Today for the #authortoolboxbloghop, I wanted to share one of my favorite writing resources. It is the diyMFA (Do-it-yourself Master of Fine Arts) book by Gabriela Periera. The title says it all – this book is set up to help you complete all the things you would do in a Master of Fine Arts program without the price of a university program. Not only is it perfect for the writer who wants to work towards a master degree, it’s also filled with tips to help any writer. There is also a website with even more resources for writers, and you can check it out here.
The book is not a typical craft book. It focuses on writing with focus, reading with purpose, and building your community. It is designed to help you finish your novel, and has been an excellent motivator for me. I’ve also met some great people through the book’s community.
One of the things I like most about the book is the way you can tailor it to fit your needs as a writer. Gabriela has created a guideline to follow, but you choose the resources and customize the exercises to fit within your realm of writing, be it fiction or nonfiction. You can even take it a step further and make it genre-specific.
Right now Gabriela is hosting a book club, and I’m really enjoying it. She sends out prompts that help get your creative juices flowing. (I’ll have more on that in a later post.) There is also a facebook group where you can connect with other writers. If you’re interested in participating, you can sign up here. I recommend it for anyone who’s working to finish up their manuscript, or for anyone who wants to connect with other writers.
Have you read the book? If so, what did you think? Are you already participating in the book club? Let me know in the comments!
You can follow along with the #authortoolboxbloghop, or join in if you want. All the details are here.
I’m leaning toward joining this book club! I actually met Gabriela at a conference a couple of years back. My copy is signed. 🙂
Cool! I’ve really enjoyed it so far. 🙂
Hi! This sounds like a cool resource! And definitely more doable for most than taking university classes 🙂
Leslie
Yes, one the things I really love about it. 🙂
Sounds like a fine resource. We should all work on our DIY MFA’s 🙂
🙂
I’ve heard about this book (I think Raimey mentioned it in a past blog hop post?) and I’m so curious about it. I’ve been trying to cobble together a DIY writing education from in-person classes and syllabi I’ve been able to find online for writing classes, but maybe I just need a little more guidance from a book like diyMFA. Thanks for sharing!
It’s a great resource. You should check it out! 🙂
Sounds really interesting. I’ll have to check it out
🙂
I had been wondering what this book and program was about. It’s cool to see someone like Gabriela reaching out to help the community learn and save money in the process!
I’ve found it quite helpful. 🙂
Gabriela is an amazing person. I met her at a conference, and her insight into editing was amazing. I still need to grab a copy of her book and sign up for the book club. Thanks for reminding me.
Cool. Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
I haven’t, but I’m sure it works for you. We are all so different in the writing community. Each journey is as unique as the writer following it. Enjoy and when you find gold make sure you share. hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
🙂
Thanks for sharing: I’ve never heard of this book before, but it looks really interesting 🙂
It’s been helpful for me! 🙂
Oh, this sounds like my kind of book! I love to read writing-related books. I won’t be able to get my MFA, so that makes this book that much more intriguing. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂
Read the book, met the author — love them both. It’s a terrific resource, accessible and terrifically useful — thanks for sharing your perspective!
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
That is so cool how the books also introduces you to a community. I haven’t heard of that one but I am definitely taking a peek at it this weekend 🙂
🙂
Sounds interesting, I’m going to check it out. I always love to learn new things about writing!
Glad you liked the post. 🙂
This sounds interesting, and the book club seems enriching. I’ll check it out! Thank you, Charity.
Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
Looks like a great writer’s resource page. Thanks for this…bookmarked it.
This is one of those books I come across every so often, I tend to look into, then get busy and forget about. However, your post makes me think now is the time to jump in. I’m off to buy my copy now (before I get busy and forget again!). 😉
Hope you enjoy the book! 🙂
Hi Charity! I just came across your lovely write-up of the DIY MFA book now and wanted to say THANK YOU for sharing the book with fellow writers. Your post seriously made my day and I’m so thrilled that you’ve found the book useful. Keep writing and keep being awesome!
Oh, good! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for all the tips and the encouragement! 🙂