I’ve had a growing urge to learn more about writing craft. After graduating from university many years ago, I’m about to become a student again. In January 2018, I’ll start an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. It’s not Hogwarts, but I know it’ll be just as magical.
I’ve been a writer at heart since I personified my toy cars as a young girl. At age ten, I wrote comic books about a girl named Lucky Lisa and the dog I wished I had. At age seventeen, I scribbled angst-filled poetry about the meaning of life. In high school, I knew I’d try to write for publication, although I thought I’d have to take a sensible job first and write professionally once I retired. Imagine my surprise when, after ten sensible years as an educational book editor, I found the courage to quit my full-time job to make room for writing.
Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to learning writing craft through hours at my desk as well as through workshops like Peter Carver’s Writing for Children class at Mable’s Fables Children’s Bookstore, CANSCAIP and SCBWI conferences, screenwriting seminars with John Truby and Robert McKee, and personal critique groups.
Although I’ve achieved much with my writing, I feel the burn to learn more. How can I better translate my characters to the page? Deepen my revision process? Understand the emotional journey of readers and how writing craft guides it? I’d like to explore new genres and techniques. I’d like to discover new ways to mentor emerging voices.
For me, the Vermont College of Fine Arts is the place to do this.
Thanks to the many people who helped me during the application process: Harry Endrulat, Sarah N. Harvey, Melanie Fishbane, Shelley Tanaka, and the VCFA administration. For the warm welcome, thanks to program director Melissa Fisher, Tim Wynne-Jones, and Amanda West Lewis.
I’m honoured. I’m grateful. I’m ready. I can’t wait to begin this journey.
Note: For Part 1 of My MFA Journey, go here.
Photo credit: Hannah Morris
Good for you, Karen. Wishing you all the best on this new adventure.
Thanks, Kristin!
So exciting. Hope you’ll keep us posted.
Yes, I hope to post about it regularly, if I don’t get too overwhelmed with my to-do list. 🙂
You’re so welcome! Thank you for letting me be part of your journey! xoxo
And it’s only beginning, Mel! <3
So happy for you, Karen. And pleased that the other students are going to learn from you, too. Way to go!
Thanks for all your support, Pat!