I think the best decision I made in 2010 was when I decided to attend Seattle Pacific University’s low-residency MFA program. I was accepted to three different schools (applied to four), but ultimately the decision came down to the personal touch and the sense that I actually  belonged at SPU rather than the other great options–that excellent writing mattered, but only to the degree that it mingled with spirit, character, and Mystery. I’m only into my third quarter of the program (with two residencies under my belt) but I’ve already changed as a writer, and hopefully, as a human being. I’m learning the spiritual discipline of being a writer–the merits of honing a craft for a purpose that isn’t self-serving or opportunistic. I’m entrenched in a community of artists who are supportive, honest, and scarily talented. And the faculty, wow. They’re unparalleled.

This is not really a promotional post or an advertisement–though I’m certain it will read that way. I assure you I wasn’t paid to write this, nor do I have any illusions about how many times it will be read (answer: approximately 5.) Rather, it’s meant as a nod towards gratitude–a trait I am trying on more in my daily life. I’m thankful that I was accepted into the program, that my 30K dollars are helping to support it, and that in the painful process of reading-eating-writing-sleeping-working I am molting into something bizarre, and fearful, and artistically unpredictable.

SPU’s MFA is not a program for everyone, but if it is the right fit (as it has been for me) you won’t want to take your shoes off for a really, really long time.