Resources for Pursuing Graduate Study in Creative Writing
The following links are resources for students who are interested in further education in creative writing.
If you are an HSU student who is interested in applying to an MFA program, please contact Janelle Adsit janelle.adsit@humboldt.edu or Heal McKnight or Jenny Brown. At least once a year, Heal McKnight, Jenny Brown, and Janelle Adsit offer a 90 minute workshop for HSU students who are planning to apply to the MFA. Let us know if you're interested in attending.
If you are an HSU student who is interested in applying to an MFA program, please contact Janelle Adsit janelle.adsit@humboldt.edu or Heal McKnight or Jenny Brown. At least once a year, Heal McKnight, Jenny Brown, and Janelle Adsit offer a 90 minute workshop for HSU students who are planning to apply to the MFA. Let us know if you're interested in attending.
Where to Find MFA Programs - Lists & Databases
Books on MFA Programs in Creative Writing
*The links below direct to the Humboldt State University Library ebook collection.
MFA Programs & PhD Programs in Creative Writing
How Creative Writing Degree Programs Need to Change
Helpful Lists for Choosing a Program
Advice About MFA Programs & Writing
Advice on the Application Process
Online Communities for Applicants
Examples - Personal Statements / Artist Statements
Other Ways to Find Community as a Writer
- AWP Guide to Writing Programs
- NewPages
- Poets & Writers Database
- Poets & Writers Index of Creative Writing Programs
Books on MFA Programs in Creative Writing
*The links below direct to the Humboldt State University Library ebook collection.
- Felicia Rose Chavez, The Antiracist Writing Workshop.
- Seth Abramson, The Insider's Guide to Graduate Degrees in Creative Writing (Bloomsbury, 2018).
- Amy Holman, An Insider's Guide to Creative Writing Programs (Prentice Hall, 2006).
- Tom Kealey, MFA Handbook (Continuum, 2008).
- Lori May, Low-Residency MFA Handbook (Continuum, 2011).
- Stephanie Vanderslice, Rethinking Creative Writing in Higher Education: Programs and Practices that Work (The Professional and Higher Partnership Ltd, 2011). *See especially chapter three of this book.
MFA Programs & PhD Programs in Creative Writing
- Lydia Shoup, MFA vs PhD (article).
- Meghan Ward, "Should You Get a PhD in Creative Writing?" (article).
How Creative Writing Degree Programs Need to Change
- Kazim Ali, "Addressing Structural Racism in Creative Writing Programs" (article).
- David Mura, "The Student of Color in the Typical MFA Program" (article).
- Claudia Rankine, "In Our Way: Racism and Creative Writing" (article).
- Junot Díaz, “MFA vs POC" (article). Conversation about Díaz's essay: See list on De-Canon: A Visibility Project.
- Sarah Rafael García, "Are You Really Ready to Attend a Creative Writing Program?" (article from Women Who Submit).
Helpful Lists for Choosing a Program
- Faculty Mentors of Color (from De-Canon: A Visibility Project).
- LGBTQ Friendly Graduate Programs in Creative Writing
Advice About MFA Programs & Writing
- "Things I Can Say About MFA Writing Programs Now That I No Longer Teach in One" (The Stranger).
- "Susan Straight on Learning to Write Without A Room of One's Own" (Los Angeles Times).
- "MFA Grads and Former Acrobats: Approaches to the Author Bio" (The Millions).
- 27 Writers on Whether or Not to Get Your MFA (FlavorWire).
- "Making the Most of Writing Workshops" (article)
Advice on the Application Process
- The MFA Years
- MFA Blog (built by Tom Kealey, but now a bit out-of-date).
- "A Guy Who May Have Read Your MFA Application Speaks" (article).
- "Improving Your MFA Application" (article).
- "Four Ways I Improved My MFA Application After Failing Miserably the First Time - I Stated My F*cking Purpose" (article).
- "5 FAQs Answered by MFA Candidates" (article).
- "MFA Application Advice" (article)
Online Communities for Applicants
Examples - Personal Statements / Artist Statements
- A Successful MFA Personal Statement
- Statements of Poetic Research from common-place.org
- On Artist’s Statements
Other Ways to Find Community as a Writer
