VCFA One Year Later...

This past July I was at Vermont College of Fine Arts for the Summer 2011 MFA in Writing for Children residency.  As I drove up the hill that leads to the campus I had this feeling of coming home.  This was a huge difference from the first trip up the hill when I was twisting my hands and wondering what I was getting myself into.  Now that I've been in the program for a year, I can say that entering the program was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I think one of the best things about VCFA is that during the semester you are working one-one-one with your adviser.  It's not like taking a creative writing class or a workshop where the teacher is giving a broad lesson to try to help as many of the students as possible.  Your adviser is tailoring the work and her or his instructions directly to your work and your needs.  Also, you work with a different adviser every semester, so each semester you are getting new insights.  My first two advisers were quite different in personality and outlook, and I felt that working with them both was like being given two halves of a puzzle.  It's also probably good practice for working with editors.

The advisers truly care, too.  This residency I walked in not clear on what my critical thesis topic was going to be.  My first two advisers each spent time helping me with ways I could possibly structure various topics or how to narrow them down (though they both told me that I shouldn't finalize any ideas before meeting my "new" adviser).  It made me feel warm, though, knowing that even though I wasn't officially their students anymore, they still felt compelled to help me going forward.  In fact, this kind of camaraderie extends past the advisers and onto the students also.  You spend most of the time with the people of your class.  Several of the Secret Gardeners (that's our class name) spent time with me going through ideas and trying to make them work.  In case you're wondering, I did end up with a topic I feel passionate about, and I'm going to be turning in the first draft to my new adviser on Monday.

The residency should be called "Boot Camp for Writers."  The days are long and filled with faculty and graduate lectures; workshops; faculty, graduate, and student readings; and meetings with your advisers.  Many VCFAers joke that when they return home they still look for the pink schedule to see when lunch time is.  I think the system works, though.  It jump starts your muse.  By the end of the ten days my fingers are itching for my keyboard.  I'm yearning to write.  If I need another jump start later in the semester I can always download one of the lectures from our bookstore website (one of the perks of being a VCFA student or alumni).  This time around I was also in the library doing research or reading critical theses in College Hall.  Yet I also made time for going to the Skinny Pancake in town with friends and chatting with my roommate over a cup of coffee in our room.

I'll admit that I've warmed up to the dormitories.  They have improved them a bit.  Also, the weather this July was much cooler.  We actually had some gorgeous days--big blue sky, cool breeze, and enough sun to make your skin feel toasty.  It is the east, so there was a bit of humidity, too, but the temperature remained in the 70's and 80's the weeks we were there.

The big question, though, is if my writing has improved.  Undoubtedly, I feel more confident as I tackle novels.  If I look at my work before the program and compare it to what I've done since then there's a definite change for the better in my later work.  One of the things to consider if you're thinking about the program is that you aren't going to VCFA to book doctor the novel you are currently working on--you're here to get the tools you need to write and edit any novel.  I think some people feel a little worried that they might not finish a novel while at VCFA.  It isn't really the point.  Sure, the advisers could edit your work, and you would finish the two years with a publishable manuscript.  But then would you be able to write another novel without their help?  I worked on a brand new project last semester and was glad that I did.  It was a contemporary middle grade, and something quite different from what I had worked on in the past.  I plan on continuing that project this semester.  I would feel cheated, though, if I only worked on one project while at VCFA.

After the ten days were up, I was back on the plane and heading home.  The hardest part of being at VCFA was being away from my husband that entire time.  I was excited to see him again.  I will admit, though, that I also felt a bit wary of returning to a world where writing isn't the highest priority (where you have to balance your writing life with your day job, television, laundry, and cooking).  But I knew that I had a new adviser to work with, and new goals to achieve.  When the plane touched down in LAX, I knew I was home.  Again.

VCFA MFA in Writing for Children and YA - 1st Residency

I kept putting off writing a blog post thinking I'd wait until I had more time.  Tonight I realize that magic day probably isn't going to happen, so I'll squeeze in the time now.

As some of you know, I entered my first semester at Vermont College of Fine Arts this past July.  They have a superb MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults low residency program.  Of course, hearing alumni rave about the program, talking to professors, and seeing the program ranked number one in the country isn't enough for you to truly know how your experience is going to be.  For me, it was exactly what I needed.

So in July I flew off to Vermont not exactly knowing what to expect.  Sure, I had a schedule, but even that turned out not to give the full picture of what a VCFA MFA residency is all about.  Sure, I knew that there were faculty and graduate lectures, readings, and workshops.  But I didn't know how special the graduate readings were until I went to one.  The graduate is introduced by their last advisor, who talks about their two years in the program.  Then the graduate begins by thanking their four advisers plus anyone else who supported them. I teared up during many of these readings and I didn't know most of the graduates well!  After the introduction and the thanking they would read a sample from their creative thesis--in every case, the work was fabulous.

Every graduate must give a lecture their last residency to graduate.  These lectures are on diverse topics, and are well-researched.  There are usually two graduate lectures happening simultaneously, so you choose the lecture that applies most to your work (or something that you don't know much about).

There were times when I needed a break and I simply couldn't go to a graduate lecture.  However, I never missed a faculty lecture since I wanted to get to know the faculty members.  Lectures ranged from structural issues to voice to language.

During the residency, you are put into a workshop group with two faculty members leading each group (some smaller groups with one faculty members are available, too).  You're sent copies of everyone in your group's work (20 pgs) so you have an opportunity to read and make notes before the workshop.  I'll admit--I felt nervous about this most of all.  For one thing, each person's work is critiqued for 50 minutes.  50 minutes.  This seemed...well...long.  However, I needn't have worried.  The faculty make sure that everyone mentions what's working about the piece first, and they keep to the positive for awhile.  Then, yes, they tear into it, but in a constructive way.  Usually when I've gone to conferences there's always that one person in your group who doesn't have any tact and thinks insults are the same as critiques.  There was no one like that in my group.  Truly, it was the best workshop experience I had.

During the residency, you get paired up with a faculty member who will be your advisor during the coming semester.  Of course, we were all nervous about it.  After hearing the lectures, and getting to know the faculty, I realized I didn't have anything to worry about.  Seriously, working with any of the faculty would be rewarding.  So I focused on choosing faculty that would allow me to work on my novel and also write a picture book.  Still, I was nervous because I had to create a semester plan.  That also turned out to be easy, as my advisor converted my ramblings into cogent, intelligent ideas.  Then she offered suggestions or told me when I was heading in the wrong direction.

Just in case you're thinking this is too good to be true...there must be something wrong with the program, you're right.  There is.  And that would be the dorms.

When I arrived, the heat wave was just at its end.  But it was still going on, which meant it was freaking hot and humid.  I might have been able to live with the heat, but the humidity totally ruined me.  The first night I didn't sleep at all.  There's no air conditioning in the dorms.  The dorms, in fact, are utilitarian.  Or, put another way, horrible.  I went searching in town for box fans that you could put in the window, but of course they were sold out.  Heat wave, you know.  So my roommate and I had two small fans going all the time, but it didn't help that much.  The dorms that had box fans in the windows were noticeably cooler.

The other thing is that you really work hard those ten days.  You're around people all the time; and you're sharing a room with someone.  It is worth it--completely worth it, but it's not easy.  But it shouldn't be, right?

Oh, and the food.  Not always good.

But somehow the dorm, the heat, the lack of sleep, the food...it just doesn't matter.  In some ways, it's a bonding experience.  We all eat the same food, sleep in the same horrible rooms, and these shared experiences bring you together.  Even if it's to go to town to escape the rooms and the food and the heat.

Once I got home, I started working on my first packet.  That includes two essays (short, 2-3 pgs

Since I'm continuing to work during the day, many of my evenings and weekends are now going to this MFA program.  So...I'm afraid that this blog will continue to be neglected.  I will not be doing the Writers' Well until my schedule opens up.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to read enough blogs to make it interesting.  Every now and then I'll check in.  In the meantime, I hope you all have pleasant writing journeys.

The Writers' Well: A Weekly Recap of the Best Kidslit Blog Posts

I was given a blog award this week by Julie Musil.  It always brightens my day when I hear that someone enjoys my blog.  It's nice to be appreciated. :)

This has been a busy week with work and getting ready for my first residency at VCFA, which is just a couple of weeks away now.  Since next month is going to be so busy, I've decided that I won't be blogging for the entire month.  In August, I'll be sure to share my experiences in case any of you are considering the MFA program.

Now let's get started and discover some fantastic kidslit posts:

Inspiration
WriterJenn talks about the importance of Refilling the Well.

For Fun
I loved this post on The First Novels Club about how their mothers read YA.  It's really true that many adults are now gravitating to the YA section.  There are many theories as to why, but I think it's because the books are just freaking awesome.

Apparently, Carrie Ryan's mother reads YA novels, too.  Ryan discusses how they share a love for the series Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.

Writing Craft
In the Wordy Wednesday post over at Kirby's Lane, she discusses tight writing.

Sarah's Journal has a great list of links on Writing Advice and she also shares her own thoughts on how to start a novel.

If like me, you enjoy reading about how other writers work you'll enjoy Kathleen Duey's recent post on what she's currently working on.

Author Appearances
Amy Brecount will be signing Forget-Her-Nots at the ALA conference on Sunday.  You can read more on her post here.

Interviews
Kiersten White, author of Paranormalcy, is interviewed over at Market My Words.

Hanna, the main character of Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves, is interviewed over at Paranormal Point of View.  ;)

Literary Asylum interviewed Chelsea Campbell, author of The Rise of Renegade X.

Alyxandra Harvey, author of Hearts at Stake, is interviewed at Cynsations.

Teaching Authors interviewed Claudia Fridell, author of Goliath.

Through the Wardrobe interviewed N. H. Senzai, author of Shooting Kabul.

Announcements
Laina Taylor's new book has been announced.  It's tentatively titled Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and was purchased by Little Brown at auction.  You can read more about the novel here.

Kiersten Whites novel Paranormalcy will be released August 31, a month earlier than planned.

That's it for this week!  Have a wonderful weekend.  See you in August!

The Writers' Well: A Weekly Recap of the Best Kidslit Blog Posts

Happy summer! It's finally starting to heat up in southern cal, and I'm LOVING it.  I'm also excited because in July I'll be starting my first residency at the Vermont College of Fine Arts!

As usual, there were plenty of awesome posts this week so let's plunge right in.

Inspiration
I enjoyed WriterJenn's post on Novel Milestones.

This post isn't writing related necessarily, but it's by a kidslit writer so I'm including it! Jay Asher talks about being grateful for what you have.

Technically, this series of posts is from a week ago, but they are too good not to mention.  Beth Revis discusses her transition from college to teacher to author (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, & Part 5).

Interviews
Shari Maurer, author of Change of Heart, is interviewed on Janet Fox's blog Through the Wardrobe.  Fox also interviewed JT Dutton, author of Stranded.

Kirsten Miller, author of Eternal One, is interviewed over at Market My Words.

Barry Lyga, author of Archvillain (as well as Fan Boy and Goth Girl, one of my favorite YA novels), is interviewed over at Literary Asylum.


For Fun
Suzanne Young occasionally posts excerpts from unfinished manuscripts.  The latest in her Novel Graveyard is a lot of fun.

Megan Frances shared how she reconnected to a childhood favorite book: The Golden Phoenix. 

Conferences
Julie Musil had a post on a free Writer's Conference called WriteOnCon.  Registration begins July 1st!

Writing Craft
The Bookshelf Muse thinks outside of Character Sheets and gives some great tips on Characterization.

There's a panel of writers over at Kirby's Lane that discuss the benefits of Critique Groups.

Bish Denham has an interesting writing prompt on Dreams.

Sara Wilson Etienne talks about how she uses music to Hear Her Story.

Points to Ponder
Uma Krishnaswami has a post discussing outsider narratives.  It's an interesting issue.

I loved Carrie Ryan's post on the difficulty of sharing too much or too little on your blog.

That's it for this week.  Have a wonderful weekend!

SCBWI-LA Critiquenic

On Saturday I attended the LA Critiquenic in Roxbury Park.  It was the first time I had attended it, and now I wonder why I didn't attend before!  There were about sixty attendees, and we were in groups of about eight.  Each group was organized by genre and was led by a published author.  I was lucky enough to be in Cecil Castellucci's group (she's the author of young adult novels and graphic novels).

Our group would begin by the author reading her work, and then Castellucci would "send the author to the moon" while the rest of the group would critique what we had heard.  The point was for the author to listen to the comments before asking questions or addressing the critique in any way.  I thought this was a brilliant way to keep from getting defensive or talking over the critiquers.  If you're at the moon, then you can't respond even if you'd like to.  After everyone gave their comments, the author would return from the moon and get to respond.

I'm glad that I attended because Castellucci's comments helped me look at my novel in a fresh way.  I think you can be so close to a work that sometimes you miss things.  I left the Critiquenic feeling energized.

Next year if you're in the Los Angeles area I would highly suggest attending.  It's free, which is incredible considering that I've paid forty-five dollars for a critique from a published author not including the price of the event itself (usually around eighty-five for a half day seminar).  It isn't perfect.  You have to deal with the noise of children playing in the park, and worry over parking meters, but the benefits definitely outweigh the costs.

The Writers' Well: A Weekly Recap of the Best Kidslit Blog Posts

Happy Friday! As usual, there were some wonderful kidslit posts, so let's plunge right into the well!

Writing Craft
Beth Kephart tackles two issues in a short post (yet still beautifully written as all of hers are): Losing Sentences to strengthen story and Pursuing a project that is just beyond your skill level.

On the Writers in Residence blog, Jackie Houchin discusses interview techniques.

WriterJenn gives examples of novels that start with character, not necessarily action-packed sequences.

Barbara O'Connor shared an inspirational quote to help writers stay focused on writing.

On her Question of the Day blog, Suzanne Casamento discusses the importance of structure in your novel and finding a mentor.

On Kirby's Lane, Kirby Larson discusses how food can add spice to novels.

Interviews
Andrea Cremer, author of Nightshade, is interviewed on Market My Words blog.

Denise Jaden interviewed Chelsea Campbell, author of The Rise of Renegade X.

Sea author Heidi Kling is interviewed by Holly Cupala.

Marketing
There's a fantastic marketing roundup over at the Market My Words blog.

Themes
It was friendship week over at the Books, Boys, Buzz blog to celebrate the release of Lifted by Wendy Toliver (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).

New Kidslit Blog
Gregory K. had a post about a new kidslit blog launched by twenty-six middle grade novelists.  It's called From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors.

Interesting Discussions
Shannon Hale discusses the flaws of a Book Rating System.

Carrie Jones posted a video on her blog of Colin Farrell speaking out against Bullying.

For Fun
Nancy Sanders is beginning a Summer Reading Club over at her blog.  Sounds like fun!

If you like reading the Kiersten Writes blog, you'll love the guest post by Stephanie Perkins that uncovers the real Kiersten White.

D. M. Cunningham over at Literary Asylum reminds us that it's Batman has recently published it's 700th issue!

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Writers' Well: A Weekly Recap of the Best Kidslit Blog Posts

I believe someone has been influencing the time space continuum. Just before I left for vacation time slowed down to a crawl, while the vacation time zoomed by.  Regardless of time problems, there have been a ton of fantastic writer blogs this week, so let's plunge right into the well.


Writers Speak Out
Holly Black answers questions about White Cat, Spiderwick, and The Modern Faerie Tales.

Donna Gamble talks about what it's like to work on book number two.

Georgia McBride has an interesting post on what YA writers really make.  She has links to a ton of articles and posts on the subject.

I loved Aprilynne Pike's post on You Are Not Your Novel--and how you shouldn't apologize for not having written a bestseller or award winning novel.

New Releases
Suzanne Young's next novel So Many Boys comes out next week.  The first review is in and it's positive.

Author Appearances
Carrie Ryan fans who live in the south will be happy to hear that she's going to be attending the Con-Carolinas this weekend.

For Fun
There's a fun post on The Pen and Ink blog titled Writing Seminars I'd Like to See.

I found WriterJenn's post on The Evolution of Ideas hilarious.


Laurie Halse Anderson posted a video made by University of Washington Librarians that's awesome.  It's Lady Gaga in the Library.  Now you've got to watch it.  By the way, Holly Cupala posted it to her blog, too.

Writing Craft
Bish Denham has a series of posts on Writing Prompts. 


The Wagging Tale blog has a fantastic post on how Imagery beats Description.

Claudia Harrington's blog has some motivational quotes from Sonya Sones and Laurie Halse Anderson.

The fabulous Teaching Authors blog has a post on Reading as a Writer.

I'm sure there are other great posts out there.  Be sure to add any that you find in the comments area.

Have a wonderful weekend!