How to Become a Writer in New Mexico with a BFA, MFA or Similar Creative Writing Degree

Creative Writing Classes, Courses, and Workshops in New Mexico Can Prepare You for a Creative Writing Degree

Ask most writers and they’ll tell you they’re inspired by other writers. A good writer is born out of an avid reader, so you’ll find that even the literary world’s biggest writers draw inspiration from other writers. Edgar Allen Poe, for example, was long inspired by his childhood hero, the famed poet Lord Byron. And Emily Dickinson’s poetry was influenced by seventeenth century poets like John Keats and Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Learning from, working alongside, and drawing inspiration from other writers in a writing community is one of the best ways to begin exploring your creative skillset and finding your voice. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of writing classes, workshops, and events to get you off the couch and connecting with fellow writers.

Southwest Writers, based out of Albuquerque, is a great meeting place for both published and unpublished writers who work in all genres of fiction and nonfiction. You’ll enjoy plenty of support and encouragement from your peers as you participate in lively workshops like “Wildness in Your Writing,” “Taking It to the Next Level,” and “Writing Your Memoir.” And each year, they host a writing contest that includes more than 58 awards across 20 categories.

Albuquerque’s New Mexico State Poetry Society has been around for more than 50 years for the sole purpose of promoting “the creation and appreciation of poetry throughout New Mexico.” This community of poets welcomes all poets of expertise in all genres and formats to participate in its many events and activities held throughout the state. Poetry slams, contests, and an annual convention are just some of the opportunities available to aspiring poets. Become a member (annual membership cost is just $20) and you’ll enjoy member rates for entering state and national poetry contests and the opportunity to promote yourself and your work on the Meet Our Members page of their website.

Literary magazines serve as a great way to enjoy the work of your peers and even begin publishing your own original work. The Blue Mesa Review, the literary magazine of the University of New Mexico’s Department of English Language and Literature, is always amenable to submissions of previously unpublished material, and their previous issues are up and available on their website for your perusal.

El Portal is Eastern New Mexico’s University’s literary journal that’s been around since 1939. Today, they publish poetry, fiction, photography, and art. Send your previously unpublished short stories, creative nonfiction, flash fiction, and poetry and your original work could grace the pages of this literary gem.

Writing Colleges in New Mexico Offering Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Creative Writing Provide a Path to Becoming a Writer

Once you’ve become a regular in New Mexico’s literary community, you’ll find taking your craft to the next level to be a natural progression. But before you can leap from amateur to pro, you’ll need a solid program of study in creative writing to give you the preparation and practice you’ll need to succeed.

Arts and fine arts degrees – namely the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) – have become the gold standard in creative writing programs, and for good reason. You’ll be challenged to become a better reader, writer, and critic; you’ll put your newly acquired skills into practice; and you’ll benefit from personalized guidance and mentoring from faculty members who are also often practicing writers and scholars.

Thanks to a growing number of on-campus and online bachelor’s and master’s  programs in creative writing, you’re sure to find a program in New Mexico or beyond that meets your needs and aligns with your career goals.