Writing Excuses

19.25: From the Classroom to the Page

Jun 23, 2024

The guest Marshall, a recording engineer with an MFA, discusses transitioning from classroom to writing, maintaining motivation, using critique groups, and internalizing story structure in writing. They explore workshopping in MFA programs, appreciate an Edgar Allan Poe-inspired TV series, and discuss analyzing disliked writing techniques for improvement. Also, they talk about teaching writing concepts as a strategy for self-learning.

25:50

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Episode guests

Marshall

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Structured MFA program aids in making time for writing amidst life responsibilities and enhances genre incorporation.

Engaging with feedback and analyzing critiques is crucial for internalizing lessons, identifying patterns, and improving storytelling skills.

Deep dives

Gaining Insights from an MFA Program

Participating in an MFA program allowed the individual to focus on making time for writing amidst various life responsibilities. The structured program enabled the writer to internalize lessons over time, especially regarding genre incorporation and outlining techniques. Engaging with a supportive writing community post-graduation helped maintain motivation and refine writing practices.

Intro

2min

Transitioning from MFA Program to Writing Journey

10min

Workshopping in MFA Programs and Appreciation for Edgar Allan Poe-inspired TV Series

8min

Exploring Disliked Techniques for Writing Improvement

9min

Teaching Writing Concepts

3min

Learning is great, but how do you translate it into doing without getting overwhelmed? What is the difference between learning in the classroom and executing when you're on your own?

Marshall, our incredible recording engineer, just finished an MFA program. Congrats, Marshall!! On today’s episode, we gril Marshall in order to understand his takeaways from the program. Specifically, we are interested in how he takes everything he learned in the classroom and turns it into actionable things he’s doing on the page. We talk community, motivation, and how to consistently make time for your writing.

Thing of the Week: The Fall of the House of Usher, TV show created by Mike Flanagan

Homework: Take a turn being the teacher– how would you teach a group of people about a concept you’re struggling with in your own work, and what homework would you give them to better understand it?

Close Reading Series: Texts & Timeline

Next up is Character! Starting July 7, we’ll be diving into three short stories by C.L. Clark. These are all available for free through Uncanny Magazine.

Character: “You Perfect, Broken Thing,” “The Cook,” and “Your Eyes, My Beacon: Being an Account of Several Misadventures and How I Found My Way Home” by CL Clark (starting July 7)

And a sneak peak on the rest of the year…

Tension: Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark (starting September 1)

Structure: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin (starting October 13)

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Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.

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