The Rebel MFA Seed
When I first planted the seed of my Rebel MFA Degree (which you can read here), I had no idea that it would grow into The Rebel MFA Way, The Rebel MFA Sanctuary, and also include Rebel MFA Publications.
I knew that I wanted to design my Rebel MFA Degree for myself because I needed it, but the more I dug into why I needed it, the more I realized that it went beyond just a degree and learning. I realized the concept applied to spaces like writing platforms, publishing, writing communities, and more.
And the more I started talking to others about what I was doing around my Rebel MFA Degree, the more I began to understand that what I was doing wasn’t just for me… it was for everyone who had ever felt held back by ridiculous standards or by opportunities that they never even had the luxury to reach in the first place.
In other words, yet again, something I created for me no longer belonged to just me… I realized it belonged to everyone.
And that realization opened up a vision that I hadn’t known I’d had.
Once it was there though — I couldn’t unsee it. I couldn’t unknow it.
It was one of the most beautiful visions and dreams I’ve ever had and it’s become one of my North Stars now. Guiding me forward when I feel untethered and unsure of where I’m going next.
Painting the Vision
Get comfy and settle into your space for a moment.
Imagine a virtual writing sanctuary that you can become a part of that has everything your heart desires when it comes to writing. In this sanctuary you can:
Find other writers to talk about writing with
Find other writers who write in the same genre or medium that you do
Have dedicated writing times with facilitated writing sessions
Pop into facilitated journaling sessions
Have your cards read as it relates to writing and creativity
Have access to workshops, seminars, and classes on writing
Learn how to teach workshops
Learn how to lead seminars and classes
Learn how to facilitate workshops, seminars, journaling groups, etc.
Actually TEACH workshops, seminars, classes on writing and creativity
Discover, learn, and grow as a writer in a way that supports your creative vision
Build your writing platform with support from other writers
Get paid to write what you want to write, how you want to write it
Publish your work under an independent publisher that respects authors and their work in a fair and equitable way
Can you see it now? Is this vision coming to life? Because I can see it. I see it blossoming and blooming right behind my eyelids. I see the variety of voices and the diversity of authors coming together to tell their magnificent stories in all different ways. I see the celebration of so many writers who may not have had a chance to get their stories seen until they stepped foot into the Sanctuary.
Now, it’s a vision for a reason. Because it hasn’t happened yet. I’m not there… not even close.
But the seeds have been planted. And the seedling sprouted faster than I could have anticipated.
So I know that I’m on the right track.
I have to believe this is another space in my life where I have to trust that the Universe is working on my behalf. That there is some cosmic plan for this very vision and it is going to happen when it’s supposed to happen.
That is the nature of trusting in the unknown, after all.
And while it terrifies the shit out of me to put this extremely important vision into the hands of the unknown, I know it’s what I have to do.
And the best part of all of this is that I get to share the vision with all of you. In my community. With the people who have been with me since I planted the seed.
Isn’t it a special kind of magic to witness the growth of a seed as it transforms and blossoms and flowers?
Come join us in the Rebel MFA Sanctuary and get a free copy of my new release Forged in Fire: Writing Fiction to Heal
Every tier gets a free copy!
