An Insider's Guide to Creative Writing Programs [With CDROM]

by Amy Holman

Get the final word on creative writing programs in this unique reference guide. With detailed information on recent graduates, visiting writers, application requirements, costs, and program... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0735204055
• ISBN13: 9780735204058
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Prentice Hall Press
• Length: 246 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.4" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

My book

I would like to take this opportunity as the author of this book to say that I was contracted with the publisher to write a book on three kinds of opportunities for writers that give them time, money, and places to write: 1. grad programs 2. colonies & residencies and 3. grants & fellowships. Then it was given a title that made it seem skewed towards graduate programs, when that was only one section. I wrote it to present a horn of plenty to writers. The CD-ROM has problems, and no one is more disappointed than I, but the publisher will only fix it with the next print run. I am working on a way to remedy this through my web site. I believe I have a great book that opens readers up to the possibilities, but still leaves it to them to pursue the ones they deem worthy. I think that Tom Kealey's Creative Writing MFA Handbook has been criticized for being too much about money, when he's offering his specific and helpful viewpoint on what should matter when you apply. I come from a background of information services, where a few books on a subject is the best way to research anything. The definitive book will likely not be written unless you can find someone who has attended all the programs and still has the motor ability and thought processes to write a book. The secret elixir is on Mount Olympus. You need to know that finding a program that will educate you about an artistic endeavor is going to be a personal journey, and those of us who have knowledge about the market can only give you our perspectives. You need always to judge which perspectives are pertinent.

Outstanding!

So much to like about this guide. There's a great chapter on how to prepare your application, loads of great information about the programs themselves, and a comprehensive list of residencies, colonies and fellowships. Reading this book is like taking a course on how to start a career as a writer. If I could thank Amy Holman personally for writing this book, I would. A much, much needed guide. Well done!

Guaranteed to reduce stress

I was totally and completely lost before I found this wonderful book. I'm not even applying to m.f.a programs until next year but i've already started making a list of schools and this little book has just made the whole application process about a hundred times less stressful. Also you get a bunch of great information and facts about writers colonies and residencies and stuff. I couldn't recommend it more.

Incredibly Helpful!

If you don't know anything about MFA programs, this guide will be your best friend during the application process. I can't imagine what I would have done without it. Very clear, simple, and easy to read. Filled with tons of valuable information presented in a very friendly and entertaining style. I give it my highest recommendation!!

Essential Reading

I agree with Writer Gal and I'm pretty surprised by the other reviewers. An MFA student myself, I found Holman's descriptions very useful. This book seems designed to provide just the right amount of information to prompt further investigation of those programs that seem like a good fit. Also, I think the residency information alone is worth the price of admission - the most comprehensive gathering of this information I've come across. Highly recommended.