Christine Shaffer, Fairfield University

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Paramount to me was to be in an academic environment to gain exposure to the classics of nonfiction, my genre. Secondly, I wanted to be among individuals who shared my passion for a good metaphor while also discussing the merits of memoirists such as M.F.K. Fisher and Mary Karr. Thirdly, I wanted to attend seminars conducted by agents and published writers. Lastly, it had to be a low-residency program due to family obligations. Fairfield University’s MFA program met all my requirements and expectations. The university had the bonus of beautiful Enders Island, off the coast of Mystic, Connecticut, where the twice-yearly residencies took place, and there I gained the confidence and support to pursue my dream of being a writer.