Researching the Best Creative Writing MFA Programs?
Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
By Mary Kole
If you’re looking for the best creative writing MFA programs, you’re probably very serious about your writing craft—or you want to get more serious. Getting a creative writing MFA can be a great way to improve your writing skills and become a better writer. However, the best creative writing MFA programs can be expensive and time consuming, making them difficult for many aspiring authors to pursue. Fortunately, there are other options available that can help writers hone their writing craft without the same financial and time commitment as the best creative writing MFA programs, which can take up to two years and cost tens of thousands of dollars (without stipends or financial aid, which can be very competitive).
Alternatives to the Best Creative Writing MFA Programs
Writing workshops are one way to replicate the experience of the best creative writing MFA programs without the staggering time or financial investment. These workshops provide writers with the opportunity to receive writing feedback from peers and instructors on their work. This feedback can be invaluable in helping writers identify areas of improvement and develop their writing skills. Additionally, workshops can provide a supportive environment for writers to share their work and gain confidence in their writing. The accountability and support that you get from a group of like-minded peers is the ticket to starting your manuscript, finishing it, and generating new ideas.
For those looking to improve their writing skills, there are a variety of options available. While the best creative writing MFA programs can be expensive and time consuming, writing workshops can provide writers with the opportunity to receive feedback and hone their craft in much the same way. After all, a workshop intensive and the best creative writing MFA programs have the same element at their heart: the small group writing workshop.
Story Mastermind: On Par with the Best Creative Writing MFA Programs
Story Mastermind offers collaboration and instruction comparable to the best creative writing MFA programs at a fraction of the cost, and in five months to a finished or revised novel or memoir manuscript. By workshopping your own work and providing feedback for your peers, you maximize your time spent in workshop and get the same benefits as the best creative writing MFA programs. It’s something to consider as you make your decision about investing in your creative writing future.
For those eagle-eyed readers who are wondering just what kind of editor or writing workshop would have an article with the clunky phrasing of “best creative writing MFA programs” over and over on their website, I applaud you for noticing that this reads awkwardly. Please note that I picked this keyword phrase on purpose, as part of my SEO (search engine optimization) strategy. If you’re curious about writer marketing techniques, check out Good Story Marketing.
Want writing guidance, feedback, and accountability?
Self-guided writing study is great, but can only take you so far. Apply to Story Mastermind—a small group workshop intensive for your novel, memoir, outline, or picture book idea. Achieve a robust outline or draft, or a portfolio of picture books, in a rigorous but supportive environment. Imagine how much closer you can be to your writing goals after participating in Story Mastermind.