MFA Alumni Testimonials

“After decades as a journalist, I enrolled in the Converse Low Residency MFA program to study fiction. Caring and talented mentors and exceptional faculty members have given me a whole new way of thinking about writing. The program made me a better writer, not only in fiction but also in journalism. I am much more observant of the world around me.” – Lyn Riddle”I am so grateful for the one-on-one attention I received from my faculty mentors. It’s one thing to listen to an accomplished writer lecture to a class, but it’s quite another to sit face-to-face with them and discuss your writing in depth.” – Sarah Gray”The most important characteristic of any MFA program is the quality of the faculty, and the Converse faculty is outstanding. They care about writing; they care about their students; and they encourage excellence. The opportunity to work closely during the mentoring semesters with the poetry faculty attracted me to the program, and the faculty exceeded even my lofty expectations.” – Philip Belcher, The Flies and Their Lovely Names“I was already a multi-published novelist before I attended Converse, but the MFA program helped me improve my fiction-writing skills tenfold. A caring and insightful faculty, well-run workshops and a stimulating residency experience—all made for a singular learning experience. Great for writers of any experience level.” – Karin Gillespie, fiction student and author of Bet Your Bottom Dollar, and A Dollar Short, Dollar Daze and co-author of The Sweet Potato Queens’ First Big-Ass Novel“I can’t imagine finding a better faculty to study under or a better group of classmates to learn with. Here you’ll be challenged, encouraged, supported, and rewarded, ultimately unveiling something of yourself you didn’t know existed.”- Noel Miller, fiction student”It’s been one of the best and most fulfilling life experiences I’ve ever had. I think anyone would be hard pressed to find a better, more intense, more immersive and wonderful low-residency MFA. I can’t imagine having gone anywhere else.” – Kathleen Nalley, poetry student and author of Nesting Doll, winner of the South Carolina Poetry Initiative Prize”Converse College’s MFA in Creative Writing program has brought back my love of poetry. The faculty, staff, and students are open, accessible, and talented, and I feel a wonderful sense of renewal when working with them.” – Gabrielle Freeman, poetry student