Mr. V Gets Schooled

Posted

So not only did I turn 30 yesterday, and not only did I submit my “almost” final manuscript of My Life As A Rhombus (only three comments from AK in this round), and not only did I get my brand new Brother HL-5250 printer (it duplexes), but I also got a call from Sharon Darrow, the Faculty Chair of the Vermont College MFA Program for Writing for Children and Young Adults.

It looks like Mr. V is going back to school.

I know what a lot of you are wondering—why in the world are you interested in getting an MFA? You’re already a published author.

Yes, I am a published author. But just because I’m published doesn’t meant there isn’t more I could learn about the writing craft. There are a number of things I want to do—things that I can do better with an MFA. I want to become a more critical writer and reader. I want to take my craft to the “next level.” I want to learn more about PBs and MGs and non-fiction writing. I want to teach (someday).

I’m not saying that getting an MFA is the right thing for everyone to do, but I think it’s the right thing for me. So for anyone else lucky enough to be enrolled or accepted in the program, I’ll see you in Vermont in July.

One more thing—I need to thank the following people for all of the advice and well-wishes: Cynthia Leitich Smith (who has her own good news to share), Carrie Jones, Brian Yansky, Brian Farrey, Sara Crowe and Andrew Karre.

7 Responses to “Mr. V Gets Schooled”

  2. Chris Barton

    Happy birthday, Varian — you’ve entered a good decade. During at least the first half of it, you grow only wiser, funnier, and more good-looking.

  5. Anonymous

    Welcome to Vermont College, Varian! I’m a classmate of Carrie’s, a math major in my previous life, and actually make a living writing for tech companies. I think the technology/ creative balance is a good one. Hope you love VC as much as I did.
    Cheryl (in Oregon)