Comments on: A 12-step program?

By: Mary Dell

Mary Dell — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:34:55 +0000

Ah, yes, the MFA intervention. I only spent a year in my MFA program and I didn’t write for 10 years after that. Eventually I fell off the wagon and picked up a pen again but I assume if I’d finished the degree I’d still be clean.

By: Miramon

Miramon — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:29:55 +0000

I assume that a MFA has two purposes. One: to get an entry level job with a company in Hollywood or New York City as the case may be, depending on whether it’s in film, TV, advertising and graphic arts, or the stage. Two: to put off working for another few precious years. I must say I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who had the degree, though.

By: Nezahualcoyotl

Nezahualcoyotl — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 19:17:48 +0000

Perhaps an MFA is different from other master’s degrees. But I have seen many of the same symptoms (e.g., skipping social engagements in order to write) exhibited by students working on their theses. And doctoral degrees can make people disappear for years while they try to craft the “perfect” dissertation.

By: CapnMarrrrk

CapnMarrrrk — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 05:28:42 +0000

From all the people I know who have been in Grad School (quite a few), all of them have said Grad School takes the shine right off your passion.

But hey when you’re done, you got a shiny new title, and hopefully a gig outside outside the private sector.

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:40:40 +0000

:-D

Wonderful.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:00:05 +0000

*snort* Replace any of those writerly activities with knitterly/spinnerly ones and I’d have to answer yes to every single symptom. But I like it. :P