Our MFA is designed for the writer interested in an immersive writing experience while expanding their knowledge of literary traditions.
Amanda Shires, Singer-songwriter | Nashville, TN
After spending much of her life on vans and tour buses, Amanda, a singer-songwriter, fiddle player, and poet, craved the stimulation of school. In an interview with Southern Living, the Grammy Award-winning artist said of her decision to pursue an MFA at the School of Letters, "I am fascinated by words, down to the letters that make them up. I wanted to learn more about poetics and how to get better at writing."
Now with six solo albums (and an MFA) under her belt, Amanda is a seasoned storyteller and performer. She credits what she learned at the School of Letters for making her a more precise and intentional songwriter.
"Before attending Sewanee, I was writing from instinct alone. Now, I have reasons for word choices and reasons that I go one way or another with phrasing."
Her summers in Sewanee also reframed her perspective on writer's block.
"I learned that there's no such thing as writer's block. If writer's block really existed, no one would ever graduate or pass classes. Writer's block is an excuse. If you are not writing anything good at the moment, that's something different and something you have to work through."
Our program is designed to be flexible, yet rigorous. MFA students complete coursework in four residential summers in Sewanee, Tennessee – or fewer if they take online courses in the fall or spring.
MFA students will take eight courses, normally enrolling in two courses each summer. Curriculum consists of a combination of courses in literary criticism, craft classes, and writing workshops.
Following their final summer of coursework, MFA students complete their thesis project in fulfillment of their final two credits. Working closely with their advisor, students will complete a manuscript of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or dramatic writing.
Students in the MFA program focus on perfecting their craft, completing courses in literary tradition and practice.
Find out more about MFA courses and faculty.
Our MFA students and alumni are pretty incredible. Find out more about their accomplishments here.
It's time to apply to the School of Letters. Learn more about our admission requirements to the MFA in creative writing program here.
