Wednesday’s WiP: “After the MFA”

so14_cover“There are several valuable lessons I’ve learned from my experience—none of which I understood before or even upon finishing my MFA—that I believe every writer considering a graduate degree in writing (or those who have recently received one) should know.”

Read the rest of my article/essay, just posted on the Poets & Writers site to accompany the September/October MFA issue.

10 thoughts on “Wednesday’s WiP: “After the MFA”

  1. drew myron says:

    Excellent essay, Erika!

    You present a refreshing example of real-world, real-life writers — without screed or screams.

    And, congratulations on your new job!

    1. Erika Dreifus says:

      Drew, thank you on all counts!

      1. Mort Laitner says:

        Erika,

        Your essay was informative, well written and it came from your heart. Well done.
        Thanks.
        Mort

        1. Erika Dreifus says:

          Thank you, Mort.

  2. Great essay, Erika! Very truly captures the reality. I particularly loved your imagined bio! Most of us, I wager, don’t become the writer we imagined as that’s not how life works, right?

    1. Erika Dreifus says:

      Thanks, Annette–I have to say that I’m pretty fond of that “aspirational” bio, too!

  3. How refreshing to read a real world depiction of the writing life. Makes it all the more necessary to simply write everyday…not being concerned about acceptance or rejection. Only being concerned about being constant in our writing. Thank you for your honesty. Ben

  4. Thanks for the insightful essay, Erika! I’ve read articles with generic pros and cons before, but I’m glad to get a personalized and in-depth view.

  5. Wonderful essay, Erika. Inspiring, even. Mazal Tov on the new job.
    All best,
    Judy

  6. Erika Dreifus says:

    Thank you all. This is obvious a personal essay, so it’s extra-special to have it so warmly received.

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