DIY MFA: Write with Focus, Read with Purpose, Build Your Community

DIY MFA embraces the principle that writing belongs to everyone. Fans of the traditional MFA insist that if someone is serious about writing, he or she will do whatever it takes to go to graduate school. Whatever the cost, whatever the sacrifice, "real writers" make it happen because they're serious and willing to put it all on the line for their work. That's great for someone who doesn't have any responsibilities and happens to be independently wealthy, but the unfortunate reality is that most writers can't enroll in an MFA program, even if they desperately want to. Many give up their MFA dreams because they have a busy job schedule or family life. Or they live three hours from the nearest graduate school and can't make the commute. Or they can't afford the tuition. Just because these writers want to find a balance between writing and other aspects of their lives doesn't mean they're not serious-it means they have common sense. Writing belongs to everyone, but it's up to the writers to claim their share.