Comments for After the MFA

Comment on Overcoming the Urge to Quit by Eric

Eric — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:03:44 +0000

Hi Gordon,

Just found your blog and this post.

You’re not alone. I’ve been like grrlpup. Graduated college with high hopes and plans and…..

Here it is 25 years later and I’ve written nothing.

Plenty of scraps of paper with ideas. Folders full of ideas. Plot ideas, character ideas …. world spanning epic fantasy ideas, life-changing introspective ideas.

None of it executed as I endeavored to make a living doing anything but write.

Comment on Why Failing at Nanowrimo Was a Good Thing (For Me) by Deb

Deb — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:27:42 +0000

Thank you. I needed to read this.

A few years ago, my first “no expectations” Nano experience was terrific, but this year I didn’t finish and felt like a loser. I needed someone to put this in perspective for me.

Comment on Yes, I Don’t Update Very Much, But Follow Me? by Gordon

Gordon — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 03:52:37 +0000

Patrick,

thanks for leaving your comment.

Glad to hear that you find the content useful.

Good luck in New York. If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.

-gordon

Comment on Yes, I Don’t Update Very Much, But Follow Me? by PatrickAndersonJr

PatrickAndersonJr — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:11:18 +0000

Just wanted to say this site is currently giving me a lot to think about and hope for. Just finished my MFA in August and am currently in the process of relocating to New York to try and get my foot in publishing and also looking for an agent to represent my novel/thesis (got a few samples and a book promo I did on my website if you ever want to take a look).

Of all the post-MFA blogs I’ve read, this one seems to be the most helpful as far as links and general info. Thanks.

Comment on A Small List of Things I Wish I Had Known Ten Years Ago by Vince

Vince — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:04:31 +0000

Even though this blog was posted several years ago, I’ve found it very helpful. Thank you. Deciding to go to a “powerhouse” and rack up debt vs a secluded but cost friendly school has been my biggest struggle. Your personal experience does add realistic value. How much are connections worth is a good question.

Comment on Why Failing at Nanowrimo Was a Good Thing (For Me) by GEP

GEP — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 04:21:04 +0000

I think this is the best lesson I learned from NaNoWriMo. The truth is, every writer will have projects that fail or fall short.

Comment on Interview with Edward P. Jones: From MFA to Pulitzer in 22 Years by Dinika Amaral

Dinika Amaral — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:23:22 +0000

Thank you for this wonderful interview.

As an aspiring novelist myself, I have only recently discovered Mr. Jones. And, as I work my way through his work, I find myself becoming more and more obsessed — perhaps enraptured is a better word — with the grandeur of his voice! The idea of the resolution of a novel being the star that an author must crawl toward, is now my north star. Thank you.

Comment on Whatever You Do, Stay in the Room by kathleen

kathleen — Sun, 15 May 2011 12:07:10 +0000

Ron Carlson recentaly spoke in Boston at The Muse and the Marketplace conference sponsored by Grubb Street (a wonderful supportive writing community). His stay in the the room message resonated with all of us, and his candid sharing of his struggles with writing were so helpful. It’s a great book.

Comment on Interview with Edward P. Jones: From MFA to Pulitzer in 22 Years by Bibliography « My Blog

Bibliography « My Blog — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:02:28 +0000

[...] From MFA to Pulitzer in 22 Years,’ After the MFA (13 September 2006 and 25 September 2006): part one and part [...]

Comment on Why Failing at Nanowrimo Was a Good Thing (For Me) by Eric

Eric — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 03:29:30 +0000

Hi. This comment is off-topic, but if you have an email link here on the blog, I missed it…

I’m wondering if you have come across any research or other academic writing on post-MFA results/attitudes/habits/practices…for example, five years on, how do former MFA participants view the process? Are they actively writing? Etc. If you’ve come across any such info, I’d be grateful if you can point me towards it…thanks!

Eric Wyatt
Bradenton, FL