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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.
​
Where to Find MFA Programs - Lists & Databases
  • 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

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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
  • Grad Cafe
  • MFA Draft


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
  • Creative Writing Organizations to Join
  • Post-MFA Resources
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  • About
    • The Name
    • Awards
    • FAQ
    • Masthead
    • Contact
  • Support
  • Listen
    • Volume 68
    • Volume 67
    • Volume 66
    • Volume 65
  • Read
    • Back Issues on Digital Commons
    • Volume 67
    • Volume 66
    • Volume 65
    • Previous Cover Designs
  • Submit
    • Submit Online
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Requisitos De Envío
    • Our Mission
  • Join
    • Production Cycle
    • Understanding Literary Journals
    • Career Resources for Students >
      • Graduate Programs in Creative Writing
    • Recommended Readings
    • Toolkit