Comments on Ink and Beans: My MFA Personal Statement (a.k.a. Statement of Pur...

"Chicky and Eggy" is post-modern and smu...

2012-02-15T13:11:26.393-05:00

"Chicky and Eggy" is post-modern and smug?

Clearly I don't feel as ashamed by this letter as I should.

Chicky and eggy?...seems like post modern, smug, c...

2012-02-15T12:16:28.529-05:00

Chicky and eggy?...seems like post modern, smug, cutesy ploy at approval...just be real...writing sample is key

Can u post your writing sample?

2012-02-12T19:41:45.898-05:00

Can u post your writing sample?

Hey Jim, I know this is an old post by now, but I...

2011-12-13T13:08:31.571-05:00

Hey Jim,

I know this is an old post by now, but I was wondering if I could get a copy of your writing sample too? I only realized that I wanted to do a graduate program in Creative Writing last month after I had been traveling Europe and thinking about my goals. So now I'm playing catch up and preparing my manuscript this month. I wish I had more time to prepare and do my research. I'm nervous and trying to get past my nervousness induced writers block. Help please? My email is joanneyao@yahoo.com. Thank you :)

Seriously, thank you so much. All of your material...

2011-05-06T10:02:10.885-04:00

Seriously, thank you so much. All of your materials have been tremendously helpful! Where did you end up deciding to go? Best of luck to you!

Thanks for being so helpful, you've really hel...

2011-04-17T13:59:36.073-04:00

Thanks for being so helpful, you've really helped me find some sense of direction for the application prep process I will shortley be engaged in. Would it be possible to see your writing sample that got you in?

mds2179@uncw.edu

I've re-vamped mine about a million times and still find I'm lacking in confidence. I would love to see one that has been accepted :)

I&B, where did you decide to go, in the end? O...

2011-03-30T17:19:53.208-04:00

I&B, where did you decide to go, in the end? Or are you still deciding??

Thanks Jim! I definitely will take your advice. G...

2011-03-28T12:07:04.843-04:00

Thanks Jim! I definitely will take your advice.

Good luck to you with your decision-making for the fall!

Clara :)

Hey James, Just came across your site from the Cr...

2011-03-25T22:45:19.792-04:00

Hey James,

Just came across your site from the Creative Writing MFA blog.

Anyways, I just wanted to say we're totally in the same boat (I applied to 9 MFA programs last year, got rejected from all, applied to 14 this year and got accepted to 2) and congratulations for the awesome acceptances.

I have a bunch of friends at Harvard grad school, so we might know someone who might know...

anyways, good luck wherever you end up!

Taka

Clara, thanks for your kind words. Yes, I highly r...

2011-03-20T19:29:05.771-04:00

Clara, thanks for your kind words. Yes, I highly recommend Driftless House. It wasn't cheap but it was worth every penny. Perhaps you read this already but I describe my experience in more detail here.

Unfortunately I haven't heard a direct opinion, one way of the other, from anyone else who has used them, but there are other people who have been admitted to top programs and used Driftless House -- you'd have to ask them if they thought DH was a significant factor. I'm sure the consultants at DH would happy to put you in touch with other MFA students who have used their services so you can ask for their honest assessment.

Ink and Beans, I have been a long-time reader of y...

2011-03-18T01:14:53.130-04:00

Ink and Beans, I have been a long-time reader of your awesome blog. I've been very grateful for how open you've been throughout the entire process.

I'm getting ready to apply myself for the first time: what are your thoughts on Driftless House? Should I save up and try for it? Where all did you get in this year? Do you know others who've used it?

My Super Best to you.

Gratefully,
Clara

Hey Ink, I was curious, I noticed a few people as...

2011-02-24T22:14:28.244-05:00

Hey Ink,

I was curious, I noticed a few people asking if they could see your sample. If it's possible, could I receive a copy too? I'm just trying to gage what the various schools are looking for for when I apply next year.

firesnakeadam@yahoo.com

Thanks.

I hate to admit this--but I want to read the Chick...

2011-02-21T11:08:03.689-05:00

I hate to admit this--but I want to read the Chicky and Egg story!

Mazel tov on all your acceptances--I can't wait to hear where you end up. :)

Love your letter and would love to read your sampl...

2011-02-20T13:44:54.946-05:00

Love your letter and would love to read your sample. If you don't mind, my e-mail is hkrisman at gmaildotcom. Thanks!

Hi James, I've been following yours and other ...

2011-02-18T15:37:15.335-05:00

Hi James, I've been following yours and other comments on the MFA blog and was glad to find the link to your personal blog. With my second application cycle so far looking just as grim as the first, it would do me well to read a sample that has some positivity around it. If you don't mind sending your sample my way as well, my email is brandonjoshuawilliams@gmail.com.

Thanks so much,
Brandon

You sound great. Ok, let me clarify: you sound li...

2011-02-18T11:14:39.215-05:00

You sound great. Ok, let me clarify: you sound like you know what you're doing and that you haven't been wasting time and that you have a trajectory. I guess anyone from a recruitment perspective would eat you up.

Good luck!

Thanks James for your willingness to share. I woul...

2011-02-18T01:05:41.589-05:00

Thanks James for your willingness to share. I would also love to read your story if you don't mind. My email is mommymayday@hotmail.com

Thank you so much Tiffany, and of course I'd l...

2011-02-16T14:36:27.204-05:00

Thank you so much Tiffany, and of course I'd love to share it. Will send shortly. Good luck to you as well!

Hey James, Thanks for being so open and helpful! ...

2011-02-15T15:14:55.123-05:00

Hey James,

Thanks for being so open and helpful! I would love to read your sample too, if you would like to share it with me. My email is tt002006@mymail.pomona.edu

Thanks again and good luck with the rest of the MFA process!

Best,
Tiffany