Writing Unleashed with Laura M. Harkins

I constantly debate whether I should apply to an MFA program.   Unfortunately the process and cost out weigh any positives.   I graduated from Penn State 7 years ago.   The chance a professor will write a recommendation letter is zero.   Spending $30,000 dollars on my master’s degree is on par.   I just can’t fathom putting myself in more debt without an absolute guarantee I won’t be paying it off until I’m 80-years-old.   Schools exist, full residency, that pay the tuition for you, but you need to give something back in return.   As a student, you are required to teach classes on top of your already demanding schedule.   This is not what I had in mind.   This does not offer the time you need to actually write when you are busy dealing with undergraduates, grading, office hours and lesson planning.   Then there’s the location problem.   I haven’t found any schools in my area.   Moving is necessary.   Can’t afford ...

authorculture.blogspot.com Everyday I wake up I think I should find a 9-5 job.  One offering set hours, easy work and a steady paycheck, instead of writing.  Little thoughts start popping in my head: “Your writing stinks.”  “You can’t make people laugh.” “Nobody enjoys reading your work.”  “You’re wasting your time.”  “Few writers succeed.” These thoughts work hard to deter me from what makes me happy.  Feelings of loserdom overwhelm me because I haven't published or made any money.  That pesky issue of money again.  Education seems to be the answer.  Enrolling in a MFA program sounds magical, unfortunately, my education coffers are depleted.     Then, the self-doubting sneaks out of my head and into my writing.    Looking back over my blog posts, I noticed all the disparaging remarks I made about my work.  Ugh.  I’m so concerned about people reading my blog; it never occurred to me I stepped ...