January 28, 2015

Have a Book You Want to Write? This Program is for You…

I’m a mentor-advisor in the University of King’s College/Dalhousie University’s Creative Nonfiction MFA program (the only one of its kind in Canada). Our students are professionals (of various kinds, not only journalists) working on book projects. It’s low-residency, so students come to Halifax for 2 weeks in August (and, in alternating years, Toronto or New York for a week in early January) and the rest of the time work on their projects in their hometowns. Take a look at the information below and feel free to get in touch if you want to know more.

OVERVIEW
The University of King’s College School of Journalism and the Dalhousie University Faculty of Graduate Studies jointly offer the only master of fine arts in creative nonfiction degree in Canada. In this two-year limited residency program, students combine short, intense residencies with ongoing one-to-one mentoring from professional nonfiction writer-teachers. Students can continue to live and work wherever they choose while they pursue this degree.
     During summer residencies on the campus at the University of King’s College, students deepen their understanding of the art and craft of creative nonfiction writing through lectures, seminars, panels, workshops, and readings as well as work intensively on their own projects with their mentors. During two short winter residencies, one in New York and one in Toronto, North America’s publishing capitals, students learn about the latest trends in the publishing industry and discuss their writing projects with editors, agents, and publishers. Between residencies, students continue to work off-campus on their two major projects–a nonfiction book proposal and their book manuscript–with the support and guidance of their mentors.
     If you have an idea for a nonfiction book, or want to take your creative nonfiction writing to the next level, this two-year MFA will give you a degree, a polished book proposal, and a substantial portion of your finished manuscript.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have obtained an undergraduate degree (normally an honours degree) in any discipline, with an average grade of B or better. You must also submit a portfolio of nonfiction writing with your application. While it is not a requirement for admission, you are encouraged to include with your submission a description of the idea or ideas you want to pursue as your major creative nonfiction project. Registered students will be issued a T2202A to confirm their status as full-time for tax purposes. As a full time student you are also eligible to be considered for full-time student loans.

http://www.ukings.ca/fr/master-fine-arts-creative-nonfiction