Should You Get Your MFA in Writing? | 3 Reasons To and 3 Reasons Not To

Many writers consider getting their MFA, but this decision can also be complicated and there are a lot of factors to consider. There are varying opinions on MFAs, from writers who benefitted greatly from theirs, to others who felt it was a waste of time. Like most things, the experience is not universal, and so it's always worth doing careful reflection on your learning style, goals, and priorities to figure out if an MFA is the right path for you! Today we're chatting about three good reasons to get your MFA, and three reasons it might not be for you.
Everything You Need to Know About Creative Writing Degrees: • Everything You Need to...
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro
Don't if...
0:40 - You want to feel like a real writer
1:26 - It wouldn't be worth the time or cost
2:57 - The pressure and workload would be too much
Do if...
4:02 - It fits your career goals
4:41 - You want academic guidance for a specific project
5:36 - You've always wanted to
FIND REEDSY HERE:
Blog: blog.reedsy.com
Facebook: / wearereedsy
Twitter: / reedsyhq
Instagram: / reedsy_hq
RESOURCES:
Book Editor: reedsy.com/write-a-book
Reedsy Discovery [indie book reviews]: reedsy.com/discovery
Webinars: blog.reedsy.com/live/
Bestseller Podcast: blog.reedsy.com/podcast/
Prompts & Writing Contest: blog.reedsy.com/creative-writ...
Plot Generator: blog.reedsy.com/plot-generator/
Character Name Generator: blog.reedsy.com/character-nam...
Pen Name Generator: blog.reedsy.com/pen-name-gene...
Book Title Generator: blog.reedsy.com/book-title-ge...
Writing Exercises: blog.reedsy.com/writing-exerc...
Writing Contest Directory: blog.reedsy.com/writing-conte...
Literary Magazine Directory: blog.reedsy.com/literary-maga...
ePub to MOBI Converter: blog.reedsy.com/epub-to-mobi-...
Reedsy Learning [free courses]: blog.reedsy.com/learning/

[@ImaginaryMdA]

It's important to point out this only applies to the US.
A lot of people around the world won't have to go into crippling debt to attend higher education.

[@t0dd000]

Most folks in the US who go into crippling debt, choose to do so. There are always ways to avoid that.

[@WritersHiveMedia]

Great content! Glad you mentioned the student debt and how it's not a good idea. 100% agree there!

[@ctxbikergirl9110]

I’m currently in an MFA program and I LOVE every moment of it! I’ve met so many amazing people and it has already opened so many doors for me. It’s not for everyone, of course, just like getting a doctorate isn’t for everyone. But it can be a life-changing experience for some people who enjoy honing their skills and learning more about the craft. The program I’m in also teaches the business side of professional publishing. They also give a choice between getting an online teaching certificate, or a professional writing certificate-this is in addition to the MFA degree.

[@nocturnus009]

03:00 is SOOO true, I imagine by the design of the MFA program you are placed into an all too real Dunning-Kruger effect. Where you live out that opening sequence of Raiders of the Lost Arc: you collect you crew (artistic toolbox, story crafting tools in this case) go to Peru & find the Jibito temple (research & find your MFA program) the grab the idol and gradually head out. The Dunning-Kruger realization is the colossal marble chasing you to the exit.

[@brycesonflowers8758]

Shealin, Are you the only person on this channel, other than last Tuesday I never seem any else speak, it's not the reason I dislike you, I really enjoy watching talk passionately about writing. It's just wanting to know, because everyone is different so that mean I get to hear about different writing experience and talents which is more valuable to me because I discover a lot more. Compare to one person?

[@sangamithranataraj531]

There are others I guess, but I think I've heard her say that she manages Reedsy's social media... that's why you see her a lot over here

[@basicindiebro]

My MFA will be fully funded!

[@martellc1008]

How did you manage that?!🎉❤

[@saber-seathearn82]

What is a MFA or what does it stand for?

[@gregorcrawford3020]

Masters of fine arts degree

[@nononouh]

3

[@CharlieHorse4363]

First!!

[@nocturnus009]

Are you sure?!

[@ollie2111]

Shaelin 😍

[@iangraham9050]

A degree does not give you the talent to be a good writer.

[@ScottyDMcom]

Personally I feel that getting a traditional publisher for my first novel would be about 1000 times more validating as a "real writer" than getting an MFA.

[@Salukiprincess]

I almost pursued my MFA after graduating with a bachelor's in English but decided against it because I realized that an MFA wouldn't do much to help me achieve my goals. I want to write genre fiction---namely dark erotic fantasy.
There are more programs that welcome speculative fiction than there used to be, but after looking further into things, I realized most still focused heavily on contemporary literary fiction and highly literary speculative fiction (think magical realism and slipstream). They also didn't teach a lot of skills critical to what I want to do: self-publishing, book marketing, developing gripping plots and likable characters, worldbuilding, etc.
There are a few popular fiction MFAs in the US, but as far as I can tell, they're all expensive and have very limited funding. Far better to learn by doing in my case. :)

[@dom19945]

Almost nobody pays for an MFA.