From San Diego Writers Monthly publishes California Writers, California authors, new writers, offering readers info on how to get published, from literary agents, writing coaches, San Diego editors on editing, self-publishing how-to, publishing chap books and short-run books, book doctors, ghost writers, San Diego authors events, interviews of writers, book reviews, free readings, book signings, free stories, online fiction, poetry workshops, free novels, free essays, free ideas, science fiction, humorous stories, rants, funny essays, copywriting, freelancing info, and musings about living on this lonely planet circling a lonely star.

Writers Workshop

Dear Melanie,

I have a few questions regarding your MFA piece.

Just to give you a quick sketch of my background, although I published a few poems in university anthologies throughout the years, I have primarily written poetry that I have not tried to publish until now. I've practiced corporate law at a high-tech company for over twenty years after graduating from law school. I'm interested in developing my writing skills, but also in the possibility of teaching in a university setting someday.

Here are my questions. Thanks in advance.

--S.K. (Southern California)

Q. Given that I live in Southern California, do you have any thoughts about the MFA programs offered here, such as USC, Otis School of Design, California Institute of the Arts, or Cal State Northridge? I'm not certain about the relative strengths of these programs in securing teaching roles going forward or in terms of general improvement as a writer.

MJ: Programs vary widely. As I said in the Where Should I Get an MFA article, your best bet is to sit in on a workshop. You can do this easily by calling the department and telling them you are considering their program. They should be more than happy to accommodate you.

In addition, AWP publishes a directory of MFA programs. You can get a general sense of each program from the directory.

School is mysterious. It has been my experience that it is not the school that makes the man (or woman), but the man. By that I mean your success will depend on you, not your teachers and their records of achievement (or seeming lack thereof), the "name" of the school, etc. While these can, sometimes, help, they are certainly not guarantees.

Typically the only thing that matters in securing a teaching position is your publishing record. You don't have to have an MFA in order to teach. In other words, win the National Book Award, even without a college degree, and, rest assured, you will be able to teach.

This is not to say that I don't believe in school. I do. My MFA was one of the best things I've ever done and it greatly improved my writing.

Q: More specifically, on USC, is it your impression that their graduates are able to obtain teaching roles, given the MPW versus MFA designation? I'm still in the learning stages here, so I'm not clear on the differences in the programs.

MJ: Either degree will qualify you to teach.

Q: I noted your experience about working while pursuing an MFA, which was of interest to me given that I will need to work as well (keeping my kids fed is near the top of my to-do list!). Is it realistic to try to get through a two year program while working full time, in your opinion?

MJ: Great question. It will depend on you and your program. I worked full-time my first year. I was able to do so because my program had courses at night. But my second year, the courses I needed weren't offered at night. My boss at the time would not let me work part-time. This led to massive changes in my life, as you might imagine. I found other work, part-time, that allowed me to both do school and make at least a little money. I also had a teaching assistantship which essentially paid for my second year. Check your future program for financial aid options.

Q: Any suggestions on good writers conferences? I greatly appreciate you taking the time to respond to my questions. I hope you are still enjoying your stay in Wyoming, one of my favorite places in the world.

MJ: Poets & Writers regularly features articles about various writing conferences. I advise anyone seriously writing to get a subscription.

I attended Squaw Valley a few years ago and loved it. I know that fellow Writers Monthly staffers have gotten a lot from the Southern California Writers Conference, every February President's Day Weekend in San Diego.

>>Back to top<<