L Ann Claypool

Should I go for an MFA in creative writing? It’s a question a lot of writers ask themselves. Here’s how I decided to do it, what I’ve gotten out of the experience, and what I’d recommend to others considering the MFA path.

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing can seem like a, shall we say, frivolous pursuit to the capitalistic mind. What’s the return on investment? Does it guarantee a six-figure salary? (No) Publication? (No.) Anything at all tangible (… No. Not really.) Is it still somehow worth it? For me, the answer is yes.

I’m at the end of my low-residency MFA program with Queens University. Here’s what I’ve gotten out of the MFA process:

• A renewed love of and cultivation of craft. This, above all else, is the purpose of an MFA. I decided to invest in my own skill, to work with individuals who would push me. Each writer has their own journey toward personal best. The MFA gave me permission to step back from the relentless pursuit of publication and nudged me to reconsider: Why am I doing this in the first place? It’s because I love to write, and I want my work to be worthy of the stories I’m trying to tell.
• Connections. I’ve made valuable connections with my professors (all esteemed published authors) and writing peers. Writing is a lonely occupation. In an MFA, you get an automatic writing community filled with people just as artsy and book-crazy as you are (Win!).
• Possibilities. When I graduate, I’ll have something to my name that says I am serious about writing. I’ve taken the time to learn my craft, and I can pass on my knowledge. Believe it or not, the MFA isn’t an entirely impractical pursuit. The obvious paths are teaching creative writing in a high school or college setting, speaking at conferences, leading seminars, and freelance editing. Again, it’s not a ticket to instant success, but for those of us craving a life centered around writing, it can help light a path.
• Publication? OK, let’s be real. A lot of us writerly types are also ambitious. We want our books to be read. We want to see our names glittering on a special edition glam cover in our local bookstore, ideally sprinkled with a healthy dose of fairy dust (maybe that’s just me). Will an MFA get you published? So…maybe? It can help. Publishing is a fickle beast. The pros I mentioned earlier (stronger craft, connections, professional opportunities) are pros in the path to publishing. Do you need an MFA to be published? Of course not. I don’t recommend pursuing an MFA if you’re only in it to get a book deal. That is a path to potential disappointment/soul-crushing bitterness, because there is just no guaranteed publication outcome for any writer (except celebrities. If you are a celebrity, you are probably not reading this post though).

So. Am I glad I did it? Yes. I was in a place in my life where I could justify it financially, and that played a big role in my decision. I’m in a profession that rewards continued education, and I’ll be able to offset the cost of my degree with a pay bump. There are a lot of other paths toward cultivating your craft and building community besides an MFA, though, and if you aren’t in a financial situation where you’re guaranteed a return on investment, I would think carefully before pursuing an MFA. It is a valuable and rewarding experience. It’s also not worth financial hardship. I’ll be posting further information about lessons I’ve learned from my MFA program in future posts, so be sure to follow me on Instagram if you want to be alerted to the next one!