2025 will be the year that I complete my DIY MFA.

I began my self-curated MFA studies a few years ago, but found myself sidetracked by other projects. This year, however, I am determined to deepen my writing knowledge. And, because I’ve committed to chatting with you all on daily basis, I intend to share some of my studies with you. Plus, by putting the news into the universe, I’m attempting to keep myself accountable.

Below is the curriculum I’ve created:

Semester 1 – Winter 2025 Analyzing Commercial Historical Fiction

Using READING LIKE A WRITER by Francine Prose, THE EMOTIONAL CRAFT OF FICTION by Donald Maass,, and other sources, I will do a deep dive into what works and doesn’t work for selected historical fiction. Analysis will include word choice, theme, plot structure, character arc, etc.

Semester 2 – Spring/Summer 2025 Online Continuing Education

Complete the Five-Course Wesleyan College Creative Writing Specialization Course

Complete the University of Virginia Historical Fiction Writing Course.

Attend the Historical Novel Society North American Conference

Semester 3 – Fall 2025 Creative Non-Fiction

Text book: YOU CAN’T MAKE THIS STUFF UP by Lee Gutkind

Recommended Reading: Titles from Thought Company’s 100 Major Works of Creative Nonfiction

That’s it! If you’d like to join me in my studies, let me know. We can work together! In the meantime, keep an eye out for updates and analysis.

PS: If you have courses or works to recommend, please post them in the comments. Thanks.