Let’s check in with Anna Lindsey, January 2024 grad from Austin, Texas.
Anna, how did you fill your time when you weren’t working on packets?
I have two small children and a non-writing career, so there never seemed to be much spare time to fill! But I’ve also found that I work better under pressure, or as Elana K. Arnold likes to call it, creative constraint. That’s part of why I joined the program, to figure out how to fit writing into my otherwise very busy life. In between packets, I tried to squeeze in reading books written for adults as a little palate cleanser, which helped me have a mental break before diving into the next packet.
How did you hear about the Hamline MFAC program?
I had long heard about how great Hamline MFAC was through various writing groups, social media posts, etc. I attended information sessions and did a lot of research, but what really encouraged me to apply was when a member of my writing group enrolled at Hamline. I followed her journey and asked her a lot of questions. The more I heard about the program, the more convinced I was that I wanted to be a part of it.
What was your writing experience prior to entering the program?
I’ve always loved to write, and I write a lot in my professional career, albeit for very different audiences. In terms of creative writing, I’ve been working on young adult novels for years, attending writing conferences and workshops, and participating in various writing-focused organizations. These were all great experiences, but I wanted a deeper, more thorough education, which is why I sought out the program.
Tell us a favorite residency memory.
Residency is my favorite part of the program, so it’s hard to choose a single memory. I would go back to residency tomorrow if they’d let me. One moment that stands out, probably because I’ve been thinking a lot about poetry lately, is my last student reading. At residency, we have informal student readings where you can get up and share what you’re working on with your fellow students and faculty. It’s so intimidating at first, but then you realize it’s an incredible opportunity to share your creativity with the most receptive, supportive audience in an intimate setting. I am not a poet, but my creative thesis included a lot of poetry (Thanks, Laura Ruby!). So at my last student reading, I read a poem I wrote made up of lines from other poems. I’ll never forget the row of advisors cheering me on, snapping their fingers, and calling out the names of the poets I borrowed from. It was a beautiful, affirming moment for me, especially after reading something so far out of my comfort zone.
Can you share a little about your creative thesis?
My creative thesis was a contemporary YA novel that I dreamed up during downtime at my first in-person residency. I loved the idea, but I just sat with it for a while because it terrified me. The novel covers some difficult topics today’s teens are facing, and I’d never written anything like it before. Also, as I began exploring the story, it became clear that I would need to incorporate non-prose elements like social media and poetry, which felt like a Herculean task. I was lucky to work with Laura Ruby and Brandy Colbert in third and fourth semester, because they both helped me find my way into and through this complex story.
What did you write your extended critical essay about?
My extended critical essay was all about how young adult authors can effectively incorporate social media into their work. I write contemporary YA, so this topic is something that I think about a lot in my own writing. It only made sense to examine the topic further through a critical lens. I truly enjoyed learning more about it and speaking with authors about their choices, which made the critical essay less of a burden and more of an exploration. It also greatly informed my creative thesis, which was a nice bonus.
What changes have you noticed in your writing since MFAC?
This is a difficult question to answer, because I liken it to being a frog in a pot of boiling water. Immersing yourself in children’s literature and craft discussions with some of the greatest kidlit writers of our time can only have a positive impact on your writing. Each advisor I worked with brought a particular strength to the table, and I could definitely feel their influence in my writing as we worked together throughout the course of a semester. For example, when I was struggling to find depth in my characters, I got assigned to work with Coe Booth. We spent so much time digging deeper into my characters and their motivations. Even now when I’m writing new characters, I hear Coe’s voice in my head urging me to keep asking questions to get to the heart of their stories. I also regularly refer back to my lecture notes when I’m struggling with a particular craft question. The quality of our faculty lectures is unmatched.
Any thoughts for those considering the program?
If you’re considering the program, it’s really important to think about what you’re hoping to get out of it. I wanted to build a consistent writing practice and strengthen my writing community. After speaking with many current students and alumni, I felt confident that Hamline MFAC would help me achieve both of those goals. If you’re looking for a shortcut to getting your work published, this is not the program for you. If you want to build connections, strengthen your writing process, and grow in your craft, there’s no better place. Of course, we all hope we’ll get published too, but the journey is so much more important than the destination when it comes to Hamline MFAC.
