Being a writer requires an immense amount of faith—the kind that keeps you awake at night. We’re often expected to trust the process, to keep learning, and to keep writing, even without any immediate payback. And more often than not, the journey to success can feel like a solitary one.

But what if there’s a better way?

While joining a writing program can feel like another leap of faith, there are undeniable benefits and immediate payoffs that make the leap worthwhile. That’s why so many of us have turned to writing programs and workshops to help build a career in fiction.

Here Are 7 Writing Program Benefits Worth Considering

1. Access to Industry Professionals

One of the biggest advantages of enrolling in an online writing program or degree is access to professional writers and editors. Many fiction writers dream of connecting with people who have real-world experience—those who have successfully navigated the ups and downs of building a career in fiction. A good writing program gives you this kind of access.

2. Your Work Is Out There! 

It’s one thing to write on your own, but it’s another to share your work with others. Writing programs make your work visible. You’re not just putting words on a page; you’re sharing them with peers, mentors, and even potential publishers. Your fiction is given the chance to stand on its own, giving you invaluable experience in developing a thick skin and understanding how others perceive your stories.

3. Exposure to Different Styles

Writing programs also expose you to different styles, voices, and perspectives. This can be just as valuable as getting praise or critique on your own work. Sometimes we learn more from the things we don’t like than from the things we’d pay to read. Seeing what works (or doesn’t work) in someone else’s story can open your eyes to aspects of fiction writing you may have overlooked.

4. The Value of Community

Never underestimate the value of community. Writing fiction is often a lonely endeavor, and finding people who understand the struggle—people you can commiserate with, celebrate with, and learn from—is invaluable. Programs provide peer-level support and camaraderie that can make the journey a little less daunting and a lot more rewarding.

5. Job Opportunities

You might not go into a writing program thinking about job opportunities, but they do exist. Sometimes, you’ll find that you enjoy helping others hone their craft while working on your own stories. Teaching, editing, and freelance opportunities can present themselves, sometimes within the very program itself, giving you a way to make money while staying close to your passion for fiction.

6. Credential Padding

One of the toughest things about getting started as a fiction writer is that everyone wants you to have published work before they’ll consider publishing you. There’s an obvious catch-22 here, but writing programs can help. Workshops, writing classes, and community-led publications offer ways to get your work out there—even if it’s just within the network—that can give you some much-needed credentials and bolster your submission chances to bigger, more exclusive publications.

7. Accountability and Structure

Writing programs help create a sense of accountability that’s tough to find when working solo. Whether it’s a deadline for a workshop submission or the structure of a twelve-week cohort, the framework these programs provide helps ensure that you’re writing regularly and not just when inspiration strikes. Sometimes, the best thing for a fiction writer is the simple expectation that you need to show up and do the work.

So are they really worth the investment?

In a world where it’s easy to get discouraged and even easier to procrastinate, writing programs offer something that’s hard to find: a community, mentorship, opportunities for growth, and the chance to see your work in a new light. They’re not magic beans, and they won’t guarantee you a six-figure book deal, but for many fiction writers, they provide a lifeline, a network, and a reason to keep going. 

If you’re considering taking the leap, remember that every writer’s journey is unique. What works for one might not work for another, but if you’re willing to invest in yourself and your craft, a writing program might be exactly what you need to take that next step.

Introducing PocketMFA: A Modern Path for Fiction Writers

PocketMFA isn’t just an online writing course—it’s a dynamic community of writers from all walks of life. With intensive twelve-week cohorts, PocketMFA offers a flexible, affordable experience similar to a semester in an MFA program.

Students are paired with a mentor of their choice—an accomplished expert with numerous publications. And unlike traditional programs, PocketMFA provides lifelong access to mentorship, networking, and resources, even after your cohort ends.

And it’s all at a fraction of the cost of a traditional Master’s degree, making it an accessible way for writers to invest in their craft.

Curious if PocketMFA is right for you? Take our writer quiz to see how PocketMFA can help support your creative writing journey. Join the thousands of writers who’ve applied, and check out the latest start dates for our upcoming cohort.