Last week I posted about being at the residency for my Master's degree program and I was asked for more details. So, I thought I'd share a bit about the program and why I chose it.I've been job hunting along with ten percent of the population that is unemployed. Its tough out there. I asked myself, what is it that I really love to do? The answer was write novels, of course, and discuss novels and novel writing. I enjoy giving seminars and workshops. I get a nice little buzz talking about books. Knowing this, I could be a bookseller or I could teach. What I've always wanted to do for a day job is teach at the community college level. To do that I had to have a Master's degree.
So I spent some time doing research. There are many wonderful MA and MFA programs out there for writers and educators. I made a long list and did a pro and con for each. In the end, I thought it a no-brainer to get a Masters degree in what I do--writing popular fiction. Seton Hill University offers a workable on-line/residency program that fit into my schedule. Each year there are two, one-week intensive residency's where you spend close to 12 hours a day immersed in genre seminars, guest speakers and in depth critiques on campus. The rest of the program includes on-line classes in genre reading and teaching. There are weekly discussion boards, monthly chats and, of course, the Master's thesis which is a completed, polished work in your chosen genre. This worked best for me because when I do get a day job, I can continue with the program using my two weeks vacation for the residencies.
I signed up.
My second semester in the program started with last week's intensive residency. I've found that the more you know, the more you realize how much there still is to learn about writing, craft and genre. I bring home pages of notes and new friends. And maybe in the end, I'll get that dream day job where I get to talk about popular fiction, the craft of writing and story. Wouldn't that be fabulous? Cheers~
