When I was very young, I told my father I wanted to be a writer. He replied with a practical mindset, suggesting I consider pursuing a career that would earn me a consistent living so that I would not struggle to pay the bills. The translation in my brain was there’s no money in writing, find another dream. Whether or not he meant to deter me for the next thirty-plus years, I do not know, but writing took a back seat as I found something else to pay the bills. Albeit, being an English as a Second Language educator did not necessarily earn me much more than being a writer!

In any case, although writing was a consistent thread that weaved its way into my professional life as academic writing or through my blogs about my travels around the world, it was still always a background activity in my life.

Later on, I “retired” to the next chapter of my life and found myself with time and flexibility to finally pursue my childhood dream.

As a lifelong expat who cannot just pack up and commit to a residency that’s often required in many postgraduate programs, I thought the intellectual pursuit of better understanding the craft of writing or finding a tribe with whom I could share a love of writing was out of my reach. I don’t even want to talk about the cost of some of these programs stateside!

One day, as if the Universe was telling me it was time and I was ready, I received an email about PocketMFA. As with many things that have worked out serendipitously in my life, I didn’t think too long, and instead acted with a YES, LET’S DO IT attitude. So, here is why this writing program for beginners works and why I think PocketMFA is well worth the time and money. After all, I’ve already signed up for another cohort!

WHY A WRITING PROGRAM?

Before I get into the program itself, let’s talk about why you should sign up for a writing program.

First, writing by nature is a solitary activity. Unless you have a very simpatico co-writer, generally, words and stories come only from our own heads. Often, as writers, we are not able to describe what we want to say until we actually write it down. That’s why when there’s a chance to connect with other writers who understand this, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunity!

Also, no matter how much we might read about the craft or think we know about the craft, there is no substitute for being able to “talk shop” with people who actively work closely with the craft we’re trying to perfect. This helps to solidify our own understanding, challenge our views, and learn different techniques that may or may not work for us.

Finally, there’s the matter of money. We might not want to spend money on something that might just be a hobby or not our main focus in life. However, if you identify as a writer, writing is in your blood. Investing in yourself is therefore invaluable to allow your identity to shine. Furthermore, when you pay for a program, you can expect a structure and standards that may not be available to you in writing groups or amateur free online writing courses.

WHY POCKETMFA

So now, let’s get into why the PocketMFA program.

First, back to the matter of money. PocketMFA is not going to break the bank or put you into a lifetime of debt as some postgraduate programs do. It’s only for a short period of time during which you indulge and luxuriate in a community that gets you. Plus, you gain access to this learning space for as long as you want to be a part of it–without fees. 

PocketMFA provides a beautiful balance of supporting your creative pursuit and receiving critical feedback to help you grow in your craft. Through mentorship, cohort groups, and regular check-ins, you will no longer be in solitude. Most amazingly of all, you will write–consistently, because you have to (well, as much as you want).

As someone who thought that finding a space to revel in writing was nearly impossible because I live in a foreign country, I have so much gratitude for finding this program. I’m now considering pursuing a doctorate in creative writing–though definitely not in a traditional program in the US which I would be paying for, for the rest of my life!