A Year Expanding the Canon: Reading Non-WASP Stories
Column by Rob Blair Young June 8, 2021
Until a few years ago, the bulk of my reading came from "WASP" authors. So I spent a year intentionally exploring works from authors of different backgrounds. This is what I learned.
Don't Fear the Short Story
Column by Joshua Isard
Aspiring novelist need to see the short story as an important part of their growth as writers.
Critical Analysis: The Key Skill High School Kills
Column by Rob Blair Young April 16, 2021
Many students are stuck in "high school thinking" that prevents real critical analysis. In this article I define what that means, identify where students go wrong, and speculate on why this happens.
Five Things I Loved (and Five I Loathed) About My MFA Experience
Column by Rob Blair Young March 12, 2021
My MFA experience was, in a word, mixed. In this column, I highlight some of the best and worst things about my time pursuing my Master's of Fine Arts in fiction.
The Gabino Iglesias Online MFA: Fourth Semester
Column by Gabino Iglesias June 5, 2020
The last semester of the Gabino Iglesias MFA is here! You made it...but not before you get through these classes. Then, the real work begins.
The Gabino Iglesias Online MFA: Third Semester
Column by Gabino Iglesias May 19, 2020
Survived your first year? Welcome to the second year of the world's most honest, useful, and entertaining MFA!
The Truths And Lies About An English Degree
Column by Peter Derk May 14, 2020
Take it from someone who's been there, some of what people tell you is true, and some of it is bull.
The Gabino Iglesias Online MFA: Second Semester
Column by Gabino Iglesias April 28, 2020
You survived the first semester? Awesome! Here's what we're doing next.
The Gabino Iglesias Online MFA: First Semester
Column by Gabino Iglesias April 15, 2020
I created a perfect MFA. Here are the classes you'll take during the first semester.
Talking Myself Out of the MFA
Column by Peter Derk January 23, 2020
It's the time of year for my annual de-motivational talk: Why I'm not applying for any MFA programs.
Library Love: The Future is Open
Column by Stephanie Bonjack October 2, 2018
Open Access is a movement that seeks to circumvent barriers preventing access to information. Think traditional publishing is the only way to go? Think again.
Even Writers Can Participate In Take Your Kid to Work Day
Column by Stephanie Bonjack April 26, 2018
Some professions offer the most amazing stuff for kids to interact with on Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. And others have, well, computers. How to make the day interesting and memorable.
5 Reasons to Study Creative Writing in School
Column by Karis Rogerson March 22, 2018
There are a slew of reasons to study creative writing in college, if you have the opportunity and chance. Here are just a few.
Storyville: Life, Death, Dreams, and Failure
Column by Richard Thomas November 21, 2017
What are you doing about your dreams? Go after them now. TODAY!
Five Tools for the Journeyman Writer
Column by Melissa F. Olson
Where are all the resources geared toward mid-career writers?
An Agent is a Living M.F.A.
Column by Christoph Paul March 1, 2017
I compare the benefits of getting an M.F.A to the education you get from an agent. I conclude that you get more out of working with an agent than attending an M.F.A. program.
Storyville: Continuing Your Writing Education
Column by Richard Thomas August 17, 2016
Some tips and advice about how to continue your writing education.
The Problems and Virtues of a University Creative Writing Education
Column by Rob Blair Young May 21, 2015
Is the way we're doing things really working? What's right about our approach? What needs to change? This article re-thinks the way we approach university-level creative writing education.
The Self-Taught MFA: Novel Idea or Fairy Tale?
Column by Naturi Thomas-Millard September 19, 2014
MFA programs are like Club Med for writers. Everything's included: Great locales! Interesting People! Loads of alcohol! (And plenty of reasons to drink it.) But what about the road less traveled?
Why Are Textbooks So Fucking Expensive?
Column by Leah Dearborn September 4, 2014
Differing studies have found that the average U.S. student spends between $600 and $1,200 a year on textbooks and supplies. What exactly makes textbooks so expensive?
We Can Go Three Times As High: Reading Rainbow Is Growing!
News by Peter Derk May 30, 2014
LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow have more than doubled their Kickstarter fundraising goal, still have over a month left.
Get Smart: Harvard Classics Library Now Free Online
News by Peter Derk March 17, 2014
The Harvard Classics, a 51-volume collection of classic literature, is free and available online.
Mightier Than The Sword: Fatal Allergy Prevents Student From Finishing University
News by Nathan Scalia December 19, 2013
University student Kirsty Ashman's severe dust allergy puts her life at risk whenever she opens a book.
Library Love: MOOCs – An Ivy League Education For The Masses
Column by Stephanie Bonjack July 11, 2013
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are the new big thing in higher education. Learn a new subject or sharpen the old saw with instructors from around the world.
