How to Choose a Creative Writing MFA Program

By Kendall Giles, on January 17th, 2012
Stonecoast MFA Program Stonehouse

It’s early in the morning—-the sun is not yet up, but here I am, typing away, coffee at the ready.

What’s going on? Why aren’t I sleeping?

Though I didn’t get home last night until 1:30AM, I’ve got things to write.

You see, I’m just back from a creative writing residency as part of the Stonecoast MFA program in Creative Writing, at the University of Southern Maine–I’m brimming with ideas, energy, . . . → Read More: How to Choose a Creative Writing MFA Program

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Resolutions, Goals, and Improving Your Craft

By Kendall Giles, on January 6th, 2012
kindle fire five slices of death

I made a resolution to myself years ago that I would make a serious effort to pursue and improve my writing.

I’ve always been interested in writing stories and telling tales–hey, maybe I’ll even write a novel one day–but somehow job, career, and family always seemed to take a higher priority. And so no progress was made toward my goal.

There wasn’t enough time left over at the end of the day . . . → Read More: Resolutions, Goals, and Improving Your Craft

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Stonecoast Follies

By Kendall Giles, on July 14th, 2011
Stonecoast hallelujah

Each evening at a Stonecoast residency is devoted to enrichment and learning across all genres of expression. One of the evenings is devoted to the “Stonecoast Follies,” a showcase of the amazing talent of the faculty and students who make Stonecoast such an amazing experience. The Stonecoast Follies is legendary, and this year’s show was amazing.

Let me be clear: these folks are writers by day, talents extraordinaire by night.

My pictures do not do . . . → Read More: Stonecoast Follies

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Stonecoast: halfway through a residency

By Kendall Giles, on July 13th, 2011
stonecoast mfa game night

A Stonecoast residency is very intense. After five days of catching the bus at 7:45AM each morning and ending programmed activities each evening around 10:00PM or so, not counting extra workshop assignments, catching up on laundry, email, and phone calls to home, the intense work ethic and lack of sleep does take its tole.

So the built-in release valve of a few hours “off” after the first workshop has completed . . . → Read More: Stonecoast: halfway through a residency

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