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sonshineslocs

Sep 1, 2004, 3:54 PM

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Creative Nonfiction MFA	Can't Post

I'd like to hear from any nonfiction people who are applying or thinking of applying to an MFA (traditional or low-res) in the near future. Any CNF alumni out there?

Where are you considering? What type of residency is it? For alumni: why did you choose to go?

I'm still planning for my MFA. I'd prefer low res and my main choice right now is Spalding...

So what about you?

(This post was edited by motet on Mar 13, 2006, 1:52 PM)

prm1

Sep 2, 2004, 10:19 AM

Post #2 of 106 (8335 views)
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Re: [sonshineslocs] Creative Nonfiction MFA folk? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am in the midst of a CNF MFA. Hit me offboard - pooja@poojamakhijani.com - and I'd be happy to answer your questions.

Pooja

dcmitchell

Nov 29, 2004, 8:10 PM

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Re: [sonshineslocs] Creative Nonfiction MFA folk? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello,
I am doing a dual thesis at the University of Memphis, fiction and creative nonfiction. fell free to contact me also at cdmitchell1964@yahoo.com

gymnick

Aug 31, 2005, 11:26 AM

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Literary nonfiction programs [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm new to this board and the whole searching for an MFA program thing. I was hoping that you guys could suggest programs to look into for nonfiction writing.

Thanks,

Dvora

pongo
Real men bake bread.

Aug 31, 2005, 12:48 PM

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Re: [gymnick] Literary nonfiction programs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Most programs are open to nonfiction writing.

dmh

Poetry: It's not just for sissies any more.

Difficult Listening, Sundays from ten to noon (Central time), at http://www.radiofreenashville.org/.

http://home.comcast.net/~david.m.harris/site/

maggiemessitt

Sep 3, 2005, 8:02 AM

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Re: [gymnick] Literary nonfiction programs [In reply to]	Can't Post

I suggest looking into Goucher College, if you are interested in a program that is exclusively Creative Nonfiction. I am a first year student within Goucher's MFA program, after having left a top-ranked MFA program for a variety of reasons, but most influential was that of the "ugly step-sister" status nonfiction had in the program (of which it has in many--not all--multi-genre programs).

My best suggestion is to search for programs that offer multi-genre Creative Writing programs and ask to be put in touch with current nonfiction students via email. I also suggest you do this with Goucher. My experience is that an email will be sent around to all nonfiction students to reply to your curiosities about the specific program.

Also look at where some of your favorite nonfiction writers may be teaching. Your experience will be affected by, not only the collection of and caliber of students, but also faculty. Read what faculty members have written and see who you may connect with or respect for their work. That advice goes for any genre.

The best advice I can give is 1) ask a LOT of questions, and 2) talk to both faculty and staff.

Finally, dont discard low-residency programs. The MFA program i was initially a student within was full residency and the program I eventually returned to--Goucher--is low residency and exactly what i needed.

To take a look at Goucher College's Creative Nonfiction MFA click the following link: http://www.goucher.edu/mfa/index.cfm

Do not hesitate to contact me with more questions regarding my experiences (past and present): maggiemessitt@gmail.com

betp

Mar 10, 2006, 10:23 PM

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Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey nonfiction writers. I'm just wondering more info about nonfiction programs. (I'm accepted at emerson, waitlisted at minnesota and wyoming) haven't heard from penn state or wilmington. But-- just to open up the thread-- what are some positives & negatives of these and other nonfiction programs? I'm pretty clueless and new to the whole mfa idea. (Really started considering an mfa in december, jumped the gun and applied.) What do you know? Any helpful advice on nonfiction programs or these schools? Thanks!!!

cyclical

Mar 12, 2006, 12:18 PM

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Re: [betp] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've heard good things about Goucher College's CNF MFA. Attended one of their conferences a couple years ago, impressed with all the highfalutin' names. Apparently, they're really trying to focus on the CNF niche.

coolshoes

Mar 12, 2006, 1:49 PM

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Re: [betp] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'd like more info from anyone out there who attends/attended or knows about Goucher and West. Ct. St. Univ. I am waiting to hear from Goucher, Lesley and The New School (which is not low-res); have been accepted at Univ. So. Maine (Stonecoast), West. CT; rejected at Queens Univ.

Any feedback appreciated.

www.LisaRomeo.blogspot.com

edwriter

Mar 12, 2006, 2:09 PM

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Re: [coolshoes] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi, coolshoes and others:

Awhile back a Goucher student posted to the Speakeasy about her experience there. Check out the post (and maybe try to contact her via PM) near the end of this page:

http://www.pw.org/...orum.cgi?post=231864

Good luck!

Best,
Erika D.

Quiet Americans: Stories
http://www.erikadreifus.com

jennymck

Mar 13, 2006, 3:31 PM

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Re: [edwriter] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

Have people received a lot of notices from nonfiction programs? I applied to a bunch this year and have only heard from two so far and it's almost the ides of March! Has anyone heard from: Arizona, Wilmington, Sarah Lawrence, Penn State, U of Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, Hollins -- in nonfiction?

The anxiety is killing me.

redboy620

Mar 13, 2006, 3:37 PM

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Re: [jennymck] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi. I've heard from U of Pitt: an email about two weeks ago and then a follow-up letter this weekend. Sarah Lawrence will send out notifications by Mar. 20, according to the letter I've got confirming receipt of my application.

jennymck

Mar 24, 2006, 3:25 PM

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Re: [redboy620] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm curious where other prospective nonfiction MFAs applied this year. It took a while for me to wade through the glut of schools to figure out which nonfiction programs looked the most interesting. I applied to a gazillion schools: Iowa, Arizona, Columbia, Emerson, Sarah Lawrence, Pitt, Penn State, Hollins, Notre Dame, and Wilmington. How about other nonfiction folks?

redboy620

Mar 24, 2006, 4:19 PM

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Re: [jennymck] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I'm curious where other prospective nonfiction MFAs applied this year.

I applied to three from your list: Iowa, Pitt and Sarah Lawrence and then also Ohio State University. On the fairly new "Current MFA Rankings"thread, somebody posted that we nonfiction students could use a guidebook like Tom Kealey's focused just on our programs--and I'd agree with that wholeheartedly.

jennymck

Mar 24, 2006, 4:32 PM

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Re: [redboy620] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

I totally agree with that. It's been so confusing for me to figure out which nonfiction programs are the best.... And yeah I've also heard good things abuot OSU. Do you know where you're going?

redboy620

Mar 24, 2006, 4:36 PM

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Re: [jennymck] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I totally agree with that. It's been so confusing for me to figure out which nonfiction programs are the best.... And yeah I've also heard good things abuot OSU. Do you know where you're going?

I've got it narrowed down between OSU and Iowa. The two best teachers I've ever had are grads of Iowa's Nonfiction program which is an enormous part of the appeal. I visit OSU next week and then I'll decided. What about you?

jennymck

Mar 24, 2006, 4:45 PM

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Re: [redboy620] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've only received acceptances from Sarah Lawrence and Emerson, both of which, you know, are so ridiculously expensive. Waitlisted at Arizona. Three rejections, and then I'm waiting on a bunch of others. The SL program really appeals to me, but it seems like it would be stupid to spend that kind of money that I don't have. So I'm waiting, waiting, waiting to hear from everyone else, but have to decide about SL in three anxiety-ridden weeks. : (

I hope you get to visit. I think visiting is so important if it's feasible....

redboy620

Mar 24, 2006, 4:53 PM

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Re: [jennymck] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

Good luck! If you end up at Sarah Lawrence, though funding is an issue, you really couldn't be in better hands. I did their Summer Seminar two years ago and it was an amazing and transformative experience for my work. Most of the instructors at the seminar were part of the regular faculty, and they are all so generous and supportive.

betp

Mar 25, 2006, 4:54 PM

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Re: [redboy620] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

There really don't seem to many of us nonfiction writers in the speakeasy! (or at least writing about it.)

I would have killed for a nonfiction programs guide-- I agree completely. My whole process of picking schools felt fairly arbitrary. Nonfiction seems like a whole different ball game, especially since so many mfa schools don't offer it!

redboy620

Mar 25, 2006, 5:03 PM

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Re: [betp] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yeah, it's almost like nonfiction is an afterthought at most MFA programs. And there's generally fewer spots for us and less faculty. (Though at some places that can translate to more individual attention, so...)

I wish I had found out about Tom Kealey's book earlier in the process because it could have helped to have that comprehensive list in the back to sift through. I imagine that's changing and eventually nonfiction MFA applicants will have more choices.

blueberry

Mar 25, 2006, 6:00 PM

Post #21 of 106 (7808 views)
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Re: [redboy620] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

any thoughts about sarah lawrence vs. the new school for nonfiction? anyone heard from columbia for nonfiction?

redboy620

Mar 25, 2006, 8:27 PM

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Re: [blueberry] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sarah Lawrence looks like a great program (I applied there myself). The faculty is amazing--so talented and so generous--and the college itself is quite lovely. What didn't end up working for me was the lack of funding and teaching opportunities. Plus, I was really looking for a three-year program.

I don't know much about New School (any New School nonfiction students out there?) but their faculty is also very impressive.

Are you asking because you've got offers from both or because you're considering applying?

blueberry

Mar 25, 2006, 8:29 PM

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Re: [redboy620] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

offers from both.

redboy620

Mar 25, 2006, 8:37 PM

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Re: [blueberry] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

Are you leaning toward one? I've actually just figured out my decision today and I say go with your gut. If there was one you were most excited about when you applied, go there.

betp

Mar 26, 2006, 1:17 AM

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Re: [redboy620] Creative Nonfiction MFA's [In reply to]	Can't Post

redboy, where did you decide to go?

i'm still in the throes of waiting on two schools, making decisions on 2 others.

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