something I am pondering

[rm]

In the wake of the reaction to some of my really good LJ Idol stuff, and a realization I've had about a unifying theme in my work, I am currently considering applying to MFA programs.

Well, not exactly.

I am currently considering applying to the CUNY non-fiction MFA program, because it's local, I think I can get in, and I can afford it.

Pro's?
- having more than a damn BA
- specifically, being qualified enough to teach writing classes, good for the non 9-to-5'ers life (I want to get rid of the Germans).
- Being forced to write
- Gaining structure to what is now at least a moderately structured idea for the non-fiction book people have been trying to get me to write for years.
- Some small credential to help in the publishing game.

Con's?
- Dealing with a school, especially a city school, will make me crazy. I will have to meet obligations I find idiotic and insulting.
- Good-bye free time.
- $$
- Application process: irksome
- Okay, it's a short list, but I can't really emphasize enough how easily annoyed I am.

Issues?
- Writing samples. I could clean up that thing about why I went to Australia and IT WOULD ROCK, but I am afraid the committee would also be all "oh, Jesus fuck, more sex work, SHUT UP."
- I have several great people to ask for recommendations. I feel uncomfortable asking all of them.
- Like Chinese food, this may just seem like a good idea before it actually shows up.


So now you know.


ETA: Having just looked at my transcript, it seems exceedingly unlikely I could possibly be admitted to the program, with an appallingly low GPA both overall and in my major and no real trend of improvement over 4 years. Yup, what I did form 1990 - 1994 DETERMINES ALL. Hey, at least I have a bazillion other careers.

Comments

My Two Cents (plus interest)

[ludimagist.livejournal.com]

Cent #1 - Your undergrad years are far enough in the past that your GPA won't matter for most admissions committees. In a writing program the sample is the most important thing.

Cent #2 - An MFA is a nice thing to have and all, and I have experienced "instant credibility" for having one, but they are notoriously bad experiences. Many people I know who went to writing MFAs absolutely hated them (including myself). Many of my classmates stopped writing. I know a woman from one of the most prestigious writing programs in the country who said that it was the worst experience of her life (she is a working writer).
If there is any way at all, talk to current students in the programs you're looking at.

And the interest:

I would definitely look into low residency programs as an option. I know a woman who teaches at one and have met some of her students. They seem happy with and happy about their program, and none of them are right out of undergrad.

Also, since you're looking at non-fiction, have you considered an MA in a subject that would feed your writing? If you looked at a cultural studies program you could do work on fandom (or anything really) and probably still take the writing workshop or work with the writing teacher from the MFA program.

And also, in the grand scheme of things having a book is a lot more impressive than having an MFA.

Re: My Two Cents (plus interest)

[rm.livejournal.com]

Low Residency would be disruptive to my life in a way that freaks me out. I don't like being away from home, and my travel really needs to be rationed for both book promotion and fencing.

Also, considering I am looking at a memoir program, I don't think my book is of any relevance for credibility whatsoever.