Any one here completed or considered enrolling in an MFA program for poetry? I have a friend doing one now, but have heard they are a controversial topic among writers. I’ve spoken to some who encourage it and others who are adamantly anti-MFA.
On one hand, it’s a great way to focus on writing for a few years. However, it also isn’t a very “cost-effective” degree to pursue unless it’s a funded program. Some also think it may be a creatively stifling process, as you may simply be trained to write poetry that your specific professors like.
what are your thoughts??
The institution I am attending is Southern New Hampshire University, and they offer an MFA in Creative Writing and English. However, you can opt in to have poetry as a concentration. I am enlisted to start terms for their MFA program because I want to teach Creative Writing and English in the United States.
I do not think any person who admires their educational pursuits should have to reconsider pursuing a degree solely based on other people's suggestions. If you can pay for the extra education, then why not! The experience alone is tremendously valuable. I suppose considering career options would factor in as well.
In my personal opinion, go ahead and do it! If you can financially do so. After all, it is a passion of yours.
I think that if you maintain a spirit of learning, be fluid and adaptable, institutions of learning are a priceless experience. To be sure I would definitely recommend studying at higher levels, to qualify and advance your skill set or knowledge.
Interesting, I have never been an academic. Can't stand that environment. Everyone is different and learns in different ways. For me, I learn by picking things up on my own accord, like collecting tidbits of knowledge and then bringing it together into my own school of Adam Gary hahaha. That's probably why my videos are so short and just stick to the bare bones as that's how I like to learn. Learn the fundamentals then perfect it through repetition.
I love skipping round different short courses, as many as possible. That way I can experience different practitioners and lecturers and techniques. I did the same with my acting. Faber and Faber do a 6 month poetry course in London, I'm waiting for them to start doing in person courses again as I don't want to pay the money they're asking to be sat at a laptop etc.
The thought of getting a degree does cross my mind from time to time. I once had an application to Oxford's degree in poetry all filled out ready to send but in the end I decided that wasn't the way forward for me. Not yet anyway... I daren't say I won't consider it again.
Interested to see what other's have to say on the matter. I guess really the only person who has the answer to this for you, is you!