would love to go to university in the UK, but I'm having problems finding lists of universities there (or ones with programs of study as good as the ones I'm applying to in the US). It was hard enough to find a list of US colleges that offer an MFA in Creative Writing. For the US, I'm applying to Columbia U, Sarah Lawrence, California College of the Arts, and U. of Washington (due to the fact I live in WA and it has a great medical program). But I really, really want to get out of where I live and I've always wanted to live in the UK, so this is my chance. Help? wow, thank you jtb s! that's a lot of info. I didn't know that about the funding. Question #8:does anyone read relocation charts?I was wondering if anyone reads/is willing to give some insight into this relocation chart-Click Here i'd be relocating to pursue an MFA in creative writing so i am particularly interested in schooling/career as well as social dynamics, if that helps give some context. thanks :) Question #9:Looking for a writing critic/english major/creative writer for feedback?I am not a trained writer, but I have been writing my entire life. I'm contemplating going back to school to get a MFA in Creative Writing, but I'm really not sure in my abilities. Basically, I write whenever I get the urge to- journaling, social commentary, rants and raves, random nonsense. None of it ever gets to the public eye, though. I guess that goes to show that write because I like to, plain and simple.I've recently written some things on Facebook- just brain vomit, really, but I'd like the POV from someone who has a background in writing. Be honest... but not too harsh. Suggestions, ideas, encouragement, tips, bad habits you notice- whatever. There are 2 really short pieces under my "notes" section that I'd like someone to take a look at. If you are interested, please click on my name to get to my profile and send me an email message. I'll then give you the link to my Facebook page. Feel free to leave comments under the notes. Thanks to anyone who would like to share a little wisdom today :) Question #10:Should I be a cop or an artist?I am torn between two careers. On the one hand, I have always been fascinated with law enforcement. There's a part of me that wants to protect people that cannot protect themselves, that wants to be on the front lines. I think I would love the job, but I also realize it's constant and draining, that it takes all of you.I also love storytelling. It's my heart and my passion. I have a Bachelors degree in Creative Writing, I've published stories in several literary journals, have thought about pursuing an MFA, and also play music and write screenplays. I understand that I could spend the rest of my life creating and not ever pay the bills with it, but for the sake of argument lets suppose I can... If I became a cop, I want it to be my whole life, to not always be focused on other things. I'm afraid the two are mutually exclusive. Can any cops weigh in here? I hear it's a 24 hour career and yet some cops have full-time jobs on the side, I don't really understand that. What do you guys think? Question #11:I am majoring in journalism and want to be a secondary school creative writing teacher. Is this possible?I am a 28 year old executive assistant who has not yet entered college and is enrolled for the fall semester at my local school. I am trying to finish school as quickly as possible because of my age and my desire to attain an (eventual) PhD. I will be taking several CLEP exams this summer to gain credit before I start the Fall semester, and will be completing the remainder of the necessary general education requirements in the fall. The school I will be attending offers life experience credits and, for that, I am grateful. The problem is that they only offer a BA in JOurnalism, which is not a problem for me considering my goals are to get an MFA and (eventual) PhD in Creative writing. Here is where the Journalism BA becomes a problem. Here are my goals: I would like to get my teacher certification after my BA in order to teach high school writing and eventually I would like to teach UNiversity Level poetry or creative writing - all in as little time as possible and while working. What's the best (and quickest) path to reach these goals? Can I do a teacher residency program while still pursuing my MFA and PhD in creative writing? Can I even teach creative writing? Can I even teach with a Journalism degree?Question #12:Which are the best MFA Creative Writing Universities in the world?I have found some most searched universities, but I am confused which is the best for me for mfa writing programsHere is the list of universities University of Michigan MFA in Creative Writing New York University Creative Writing (NYU) St George's University MFA Creative Writing Iowa State University MFA Program in Creative Writing and Environment Question #13:How much does Penn State cost? (Graduate MFA)?I'm looking into Graduate School & Penn State is at the top of my list... I want to get an MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction... ... ... BUT I need an approximate of the cost... tuition, housing, etc... for an out of state graduate student...?Any help is appreciated, thanks! Okay, the Penn State site finally loaded.. Turns out the out of state full time annual tuition is the same as my undergraduate stuff... approximately $27,000... (in state is approximately $15,000, I'm so jealous.. Maybe I'll live there for a while to save up for my MFA, lol) Question #14:I need a cure for narcissism - I know what I am and I'm ready. Details inside.?Okay, I am fully aware now of what I do, and the patterns I engage in. I know what I am. I am scared to fix it, and I don't really want to fix it, but I'm getting older and maybe I should start having a normal life. Here's "me" simplified to a list:1. I like to be engaging in conversation; I often take the lead in social situations 2. I like to drink and party and socialize 3. I play a lot of guitar and write, and one day of my goals in life is to entertain the world with a published book or maybe a TV pilot. I love being creative and making up characters and plots, and I want to be able to do that after I get/finish my MFA. 4. I often "shop" for men at the bar. I don't really have intentions with taking it too far or sleeping with them, I just like to find really attractive guys and it makes me feel good that I've attracted the attention of the "lookers" when I look back on my collective of pictures at various parties and bars. I rarely make further contact with them past making out or the first night, and if I do, I usually leave it to one to two dates and split because I'm not interested anymore. I rarely break down and have sex with anyone because the whole thought of being naked and exposing yourself to someone sickens me. 5. The reality is that I'm alone and I trust no one. 6. I'm better and more interesting than a lot of people. I have a lot of hobbies and knowledge that most people don't have. I understand that this is a narcissistic belief, but it's true. 7. Big crowds, especially when people are bigger or louder than me and really coming close to me, irritate and annoy me. I'm highly sensitive and the chaos becomes too much for me. I don't know if anyone else feels this way 8. I really, really can't stand most girls and I'm a girl. I can't stand how needy, bitchy, selfish and petty they are. I've been like that for most of my life. There are a few that I can hang around, but I prefer hanging around men. I know that most of these men have affection for me, whether secret or not. I ignore this fact most of the time because I enjoy the company. 9. I cannot - CANNOT - express how I feel, or if something has made me sad, hurt, angry, or humiliated. I take everything with a grain of salt and shrug it off. This quality I actually like in me because there are too many crazy things going on in my family that I'd rather feel indifferent about. However, saying "I love you" or "This was painful for me" are things that I cannot say. I just can't bring myself to do it. That's about all I can think of right now. I've been reading a lot of books and articles on narcissism and its sufferers, and they always seem to antagonize us for what we are. Maybe the best cure is reading about it through a victim's eyes - to break the construct of the false self down. I don't know. Question #15:Which of these Creative Writing MFA programs is the best (or TOP 3-5)?in terms of:- program quality (vigorous preferred) - environment (city preferably, good public transportation) - financially (middle class, dependent on parents, graduating undergrad): Florida State University University of Iowa University of Michigan University of Texas, Michener Center University of California at Irvine Johns Hopkins University University of Virginia Brooklyn College, CUNY University of Mississippi Ohio State University University of Arizona University of Houston and please, as many reasons as possible. i've already researched many many websites and rankings. I'm looking for personal knowledge. thanks so much. Question #16:Life after the MFA degree in Creative Writing...?Anyone out there have an MFA degree in Creative Writing? What are you doing with it-- what kind of path did you take after graduation? I'm going to be entering a program in Sept. and am most definitely doing it because I love writing. I'd be fine with being a teacher, though I'm just curious what other paths people take.Thanks. Question #17:Does anyone know of a good Graduate Program in Creative Writing? In Southern California?I want to do an MFA in Creative Writing but not ridiculously priced (sorry USC). If there is an option of partial on-campus, partial online even better. Personal experience also a plus. Thanks :)Question #18:Writers - Benefits of formal college writing degrees?My question is for experienced writers, especially those who have a degree in creative writing or something similiar.Writing is my hobby which I truly enjoy, but I have never had anything published to date so I state that I am a true novice. However, I am at a point where I would like to delve further into the world of writing, with the hopes of becoming published one day. I see various, expensive programs for Masters Degrees in Writing (MFA degrees). My undergrad is in business, so while I am educated, my former courses have not been writing-oriented. To pursue my dream, I write as much as possible. But I see options, such as these Masters Degree programs in writing, and I wonder, can they really make a difference? I am close enough to many colleges that offer such programs, including Emerson College in Boston which has a strong program. My first question is, is it worth it? It's expensive, but can it really make a difference as opposed to not going; i.e. can they teach you things and get you the connections that you likely won't get anywhere else? Also, my undergrad is not in English or a more applicable field - would this be a hinderance, and is obtaining an undergrad in English first possibly a better idea? Lastly, I wonder if it could be a waste of money, in that I may get similiar information from the books I have read on writing, etc., and there is always opportunity to take short writing workshops.... Tough call, but I would love to hear from those with experience in this area. Question #19:What does "MFA," "NEA," and "PEN" stand for?I'm reading a biography on Sandra Cisneros for a book report, and I'd like to know what "MFA," "NEA," and "PEN" stand for.Here are the sentences they are used in. MFA ~ "Graduates from University of Iowa with MFA in creative writing." NEA ~ "Receives first NEA grant; works to complete "The House on Mango Street;" residency at Micael Karolyi Artist's Foundation in Venice, Italy; write poems for "My Wicked Wicked Ways;" meets lifelong from Jasna K." PEN~ "'Woman Hollering Creek' published and awarded the PEN Center West Award for Best Fiction of 1991; Cisneros recieves Lannan Litereary Award. Thank you for your answers. :) Anonymous - Thank you for your answer! 10 points! Question #20:Master's of Social Work?I have a B.A. in English with an emphasis in both Creative Writing and Teaching, along with a teaching certification in Secondary Education.I thought about going back to graduate school for my MFA in Creative Writing, but now I'm rethinking those plans. Last year, I started working as a counselor through the YMCA and I love my job. I work with both children and their families and often think about going back to school to get my Master's in Social Work. I'd like to go into the therapy profession and work with children. I have a lot of experience working with children besides my student teaching and field experiences from the school of education. I've volunteered with Flagship, Big Brothers Big Sisters, coached and tutored children. I also volunteer with a women's resource group here in town and would like to work with women someday, too. I know I have my teaching certification, but as much as I love teaching, I would rather work with kids and their families on the clinical level. My question is for anyone who is in an MSW program. Can I get a Master's in Social Work with a B.A. in English? If so, what do I need to do to prepare myself for admittance to the program? Are there any special tests I'd have to take besides the general GRE? How intense is the MSW program? Any help will be appreciated! :) ** Powered by Yahoo Answers Click link above for correct copyright license. |
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