Murray State University MFA Creative Writing

Reviewer's Name:

Richard Thomas

Review Date

April 22, 2009

Year of Graduation:

2011

Review Title:

Low-Residency Exceeds Expectations

Full Review of the Program:

There aren't that many low-residency options out there, and here in the Midwest / South we are lucky to have a program like the MSU MFA. I am going to attend my 2nd residency this summer, but have already gotten a lot out of the program. Some highlights:

Visiting writers: the three writers who not only read here last winter but also took the time to lecture on craft, really blew me away. A great variety of writers with incredible experiences and recognition in the academic world and general public.

Linda Bierds is a passionate poet, and some of her awards? Maybe you've heard of these: Guggenheim, 2 NEA, 4 Pushcart and what was that last one? Oh, MacArthur. She is an inspiration.

Scott Russell Sanders is another very well known writer and essayist, and his readings were just captivating. Toss some more NEAs and a Guggenheim this way.

Heather Sellers was just a wild ride, from start to finish, and a fantastic sense of humor. Her craft books are also very good, easy to get into, easy to learn.

The professors I've had the chance to work with, Lynn Pruett and Lorraine Lopez, were very supportive, and eager to help us all connect with each other, and improve our work.

Overseeing it all is Squire Babcock and Pamela Miller, who have been helping me to navigate these waters. It is a lot of work, and thanks to their guidance, I think I will be able to fully utilize all of the resources that MSU has to offer.

And I haven't even gotten to work with the Pulitzer Prize nominated Dale Ray Phillips yet.

Advice to Prospective Students:

Be prepared, bring your "A" game, your best work, and put your heart into it. Have thick skin, but also be true to your voice and vision. In the end, your best work will surface. It takes time, years to develop into a serious writer, so be prepared to put in the time writing short stories, honing your craft, and building up to your first or second novel. If you are passionate, sincere, and are willing to listen, as well as speak loudly, you will succeed.