Mary J. Vee Storyteller
Week 1
If only perfecting the writing craft was as cut and dry as learning to be an engineer, doctor, accountant, or lawyer. Not to infer these careers are easy. The level of math and science required exceeds my interest and abilities. I like to write stories and long to have a traditionally published novel. I like to read stories. New York Times bestseller Celeste Ng credits her MFA program for helping her springboard into the writing business.
My Doubts: There is an aura tagged to earning an MFA. It’s like standing on the bow of a ship drifting off the shores of Norway at night and seeing the aurora borealis: streams of greens, yellows, purples, and reds swirling in a kind of folk dance. Earning an MFA is not common place. It costs money. And is not required to be a successful writer.
The Decision: I would really like to have a traditionally published book. Years of DIY training, conferences, and written pages have shown publication is not for everyone. Except I am not willing to give up the fight. I may be Swiss cheese, but I am willing to learn how to fill in the holes. I applied for and was accepted (shocker) into an MFA program. My journey began in February.
Not What I expected: I am nervous. I am in a room of strangers. Half of the group wants to teach writing, the other half wants to produce a novel. I am with students choosing to write a novel. We open with an ice breaker. I am Titanic on day one.
Writers are like cubes of ice in an ice tray. We don’t mingle. When jarred from the tray we tumble into a glass and clank against each other before settling into a comfortable position where we melt–slowly. The outer edges soften and dissolve first. I share my name, a nickname or pen name, and something vaguely personal that anyone can figure out by looking at me. I crack a joke and end my introduction. This is the person I introduce at conferences, events, and on social media. There are a few classmates who share their War and Peace lives, but not many.
What I liked about my first week: was the single positive comment from my professor. I would have liked more, but he, too, is a writer and most likely not fond of ice breakers. He assigned a list of books on writing and asked us to choose one.
I selected Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and listed my reasons in a precariously MLA formatted document–my first MLA doc. Basically, several conference instructors had recommended the book to me. I hadn’t bought it yet. It was the only title I recognized. And, based on the first chapter, Anne and I clicked like a character in a novel. My paper earned 5 out of 5 points. I was surprised. Elated. I had 5 points! The first 5 points of a three-year MFA program!
There was more: The other assignment required participation in a discussion board on writing with classmates. In other words, get in the sandbox and play with your classmates. I think I shared a shovel. Shore up classmates’ castles. Offered suggestions. For this I earned 10 points.
Do I think for one minute the rest of the modules will be this easy to get full points?I Nope. Not in the least. Next week’s reading list is long. Pages and books long.
Future expectations: I have high aspirations for this program. I hope it will help me sharpen my writing, complete an exciting novel, open doors in the writing business world, give me confidence, allow me to engage with a writing community, and much more. This is week one of my MFA. I should be this excited.
How about you? Have you thought of or earned your MFA? What benefits do you think an MFA might provide for you? There are many successful writers who don’t have this degree. Some writers have an inner sense for breaking through writing barriers. I am not one…and in a way, I am really excited about the challenge.
Mary J. Vee | Storyteller 