Video

Do you have any tips on creating a third person bio for poetry submission if you don't have much to say? If you never published, what would you say? Every published poet I looked up on several magazines have stated that they have been published somewhere. . .

Hey, Brian! Great videos, thanks. There isn't much clarity on MFA programs out there. I am a 26yr old from India. I have a masters' in English Literature. I have been working as an Editor at an academic publishing house for the past three years. I am an ESL writer and have a passion for experimental literary fiction. With this background there is one gnawing question (rejection is part of the process and I accommodate that possibility), what are my chances of getting a fair shot? Will I be given a fair shot as an international student? Will there be scrutiny on anything other than my creative write-up? I would appreciate it if you could take a minute to answer my question. Thanks!

Want to workshop your poems with me? You can connect with me here: www.fiverr.com/share/qjaoaX

Great video! I wanted an MFA for a long time. I've decided against it for now mostly due to being disabled and the demands of a fully funded program aren't realistic for me at this time. That said I'm still publishing work, taking classes, and getting fellowships. Long comment long, I encourage writers to look at their goals and see what they can do outside the academy to get there no matter if that is indefinitely or just until next application cycle.

Hello your videos are very helpful. Can you share a few universities in UK and USA that are the best and where one should definitely apply for MFA in writing

I do a lot of work in content marketing, editing, and website building to make end's meet. But I highly recommend venturing into indie publishing, especially if you're interested in writing any sort of genre/commercial fiction. I started two years ago, publishing short stories very sporadically, and I'm up to making about $100 a month. And that's from minimal effort following none of the best practices (no marketing, making my own book covers, not hiring an editor, etc.). I spend a lot time on the stories, but it's a labor of love. And I get $100 a month (and counting) to do what I would gladly pay to do. My goal is to start publishing novels and to publish more frequently in the near future (and actually market my work). I'd also like to focus my freelance work on indie authors more, even though I know that'll mean a big pay cut. I only have a BA in Creative Writing, but every other year, I find myself pining for an MFA. I know I don't need it professionally, but taking the time to bring my writing to the next level and strengthening my skills as an editor and teacher (and getting the credential) would be lovely.

Great video. I'd add two things: 1. Money. I'd personally only recommend low residency/part time programs that allow you to work at the same time or full time MFA programs that you can get into on a full or almost full ride, either through a scholarship or assistantship. Unless you're very well off. Considering the likely financial payoff for a career as a creative writer, I wouldn't go into debt for an MFA. 2. What kind of writing do you do? If you're trying to be a commercial writer who's all about delighting readers with gripping novels that meet their expectations for the genre, most MFAs won't teach you how to do that. Sure, you can improve your writing, but there are far cheaper, faster ways to do that. I'd say most MFAs (especially those that are paid) are best for writers of literary or at least upmarket fiction (nowadays there are plenty of programs that welcome speculative fiction, YA, etc., so I wouldn't say MFA programs aren't for that kind of "genre" writer.).

After my recent experience (got into Hull MA) I can say I agree with all you say.

I've never heard about applycation fees. Is this a US thing? 😅

Did you say you applied to about 13 programs? 😮 Are the chances of accepence very limited?

Hey Brian. Thank you. Is ok if your creative non fiction portfolio is a small book based on a true life story (with some creativity to spice it up)? Can i send the book to you for review before submitting? What is your email address?

Where do you teach?

Hi Brian! I've been watching quite a few of your videos and really enjoying them. The content is extremely helpful and presented in such a clear and concise way - so thank you! I do have a question - there are hundreds of literary journals so it can be difficult to know which ones to choose for submission, let alone which ones to research/read more closely! Do you have any tips or advice on narrowing down journals in an effort to submit to the "right" ones?

Really helpful! Thanks :)

This is a really helpful video. I’ve been trying to decide if I want to go for an MFA for nearly 5 years, and the questions you posed are by far the most helpful. Thank you!

Great advice thank you.

Great videos. If I'm reading their page correctly, the MFA at WKU only pays for the out-of-state tuition. Is that correct or incorrect? It's looking like the tuition would cost about as much as you make off the assistantship. Any clarity would be appreciated. I really like their learning options.

Come through for the Bird by Bird reference! Very helpful. I'm finishing up my BA in Individualized Studies with a Creative Minor. I am a poet and I perform but I could really write all day. I think to the point I could one day teach it.

What if the journal has several editors under masthead and it does not state which editor edited what genre and poems? I am noticing that more with online poetry journals.

BA English literature major here! Was a writing tutor in college, became a substitute teacher, and am now a museum education coordinator! debating an MFA because i miss writing poetry and never got to really hone in on my creative writing skills! I always wanted to be some sort of an editor

I have a request, I would love your tips on how to improve your poetry. I have a bachelor's in literature and we briefly looked at poetry. I love to write it, but I am an amature.

Great stuff. Thank you!

Promo*SM

I am a writer. But like Annie Dillard said, I hate writing, love having written. The allure of a program like an MFA is that you end with a book-length manuscript (at least in the programs I'm looking at) that has been critiqued by faculty and advisors. Having a solid draft to query is a big draw, but having the structure that requires me (via a deadline) to have the result I want is super helpful. External motivation is key for forcing me to accomplish my own goals. So I guess I disagree with your whole premise here, but not combatively, just that the need to write for me is less in the enjoyment of the emotionally taxing process and more in the satisfaction of having given form to something that was little more than an idea in my head. It's incredibly satisfying, so much so that I keep doing it. But a book-length manuscript eludes me as of yet, and I have notebooks full of outlines and ideas and character descriptions etc etc. I'm considering an MFA, but find that a funded program appeals to my economic sensibilities, but a low-res scenario with summer workshops appeals to my life logistics. Balancing family and location etc are all considerations. It's hard to think, especially after listening to your videos, that paying for one can be worth the investment outside of personal fulfillment. I wish MFAs had better-established funnels for navigating the publishing industry and better networks of publishing resources, agents, editors and collaborators than it seems I assumed they had but am realizing they don't. Still, I keep thinking I want to pursue one anyway. I want that external motivation to finish a manuscript baby!

I decided to apply to an MFA program for Creative Writing because I knew I needed the space and time to write and I knew that workshops weren't going to cut it. I also didn't want a low res program because I couldn't see myself on track with just 10 day intensives. I needed to be on a campus consistently. I just do better with that structure. I also chose my program because I would learn about publishing design as well. That's the added bonus of my program.

I love how realistic you are in your advice😊 No false optimism like "You're gonna make thousands of dollars with your MFA!"

Not vain at all! Want to hear about your experience.

Any suggestions for finding the right program for me? I’m having a ton of trouble whittling down the options.

Thanks foe the tips man, these were helpful❤️

What do you think about Creative Writing Phd programs?

The only benefit I experienced is for teaching at schools because of the MFA. People who get promoted/better-pay seem to get that because of their talent... not because of a MFA.

I am interested on pursuing a graduate program I am still thinking on either apply an MA in Communication or MFA in Art Studio concentrating in Photography, I would like to teach at a university as a lecture teaching photojournalism, Videography, or film but I don't know which one would you recommend? MA or MFA.

Thank you for this video!

What should I put on the cv/resume?

Hi Brian, how are you? I have been watching your videos and they are great. I'm from Brazil and I've been researching MFA programs on creative writing on the US, since I've been interested in studying there. I know some places say they welcome international students, but I've been questioning if it is really possible to be accepted if you are from a country that the primary language is not english. Do you know more about this? I would love to hear what you have to say. Thanks!

Want to read samples or examples of successful statements of purpose? You might find this resource helpful. www.creativewritingnews.com/statement-of-purpose-examples-2/?amp=1

😓 քʀօʍօֆʍ

Helping the CCP colonize the U.S. by teaching their children how to speak our language should bring you the charge of death, but instead, our country heralds traitors like you. These are sad times, and you SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER. Not impressed.

Hi, why am I not allowed to access the fiverr page?

Me (Via email): Are you wanting applicants to apply with literary fiction? Or are works of genre fiction accepted as well? MFA Director: We want you to apply with whatever you feel best represents you as a writer. Me (Thinks): That doesn't answer my question!!

Hi Brian, out of curiosity, which 4 schools did you get into?

How have your prospects been since completing your MFA? Have you been able to secure a teaching job?

I wanna update my comment. I am going to carbondale!!

Got into a fully funded MFA and I'm so excited!

Hi Brian. Until tripping over your video here, I'd always avoided doing the book review "thing." However, you have changed my mind. Your advice is stellar, and persuasive. I also appreciate your attentiveness to professionalism and kindness. Thanks sincerely for this lead.

your videos about mfa programs are especially helpful. how much research would you suggest for looking into current writers/students at prospective programs? I at the very least read some of their work but is it over the top to reach out and ask them questions?

Thank you again for sharing. These are very useful suggestions!!

I am an international student. I love writing and I’m trying to apply MFA creative writing programs. Thank you so much for sharing these. It really helps a lot and I am more sure that this is what I want!!

Biggest financial waste ever.

do have any tips for high school students who want to learn creative writing? (given that they dont rlly have creative writing at school)