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

Why is it the life of kings? Think about it: Mencken had the opportunity to tell stories for a living. So as an aspiring writer, why not embody the spirit of this man? Especially in a city that has so much to uncover; so much to say. From the children of laid-off dockworkers in South Baltimore to the working mothers in West Baltimore’s row houses, everyone has a story. And nearly everyone who rose up from novice to novelist did so on the back of a creative writing degree, whether a conventional BA or MA or through a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program.

Maryland’s Creative Writing Classes, Courses, and Workshops Can Prepare You for a Creative Writing Degree

If you want to be a writer, then follow Cormac McCarthy’s advice: just start writing. For some, it’s easy to maintain that momentum from the beginning. Even if this sounds like you, you’ll benefit from tapping into Maryland’s writing community from Baltimore to the southern reaches of the Chesapeake Bay.

Find artists communities within your area. They don’t have to be formal organizations, either. They could be coffee shops where painters, poets, and musicians hang out. Creative energy is infectious. Surrounding yourself with people who harness it will inspire you to do the same.

Baltimore has more than a few creative communities. Seton Hill, Mount Vernon, and Downtown West contain the Bromo Tower Arts & Entertainment District, a buzzing hub of performance art. The Hippodrome Theatre, Everyman Theatre, and the Arena Players host both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions – a fantastic avenue where you can meet playwrights. The dramatic form may not be your forte, but as a creative writing student it’s helpful to study playwriting techniques, especially given its emphasis on using conflict-driven dialogue.

Another area to explore is the Highlandtown Arts & Entertainment District, which spans across Patterson Park, Highlandtown (obviously) and Greektown. The district is home of the Creative Alliance, an organization dedicated to “bringing together artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds to experience spectacular arts and education programs and engage in the creative process. Newsflash: you are one of those artists.

What about actual creative writing groups? These circles are a good primer for a BFA or MFA or other degree in creative writing, because they hone your ability to critique work. We’re talking about going beyond “I liked it” and evolving into “I believed everything the character did: her decisions made sense, especially given the tenacity she displayed in scene 2.”

Start with the Maryland Writers’ Association (MWA). You don’t have to be published to join, and it makes a point to include “aspiring, emerging, and established writers of all genres and disciplines.” Its membership is $50 per year, and you’ll get access to critiques from industry professionals, publishing opportunities, and discounted access to MWA events.

The MWA also sponsors dozens of critique circles throughout the state. You can join one even if you’re not a member of MWA – you just need to check which groups have open seats. (Try to have a solid critique circle with more than 20 writers; each critique session would take at least a day.) Some critique circles are open to all forms of prose. Others only accept poetry. The point is, you’ll be able to find a group that’s a good fit for you. Here are a few examples: