AN Insider's Guide to Creative Writing Programs: Choosing the Right MFA or MA Program, Colony, Residency, Grant or Fellowship

by Amy Holman

Get the final word on creative writing programs in this unique reference guide.

With detailed information on recent graduates, visiting writers, application requirements, costs, and program highlights, this authoritative guide offers writers of all levels and in all genres-poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction-what they need to know to follow their muses and advance their careers. This in-depth guide

- Low-residency MFA programs-a hot new option
- Which programs have the best reputations, and why
- Which programs offer the most writing time, the best scholarships, and more
- Writers' colonies and residencies in the U.S. and abroad
- The most generous grants and fellowships-and how to get them

Genres: Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2006

About the author

I am the author of the poetry collection, Wrens Fly Through This Opened Window, (Somondoco Press, June 2010), and the out of print poetry chapbook, Wait For Me, I'm Gone, (Dream Horse Press, 2005), as well as An Insider's Guide to Creative Writing Programs: Choosing the Right MFA or MA Program, Colony, Residency, Grant or Fellowship, (Prentice Hall Press, 2006). Essays of mine are in the anthologies, Knitting Through It: Inspiring Stories for Times of Trouble, (Voyageur Press), The Subway Chronicles, (Plume), Making the Perfect Pitch, (The Writer Books), and The Practical Writer: From Inspiration to Publication (Penguin). I work as a literary consultant and teacher. "

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a lot of info on programs and grants, etc. Not much information about the application process or the grad school experience.

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad reference to have on hand if you are applying to MFA programs. Not essential, but helpful.

[J.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically I give it three and a half stars, but whatevs.

The book is at its best a good listing of all the MFA programs and writer colonies and grants and such, which is definitely helpful and it's strength. The only weakness is that it doesn't come with other important information. However I still think this book shouldn't be overlooked by anyone even considering an MFA.

At the time of this writing I have placed the book on my desk along with all my other graduate school stuff, and it will probably be there for the next year or so while I do tons and tons of research to find where I'll be going for my own MFA. Wish me luck.

[Kellea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very helpful resource for anyone who is planning to apply to MFA (Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing) programs. It describes the traditional programs as well as low-residency programs. It also discusses fellowships and other types of residencies that can be found for more established writers. All in all, a good resource and easy to read.

[D. Keali'i MacKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good resource to get you going on the in's and outs of MFA's, fellowships, writers colonies and the like.
A little out of date now, but the book is great at listing web sites that would be useful.

[Peggy]

Why, oh why, didn't I get this earlier?