In DIY MFA, Gabriela Pereira, sets a working map before you guiding you to your very own diy MFA. (Master of Fine Arts). I have wanted a Master (in Fine Arts or English) ever since the semester after I graduated (I only thought I was finished with school). Now, with three kids, a husband, a part time job, and working on finishing up my novel (not to mention the other various stories swimming in my brain), the thought of getting a Masters is just laughable. I love Pereira’s approach. With hard work (and the DIY MFA formula) anyone can have a (diy) MFA. (Note: A diy MFA isn’t for everyone. It’s perfect for me, because, at this point, I’d only be getting one for myself—and my writing—not for a outside job).
Pereira’s formula is simple. Write with focus. Read with purpose. And build your community. Through the twenty-four chapters that follow the orientation, Pereira digs deep into each one of these areas. For the purpose of this review, I read an e-copy of the book, but I’ll definitely be getting a hard copy so I can highlight and take notes throughout (yes, it’s one of those kind of books).
I loved the chapter on goal setting—goals and goal setting is always an area of interest for me. Pereira encourages you to take inventory of each of the three areas (writing, reading, and community building) and set goals for each area. I also love the section on community building. I think many writing books on the shelves today either skim over this issue, or skip it all together. Community (and platform) are so big in today’s market, that I’m so glad Pereira made sure it was in her book.
Even if you could care less about a MFA, this book is packed with so much practical advice for writers, and one I recommend all writers need in their arsenal.
DIY MFA is available for pre-order here, and will release next month.
While you’re waiting for your copy to arrive, be sure to visit the DIY MFA website, and catch up on the podcast (so many nuggets of great writerly information contained in both of these resources).
*Note: I received this book free from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I wasn’t required to give a good review, however, it’s hard not to gush about this one! Simply love it.
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