With the launch of its master of fine arts degree in creative writing, Mount St. Mary’s College aims to grow a new community of talented, passionate writers whose stories reflect the diversity of the program’s home city.
Designed as a co-ed, weekend residency with working adults in mind, the Mount’s MFA in creative writing is open to those interested in fiction, literary nonfiction, screenwriting, poetry, playwriting and publishing. The program will offer collaborative opportunities with community writing groups featuring reading sessions, writing workshops, and chances to volunteer and intern with literary organizations.
Also offered will be screenwriting classes through the Mount’s master of fine arts in film and television, and electives from the Mount’s master of arts in the humanities; a speaker series bringing well-known, published authors to campus; and chances to contribute to local publications, including the Mount’s own literary journal, Dry River Review.
“We are building this program from the ground up and developing partnerships that will offer the opportunity for more community engagement with, and among, writers,” says MFA acting director Ana Thorne, PhD. “We are reaching out to include all voices, including those who in the past might have been considered on the margins of storytelling.”
Mount St. Mary’s MFA in creative writing was born out of a concentration in the College’s MA in humanities. The humanities and creative writing programs will co-host Saturday information sessions this summer, on July 19 and Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-noon. Information: (310) 954-4000.
