A writer cannot simply sit around, hoping that an idea for a book will just magically appear. Instead, they have to leave their home and experience the world around them. And because money does not grow on trees, they will be prevented from experiencing everything they’ve ever wanted. But if that’s the case, then a person needs to find adventures closer to home and just constantly be aware of the emotions at play when they do something as simple as swimming in a nearby lake or experiencing a new culture by walking into a different restaurant, church, or club.
-Rachel Jelinek, The Missouri Review blog
Affording the MFA 