MFA Programs Killed My Father: The Last Word On MFA Program Exposes!

For some reason, about twice a year, a spate of articles come out by writers questioning the validity of MFA programs. And twice a year I read them and think, Well, I'd rather watch an actual circle jerk than read this shit...again. Because, really, no one gives a fuck about this stuff except for the person writing the article and, presumably, that guy Seth Abramson who writes every other story about MFA programs. Now here's the thing. I have an MFA. I direct an MFA program. Before I had an MFA, I'd published five books, sold stuff to Hollywood, sold something like 50 short stories and maybe a thousand feature stories/book reviews/interviews with Aubrey O'Day. (Incidentally: Aubrey O'Day? A perfectly nice and interesting interview subject. Couldn't have been a sweeter person.) Since earning my MFA, I've published three more books, sold more projects to Hollywood, a bunch more short stories and features et al (though no more interviews with Aubrey O'Day) and am, by all accounts, pretty much the same asshole I've always been. A mitzvah, for sure. (And if you want a full accounting of my own MFA experience, you can read this.) So I am the poster boy for not getting an MFA and the poster boy for getting an MFA, apparently, thus I feel uniquely qualified to present to you what I believe is the definitive word on Writing Articles About MFA Programs. 

 

And really, just to clarify, here's all you need to know about whether or not you should get an MFA: If you want one, you should go get one. If you don't want one, don't get one. There. I've saved you a lot of precious reading time, so, please, go write something. 

Comments

[dean]

I think that movie might win an award or two at the Sundance Film Festival if you were to enter it. But what category? Documentary? Dramatic?

hmmm