Hello all,
Been away for awhile.
I’m starting a new chapter in my life with this MFA in Creative Writing. The first two classes were online through Lindenwood University. The first one I took, Creative Non-Fiction, was a challenge because I’m a fiction writer. Or have been thus far. Then I took an Advanced Fiction Workshop which I loved and sailed through.
My wonderful day job is paying for my MFA with a yearly allowance. I found out three important things: 1) LU offers a ½ off discount if you are 55 or older. Ding, Ding, Ding! Bonus awarded.
2) With the allowance offered by my job, I can take more classes than one per quarter, which would only total 12 credits per year. AND…
3) LU offers a 9 credit cluster in the MFA program. Three classes at one time but they only offer it in person. Not on line. My choices were Flash Fiction, which I can do, but don’t much care for. Or Advanced Creative Non-Fiction (ACNF) cluster, for which I registered.
I think between the clusters and the allowance I can knock out 24 credits a year. Maybe I can get the MFA in 2 years rather than 5. Now that’s exciting.
Started the ACNF cluster last week. The first class was on Sat, then it’s every Tuesday night, 6-10pm for ten weeks. Heavy reading, three textbooks, writing exercised due each week; I have to present two of the actual classes and do two 12-15 page essays. All Non-fiction. What have I done? I’m a little nervous but it’s my passion so it’s a lot, but doesn’t really feel like work. I thought I had a long day and a long drive to St. Charles on class nights, but one of my fellow class mates comes from Sedalia, MO. It’s a three hour drive each way.
I’d love to hear about your mature education adventures.
Jet