MFA Crash Course: Day Six
***If you are following me AND leave a comment in this thread by 5 PM PST Friday, 5/28, you will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Plus you will receive one entry each toward the query crit by my agent Laura Bradford and the ten-page crit by writer Eleanor Morse. Full details here.
Small Group Discussion: Met with three other writers to discuss a short story. Discussion was led by a grad student. I will have to do this next residency.
Workshop: Met with the four writers in my workshop, led by Julie Brickman. As promised, here is my workshop piece (removed link) and the feedback I received. Note: I’m only going to leave this up through Sunday. Do not reproduce or link in other places. I hope this helps writers who are afraid of the workshop experience. It can be a really rewarding experience, plus it helped me to solve a major issue with the plot – I was withholding too much from the reader.
Lunch with Mary Waters: I had lunch with my new mentor, so we could get to know each other and discuss expectations for this semester. This is where I squee because I adore her. She reads YA so I feel like this semester’s feedback on my current WIP is going to be really insightful and helpful.
Graduate Student Readings: Three graduating students read from their thesis – a final creative work we are required to turn in our last year of the program.
Lecture: What You Can Do with Elevated Prose and How to Develop Your Own Elevated Style
Elaine Orr, Lecturer
Elevated prose is a kind of prose that is lofty, high style, and intellectual. There are times when this kind of language can be used to effect.
- Why use elevated prose? To deepen a character, slow the reader down, create atmosphere, and more.
- The narrative can be elevated and the dialogue more realistic. The elevated narrative can allow a more intellectual exploration into larger themes of love and death.
Plenary Lecture: What is Creative Nonfiction?
Richard Goodman, Lecturer
This lecture examined creative nonfiction – both its definitions and its variations.
- Creative Nonfiction conveys truth, but allows room for creativity.
- Recommended Read: Woman Warrior
- Commit part of yourself to the page
- Must always have a deep respect for characters. Compassion is required.
- This type of writing gets its soul from the writer
Student Readings: I read from my work. I hate doing it and think I’m an awful reader, but it’s good practice.
Dinner with the YA Writers
Spalding’s Festival of Contemporary Writing: Faculty members read from their current WIP or publications. More impressive writing.
• Charlie Schulman
• Kirby Gann
• Dianne Aprile
• Roy Hoffman
• Kathleen Driskell
• Sena Jeter Naslund
*These tips are all my own paraphrases. This blog series is not sponsored by Spalding or its faculty.
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11 Responses to "MFA Crash Course: Day Six"
on May 27, 2010 | to this post
Poor thing! Just get some sleep and reboot!
on May 27, 2010 | to this post
Yes, SLEEP! Your body needs it.
on May 27, 2010 | to this post
Sleep, sleep, sleep! Your break will give everyone time to read over your postings and absorb some more knowledge!
on May 27, 2010 | to this post
More awesomeness! You sound like you’re having a great–albeit exhausting–time!
on May 27, 2010 | to this post
*sneaks in Cory’s hotel room*
*draws mustache w/ Sharpie*
*writes name in contest entries*
*sneaks out*
on May 28, 2010 | to this post
Okay, I’m reading your piece now…I already like all the comments.
Yes, you know I love me some comments! Hee hee…
on May 28, 2010 | to this post
Wow, I can’t believe I just found your MFA Crash course! Amazing info. Your workshop piece looks great.
on May 28, 2010 | to this post
Read the first part of your piece, though I’ll have to get ready for work soon and will get back to the rest of it. I have to say that I disagree with some of the comments made – like the point of you keeping secrets and where they say that the hook needs to come sooner. I was just getting settled into the story and I think the placement of your subtle hints about something to come are well placed. Love some of the imagery!
on May 28, 2010 | to this post
Yay to a good mentor and yay to me winning a gift card….thanks!
on May 28, 2010 | to this post
Totally cool you had lunch with our mentor. Want one. Nice job and thank you for including us.
on June 10, 2010 | to this post
Thanks for sharing!