Our Mission
The Solstice Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program of Pine Manor College is designed to help students reach their full potential as writers through a demanding curriculum that balances the workshop experience with the study of literary craft, criticism, and theory. The program embraces a wide range of voices and artistic approaches in its faculty and its students, establishing a learning environment that fosters community and celebrates the individual. Working with some of the best writers in the country, students of Pine Manor College's MFA program emerge with a deep, well-rounded knowledge of their art, a strategy for continuing the development of their creative vision, and a supportive circle of peers and mentors.
We are co-educational, inclusive, and affordable; our diverse and dedicated faculty is committed to helping students of all backgrounds achieve their writing goals.
Why a Low Residency Program?
The low-residency format enables students to pursue their writing goals while balancing the demands of work and family; learning to do so is essential for any writer who wishes to establish a sustainable creative practice. Our program ensures that students can complete their MFA in two years without having to quit their jobs, or leave home and family for more than 10 days per semester (July and January).
During the 10-day residencies, students and faculty gather on Pine Manor’s lovely, wooded campus — set on 60 acres a mere five miles from downtown Boston. Students attend workshops, classes, lectures, panel discussions, and readings, and are matched with a faculty mentor with whom to work during the intensive, six-month semester to follow.
Because our student-faculty mentor ratio is never more than one to five, students receive highly focused attention from some of our nation’s best authors.
Also, unlike many low-residency programs, Solstice offers need-based scholarships, in addition to fellowships in each genre.
The summer 2010 / fall semester residency will take place from July 9 to July 18.
The winter 2011 / spring semester residency will take place from December 31, 2010 to January 9, 2011
Please see our Application Guidelines for more information about deadlines.