You can send questions or comments to my email address.
I have three simple rules:
1. You must include a codename. This can be anything from Disillusioned in Denver to Titillated in Tuscaloosa. Whatever you want. Why? Because I like it, that's why. No codename = No answer to your question.2. NEW: If you reference a program or a website, please include the URL in your email.
3. I really enjoy reading your emails. That said, I don't have time to edit your emails for the blog. You're a writer, right? Edit your email so that I can post it to the blog. This means: about two paragraphs maximum. (If you want to preface it with anything, that's fine, just set the part you want posted off with a dotted ----- line). Your questions are almost always very relevant to other readers, and I'd like to include them so others can comment. However, unclear or overlong questions = No answer on the blog.
10 comments:
Hey Tom,
Why oh why is your book not coming out until right around my MFA deadlines? I've looked far and wide for this type of publication and you're doing the smart thing by publishing the first of its kind.
Iin my personal statement and in my writing sample, I talk about Deaf culture and growing up Deaf. I've emphasized that I've done well in workshops and the "hearing" world, but I'm worried that my honesty on this topic will send up a red flag to programs worrying about me "fitting in". this brings me to my first question: do you think I have to worry about discrimination in terms of "fitting in" to workshops?
My second question is, can you say a little more about the program at Emerson, since I'm applying there and you've given it a red flag?
Awash in Arlington had a question about why Davis McCombs had become the program director at Arkansas. Well, the writing faculty at Arkansas rotates the program director every year. They all take turns. In truth, i don't think anyone wants to do it all the time. So if the change concerns you, not to worry, it will be one of the other faculty writers next year.
Hi Tom,
I've been greatly enjoying reading the MFA weblog and I was pleasantly surprised to find that your story in "Coyotes" includes a Deaf character. About a month or so ago, I sent in a question (sans codename), about whether or not I'd be penalized as a Deaf writer.
Before I get to my newest questions, I wanted to mention that I checked Powell's bookstore here in Portland and they aren't planning on stocking the MFA Handbook. I gave them a whole spiel about Portland being a literary town, full of writers, etc., etc., and that your book needs to be on the shelves. And I very much hope it gets there.
So, onto my (convoluted) questions:
--- This will probably involve man-facting, but based on your experience, what's more important to a successful application: the potential of a writer or the "polish" of the sample? Perhaps this is a better way to put it-- how many successful manuscripts do you think are already of publishable quality, and how many are diamonds in the rough?
---Have you ever been part of an application committee for a program, or had the chance to evaluate the manuscripts of successful applicants? If so, what was your experience like?
Hello Tom,
Excellent concept for a book and blog. I guess this is more of a suggestion than a question, so please handle it in any way you see fit.
--Have you considered (or would you consider) keeping a list or chart of schools that have sent out MFA acceptance and financial aid offers? Readers could send in confirmations as soon as they hear from schools and you (or someone else) could record and compile them. Might take some weight off of your readers' shoulders.
Hi Tom,
i've previously posted as Stumped in Stumptown and Anonymous. e.g.-- the Deaf guy. Your weblog provided me peace of mind numerous times during the waiting game when I needed it. And of course, thank you for your wonderful advice.
Now the dust has settled and I have offers: UMass-Amherst, Emerson, and the Johns Hopkins Writing Seminars. I'd be a fool to turn down the last one, what with their funding. So-- thanks for all your help!
Bounding for Baltimore
Hi Tom,
I'm really interested in teaching writing someday and have three questions for you regarding MFA programs and teaching:
1. Would it be harder for me to find a teaching job after completing my MFA if I do a low-res program?
2. Which programs are the best for preparing people to teach?
3. Should I be considering a PhD instead? Writing is my passion and most English PhDs do not offer a ton of writing courses so that's a big downfall. On the other hand PhDs have a better chance in the job marketplace.
I'm considering a low residency program. Do you have thoughts/rankings on low residency programs? Or could you suggest 3 good ones. I'll pretty much live anywhere. Thanks!
Hi Tom,
I'm currently an undergraduate student studying Media Studies (film, storyboarding, screenwriting) at an art and design college. I've taken a few fiction writing classes and I'm doing a manuscript for my independent study. I am just wondering how likely most graduate schools are to accept students that dont have a traditional "English" degree (BFA, BA) before they apply to graduate school? I'm looking at schools like Emerson, Sarah Lawrence, and Johns Hopkins. But I live in Ohio and will also be applying to Ohio State. What do you think the chances are that I get in without a degree in English or the like?
Thanks
Hi Tom,
So, I'm currently enrolled in an MFA program (I won't say which one, but it's a top-thirty program), but I've found that the program is not particularly open to more experimental writing (which I have never called my writing, but apparently here it's considered that). I'm applying to transfer to a couple programs. How should I address this in my personal statement? Do you have other advice for transferring? Are all MFA programs focused on straight lit writing, so should I not even bother to change programs? Would I have to start over, or would some credits transfer?
Thanks for your time.
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