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For many, the dream of living the writer’s life is like a dangerous siren’s call. It is the seductive song that can lore us to the jagged rocks of our own self destruction. Those of us who love to write are all to familiar with the troupe of the struggling artist living in poverty. Sure, there are the stunning few who achieve the type of greatness we long for: notability, respectability, financial security, and artistic integrity, but their success only seems to fuel the fantasies of the masses who fall short of these goals. Writing can be both an exhilarating and disheartening affair. The only defense against a siren, is a well-trained Muse. However, conjuring a Muse is not easy. It takes dedication and a well-honed craft. We don’t need to struggle alone. MFAs in Creative Writing are designed to help aspiring writers become professional ones.

Structure

One of the hardest parts of writing is writing with consistency. The difficulty can be compounded if you are haunted by the notion that your writing is a cute little hobby that should not interfere with real life responsibilities. Participating in an MFA program gives writers a sense of legitimacy they may otherwise struggle with. Students must write. It is a requirement of their program. The act is elevated from the wistful hammering away at the keyboard, to a scheduled activity, where failing to meet goals has consequences. An MFA brings a new level of accountability, but it also brings a new level of support.

Experts

A well-designed MFA program will include instructors who are experts in their field. They understand both the writing and publication process. As Jim Rohn says, “You’re the average of the five people you spend most of your time with.” If you want to be a successful writing you need to surround yourself with successful writers. Soak in their knowledge and wisdom and use it to elevate yourself to the next level.

Context

Another benefit of an MFA program is the careful examination of published texts and their place in history. Understanding how writing has evolved provides powerful insights into audience and social influence. The context in which something is written shapes its meaning, but it also helps the writer create a connection with the reader. Understanding how texts connected or disconnected with the readers of their times can help us better understand our current readers. Recognizing the subtle and masterful ways that great works influenced readers, and therefore society, gives us greater appreciation of the potential for our own work.

Writing Community

Pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing also gives you access to a community of like-minded individuals. Not just aspiring writers, but writers who have been accepted into the program and who are making the same substantial commitment in time and money that you are. This makes your program peers a great source for moral support and constructive feedback.

Networking

Not only do you have the opportunity to build relationships with faculty and peers, but any reputable program will also have resources that can help you get started with your writing career. The institution’s career center is one great way to prepare a future career before you even need to apply for your first job. The specialists in your career center spend valuable time building relationships with the community beyond your institution, and they can help you leverage this to your advantage. In addition, if you plan on being a freelance writer or editor, well-designed MFAs will have specialized training for the path of your choice. For example, my MFA includes a certificate in either Professional Writing or Online Teaching of Creative Writing. This was highly beneficial for me since I am already teaching in higher education.

Now, I’m not suggesting a writer must have an MFA to be successful. Historical evidence suggests otherwise. I am merely suggesting that some writers can benefit from an MFA program for a number of reasons. I know that beginning an MFA program is already proving to be meaningful and beneficial to me.