I would be lying if I said this is my first blog. I started on on Xanga years ago, but I abandoned it for Facebook. Somehow, it was just more interesting to see what people were doing in real time instead of reading about it after the face. I've said it before, Facebook is a time suck, but I still can't tear myself away. I've also tried writing another blog on Blogspot about the process it would take to find myself, but I lost interest. So I'm hoping the third time will be a charm.
I also wanted to start this blog because I just started my first semester in a MFA Creative Writing program. This is going to be a kind of record as I progress through the program as well as to practice my writing. I plan to write about what my classes are like, the assignments, and what I learn about myself and my writing. You are more than welcome, dear reader, to join me in my journey.
Some background info to start:
I'm not a professional writer. I've never had anything published, unless you count the newsletter I worked on for the Asian Students' Association in college. (Even that only lasted for two semesters. Then a new president was elected and the organization fell apart.) I wrote short stories here and there but not really enough to call it a hobby. The first time I ever considered doing any real writing was when I signed up for a class with Susan Shapiro called "Writing for NYC Newspapers and Magazines." She's already published a few novels and several articles. I liked her class so much I took it twice. I've never sent any of my pieces in but the class did inspire me to write.
I didn't even consider applying for a creative writing program until a month and a half before the deadline. That was because I didn't even know that something like this existed. Once I found out, I started contacting former teachers and employers for references, making transcript requests from my college and pounding out a Statement of Purpose as well as a writing sample. I will be honest, if I had to apply all over again, I would have done it the exact same way. It was the excitement and pressure of getting my application in on time that really pushed me along. I still have all 10 drafts of my statement saved in my hard drive. And when I read it now, nine months after I've submitted it, I'm always surprised at how well written it was.
For those of you who want advice when applying to an MFA Creative Writing program (or any graduate program), these are the things that I've learned.
1. Although spending only six weeks on my application worked for me, it's not for everyone. I would honestly say make sure you have enough time to get all the required materials. One of my reference letters came two days late, but I was lucky because the school I applied to extended the deadline by two days due to a holiday.
2. Follow the guidelines of the application. Don't make your entire Statement of Purpose about how Uncle Fred was your inspiration to become a writer when you're being asked how being in the program will contribute to your goals. Three quarters of my first draft was about how I wrote short stories as a kid and my love for reading, the other quarter was how I would benefit from being in a writing program. A co-worker who already graduated from the program read it and suggested that I turn it around, one part about my background and three parts about how I would benefit. Reading the application guidelines made me realize she was completely right and I made the changes immediately.
3. The first draft of your Statement of Purpose should not be your last. Give it to other people to read and be open to their critiques. And make sure these are people who can be honest. They can help you spot typos, grammatical errors or if something just doesn't make sense. I gave my statement to three people for critique: a co-worker who had already graduated from the same program I was applying to, another co-worker who was in a different graduate program, and my husband who had taken advanced critical reading and analysis courses in college. He did not go easy on my writing.
4. The same applies if you have to submit a writing sample. Make sure your sample is as perfect as possible. I submitted a short story about 14 pages long and I went through it several times to look for typos, grammatical errors and inconsistencies. For example, my main character finds a mysterious trap door underneath her bed that leads down a dark tunnel. But earlier in the story, I had written that her room is located on the second floor. That needed to be fixed.
5. After you've submitted your completed application, relax! You should be proud of yourself! Give yourself a huge pat on the back and know that you can rest easy until school starts.
I'm already in my third week of school, so my next entry will have some bits about my classes and what we're doing.
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