Kim Stanley Robinson Told Me Not to Get An MFA. Here are 6 Reasons Why I’m Doing It Anyway!

Kim Stanley Robinson actually told me personally not to get an MFA. I kid you not! IRL! No cap! 

What Kim Stanley Robinson Said That Blew My Mind About Creative Writing MFA Programs

Here’s what happened: It was the 2021 Sierra Writer’s Conference. We’re all in lockdown from the pandemic, so the conference was virtual. Kim Stanley Robinson was talking about the Anthropocene (which is like apocalyptic fiction but with a happier ending, lol). He mentioned in his lecture that MFA programs were like “straitjackets,” and the work that comes out of those programs is all formulaic and derivative. 

Now, my antennae were twitching after that, so during the Q&A, my virtual hand shot up. Surely, not all MFA programs were, as he called them, “straightjackets.” I asked, couldn’t he name even one program that was not restrictive and suffocating? He said NO.

Now, in 2020, I had literally been on the phone with my top-choice MFA program, about to apply, one day before the pandemic shut down everything. I was hoping, once things simmered down, to apply again. But Robinson had me doubting myself. He recommended that writers forge their own communities and take classes instead of a program, and that’s exactly what I did. I took Kate Senecal’s yearlong manuscript revision class with the incredible Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop in 2022, and it was the best thing for my work.

The only problem was, when it was over, I wanted MORE. I could tell I’d reached a plateau, and I couldn’t push through it on my own any longer. So, even though I developed a kick-ass writing community and bench-pressed craft, I took the plunge. First, I maxed out my library card, checking out the books of all faculty members from the programs I was interested in. Then, I applied to my top four programs and decided on Lesley University.

I’m glad I made the decision, and here’s why:

6 Reasons Why an MFA Program Is Right For Me (And Kim Stanley Robinson Was Wrong!)

I mean, JK Robinson, but I didn’t find that my MFA program was restrictive or prescriptive at all. In fact, it opened my eyes to so many possibilities was the best possible thing I could have done. Here are six reasons why:

1. High Stakes, High Commitment, High Production 

Joining a program helped me to prioritize my work and rearrange my life to focus on my writing. Being paired with professional mentors and in a community with committed, like-minded, and supportive students was a craft jetpack. My work in the program is my best yet, and I’m on FIRE!

2. Trying New Things—Seriously

I chose Lesley University for its excellent interdisciplinary studies model, and it’s paid HUGE dividends. First, I’m working with an amazing alum and faculty member, Kate Fussner, on a novel in verse. I am totally loving it. Before I came to the program, I didn’t even know what a novel in verse was, and now I am obsessed!

I’m trying my hand at hi-lo novels, which is fiction for adults with low literacy rates. I’m also exploring picture books and early readers for children, another thing I never would have done on my own. I’m constantly being exposed to new ideas, formats, and ways of thinking that I never would have found outside my program.

3. Insider Knowledge of the Publishing World

We’ve had multiple agents, publishers, and experts talk to us, offer feedback on our work and process, and encourage us to query and submit. 

The faculty have also been extremely generous, telling us about their real-world experience in the industry. For example, Jason Reynolds, besides being an amazing, award-winning author, is also just a really nice, down-to-earth guy. I sat with him at lunch, just shooting the breeze, and he gave me the inside scoop on applying to writer’s residencies. Thank you, Jason! Mind blown. I pledge to pay your kindness forward one day to future Lesley MFA-ians.

4. Network, Network, Network

On top of connecting with super supportive faculty and publishing peeps, Lesley University has a thriving, giant, supportive alum network. This semester, I got paired up with an alum, and we’re going to talk shop about querying and agents and all that jazz. How cool is that? 

Plus, once I graduate, I’m welcome to come back to program residencies for free and hang out with all the cool kids. YAY! That ongoing connection is important for me and cemented my decision to attend Lesley University.

5. Mentorship from Master Writers 

I don’t even have words to describe how unbelievably cool it is to work so closely one-on-one with award-winning authors in my field. 

Those of you who follow me on Instagram know I’m a HUGE fan squirrel of Sara Zarr because she has such a high level of craft in her YA books. I got to work with her during my first semester last summer. Not only is Sara a craft master, but she also has a wicked sense of humor and is beyond supportive. I always thought I couldn’t write a good short story, and in a few short weeks, Sara helped me with all the tips and tricks I needed to kick ass and write a really solid short. Huzzah! 

This semester, I’m super stoked to work with Michelle “Mikki” Knudsen, famous for Library Lion. So I’m pumped to try writing my own picture books and get tips from a pro! 

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, people—there are SO MANY talented, kind, caring, and creative faculty members on staff at my university. My only regret is that I won’t have time to work closely with them all!

6. Making Good on My Lifelong Dream

I’ve wanted to get my MFA for fifteen years and have been squirreling away money for five years to put toward my tuition. Call it my midlife courage, but I knew that if I didn’t jump in and do it, I would have regretted it for the rest of my life. And that is the real reason I signed up, and I’m so glad I did!

I don’t know where the road will take me, but I’m excited to be on the journey and am loving every step of the way. 

Big thanks to my mentors, Sands Hall and Rachel Howard, whose intensive craft courses made me the writer I am today and who were kind enough to recommend me to the program. I would be remiss if I didn’t profusely thank Kate Senecal for cheering me on every step of the MFA application process, editing my admissions essays, having faith in me even when I didn’t, and writing a killer recommendation. 

I also have to thank Kate for her amazing Book Buddies writing community that offers power-packed generative writing, writing caves, critiques, and craft masterclasses. I often do my best work in the Book Buddy generative writing sessions and retreats. Seriously, I don’t know how I would make my MFA deadlines without the regular schedule and encouragement from the BB community!

Publication News: The 2023 Wrap Up

Because I’ve been so busy with my MFA program, I neglected to announce my 2023 publications! It is a small but mighty list:

100-Word Stories: A Short Form for Expansive Writing by Kim Culbertson, Grant Faulkner, and Berit Olson, by Heinemann Publishing, 2023

I am beyond honored to be in this educational collection of microfiction. I really have to thank my dear friend and mentor, Kim Culbertson, who hunted me down and wouldn’t let me say no to being a part of this wonderful project! Kim was one of the first to inspire me to take my creative writing seriously, so I am honored and deeply grateful to be included in this collection. Thanks to my critique buddies for helping me revise the piece!

Reider Media Northampton Living Magazine’s “Spooky” Halloween Issue, October 2023

My flash fiction “Blood Red” was republished this Halloween in my local town magazine. It was so fun to have friends read my piece and get really excited to see my work in print. Big thanks to Joy Baglio at Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop for connecting me with this opportunity!

You can also listen to “Blood Red” on Manawalker Podcast, where it was originally published.

Astral Cherry Art’s Queer/Trans Magic Zine: Shapeshifting Edition, November 2023

When my friend and amazing artist Lachlan Thompson put out a call for queer stories, I responded right away with my flash piece, “The Problem with Squirrels.” I am super honored to be the first story featured in the first issue! I recently did an author interview with Lachlan, which will appear on their blog soon, so stay tuned. 

You can always check out my full list of publications on my publication page. I’ve published 38 pieces since 2012, and I hope to increase that number this year!

And… NaNoWriMo 2024

I also neglected to tell you all about this November’s NaNoWriMo! Not only was I a winner, baby, but I also volunteered with the Western Mass Municipal Liaison crew. You couldn’t ask for a nicer bunch of writers to do a massive month-long sprint with.

Thanks for all the awesome, Wrimos!

Future Writing Shenanigans 

Whew! That’s my big update. Now, here are my plans for 2024! This semester, I’ll be working on the following projects:

• A feminist, queer-positive retelling of the Persephone myth for a YA novel
• A novel in verse about lesbian necromancers who save the world from zombies
• A hi-lo novel for young adults about a young disabled girl who must free a demon bird to stop a drought
• A picture book or two, plus an early reader
• A mess of short stories
• Plus, mysterious side quests are yet to be discovered!

I’m excited to tell you more about my MFA journey and will do my best to keep you posted between packet submissions. Please let me know how your writing and reading are going in the comments, and keep on being creative!

Reading with PVWW Under the Full 🌝: RAIN DATE: Sun., Oct. 1, 7-9 PM

Hi friends! I’m super stoked and honored to announce that I will be a part of Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop reading at Park Hill Orchard under the full moon this Sunday, October 1. The event is FREE and my husband, “Daring Coyotes,” will be serenading us all with his beautiful mandolin music.

I’ll be reading from my YA novel, a feminist retelling of the Persephone myth that’s like the Addams Family meets Beauty and the Beast. I’m wicked excited, as they say in MA!

The event is in person, so if you’re near Easthampton, Massachusetts, please stop by for cider donuts, outdoor sculptures, and a reading of poetry and prose under the apple trees!

Event Details: Moonlight Reading & Literary Walk in the Orchard, with Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop!

Join us for a night of poetry, stories, and literary magic under the full moon, featuring a lineup of local writers! PVWW Founder / Director Joy Baglio will host this nighttime literary/art walk at Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton MA, where we will journey together – with flashlights, lanterns, and live musical interludes – through the orchard’s Art in the Orchard exhibit, which showcases an eclectic array of art installations positioned at intervals throughout the fields. We’ll stop at select sculptures, where – illuminated by flashlights and moonlight – our featured local authors will read from original work.

Featured Writers:
Joy Baglio • Chris Boucher • Sarah Jane Cody • Alejandro Cuellar • Carolyn Cushing • Melenie Freedom Flynn • Adam Grabowski • Tzynya Pinchback • Arya Samuelson • Rachel Teferet • Fungai Tichawangana • Carolyn Zaikowski.

Live Music:
Daring Coyotes (David Clark Carroll)

For more info and to register, please visit PVWW’s event listing!

It’s truly an honor to read with such talented writers. I hope to see you there!

How to Get More Followers On Instagram for Writers: A Video Guide With the Top 3 Tips

How to get more followers on Instagram for writers can seem like a total mystery, especially if you are just starting out! This blog is here to be your powerful kick-start guide to either get your Instagram up and running or enhance your existing account by getting more followers.

A little about my social media expertise. Professionally, I’m the content manager at a higher ed marketing agency. I manage social media and create and execute the editorial calendar, with year-over-year increases in page reach of +590% on Facebook and +1,100% on Instagram, and +2,140% link clicks on LinkedIn. I also boosted our social media website traffic by +2,993%.

I’m excited to share my knack for marketing and social media to help other writers. Over the last few months, I doubled my Instagram following on my author account so I could offer the tried-and-true tips I found so other writers out there could benefit from them too.

With the fall of Twitter, Instagram has become the premier social media outlet to build your author platform. You can read more about surviving the Twitter fallout in my last blog, “The Writer’s Survival Guide to Social Media Live at DIY MFA!.

But in a lot of ways, Instagram is tougher than Twitter to build your following! Plus, it can even be confusing where to begin. That’s why this month, I published another article on DIY MFA: The Top 3 Simple Instagram Tips for Writers.

I thought making a companion video blog here would help even more with how to get more followers on Instagram for writers. So here we go! We’ll start with the basics of optimizing your account and profile page and then dive into how to use follow trains and follower strategies on Instagram.

Let’s dive in!

How to Get More Followers On Instagram for Writers Tip #1: Set Up Your Profile for Success!

How should you set up your Instagram profile to attract more followers? This video explains it all:

Watch the video for a step-by-step guide on making your profile the best it can be.

Here are some key takeaways from the video:

• Don’t look like a spam bot! Have a great profile picture. I use my professional headshots, but a smiling selfie would be terrific. Bottom line: you don’t want a blank image or a random object that clearly isn’t you!
• Have a descriptive bio! In the video, I go over how you can use emojis and even hashtags to show what kind of glorious author content your followers can look forward to. Make sure to let the world know right away what kind of writer you are and mention any affiliations you might have so fellow members from your groups can find you.
• Lastly, if you have a website, make sure to list it!

How to Get More Followers On Instagram for Writers Tip #2: Instagram Following Strategy

What’s a follow train? And how can you determine who you should follow in the hopes that they’ll follow you back? This video tells it all:

From follow trains to being super strategic about how you gain followers, this video is a robust guide into how to get more followers on Instagram for writers!

First off, you’ll discover what follow trains are and how to find ones specifically for authors.

Next, we’ll take a deep dive into who you should follow and who you shouldn’t:

• Newbies: Newbies on Instagram might not have a lot of posts, followers, or people they are following. I love to encourage newbie writers to Instagram by following them, BUT ONLY if they meet certain criteria. They must have a decent profile picture and a bio that aligns with my Instagram author community, and they must have good content, even if they haven’t posted a lot. A newbie who is following +2,000 people but who only has 200 followers is a red flag for an account you might want to avoid.
• Middlers: Middler users are in the middle of their Instagram career. They have about an equal ratio of followers to following, and they have generated a decent amount of content. If they have a bio that aligns with your writer brand and good content, then these are great folks to follow. They will likely follow you back!
• Influencers: Influencers have way more followers than folks they are following. Remember: Instagram caps you at 7,500 people you can follow! So, if someone is close to that cap, chances are they won’t follow you back if you follow them. That’s not to say you should never follow an influencer! I follow plenty of influencers who offer amazing content. However, just know that these folks probably won’t follow you back, so be judicious.

How to Get More Followers On Instagram for Writers Tip #3: Instagram Follower Maintenance

You’ve set up your profile and you’re on your way to attracting new followers. Great! Now, here are some hands-on tips for regular Instagram follower maintenance, security checks, and boosting post engagement:

Now that you’ve gained a following, it’s time to do regular maintenance to make your profile the best it can be!

In this video, I talk about how to monitor your account to weed out spam bots and deadweight followers. I’ll also cover how to keep an eye out for evil spoofers and a good strategy for following back folks (or not) who follow you. I’ll also cover how you can boost your posts in Instagram’s algorithm by keeping an eye on your comments and a solid engagement strategy.

How to Get More Followers On Instagram for Writers: Key Takeaways

Instagram can be a tough nut to crack at first. But by following these three tips, you’ll be well on your way to a stronger following:

1. Make sure you have a bold profile that reflects your brand as a writer.
2. Develop a follower strategy that’s smart, especially when it comes to follow trains.
3. Keep up your regular Instagram maintenance and monitor your engagement strategically.

Did you find these tips helpful? Tell us if you were able to leverage some of these tips to build your Instagram following in the comments below! And keep your eyes peeled for more DIY MFA columns and blogs from me about how to market yourself as an author.

Oh, and if you want to connect on Instagram? Come find me at @RachelTeferet, and yes, I follow back my amazing readers 🙂

The Writer’s Survival Guide to Social Media Live at DIY MFA!

Hey writing friends! I’m so pleased to announce that I am a new columnist at DIY MFA, an innovative writing community and hub. I’ll be sharing my expertise from my marketing background to writers looking to strengthen their author platform. My first article just came out: Is Twitter Dead? Don’t Panic! Social Media Survival Guide for Writers.

Like so many writers, I was BUMMED when Twitter bombed. But don’t fret! The article has lots of great ways to diversify your marketing and some great tips and tricks. You’ll learn the ins and outs of getting started with Instagram, weighing the good and bad of TikTok, and a whole lot more.

This article is like a broad intro into the many great platforms that are out there besides Twitter. In the future, I hope to do a whole article on Instagram. Do you have any topics you’d like me to cover? Let me know in the comments and I’ll put it on the agenda!

About DIY MFA

I discovered the DIY MFA community during the pandemic and they have been a lifesaver. There are TONS of free resources, podcasts, and webinars for writers in all stages of their careers. They describe themselves as the “do-it-yourself alternative to a Masters degree in writing.” They also offer a free “writer igniter” prompt generator that’s loads of fun!

Anyway, it’s a lovely community, and I’m honored to be able to contribute to it.

In Other News… Watch Me Read this Saturday, 2/25, at 3 PM Eastern!

I’m celebrating completing a year-long novel class with the amazing Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop. To conclude, all us revision authors will be reading from our work. It’s a talented bunch of folks you won’t want to miss!

You can sign up at https://www.pioneervalleywriters.org/readings–events-virtual.html. I hope to see you there!

I have some more BIG writing news coming down the pipeline, so stay tuned. Let me know how your writing life is going in the comments below.

[Laugh Attack] 2 Funny Micro Fiction Stories Published & Read By the Author

Are you ready for a good belly laugh? Then watch the video below to hear Eat Dessert First published by 101 Words, about a Thanksgiving gone awry, and First Born published by Quarter Press, which reveals the true secret of the Rumpelstiltskin story:

Catch two funny micro stories, coming live from my backyard!

Eat Dessert First, Published by 101 Word

Doesn’t everyone have a relative like Aunt Pauline? I was tremendously happy when 101 Word decided to publish this funny short. I can’t say enough great things about the editors—they had great suggestions that made this piece even better, and they were so fun to work with. If you are interested in writing and publishing micro fiction, I highly recommend checking them out!

Also, what was unexpected and so nice were all the lovely comments from readers around the world on my little story. 101 Word is truly a wonderful community of readers and writers.

If you’d like to read the story, check out 101 Word at https://101words.org/eat-dessert-first/.

First Born, Published by Quarter Press

“My mother confessed she never knew how to spin straw into gold. Her deathbed secret brings me to this cursed wood…”

In my retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, the real deathbed secret turns out to be quite a surprise! Quarter Press is a delightful publisher to work with, run by Chris Smith since 2016. I was impressed with the professional quality of the publication, both in the other work and in the layout. I highly recommend checking them out if you need a good read or are looking for an awesome publisher.

You can purchase The Quarter(ly) – Vol. II: Myths, Fables, and Folklore on Quarter Press’s website to read my story and many, many others!

Many More Stories in the Hopper…!

While I’ve submitted some other short stories this quarter, my main focus right now is editing my middle-grade fantasy novel. I’m actually in a year-long revision course with the wonderful Kate Senecal through the Pioneer Valley Writers Workshop http://www.pioneervalleywriters.org, and my goal is to finish the FINAL draft by the beginning of 2023. 

It’s a tremendous undertaking I’ve been hammering away at since 2016, and I am so thankful for all of the help I’ve received along the way from so many talented writers. By the way, PVWW just opened up registration for their year-long writing courses, which I highly recommend if you want to make big progress on your work in 2023.

Of course, NaNoWriMo is starting TODAY, which should help light a fire under my desk chair! I’m proud to be volunteering as a municipal liaison in my new home region of Western Mass and look forward to furiously “writing in” with new friends and old this November.

Let me know if you’re planning on participating this November in NaNoWriMo in the comments! And until next time, be well, and keep writing.

Good Fiction in [Micro] Packages: Top 5 Awesome Micro Fiction Magazines

I’ve been on a serious micro fiction kick lately. I love reading it, I love writing it, and I’ve fallen in love with some amazing magazines that pack a big punch into tiny stories.

Recently, I was pleased to score two micro fiction publications, including winning first place in the Storytwigs micro fiction contest, which you can read here! In honor of this awesome honor, I thought I’d share about my top micro fiction picks.

Below you’ll find some of my favorite magazines that feature very tiny stories, along with some exclusive submission tips about getting your own work into some awesome markets.

Good fiction comes in very micro packages. Let’s start off by defining what exactly micro fiction is and why it’s so tasty. 🙂

What is Micro Fiction?

It’s smaller than a short story…

Tinier than flash fiction…

Micro fiction can be as short as one sentence and generally about as long as 300-400 words. I’ve seen micro the size of Tweets, postcard-sized, and oh-so-pocket-sized. They explode like fireworks in your brain and sizzle like Pop Rocks in your mouth.

My Top 5 Places to Read (and Submit!) Micro Fiction

In no particular order, here are my favorite places to get my micro kicks:

1. Storytwigs Free Micro Fiction Contest (Where I Won First Place and a Cash Prize!)

Every month, writers from all over the world enter this free contest to vie for awesome cash prizes. There is a fresh theme every round to write sweet micro stories in 100 words or less. While contests are paused at the moment while the editors catch up on past months, it’s definitely a great publication to keep an eye on.

According to Duotrope, this market has about an 8% acceptance rate, with a 42 day response rate.

I was lucky enough to tie for first place in the September issue, which you can read for free here!

2. The Citron Review

This “zesty” magazine comes out four times a year and celebrates short lit. It’s a tasty selection of all things tiny that goes all the way back to 2009!

You can read their brand-new winter issue on their website for free!

Submission tips:

• According to Duotrope, it’s best to submit to this market early in the month. The Citron Review will close to submissions when they reach their monthly submission quota.
• This market ranks in Duotrope’s top 25 most challenging markets for poetry and nonfiction.
• Citron has an acceptance rate of about 2%, with a response rate of about 40 days.
• Check out their submission page for more info on sharing your micro, flash, nonfiction, and poetry!

3. 50-Word Stories

50-Word Stories publishes two new pieces of micro fiction every day! Stories are exactly fifty words, which can make writing them a delightful challenge. It’s free to submit, and the best story of the month commands a handsome cash prize of $10. I highly recommend subscribing to their daily digest and checking out their creative work at fiftywordstories.com.

This market has a fond place in my heart, as they were the first magazine I ever published with 10 years ago! To honor my decade-long anniversary with the magazine, I recently submitted another story, which was accepted, to my delight. You can read “To My Cat” on their website.

Submission tips:

• Submit only once a month, max.
• This magazine ranks in Duotrope’s top 25 most approachable fiction publishers.
• About 47% of submissions are accepted, with a 25-day response rate.
• On a personal note, it’s a pleasure to work with the editor, Tim.

4. 100 Word Story

I first learned about 100 Word Story through National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), since NaNoWriMo Executive Director Grant Faulkner is one of the founders of the publication. Stories are exactly 100 words. There’s something about the exactness of 100 words that hits my micro fiction sweet spot.

I just love what they have to say about why 100 words make the perfect micro brew:

One hundred seems perfect. It’s the basis of percentages, the perfect test score, the boiling point of water (Celsius), purity. Pythagoreans considered 100 as divine because it is the square (10 x 10) of the divine decad (10). Even a Scrabble set has 100 tiles… The whole is a part and the part is a whole. The 100-word format forces the writer to question each word, to reckon with Flaubert’s mot juste in a way that even most flash fiction doesn’t. At the same time the brevity of the form allows the writer “to keep a story free from explanation,” as Walter Benjamin wrote.

About 100 Word Story

It’s tremendously fun to read stories on the site, and the magazine has also published a book of 100 100-word stories that is worth perusal.

Also, if you’re looking for inspiration, check out their monthly photo prompt contest!

Submission Tips:

• This market does charge a $2 fee, and there is no payment for publication.
• The next submission window is March 1-7. They have short submission windows because they fill up fast, so be sure to mark your calendar!
• Their acceptance rate is about 6%, with about a 47 day response time.

5. Wigleaf

I’m completely obsessed with Wigleaf! Ever since the wonderful Joy Baglio, Director and Founder of Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop, turned me onto this magazine, I’ve been a fan. (You can check our Joy Baglio’s awesome short that made the top 50 Wigleaf stories in 2017 here.)

They publish delightful short stories of 1000 words or fewer, which puts them on the micro and flash fiction cusp. They just have a fantastic selection of quirky, delightful stories that stick to your ribs and make you think!

You can read their magazine for free, including their top 50 stories each year: wigleaf.com.

Submission tips:

• Wigleaf is open to subs during the final week of each academic month, except December. In other words, they are open the final weeks of August, September, October, November, January, February, and March. They do not publish during the summer.
• Their acceptance rate is about 5%, with a 140 day response time.

It’s Always a Good Day to Write Micro Fiction

Sometimes, when I have writer’s block, I’ll turn to reading (and then hopefully, writing!) micro fiction. It’s a great way to get the juices flowing with a story you can turn out during your coffee break or even typed into your phone on a walk.

Do you enjoy writing micro fiction? Where are your favorite places to read and submit your own work? Let us know in the comments below!