Some famous writers who graduated from MFA programs include John Cheever, Kurt Vonnegut, John Irving, and Ann Patchett. Other bestselling authors without a masters in fine arts are Dean Koontz and Nora Roberts. Neil Gaiman wrote about whether or not an MFA is necessary in this 2006 blog post. There are many ways to become a successful author. Is getting an MFA an important part of that?
Benefits and Drawbacks of an MFA Creative Writing Program
There are many benefits of enrolling in an masters in fine arts program. One benefit is being involved in a group of writers, many of whom are experienced and talented. Working together in workshops can sharpen a writer's talent. A great deal of time is spent writing and meeting deadlines, as well as presenting the works. One of the expectations of an MFA creative writing program is that the graduate will have developed a large portfolio.
Some agents watch the university programs, especially the well respected ones, such as the University of Iowa. They look for graduates who will be writers they may want to work with. A creative writing degree doesn't guarantee an author will find an agent, but it is a weighty credential when searching for agent representation.
Most of the writing developed in these programs is literary. Literary writing tends to focus more on technique and style, whereas genre writing tends to focus on plot, pacing, and giving the intended readers what they expect. If an author is more interested in genre writing, a masters in fine arts may not be necessary. Mystery readers have specific expectations, as do science fiction readers and romance readers. Literary readers tend to be open to new reading experiences.
Creative writing programs leading to a masters of fine arts can be very expensive, even the low residency programs. The cost can be several thousand or more per term. This leads many writers who are serious about furthering their education to seek out non-degree creative writing courses.
Non-Degree Creative Writing Courses
Many of these are online writing courses, and can be rigorous and helpful. There are always writers workshops offered as well. Most of the workshops and conferences feature published, bestselling authors. These workshops may focus on writing techniques, the process of becoming published, and other topics. A writer can choose the writing workshops that fit individual needs and interests. In addition, community colleges offer creative writing classes, although the quality is dependent upon the instructor.
Deciding if a Masters in Writing is Necessary
Making a decision is dependent on what a writer needs and what direction an author wants to take in his career. If a writer is considering teaching, an MFA can lead to a university teaching position. Weighing the financial costs against the benefits provided by these programs is purely individual. With or without an MFA in creative writing, an author can gain success. There are many paths to becoming a successful author, and getting an advanced degree is only one path.
Suzanne Pitner - Suzanne Pitner is a teacher and published writer. A member of RWA and YARWA, she writes fiction as Suzanne Lilly.
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