I am elated to announce that I will (finally) be graduating with my Bachelor's degree (in English) in May. This after having begun it 24 years ago.
However excited I am about this accomplishment, I'm realistic enough to know that it really gets me squat (other than a warm fuzzy feeling). So, I'm in the process of shopping for an MFA program in creative writing. Because our family is not in a financial position to be able to relocate so that I can attend a program full time, I'm looking for a low residency program.
I was excited to apply to the program at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. I have waited patiently and expectantly for several months now for an answer.
Today I got an e-mail with the news: I wasn't accepted to the program.
Like any artist, I took this rejection personally.
Despite this setback, I have several more programs on my list where I still need to apply. Hopefully one of them will see some promise in my writing.
If anyone has any recommendations for a good low residency MFA creative writing program, I'd love to hear about it.
Until I'm finally accepted somewhere (which is all each of us really wants, anyway, isn't it?!), I'll try not to feel too dejected over my first rejection.
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8 comments:
Rejections never feel too good but I am sure with your positive attitude you will find the right program for you! So neat that you get to continue!!
You know here in the US, MFAs, that once provided entree into the best journals, are now so ubiquitous that only the top programs count for much. For a couple thousand dollars (again US), you can attend some excellent summer workshops for one or two weeks at a time. Some are selective (meaning you'll be with writers on your level), and are taught by the same well-known writers who teach in MFA programs. That could be a good way to test the waters before you commit to a grad program.
Just a thought.
Nannette - thanks for the advice!
You deserve huge congratulations on completing your degree! I'm doing the exact same thing (also having started more than 20 years ago), and I expect to finish in 2010. Good luck with the MFA applications!
"Like any artist, I took this rejection personally."
Isn't that the truth? As you may know, I do voice work for a living. I knew going into it that it's a highly subjective business, but I still feel totally bummed personally when someone decides that my reading is not what they were looking for.
Kudos on reaching the finish line, and I'm echoing friend Nannette here. Do you really need an MFA? Check out Iowa's summer programs.
woohoo! crangrats!
Angie - Ultimately I'd like to teach writing at the university level. I can't really do that with a standard MA, and I'm too old and tired to spend 10 years on a PhD! I figured an MFA is a terminal degree that will qualify me to teach at university level. And I can hopefully do freelance writing as well! If you (and/or Nannette) see a different course I could chart, I'd be happy to consider it!
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