PocketMFA began in January 2023 with a dedicated group of seventeen writers determined to grow their professional careers through community and focused learning. Since then, hundreds of writers—both MFAs and non-MFAs—have participated in our twelve-week mentorship and workshopping program.

Each quarter, we carefully select a handful of expert authors to mentor small groups of writers who’ve been chosen through our application and interview process. This process ensures that each participant brings a high level of commitment, skill, and experience.

Writing is hard work. It demands time and dedication, and at PocketMFA, we embrace that challenge. Every participant is expected to invest at least ten hours a week in their cohort through reading, writing, discussions, and workshop feedback. And for those who are ready to push further, there are always opportunities to give even more.

We have high expectations for every writer, with the faith that they can reach them:

1. Every writer finishes what they start.
2. Every writer grows in confidence and ability in the craft of writing.
3. Every writer discovers their own literary legacy and identity.
4. Every writer develops a consistent and effective writing process.
5. Every writer builds their own literary community, small and large.
6. Every writer publishes their work in daring ways.
7. Every writer understands deeply the professional business of writing and publishing and actively incorporates it into their work and routines.

Writing is hard, but being part of a supportive community makes it easier.

Our community is diverse and inclusive, welcoming writers from all professions and walks of life—teachers, doctors, students, journalists, engineers, and more—who all share one common goal: to incorporate creative writing into their professional lives. Every writer is hand-selected by our leadership team, through a painless application and interview process. 

We rely on a few essential principles of a healthy community of learners and writers:

1. The community cedes authority to the individual over their own progress.
2. The community makes room for everyone to try, fail, and try again, safely.
3. The community provokes meaningful growth in craft through collaborative work on intriguing, beautiful, and important problems. 
4. The community provides the means of deep creative partnerships with other writers.
5. The community enables practical feedback from expert writers.
6. The community considers all work fairly and honestly, without competition.
7. The community holds everyone accountable to high expectations while recognizing that every individual has their own life and rhythm.
8. The community facilitates a genuine sense of solidarity between its members.

As the lead faculty at Antioch University’s Post-MFA Certificate in the Teaching of Creative Writing, I have a deep passion for teaching and writing. PocketMFA was created with a vision to bring MFA-level education to a broader audience, making it accessible to more writers who are eager to pursue their professional ambitions. Much of our program is built on Ken Bain’s principles of “natural critical learning environments” and Felicia Rose Chavez’s dedication to anti-racism in creative spaces.

Upon successfully completing a cohort at PocketMFA, you will be granted lifelong access to our suite of services and community features, designed to support your ongoing journey as a working writer. There is no terminal degree here.

Every writer becomes a part of our vibrant online community where they can engage in discussions, attend live events, and participate in monthly learning labs. Additionally, you’ll be invited to our biannual Writing Life Residency held every January and July. This 10-day event is packed with lectures, workshops, readings, and events, all aimed at leaving you with a concrete plan to advance your writing career over the following six months. We also offer seasonal critique partner matchmaking, continued mentorship, workshop facilitation, and more. 

Writing is hard. It takes work. There’s no shortcut, but that doesn’t mean that some paths are more paved than others. Join a community of serious writers, get guidance and feedback from experts, and put real ground behind you on your journey to professional success. 

I look forward to seeing your application, sincerely.

Josh Roark

Director & Founder | PocketMFA