I know I’ve been a bit coy about my grad school plans, but as you might be able to tell from the above wristband I’ve made my decision. I am happy to announce that in the fall I will be starting an MFA program at The New School. I’m not sure I could be more excited about this amazing opportunity.
I’ve wanted to get an MFA since before I even started college. Part of me gave up on that dream when I decided I wanted to write young adult books, instead of literary fiction. I know that it is possible to get an traditional MFA and write for/about teenagers (i.e. one of my favorite authors Curtis Sittenfeld and Prep, and my friend Besty Cornwell and Tides), but that didn’t feel like the right move for me.
That’s why I am really thrilled that I will be in a program specifically focused on writing for children.
I still remember the first time I heard that a program in children’s writing existed. I was sitting at the National Book Festival listening to Jenny Han and Siobahn Vivian talk about their book Burn for Burn, and they said they met at The New School’s MFA program for children’s writers. Now, I can’t believe I’m going to be in that program.
I was happy to have the ability to choose between a few different programs. I’m not going to lie, The New School and moving to New York completely intimidated me (it still kind of does). I spent last week in New York, learning more about the city and meeting my future professors and classmates. While I was listening to current students read, everything came together for me. It might be scary, but I knew this would be a good place for me to develop my craft and my future career.
So yeah, some big things are on the horizon. I’m still querying my novel and yesterday passed the threshold on 10,000 words on a first draft of a new WIP. I’m moving to New York and am going to be studying with so many industry professionals and amazing authors (including one of my favorites, David Levithan!!!).
I’m sure there are at least a few panic attacks in my future, but for now I just feel really excited and proud of myself. Thanks to everyone who’s been reading my posts about making this decision and sending me messages of support. I’m excited to keep you all posted in the days to come!
Alison Doherty 
Congrats! That’s awesome!
Alison, this is so exciting! There’s no place like NY, and the program sounds amazing. You will have the time of your life carving a successful path for yourself. Congratulations!
Congratulations! New York can be intimidating, but once you find your feet there it is a rich and nurturing place to be an artist.
Congratulations! This is very exciting! Looking forward to the adventures this brings your way! 🙂
Good for you, Alison!!! So excited for you! (And jealous … I will always have a tiny twinge of regret that I cancelled my enrollment at VCFA!)
This is wonderful, Alison. Best of everything.
Thats great. Good luck on your new adventure.