Never Stop Learning
So, I registered for my last three MFA classes this morning. It was exciting, but also sad; bittersweet would be the best way to describe my feelings about it. Lindenwood University’s MFA program has been a dream come true for me: I’ve been able to focus on writing like I never have before in my life, and I’ve been able to connect with some incredible writers who also happened to be my classmates and professors throughout this journey. Every aspect of this MFA has made me a better writer, and a better reader.
I’m really, really going to miss it.
But as I’ve been both anticipating and dreading my impending graduation, I’ve begun to realize that completing the MFA isn’t the end of my growth or education as writer: it’s actually just the beginning.
If I want to be the absolute best writer I can possibly be, that means I am going to be constantly learning about writing and consistently practicing it. And here’s the cool thing: learning about writing makes me want to write more, and it gives me the tools to do it. When I’m thinking about writing and studying it—and reading is a huge part of what I consider studying, not just books on craft, but short stories and novels—I find myself thinking more creatively, getting more ideas, and knowing how best to put my words onto paper.
To that end, I’ve been keeping a list of books on writing craft that catch my eye or that other writers suggest; I’ve been signing up and participating in online writing workshops when I come across ones that interest me; I’ve been interacting with the #WritingCommunity on Twitter, or connecting with my writer friends to talk shop; I’ve been finding online readings of authors I admire, where they read a bit of their work then answer audience questions; I’ve been keeping a running list of short stories, short story collections, anthologies, novels and literary magazines that I want to read. All of these things are essential to me, I think, as a writer.
So, here’s my challenge to you, Dear Reader: Never stop learning.
If you’re serious about writing, be serious about learning about it. Read books on craft, but also—and I can’t stress this enough—just read! In and out of your favorite genres; read poetry; read non-fiction. Follow your favorite authors on Twitter. Connect with other writers.
Here are some resources that I’ve found particularly helpful in my own writing life to jumpstart your own never-ending learning journey; I hope they can be of some help for you, too.
Books about Writing
By Cunning & Craft, by Peter Selgin
Wonderbook, by Jeff VanderMeer
Zen in the Art of Writing, by Ray Bradbury
On Writing, by Stephen King
The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield
Writing in the Dark, by Tim Waggoner
Revising Fiction, by David Madden
Writing Prompts/Writing Exercises
The Writer’s Block, by Jason Rekulak
Online Workshops
Writers on Twitter
