I’ve been designing classes in clusters that last as long as a school semester for a while now, focusing on both contemporary and classic writers, aiming for a well-rounded education of literature that provides the knowledge of the foundations as well as inspiration. Even before the semester setup, the classes focused on reading like writers, open events such as Open Classes, Writing Talks, and Group Readings united readers and writers, and most importantly, we’ve enjoyed belonging to a wonderfully supportive literary community we created. It’s our own MFA program. But how about the real MFA programs? Should you do an MFA? Which school should you apply? How do you put together your portfolio? What do you do when you are accepted? What do you do when you are not accepted?We’ve talked about MFA programs, but perhaps not enough, and I know that’s my doing. I’ve always been too eager to say Dostoyevsky didn’t have an MFA. I want to separate being a writer from having a diploma that has the letters M, F, and A on it. You don’t need a grad degree to be a writer, what you need is a pen.Still, whatever the reason to pursue them, there are a few things right with MFA programs. They give you one to three years of intense and intentional reading experience, that is, reading like writers, and a chance to take a couple of workshops a semester, where you learn to improve and refine your writing and editing skills in the light of all that you’ve read. Simply put, in writing school you learn to read.In the next Writing Talks meeting, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, I’ll talk about the MFA programs, application processes, what to pay attention to, and why. Essentially, I’ll talk about how to be a writer and how you can add writerly habits to your life. Join us if you’d like to learn more about the programs, and join us if you’d like to learn how to gain and maintain the habits of a writer! Writing Talks are free and open to all. We can accommodate one hundred friends. Bring your friends and questions!We will meet on Zoom (No VPN needed)Writing Talks
Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 20:00 Beijing
Meeting ID: 849 8724 3842
Passcode: 123456
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