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Emerson College’s Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA

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MFA Program

Writing: Katie Williams, Margot Douaihy, Kirsten Imani Kasai, Jon Papernick, Jessica Treadway Literature: William Orem, Roy Kamada, Mary Kovaleski Byrnes, Adele Lee Publishing: Lisa Diercks, Gian Lombardo, John Rodzvilla

The program offers partial funding. Some students receive fellowships, and all applications are automatically reviewed for funding. The program offers the  Presidential Fellowship and Merit-Based Scholarships .

Students can apply to the program’s Transformational Leaders Fellowship which includes a stipend, scholarship, leadership training and a mentorship program.

The Online MFA in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing Program hosts an online webinar series for students with writers and publishers of popular fiction to enable students to discuss their craft and foster connections with the writing and publishing community.

The priority decision is November 1, rolling admissions accepted through November 15 for spring admission. The priority decision is March 1, rolling admissions accepted through June 1 for fall admission. The priority decision is February 1, rolling admissions accepted through May 1 for summer admission.

CREATIVE WRITING

What can you do with a MFA in Creative Writing?

The versatility of a master’s degree in creative writing allows graduates to pursue careers in various industries where strong writing, storytelling, and communication skills are highly valued. Adaptability and networking are essential for success in these diverse career paths.

Tech Knowledge

Individuals with a master’s degree in creative writing can benefit from familiarity with various technologies to enhance their writing, research, and career opportunities. Although this is an extensive list, the specific technologies you need to know can depend on your chosen career path, but some common ones include:

• Word Processing Software: Proficiency in word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs is essential for writing, editing, and formatting manuscripts.
• Writing and Editing Software: Writing and editing tools like Scrivener or Grammarly can help writers streamline their writing process and improve their writing quality.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Knowledge of CMS platforms like WordPress can be useful for writers who want to create and manage their own blogs or websites.
• Research and Reference Tools: Tools like Zotero, EndNote, or Evernote help writers collect and organize research materials and references.
• Digital Publishing Platforms: Familiarity with digital publishing platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Smashwords can be valuable for self-publishing authors.
• Screenwriting Software: For those interested in screenwriting, software like Final Draft or Celtx is essential for formatting scripts.
• Collaboration Tools: Writers who collaborate with others can use collaboration tools like Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) or Dropbox Paper to work together in real time and share documents.
• Social Media Platforms: Writers can use social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn to build their author brand, connect with readers, and promote their work.
• Website and Blogging Tools: For writers who maintain blogs or author websites, platforms like WordPress, Blogger, or Squarespace can be helpful.
• Email Marketing Software: Writers interested in building an email list for their readership can use email marketing platforms like MailChimp or ConvertKit.
• E-book Design and Formatting Tools: Design and formatting tools like Adobe InDesign or Vellum are useful for creating professionally formatted e-books.
• Grammar and Style Guides: Access to grammar and style guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style or AP Stylebook, can help writers maintain consistency in their work.
• Digital Writing Workshops: Online writing workshops and courses, hosted on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare, offer opportunities for skill development and networking.
• Writing Community Forums: Joining online writing communities and forums like Wattpad, Goodreads, or NaNoWriMo can help writers connect with peers, gain feedback, and share their work.
• Audio and Video Recording Tools: Writers interested in podcasts or author interviews may need recording and editing software and equipment.
• Data Security and Back-Up Solutions: Backing up manuscripts and important writing files is critical; cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive can be helpful.
• Author Website Analytics: Knowledge of website analytics tools like Google Analytics can help authors track website traffic and reader engagement.
• Writing and Publishing Software: Writing software with distraction-free interfaces, like Ulysses or Bear, can help writers stay focused on their work.
• E-books and Digital Publishing Software: Familiarity with e-book creation and conversion software, such as Calibre or Sigil, can be useful for self-publishing authors.
• Project Management Tools: Writers working on longer projects, such as novels or research, may benefit from project management tools like Trello or Asana to stay organized.

The specific technologies a writer needs may vary depending on their writing style, genre, and career goals. Writers should stay open to exploring new tools and technologies that can enhance their writing process and career prospects in a digital age.

Competencies + Other Skills

Graduates with a master’s degree in creative writing need a set of competencies to excel in their careers. These include a strong command of writing, proficiency in various literary genres, the ability to edit and revise effectively, and the skills to conduct research when necessary. They should also understand the publication process, screenwriting techniques, if relevant, marketing and promotion strategies, and be adaptable in their writing style to meet the demands of different projects and audiences. These competencies form the foundation for successful and versatile careers in creative writing.

• Creativity: Creative writers must possess a high degree of creativity to develop unique and engaging narratives.
• Discipline and Time Management: Self-discipline is critical for setting writing goals and managing time effectively, especially for longer projects like novels.
• Resilience: Rejection and criticism are common in the writing world, so writers need resilience to persevere through setbacks.
• Self-Motivation: Writers often work independently, so self-motivation is crucial for maintaining consistent writing habits.
• Open-Mindedness: Being open to feedback, new ideas, and different writing styles allows writers to continually improve.
• Empathy: Understanding and portraying diverse characters and perspectives with empathy enhances the depth of storytelling.
• Networking: Building relationships with fellow writers, literary agents, publishers, and editors can lead to opportunities and support in the writing industry.
• Communication: Effective communication skills help writers pitch ideas, collaborate with others, and engage with readers and audiences.
• Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail ensures that writing is free of errors and inconsistencies.
• Problem-Solving: Writers often encounter plot, character, and structural challenges that require creative problem-solving.
• Listening Skills: Listening to feedback and understanding the needs and preferences of readers or clients is essential for meeting expectations.
• Cultural Awareness: Sensitivity to cultural nuances and diverse perspectives can enrich storytelling and avoid stereotypes.
• Storytelling: Strong storytelling skills, including narrative structure and pacing, are fundamental for capturing and holding readers’ attention.
• Self-Reflection: The ability to reflect on one’s own writing and continually strive for improvement is essential for growth as a writer.
• Adaptability: The writing landscape evolves, so being adaptable to changes in publishing and marketing trends is important.

Emerson Campus Orgs

• Concrete Literary Magazine
• The Emerson Review
• Gauge Magazine
• Stork Magazine
• The Berkeley Beacon
• Emertainment Monthly
• em Magazine
• Your Magazine
• Five Cent Sound
• Atlas Magazine
• Graduate Student Association
• Emerson College Book Club
• Graduate Reading Series
• Writers of Color

You can also consider other non-industry oriented organizations and assist them with your areas of interest (example: having your scripts workshopped in SPEC or writing a newsletter for Women in Motion).

Industry Job Boards

• Bookjobs.com
• Publishers Marketplace
• Publishers Weekly
• MediaBistro
• Independent Publishers Guild
• Publishers.org
• ACES Editors – Job Board
• Writers and Editors
• Freelance Writing Gigs
• The Write Life
• Profellow: 44 Fellowships for Creative Writers in Any Career Stage

Professional Associations and Conferences

• Grub Street, Inc.
• American Booksellers Association
• American Copy Editors Society
• American Institute of Graphic Arts
• American Library Association
• Association of American Publishers
• Association of American University Presses
• Author’s Guild
• International Digital Publishing Forum
• International Publishers Association
• The Association of Magazine Media
• National Association of Science Writers
• National Book Foundation
• National Writers Union
• Printing United Alliance
• Printing Industries of New England
• American Society of Magazine Editors
• Writers Guild of America – www.wga.org (West) & www.wgaeast.com (East)

Sample Job Titles with a Masters in Creative Writing

• Author/Novelist: Many creative writing graduates pursue careers as authors, writing novels, short stories, and other literary works for publication.
• Poet: Those with a passion for poetry may publish their own collections of poems, contribute to literary journals, or even work as performance poets.
• Screenwriter: Creative writers often transition into screenwriting, creating scripts for television, film, and online content.
• Playwright: Playwriting is another option, with opportunities to write for theater productions, including plays and scripts for performance.
• Creative Writing Instructor/Professor: Some graduates go on to teach creative writing at the college or university level, sharing their knowledge and skills with aspiring writers.
• Freelance Writer: Freelance writers can explore a wide range of writing opportunities, from journalism and content marketing to copywriting and ghostwriting.
• Editor: Editors work with authors to refine and polish their manuscripts, whether in book publishing, magazines, or online publications.
• Literary Agent: Literary agents represent authors and help them secure book deals and negotiate contracts with publishers.
• Content Strategist: Creative writers can use their storytelling skills in content strategy, helping companies develop engaging content for websites, blogs, and social media.
• Public Relations Specialist: PR professionals with a creative writing background excel in crafting compelling press releases, speeches, and other communication materials.
• Marketing Copywriter: Copywriters create persuasive advertising and marketing content, including slogans, product descriptions, and promotional materials.
• Technical Writer: Technical writers create user manuals, product documentation, and instructional materials, translating complex information into understandable language.
• Grant Writer: Nonprofits and organizations often hire grant writers to secure funding by crafting compelling grant proposals and applications.
• Content Developer: Content developers create educational materials, online courses, and e-learning content.
• Content Manager: Content managers oversee content creation and strategy for websites and digital platforms.
• Journalist: Creative writers can transition into journalism, reporting news stories for newspapers, magazines, or digital publications.
• Blogger/Content Creator: Some creative writers become bloggers or content creators, generating their own online content and monetizing their platforms.
• Speechwriter : Speechwriters craft speeches and presentations for public figures, politicians, and corporate leaders.
• Copy Editor/Proofreader: Copy editors and proofreaders review and edit written content for grammar, style, and accuracy.
• Advertising Creative Director: With experience, some creative writers can advance to leadership roles in advertising agencies, overseeing creative teams and campaigns.

Blogs & Industry Professionals to Follow

• SelfPublishing.com
• Writer’s Digest
• Write to Done
• The Write Practice
• Count Blogula by Jenna Moreci
• The Creative Penn
• Terribleminds by Chuck Wendig
• Daily Writing Tips
• Better Novel Project
• Shayla Raquel
• Self-Publishing School

How the Career Development Center can support

• How to pitch your stories
• How to get an agent

Link to other docs to support

• Occupational Outlook Handbook – Media and Communications
• The Write Life (great for freelance writing advice)
• Writers & Editors (collection of writing and editorial-oriented resources)

• Graduate Programs
• Request Information

Why I Pursued a Popular Fiction MFA instead of an MS in Psychology

If you’re looking for a career in writing or publishing with a focus on genre fiction, Emerson’s Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA may be for you. Today we’re interviewing Savannah Montoya, a current student in the program. She’ll share what led her to graduate school and what her experience has been in the Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA. 

What led you to graduate school?

“In undergrad, I double-majored in English and Psychology,” Savannah says. During college, Savannah also gained leadership experience through teaching, tutoring, and working at a mental health organization. Based on her academic and professional experiences, Savannah knew that she wanted to become a professional therapist. A year after graduating from college, Savannah applied to multiple psychology and counseling graduate programs. 

However, as she applied to these programs, she had a change of heart. “I kind of had a crisis when I realized that I didn’t want to go into psychology quite yet. I really wanted to continue writing and pursue that first.” 

While she knew she could pursue writing independently, Savannah wanted the accountability and community of a graduate writing program. “I wanted to meet other people who were as passionate as I am about writing and genre fiction,” she explains. 

Savannah decided to pursue a writing MFA because she hopes to use writing as a tool when she becomes a therapist. “I would really love to create group therapy sessions that involve nonfiction and fiction writing as a method of coping, healing, and connecting with other trauma survivors,” she adds.  

Ultimately Savannah changed direction and started applying to creative writing graduate programs with the intention of circling back to psychology later on. 

Why Emerson’s Popular Fiction MFA?

Savannah looked at many graduate writing programs, but she ultimately decided on Emerson for a few key reasons. When visiting Emerson’s websites and looking through their social media accounts, Savannah says that Emerson’s commitment to equity and inclusivity impressed her.

The program’s online format was also a major deciding factor for Savannah. Because the Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing program is online and asynchronous, Savannah could enroll from her home in California without having to move to Boston. She also notes that the asynchronous format of the program was appealing to her because she could complete her coursework according to her own schedule.

“I also liked that this was a relatively new program,” Savannah adds. “It was new enough to be malleable and fit my personal needs, but it’s also offered at an established, respected college.” This flexibility within a well-recognized institution attracted Savannah. 

What is your thesis about?

In the Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing program, students complete a thesis manuscript of at least 100 pages in length. The manuscript needs to be of near-publishable quality and is intended to be the start of a novel in the student’s preferred genre. 

For her thesis, Savannah is writing a young adult fantasy novel about a 14-year-old boy named Turk, who stutters. Turk is a blacksmith’s apprentice and stumbles upon a murder that has the potential to shatter both the Human and Mage realms. 

As Turk learns more about his own powers, he finds himself accused of murder and stealing artifacts that power life in both the Human and Mage realms. “The artifacts are the source of power for life and nature in both realms. This draws on Indigenous respect for the natural world and desire to honor it by protecting it,” Savannah says. “As an Indigenous person, I wanted to incorporate Indigenous themes into the book.” 

As the realms begin to fall apart without their artifacts, Turk learns that he has unique powers that could help save the realms. Reluctantly at first, Turk begins learning how to use his powers to help save the realms.  

How do you stay connected with students in the Popular Fiction MFA?

To help students in the program stay connected, Savannah started a couple of clubs and events. With help from Katie Williams , the Graduate Program Director for the popular fiction program, Savannah started a monthly virtual happy hour. During the monthly Zoom meeting, students and professors in the Popular Fiction program chat over coffee, tea, or a cocktail. This event is a chance for students and faculty to build relationships and connect outside of the classroom. Be sure to follow the popular fiction program on Instagram for more information.

In addition to the monthly happy hour, Savannah started a Graduate Student Organization for the Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing program. This club is intended to create a more robust community for students in the program. The organization plans to host writing events, social events with current students and alumni, a mentorship program, and professional events for pitching work. 

How do you balance school, work, and your personal life?

“I rely on Google Calendars a lot,” Savannah says. At the start of the semester, she enters all her school deadlines into her calendar, as well as her work schedule. “I work two jobs, so it can get quite busy. Having my schedule laid out for me is really helpful.”

Additionally, Savannah has a registered emotional support dog named Koda. “His name is inspired from the character Koda in Brother Bear , and ‘Koda’ also means ‘friend’ in Sioux,” she explains. Taking care of Koda is helpful for Savannah to make sure she takes breaks and makes time for herself.  

Do you like the online format of the Popular Fiction MFA program?

“I do!” Savannah says. One of her favorite aspects of the online, asynchronous format is the workshops. “Instead of having limited class time to workshop someone’s piece, you get the whole week to think about the piece and provide thoughtful feedback.” By having workshops via discussion boards, Savannah says that she receives more in-depth feedback from her classmates, which she appreciates. 

What’s next for you?

Savannah has multiple plans for after she graduates in December of 2024. In terms of writing, she hopes to continue publishing her work and giving back with the proceeds. Savannah has already published one poetry collection, Began with a Rose , and donates some of the sales profits to mental health organizations. Savannah shares, “The reason I titled my book this was in honor of the people online who supported my writing by commenting red roses everywhere.” She hopes to continue giving back with her first novel.

In addition to writing, Savannah hopes to teach at the college level. She currently teaches middle and high school students in a specialized school, and Savannah would like to continue teaching. 

Long-term, she would also love to get her PhD in clinical psychology so that she can work as a therapist. Savannah plans to work part or full-time as a therapist and continue writing on the side.

How can people keep up with you and your work?

To read more of Savannah’s work, be sure to follow her on Instagram and check out her website , where you can buy her poetry collection, art, and merch. 

If the Popular Fiction MFA program had a trope, what would it be?

“I think we would be the Training Sequence trope,” Savannah says. In this story type, a reluctant hero learns an important skill and then uses the skill to solve a larger problem. Savannah says that, like in the training sequence trope, popular fiction students learn valuable writing and publishing skills in graduate school. With this professional training, students have the skills they need to publish important stories.  Hopefully, this spotlight has given you a sense of what it’s like to study in Emerson’s Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA program. For more information about Emerson’s writing programs, check out our Q&A blog or schedule a call with an admissions counselor today.

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Olivia Wachtel

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Olivia is a second-year student in Emerson's Communication Disorders MS program. Originally from Ohio, she is loving Emerson and city life. When she's not writing for the Grad Life blog, she loves to read, bake, and crochet.

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Master’s programs

Featured master’s programs, business of creative enterprises ma.

Emerson’s Business of Creative Enterprises (BCE) Master's program is a 100% online business degree for creative students looking to push boundaries. The first of its kind, our BCE program focuses on building leadership, finance, and marketing skills, helping you enter the business side of your creative industry. Enroll full or part-time, depending on your needs. When you graduate, you’ll have the skills to make your creative business ideas a reality.

Communication Disorders MS

Emerson’s Communication Disorders (MS) graduate program welcomes students of all backgrounds, whether they have experience in speech-language pathology or not. During this fully in-person program, students gain experience with clients of all ages in various clinical settings. With small class sizes, evidence-based training, and plenty of research opportunities, students graduate prepared to work in any setting as speech-language pathologist.

Creative Writing MFA

Emerson’s Creative Writing MFA program is a space for you to refine your narrative skills. With tracks in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, you will learn from award-winning writers. In addition to honing your creative skills, explore extracurriculars like teaching our Writing Studies and emersonWRITES programs and gaining publishing experience at our national literary magazines, Ploughshares and Redivider.

Digital Communication Leadership

Take the next step in your career with Emerson’s Digital Communication Leadership (MA) program. Completely online and asynchronous, with full-time and part-time enrollment options, this program is built to be customizable for working professionals. With a unique focus on leadership, classes in this program will fill in your knowledge gaps on topics like public relations, UX design, and more. Join the Emerson community to build out your knowledge and become a leader in your industry.

Film and Media Art MFA

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, Emerson’s Film and Media Art MFA program pushes students to grow creatively. Learn from working artists about film, audio, video, and interactive media production. With advanced-standing credit options for people with industry experience, this program tailors to your unique needs.

Journalism and Media Innovation

Emeson's online Journalism and Media Innovation Master's program is designed for students pursuing multidisciplinary careers in journalism, independent or freelance journalism, multimedia writing, copywriting, media content creation, and communications. Take courses asynchronously. Explore evolving areas of journalism like multi-platform storytelling and news distribution, photojournalism, data visualization, interactive news, news documentaries for streaming channels, artificial intelligence, and more. Students receive 1 on 1 mentoring with a professional and complete the degree in 1 year.

Media Design MA

In Emerson’s online Media Design graduate program, design meets research. With access to our research-based design lab, the Engagement Lab, students find creative solutions to social justice issues. This program is customizable to your schedule, with 1- and 2-year tracks and classes offered online.

Political Communication MA

Pursuing your MA in Political Communication at Emerson helps you become a leader in the field. You’ll have opportunities to work for the renowned Emerson Poling and access to our global professional network. Our students have interned for political campaigns, attended nation-branding seminars in Iceland, studied abroad in Barcelona, and more. You’ll graduate equipped to make a difference in politics.

Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA

100% online and asynchronous, Emerson’s Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA prepares you to be a writer, publisher, or teacher, all according to your schedule. You’ll learn from industry-active faculty, explore seven different genres, and graduate with a full-length manuscript ready for publishing. You’ll also have the opportunity to work at Page Turner, the program’s student-led literary magazine.

Public Relations MA

Flexible to your needs, Emerson’s Public Relations graduate program offers hybrid online and in-person coursework options. Learn from industry experts about crisis communication plans, speech writing, and brand management. With international networking opportunities, our students have gone on to hold internships and job opportunities in Nepal, Iceland, New Zealand, and more.

Publishing and Writing MA

Learn the ins and outs of print, digital, and multimedia publishing with Emerson’s Publishing and Writing MA program. Located in the heart of Boston, this program gives you exclusive access to internships and networking connections with publishers like Bedford/St. Martin’s, Candlewick Press, Pearson, and more. Graduate students can work with Emerson’s literary journals Redivider and Ploughshares or teach through the emersonWRITES and Writing Studies programs. No matter what area of writing and publishing is your passion, Emerson helps you break into the field.

Sports Communication MA

Learn about sports communication and management in Boston, one of the nation’s Top 10 sports media cities. With hybrid and online course options, you can earn your degree on your schedule. You’ll tap into Emerson’s professional network, with internship opportunities at companies like ESPN, the United Nations, and the Boston Bruins. Whether your passion is sports diplomacy, esports, or another area of sports communication, Emerson will prepare you to be a creative force in the industry.

Strategic Marketing Communication MA

Become a creative force in marketing with Emerson’s Strategic Marketing Communication (SMC) graduate program. With three specialized tracks and a variety of electives, this program is designed to be personalized. Alumni have gone on to work for the likes of TikTok, Dell, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and more, a testament to the high-quality education available at Emerson.

Theatre Education and Applied Theatre MA & MFA

Boasting more performance spaces than any other Boston university, Emerson is the perfect place to refine your craft. Our Theatre Education & Applied Theatre program offers two tracks, allowing students to specialize in Theatre Education or Applied Theatre. Regardless of which track you choose, our wide array of elective courses and hands-on experiences will prepare you for success.

Writing for Film and Television MFA

Emerson’s low-residency Writing for Film and Television graduate program allows you to build your portfolio and learn from industry experts, from anywhere in the country. One week per semester, you’ll visit our Boston or Los Angeles campuses, participating in workshops, screenings, and a Master Class taught by an award-winning screenwriter. Whether your passion is writing, producing, editing, or another area of film and television, this program prepares you to be a creative force in the industry.

All master’s programs offered

Business and management, communications, digital communication and media/multimedia, public relations, design and visual communications, creative writing, playwriting and screenwriting, professional and technical writing, film and photography, film and video studies, health professions, audiology and speech-language pathology.

Emerson Writing MFA Celebrating 40th Anniversary at AWP Conference

Writing, Literature and Publishing’s MFA turns 40 in 2024, and in celebration, a panel of alums will converge on the annual Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) conference in February to present a panel, Emerson MFA at Forty: Celebrating Four Decades of Writing & Publishing .

The five alum writers – Ciera Burch, MFA ’20; Rebecca Morgan Frank, MFA ’03; Kenan Orhan, MFA ’18; Shuchi Saraswat, MFA ’10; and Madeline Sneed, MFA ’20 – will discuss how their work in publishing informs their writing, and give readings of work (poetry, essays, stories, novels, YA, and translation) they have published.

Joining them in Kansas City or online will be dozens of alums and faculty members, who are sitting on panels, giving readings, and talking about teaching writing.

The AWP Conference & Bookfair convenes writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers of contemporary creative writing for four days of events and exhibits that celebrate the joy and value of the written word. This year’s conference (Feb. 7-10) will feature a keynote address by poet Jericho Brown.

On Thursday, Feb. 8, 6-7:30 pm CST, Emerson will host a 40th anniversary celebration at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. All conference attendees are invited.

Here’s who’s participating in the conference (visit the website for descriptions/schedules):

Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, MFA ’10 is on three panels — Queer Speculation: Transing Genre, Transing Gender ; The Hybrid Memoir: Weaving Personal Narrative with Research ; and Writing Trans Sex.

Danielle Legros Georges ’86, LHD ’16 will sit on Gathering the Loose Petals: A Celebration of the Work of Afaa Michael Weaver , and Readings from Wheatley at 250: Black Women Poets Reimagine the Verse of Phillis Wheatley Peters.

Matthew Salesses, MFA ’10 will join Crafting Unforgettable Characters – A Writer’s Guide to Storytelling and Vision & Re-Vision: Teaching Revision in University & Community Workshops.

Sophie Klahr ’07 will sit on Against Tradition, Tradition: Contradiction & the Prose Poem and Whose Line Is It Anyway? The Ecstasy & Agony of Collaborative Books

Rachel Simon ’15 will join Everything Is Awful: Sustaining Through Shitstorms & Systemic Obstacles and Exhausted & Overwhelmed: Attempting Queer Joy in 2024.

More Emersonians:

Eloisa Amezcua, MFA ’14 – Biography: The Radical Work of Writing Lives

G’Ra Asim ’14 – Rebel Voices Only

Kurt Baumeister, MFA ’99 – Down to the Wire: The Nuts & Bolts of Editing a Manuscript to Publication

Devon Capizzi, MFA ’20 – Split/Lip Press 10th Anniversary Reading

Sarah Chaves ’11 – The Stages of Writing & Publishing a Memoir

Kirstin Chen, MFA ’10 and Kim Liao, MFA ’09 – Beyond the Debut: Publisher One-Night Stands vs. Long-Term Relationships

Andrea Dupree, MFA ’97 – Evolving Literary Landscape: Creating Innovative Programming at Literary Centers

Lorena Hernández Leonard, MA ’11 and Shuchi Saraswat, MFA ’10 – Lit Mags Explore Challenges & Methods of Expanding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Edwin Hill, MFA ’03 , affiliated faculty member – It’s a Crime! Genre Fiction’s Bad Rap (Sheet) in Academia’s Mean Streets

Taylor Johnson ’17 – Toward a Poetics of Tenderness: Hegemonic Masculinity & the Poetic Imagination

Alden Jones , writer-in-residence, and Zoe Sprankle ’20 – Queer Architectures: New Models for Memoir

Joanna Luloff, MFA ’02 – Collaboration in the Creative Writing Classroom

Matt Miller, MFA ’01 — Heroic Crowns: On the Values of Difficulty & Dazzle

Matt Miller, MFA ’05 — When the Old Names Fail Us

Phong Nguyen, MA ’02 – Show (Me), Don’t Tell: Missouri Writers Grappling with the State of Their State

Kim Roberts ’84 – Creating Community Residencies to Celebrate Queer Writers

Ivelisse Rodriguez, MFA ’00 – Breaking Silence: The Ethics of Writing Inherited Trauma across Genres

Anna Ross , affiliated faculty member – Inside Out, Outside In: How Teaching in Prison Affects Creative Pedagogy Wesley Rothman, MFA ’12 – Communing with James Baldwin: A Centennial Celebration

Asako Serizawa, MFA ’01 – Fictionalizing Marginalized Histories: India, Jamaica, Japan, USA

Kimberly Southwick-Thompson ’06 – Experiential Learning, Multimodality & the Publishing Classroom, Oh My!

Sebastian Stockman, MFA ’11 – About That Book Life: A Publishing Round Robin

Viktoria Valenzuela ’11 – Sin Fronteras: Navigating, Representing, and Publishing Latine Authors

Did we miss anyone? If so, email [email protected] with the name of the panel or session they’re in.

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Alumni , Faculty , Graduate and Professional Studies , School of the Arts , Writing Literature and Publishing

Erin Clossey View All