Why an MFA Might Not be Enough: 1O Lessons I Wish I’d Learned
Tiffany Grimes on graduation day, in 2015.
I enrolled in a low-residency MFA (Master of Fine Arts) program at 22, eager to hone my craft and live my dream of becoming an author. While I enjoyed the 10-day intensive workshops and valued the relationships I formed, the program fell short in some key areas.
It didn't prepare us for the practicalities of being a writer: things like time management, handling rejection, or balancing writing with life's other demands. Though I gained invaluable writing insights and lifelong friendships, I also encountered hurdles, like wrestling with feedback during the drafting stage, which made it hard to progress.
There’s this little secret in the MFA world. You can pay $30k+ and still not know how to write a book. My MFA journey taught me a lot, but there were important lessons it didn't cover, lessons that could have saved me from post-graduation burnout and self-doubt… as well as how to navigate publishing.
Why an MFA Might Not be Enough: 1O Lessons I Wish I’d Learned:
1) How to manage imposter syndrome, procrastination, and perfectionism
Imposter syndrome, procrastination, and perfectionism are more than just buzzwords—they're real obstacles that can affect your writing journey. These are the top blocks I see writers face (and that I face, too!), and addressing these challenges is crucial to fulfilling your potential as a writer.
Counter them with mentorship, time-management, and a balance between quality and practicality. Addressing these not only refines your writing but fosters resilience.
Tip: Set aside time weekly to reflect on your mindset and identify triggers. This will help you understand and counter these challenges.
2) Feedback during the drafting stage should be limited and ignored
In a typical MFA program, especially the low-residency ones like my MFA, there's an inherent tension between generating new work and revising existing material. Many programs require you to submit both new work and revisions each month. While this process aims to keep you productive and engaged, it can also create a chaotic experience that's counterproductive for many writers.
When you're in the throes of drafting—be it a new story, essay, or chapter—your focus should be on giving life to your ideas, channeling your creativity into a raw narrative. Extensive feedback during this fragile stage can be more disruptive than helpful, sending your mind spinning in myriad directions.
In an ideal world, the drafting stage would be a separate, sacred space, free from the distractions of critique. The goal is to let the story flow naturally, allowing it to take unexpected but organic turns. It's the stage where you should permit yourself to write badly, knowing that you'll come back later to refine and polish. Only after the draft is complete should you shift your focus to the critical feedback needed for the revision process.
Tip: Set specific boundaries when sharing your work in the drafting stage, specifying whether you're seeking feedback on content, style, or just a general impression.
3) MFAs don't equal an agent or a book deal
Many aspiring writers enter MFA programs with a set of expectations that are, unfortunately, not always grounded in reality. One of the most prevalent myths is that completing an MFA program will naturally lead to an agent, a book deal, or a tenure-track teaching position. While the program undeniably offers a rigorous environment to hone your craft, the reality is far more nuanced.
There are countless successful writers who never went through an MFA program, and inversely, many MFA grads who struggle to get published. While an MFA offers valuable tools for becoming a better writer, it's not a magic wand that will automatically fulfill your publishing dreams. The route to an agent or a book deal often involves a different map entirely—one that you'll have to navigate on your own or with a different set of resources.
Tip: Diversify your expectations and avenues. Attend literary conferences, join writing groups, or engage in freelance writing to expand your experience and network.
4) Knowing the rules and how to break them are less important than trusting your gut
An overemphasis on rules can sometimes stifle creativity and lead to formulaic writing. What often goes unsaid is that our instincts, our "gut feelings" about a story, are equally—if not more—important than the rules.
At our core, humans are intuitive storytellers. Storytelling is how we make sense of the world, connect with others, and explore the depth of human experience. When you're drafting a new piece, especially when you're in that delicate first draft stage, leaning into this innate storytelling sense can lead to surprising and compelling narratives.
This isn't to say you should completely ignore writing guidelines or established techniques; they serve as a useful framework. But the magic often happens when you veer off the well-trodden path and venture into the wild, untamed lands of your imagination.
Tip: Before revising your work based on feedback, let it sit for a few days. Then, read it with fresh eyes to determine if the feedback aligns with your vision.
5) Everyone's timeline is different—and that’s okay
The structured nature of educational programs like MFAs can foster "comparisonitis," the tendency to measure your progress against others. However, this one-size-fits-all mentality neglects to consider the unique life circumstances that influence each writer's journey.
For me, coming from a low-income background with zero financial cushion, the notion of simply focusing on writing and snagging an agent quickly was unrealistic. I had to work multiple jobs while fulfilling MFA obligations. One of my advisors commented that I worked too much, and that I needed to take my writing more seriously.
Our writing doesn't exist in a vacuum. It's part of your broader life, which may include financial instability, family responsibilities, health issues, or demanding day jobs. Each of these factors can impact how much time and mental energy you have to devote to writing, affecting the speed at which you can produce work, seek publication, or even just hone your craft.
While it's beneficial to have goals and aspirations, they should be realistic and tailored to your unique situation. Your success is your own, and it won't look like anyone else's. Achieving it might take longer than you think, and that's completely okay. The key is to continue writing, regardless of what life throws at you, and to find joy and meaning in the journey itself.
Tip: Avoid comparing your journey with others. Instead, set personal milestones and celebrate when you reach them.
6) We shouldn't treat writing like a job—it’s more complex than that
We live in a wildly capitalistic society, which means that jobs are often viewed solely as a means to an end—usually financial gain. This mindset can be destructive when applied to our writing.
MFA programs, although designed to foster creativity, are not immune to this mindset. With tuition costs, the pressure to produce work for workshops, and the unspoken expectation that we should be moving toward publication or some other form of "success," it's easy to start treating writing as just another job.
This commodification of your creative process can result in a range of problems, like burnout. When you’re constantly evaluating your writing based on its marketability or its appeal to a specific audience, the joy and spontaneity can quickly evaporate. The freedom to experiment, to make mistakes, and to grow as a writer is overshadowed by the looming question: "Will this sell?"
While it's important to be disciplined and professional in your approach to writing, it’s equally important to cherish it as a form of self-expression, passion, and even self-discovery. Let’s not forget that, often, the most authentic pieces come from a place of joy and curiosity rather than stress and obligation.
Tip: Dedicate some writing sessions to free writing or passion projects that you don't intend to publish, reigniting the joy of pure creation.
7) Understanding the business of writing
One glaring omission in most MFA curriculums is the business side of being a writer. The reality is, when you decide to become published, you're essentially setting yourself up as a small business owner. And like any business owner, it's not just the product (in this case, your writing) that you need to worry about; it's also the logistics of how to sell it, who to sell it to, and how to manage your finances and legal obligations.
While mastering the craft is essential, taking the time to understand the business side of things will provide you with a more holistic set of tools as you venture into your writing career.
Tip: Regularly read books or articles on the business side of writing and consider attending workshops that cover the logistics of publishing and marketing.
8) The importance of building a writing community
The camaraderie you build during your MFA can be valuable, but it's important to learn how to network and build a community outside of that bubble. A well-rounded writing community serves multiple purposes. It acts as a sounding board, a constructive critic, a motivational coach, and sometimes even a therapist. This network can help you make key connections with agents or publishing houses, identify opportunities for fellowships or writing gigs, and offer vital emotional support during the lows that inevitably come with a writing career.
A community doesn't just support you; it magnifies your reach and impact. Collaborations can lead to joint publications, podcast guest appearances, co-authored books, and more. Sharing another writer's work expands its audience, just as having your work shared expands yours. It's a win-win situation where the community as a whole can grow and succeed together.
It might take a while to find "your people," and that's okay. Building a supportive and constructive writing community is a long-term investment that pays off in countless ways, both expected and unexpected.
Tip: Engage in online forums, local writing groups, or attend conventions to network. Remember, genuine connections often stem from mutual support rather than one-sided promotion.
9) How to handle rejection and failure
It's surprising how many writers leave MFA programs ill-prepared for the almost inevitable rejection and failure that are part and parcel of a writing career. Learning how to handle rejection—whether it's from agents, publishers, or negative reviews—can be the difference between a sustained career and a short-lived one. It would have been invaluable to learn coping strategies for these setbacks, as well as how to use them as fuel for growth.
The idea that some writers "make it" without facing any major setbacks is largely a myth. Even acclaimed authors have faced numerous rejections before finding their stride. Rejection can feel deeply personal, especially for a writer. You've poured hours, days, months, or even years into a project only to receive a form letter or, worse, silence. This lack of preparation for failure creates an emotional void, making each rejection feel like a crushing indictment of your skills and potential.
Resilience in the face of rejection is an invaluable skill that, sadly, isn't explicitly taught in many MFA programs. Being able to bounce back, analyze what went wrong, and apply those insights to future projects can turn what feels like failure into a stepping stone toward success.
Tip: Create a 'rejection file' to store all your rejection letters/emails. Over time, this can serve as a testament to your perseverance and the journey you've undertaken.
10) Balancing life and writing during and after MFAs
Writing is just one part of life. An MFA can be an all-consuming experience, and it's easy to lose sight of work-life balance, mental health, physical health, and relationships. Learning how to balance writing with other life responsibilities and joys is a skill that's as crucial as any aspect of craft.
The notion of the tortured, isolated artist sacrificing everything for their craft is a romantic but harmful myth. This idea is not only unsustainable but also unhealthy. It casts writing as an act of solitary suffering rather than one of creative expression that can coexist with a fulfilling life.
Being an excellent writer doesn't exempt anyone from the responsibilities and challenges of being a human being. You have bills to pay, relationships to maintain, and a body that needs care and movement. Ignoring these aspects can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and health issues.
Tip: Schedule regular breaks during writing sessions and designate certain days or hours where you step away from writing to engage in other activities you love (that can also fill your creative well.
Unlocking Your Potential Beyond Traditional Paths: The Author Mentorship Program
By now, if you're this deep in the writing world, it's clear that you're committed to honing your craft and carving out a meaningful space for yourself. While formal education like MFA programs can offer valuable insights and networks, there are additional, often untapped, resources and strategies that can catapult your writing career to new heights.
That’s why I’ve developed my Author Mentorship Program, a 6-week experience tailored to your unique voice and needs. This is a blend of editing and book coaching designed with your specific needs and voice in mind. Whether you're just starting with an idea or are ready to submit your manuscript, we offer the specialized support you require to reach your goals. This could entail finishing your draft, fine-tuning revisions, or strategizing submissions—all while honoring your unique voice and experience.
We go beyond the traditional MFA scope to cover:
Market Analysis: Tailoring your manuscript for the best chance at publication.
Story Craft: Mastering plot structure, pacing, authentic characters, and more.
Healthy Writing Habits: Building sustainable writing practices that fit your lifestyle.
Message: Ensuring your core messages resonate with the communities you aim to represent.
Emotional Toolkit: Providing strategies to conquer emotional traps like perfectionism and comparisonitis.
Confidence Building: Empowering you to make creative choices that enhance your story and perspective.
In just six weeks, you'll not only advance significantly in your writing project but also gain a toolkit of resources, strategies, and the confidence to continue growing as a writer. If this sounds like the support you’ve been searching for, learn more about Author Mentorship here.
Tiffany Grimes (she/they) is the founder of Burgeon Design and Editorial, a queer founded boutique editing and design house for the creatively audacious. At Burgeon, we specialize in book editing, coaching, and web design for the individualists, nonconformists, and trailblazers of the literary world. If you’re a maverick, outsider, rebel, renegade, dissenter, disruptor, or free spirit, you’ve come to the right place.
