School

The Value of a Creative Writing MFA – A (sort of) IWSG post

Lesley University Student Center
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I did it. I graduated. I am a creative writing “master,” which is a little weird to write. The title “novice” would probably be more accurate. But, two days out from having received my handshake and diploma (not really, just a certificate. The diploma will arrive in the mail a month from now), I am feeling most grateful for the people I met and the relationships I forged.

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Writing That Hooks Readers – Neuroscience Hack #1

Amazing Stories 1948
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Regardless of the quality of the actual story being told, the writing can either engage us or bore us. Understanding the neuroscience of reading can help you grab readers by the brain and engage them more effectively.

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The Pros and Cons of Grammarly.com

Grammarly.com Tagline
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There are a gazillion writing apps and programs out there in the digital world, some that cost money and some that are free.  Of them all, I’ve tried a handful.  However, after two years in grad school, chasing the dream of getting an MFA in creative writing, I’ve come to rely heavily on one in particular: …

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Writing is like Baseball: You Gotta Swing for the Fences!

Babe Ruth
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Writing is like baseball.  Most of the time, you recognize the pitch coming in and you manage a solid single when you swing at it. Occasionally, you strike out.  Every once in a great while, though, you hit a grand slam.  Or, if you’re new at it, like me, you dream about hitting a grand …

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From the Heart of the Bombogenesis

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Before I dive into what “living through a Bombogenic event” felt like, allow me to begin by saying that as of this morning I failed at one of my three New Year Resolutions.  If you’re curious about which one that might be, keep reading and see if you can figure it out, or click the …

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Good News, Bad News, and Trouble in Writing Town

Fourth Semester
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I’ve got a thirty-minute break before my next parent-teacher conference, so I thought I’d use this time to do some writing. I know I won’t be able to get any meaningful creative writing done, sandwiched as this moment is between long and stressful blocks of trying to calm down nervous parents and stressed-out students. My …

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My MFA in Creative Writing Program Explained

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If you hadn’t heard, I’m getting my MFA in creative writing at Lesley University. This week, my third semester wraps itself up as I claw my way toward the finish line and a degree.  Technically, I should have finished up last week, on Friday to be exact.  Life doesn’t always work out the way we …

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#IWSG – Adding Personal Details to Stories?

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It’s the first Wednesday of the month, and you know what that means.  Or, well, maybe you don’t.  It’s #IWSG Day! The question this month is… Have you ever slipped any of your personal information into your characters, either by accident or on purpose? I sure have, but first, allow me to drop a plug …

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Beating the Cold Season with Some Good Books!

Three Advanced Reader's Copy Books
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Every September, I get back into the classroom and, within a month, I catch a cold. I blame my students. They get it first, and then they proceed to coat every surface they touch with their contagion.  Last year, the virus took up residence deep in my chest and overstayed its welcome by about six …

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I Teach, I Write, I Parent, I Busy!

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Yeah, Yeah, I know.  We’re all busy.  We all wear a lot of different hats in life. I teach, I write, and I parent.  It doesn’t always happen in that particular order.  Priorities shift daily.  Time bleeds out of my as if I’ve severed some existential artery.  Last night, I fell into bed at 9:00pm like …

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