Episode 34: Archetypes for Supporting Characters

Hello and thank you for tuning in! Today we’re going to talk about 5 common supporting character archetypes. But first, I want to remind you to sign up for the DIY MFA email list, so you can receive my mostly weekly updates as well as all the wonderful tips and information I have to share… Read more »

To Anyone Who’s Been Slammed by a Writing Teacher

A few weeks ago, this article by Ryan Boudinot got the writing world up in arms. In it Boudinot lists eight things about MFA’s that he can now say since he no longer teaches in one of these programs. While the article is harsh, it’s not ground-breaking. Newsflash: writing is hard and some people will hate your… Read more »

Episode 31: Finding Focus in Your Writing

Hi there! Thanks for joining me today. Before we dive into this episode, I wanted to remind you to head over and check out DIYMFA.com. And while you’re at it, sign up for our almost-weekly newsletter. You’ll get insider access to a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and insights from yours truly! Today’s episode is… Read more »

7 Basics of a Writing Education

Random fact: whenever I go out to write, I carry with me a few essentials. These include an unlined notebook, a fountain pen, and an unsharpened pencil. Why the latter? you may be wondering. The unsharpened pencil symbolizes untapped potential, all the endless possibilities and stories yet to be written. Now with a new session of… Read more »

Episode 25: Get Motivated and Get Writing

Hello and thank you for joining us today! I’m so glad you’re here. Today, I wanted to give a shout-out to Tobias, who wrote in with a question that inspired today’s episode, Get Motivated and Get Writing. In fact, this got me thinking that If you have questions you’d like to hear answered on DIY… Read more »

Episode 24: My Go-To Productivity Tool

Hello and Happy New Year, everyone! The start of the new year is always so exciting for me. I love how it feels fresh and new and filled with infinite possibility. But this new year is especially exciting because, as you may have already heard, this year I’ll be writing the DIY MFA book! I… Read more »

#5OnFri: Resolutions from the DIY MFA Team

Happy New Year! As you can see from this week’s podcast, we’re big on resolutions here at DIY MFA. They can be a powerful tool for motivation, and also for building your community. Studies have shown that the mere act of writing down a goal makes you more likely to achieve it. Telling it to… Read more »

Episode 23: Make Writing Resolutions That Stick

Happy New Year, everyone! Since it’s the last day of 2014, I thought we’d talk about writing resolutions. But first, let me start with a crazy fact. According to a University of Scranton study, only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s goals. For many people the new year begins with all the best intentions for making… Read more »