NORTHWEST INSTITUTE OF LITERARY ARTS
WHIDBEY WRITERS WORKSHOP
CATALOG, 2010-2011

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a program intended for those who have already demonstrated advanced ability in the writing of fiction, poetry or non-fiction for adults or for children. The program offers a mix of workshops, courses in craft and directed readings, culminating in the preparation of a manuscript of publishable quality in one of the genres. In addition, each residency includes a mix of visiting faculty which may include editors, agents or publicists as well as writers as part of English 500: The Profession of Writing. An important element in this course has to do with becoming a good literary citizen. An additional post-graduate five-credit course in methods of teaching creative writing is available. For an immersion experience, students normally take 15 credits in the first semester consisting of English 500: The Profession of Writing (taught only in residencies and requiring five or more residencies including the graduation residency for completion), a workshop and a craft course in the genre of specialization. After the first semester, students may take anywhere from 5 to 15 credits per semester.

Admission to the program is based primarily on the creative writing sample submitted as part of the admissions process, though transcripts and recommendations are also taken into consideration. The writing sample will vary according to the genre in which application is made: 12-20 poems for poets; 1-2 short stories or chapters for fiction; and 1-2 short pieces or chapters for non-fiction (20 page maximum). Applicants must focus on a single genre for the admission process. Changes in genre after admission may be made with the permission of the faculty.

The Whidbey Writers Workshop is a low-residency program. Each term (fall and spring) is preceded by a 10-day intensive residency on Whidbey Island. Classes begin at the Residency and continue online for 16 weeks. Graduating students will attend an additional residency following the final semester; graduation will be celebrated at that residency. Computer and online literacy prior to beginning the program, ability to post and open documents saved in rich text (.rtf), text (.txt) or Word (.doc) formats, and an online connection are required for participation in the program. Being a self-starter and self-maintainer are essential for success. Failure to maintain at least a 3.00 ("B") average in program courses will result in probation within the program for one term; a second failure will result in permanent suspension.

Requirements for the Degree

Contact MFA