‘I want to be ripped to shreds’: writers flock to MFAs - but does it breed elitist literature?
Thousands of budding US novelists enlist in courses each year, hoping to gain credentials that often influence who gets publishedThomas Pynchon was known to avoid the press and refuse interviews. There are only two official photographs of the Gravity’s Rainbow author available publicly – one taken at high school, the other during his time in the navy.
Reported by 1 outlet — The Guardian US. See all sources ↓
Thousands of budding US novelists enlist in courses each year, hoping to gain credentials that often influence who gets publishedThomas Pynchon was known to avoid the press and refuse interviews. There are only two official photographs of the Gravity’s Rainbow author available publicly – one taken at high school, the other during his time in the navy. He is the embodiment of the American image of a great writer: a mysterious recluse who works in a turret alone.These days, the writerly lone wolf is more a myth than it is a reality. Most of today’s celebrated authors are trained in the profession and their qualification is the MFA (master of fine arts).
Read the full report at The Guardian US ↗
Why it matters
A world story we're tracking; its significance and source trust firm up as more outlets confirm it.
- What's the story?
- Thousands of budding US novelists enlist in courses each year, hoping to gain credentials that often influence who gets publishedThomas Pynchon was known to avoid the press and refuse interviews. There are only two official photographs of the Gravity’s Rainbow author available publicly – one taken at high school, the other during his time in the navy.
- How widely is it covered?
- 1 outlet, average source rating 8.0/10.
- When was it last updated?
- 7m ago.
How outlets are framing the same story
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- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
‘I want to be ripped to shreds’: writers flock to MFAs - but does it breed elitist literature?
Sources1TypeCoverageThe Guardian US