tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37473632.post405529425218113817..comments2023-06-24T11:07:24.531-04:00Comments on Haunting The Broken Tree: To MFA or Not to MFA?Ghost Girl (aka, Mary Ann)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10104992485564788542noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37473632.post-55314569770464609802010-07-08T16:53:24.748-04:002010-07-08T16:53:24.748-04:00*blush*...Thanks, Elana. That's why we are su...*blush*...Thanks, Elana. That's why we are such a great fit: you get me, totally. Yes, my desire is all about learning and pushing myself. I know I have the best person possible in my corner as far as getting published goes. <br /><br />With sudden developments...a chance to join the adjunct faculty at Darton College...I'm going to put this particular subject on hold for a while. I want to concentrate on writing first and foremost, and add a little income by teaching part-time. Cosmic forces are fascinating, aren't they? Talk about timing!<br /><br />Like you, Karen, I have 2 kids to put through college (all too soon), and I've learned so much from the Chautauqua Writers Workshop and the conferences I've attended, not to mention my students. I am a romantic who loves learning, so the idea of hitting the college trail is so alluring. But writing and growing is the ultimate goal, and I can do that without sinking thousands of dollars into a degree right now. <br /><br />Thanks, everyone, for your input.Ghost Girl (aka, Mary Ann)https://www.blogger.com/profile/10104992485564788542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37473632.post-76617672567460234442010-07-08T13:42:46.380-04:002010-07-08T13:42:46.380-04:00I don't know what you should do. I wanted to ...I don't know what you should do. I wanted to MFA but ultimately just published a few books instead. I know it would benefit me tons and I would love it but I decided it just doesn't suit my life right now. (An occasional Highlights workshop doe, however. Honesdale, PA is where I go for a little writing luxury.)<br /><br />The MFA does seem a bit luxurious, doesn't it - especially since Elana Roth belives in your ability to publish without it.<br /><br />Good luck with the decision!Joyce Moyer Hostetterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05153114928220349251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37473632.post-76927634289366336732010-07-07T19:44:40.845-04:002010-07-07T19:44:40.845-04:00Well...you already have an agent (me) who says you...Well...you already have an agent (me) who says you write beautifully. So...if you're thinking this will help tip the getting-published scales, I'm going to tell you not to. If, however, you really just want some intensive coursework to push yourself...who am I to stop you? I'm a learning nerd too.Elana Rothhttp://elanaroth.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37473632.post-66470414340164198562010-07-07T12:31:48.515-04:002010-07-07T12:31:48.515-04:00Hi MaryAnn, I have a similar conversation and pros...Hi MaryAnn, I have a similar conversation and pros/cons list with myself. I have opted not to MFA, and instead do self study and conferences. I hope one day to do the Highlights Founders workshop. For me, the MFA was an indulgence for fun and, of course, my burning desire to do all things writing. However, I already have a Master's degree, we've got 2 kids to put through college, and I just couldn't justify the money for it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37473632.post-72391164501383768042010-07-07T08:22:35.033-04:002010-07-07T08:22:35.033-04:00My MA in Writing for Young People Is one of the be...My MA in Writing for Young People Is one of the best things I've ever done for myself (I'll finish the program in September). My circumstances are different than yours, though (I don't have kids, I did do a low-residency MA, I live in the UK).<br /><br />The thing that really sold me on the program was my interview for it. I was able to ask all the questions I had and really get a sense if the program would provide what I wanted from it.<br /><br />I blogged about my experiences and what I've gotten out of my MA here:<br />http://talltalesandshortstories.blogspot.com/2010/05/thinking-of-studying-for-ma-in-writing.html<br /><br />Good luck making your decision. It is an expensive, time-consuming one!Anne M Leonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04547591113801578453noreply@blogger.com