Browsing Tag MFA

Poetry Mafia Redux- The Poetry Guild System is Alive and Well

As I pointed out in an earlier blog post, creative writing programs have a virtual stranglehold on publication in literary reviews and journals. Moreover, spots in readings are doled out to those who either teach in a graduate writing program, or take a degree from a graduate writing program. As a tangible example I just received a listing of speakers/readers for the more...

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On The Poetry Mafia, Guilds, Interlocking Directorates, MFAs and The Emperor’s New Clothes

Over thirty years ago I read an article in a prominent writer's magazine referring to the "poetry mafia". Although the article was well done, and well on point, it has occurred to me over the intervening years that "mafia" is a bit too strong. I would refer to the concept more as a poetry or literary guild or, in the idiom of business, literary interlocking more...

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