I have been a big fan of DIY MFA since I first heard Gabriela Pereira speak at the Writer's Digest conference in August 2014. As an educator, I responded to her strong ability to command her classroom's attention; deliver a clear and detailed lesson, chock-full of advice and information; and show confidence in her audience's ability to absorb and understand the material. Since that conference, I have become a columnist for the DIY MFA website and a proud member of Gabriela's team. I'm also a member of the Street Team for the book, and received an ARC to review.
As previous reviewers have mentioned, this book is divided into the three main pillars of DIY MFA: Writing, Reading and Community. All three sections could easily stand alone as their own manuals for writing craft, purposeful reading, and building a writing tribe. The fact that they exist under one cover makes this book a must-have for any writer, no matter where she is on her writing journey.
What I've always loved best about DIY MFA, though, is Gabriela's strong voice. Reading her writing, from this book to the website and her "Word Nerd" email list, is like talking to a friend who's not afraid to tell you what she thinks, but also respects your individuality. She knows what works for herself, but also goes out of her way to find methods that work for others, and suggests them all as answers to your writing questions. This book reveals that Gabriela's own path to writing success comes from much trial-and-error, failures that turned into learning opportunities, and "iterations" (a favorite word of hers) to improve her habits. The authenticity of that path gives Gabriela credibility as both a writer and an educator. I admire her because she does what I personally try (and sometimes fail) to do: pursue continuous growth and learning about myself and my chosen career path. If Gabriela were to write this book again in ten years, I bet it could be twice as long, given that she continues to learn and share what she's learned about the world of writing.
If you only read one book about writing this year, make it this one!
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Reviews with images
DIY MFA is a lifesaver
This book should be on your desk—within reach at all times. First, Gabriela Pereira's DIY MFA program wrenched me out of my writer's imposter syndrome, after years of writing and hiding it! She gave me permission, no, she demanded that I call myself a writer during a talk at a Writer's Digest conference, and I've done so ever since. Second, DIY MFA saved my life when I was stumbling around trying to build an author's platform. Whatever success I've had there, is down to GP and DIY MFA—saved my life twice, and the simple act of opening the book renews faith, hope and energy.
Top reviews from other countries
JaneTruelightbooks
A MFA can happen with good guidelines in a Book
Reviewed in Canada on February 8, 2022
M. A. G. Nolan
Want to write? Buy this.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2021Pearl
Not ideal for comic writers
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 26, 2019Athena
Also a great overview of many of the tools writers need in ...
Reviewed in Canada on December 5, 2017