Photo by Andraz Lazic on Unsplash
On July 26th, 2021, I began my MFA in Creative Writing program. Since I serve as an English faculty member at a large community college, I chose a fully online program that would allow me the flexibility I needed to complete the program while working full-time. Like all online programs, though, it does present the challenge of isolation. Students do not meet face-to-face in a classroom setting, so it takes a little creativity to develop the supportive environment that forms on campus.
However, this is not unfamiliar territory for me. In the early 2000’s, I pursued a Master’s in English Literature while working full-time and raising a toddler. To help me process literature and work through some of my thesis ideas, I maintained a blog that served as both a journal and a connection to the writing community. I was able to connect with some other great writers during that time, so I found the blog immensely helpful. Now that I beginning my MFA, I have decided it was time to blog again.
In this blog, I will discuss my journey through my MFA and my exploration of literature and writing. MFAs are notorious for being challenging programs. By the end of this program, I will not only compose a 70,000 word novel, but many of the related artifacts I will need to pursue publication. Since I already work in higher education, I will also be working on a certificate to teach creative writing online. As someone who has benefitted immensely from online learning opportunities, I am eager to pass this option on to others.
It is also my sincerest hope that blogging will allow me to engage with my fellow writers. The moral support of others who face the blank page is a comfort beyond measure. If you are interested in books and writing, I welcome you to join me.
Tricia M Foster 