In "MFA vs NYC: The Two Cultures of American Fiction," writer and cultural thinker Chad Harbach talks about the two routes available to those with literary aspirations who want to pursue a career in creative writing.
One could either move to New York City and write. Or one could clock a couple years in Irvine, Calif., or Iowa City, Iowa--where two of the country's most prestigious writing programs are based--and earn an MFA.
This dichotomy inevitably brings up this question: can writing--and by extension, filmmaking, art-making--even be taught?
If you are a writer, artist or filmmaker, call in and tell us how you chose to pursue your chosen art form. Why did you decide to get a MFA? Or why not?
Guest:
Chad Harbach, editor of the new book of essays “MFA vs NYC: The Two Cultures of American Fiction” (n+1 / Faber and Faber, 2014). He is also a founder of n+1 magazine, a literary journal based in New York, and the author of bestselling novel “The Art of Fielding” (Little, Brown and Company, 2011)