Hrm

[dampscribbler]

I discovered yesterday, courtesy of a link on a NYTimes webpage, that Pacific University now has a low-residency MFA program. This is the first of it's kind in the Northwest, and, as far as I know, only the second on the West coast (the other being at Antioch College in Los Angeles.)

Last year I was vigorously searching for a low-res MFA program to attend, and I seriously considered a couple, both on the East coast. But I knew that we were going to try to have a baby, and the thought of traveling to Maine or Vermont in January for residencies was seriously unappealing. I also was a bit daunted by the price tags -- which I now seem to reall as having been between $18,000 - $24,000 per year, but I'm just pulling that off the top of my head so I may be wrong.

I'm not really prepared to apply for this program in order to attend the June residency, but I'm going to be thinking about it for next January.

I'm hoping they get some kick-ass West coast authors (Dave Eggers, anyone?) for this program. There's a heck of a lot of talent here.

Comments

[chocolatesmudge.livejournal.com]

That's cool that Pacific is doing that. I had no idea there were no west coast programs like that. I know someone who recently completed the Burlington low residency MFA. I always thought that sounded really cool, but then, I love Vermont. :)

[dampscribbler.livejournal.com]

Ooh, can I get in touch with this person? I'd love to hear about it! I was really interested in Bennington, but lordy the bucks! And I hate flying in winter, (I hate flying any time, but especially in winter), and I hate winter and cold and all that crap, so I wussed out. Also, I got pregnant. :)

[chocolatesmudge.livejournal.com]

Oops, yes, by Burlington I really meant Bennington. :) I have just emailed her to make sure it's okay I share her email address but I think she'd be happy to answer your questions. I'll send you an email with her contact info. And just FYI, she did the program while having two kids, and writing two published children's books, and teaching writing at a college!

[dampscribbler.livejournal.com]

Okay, now I just feel like a lazy slob. :-)

Thanks, I'll look forward to your email.

[snakker.livejournal.com]

I adore the NY Times website. And the plain ol' paper, too. Dave Eggers is writing a series in the Believer--good stuff.

An MFA sounds like fun work. Did you find any interesting programs west of the Mississippi?