D.C. Dubs - Experience Reviews

For years, I've been searching for various experiences to grow as a writer. When I was researching different conferences and challenges, I was often frustrated that I couldn't find reviews to help me decide to try something or not, so I thought I'd share my own reviews on some of my experiences.

Pocket MFA (2024)

Inspired by my friend, who was looking for writing programs, I discovered PocketMFA in January 2024. PocketMFA offers a mentored-guided workshop experience modeled after a traditional MFA. Since it was new, I was a little apprehensive, but several mutual connections knew people involved and it seemed like a great project to occupy myself while my husband was deployed.

I am so glad I tried PocketMFA. Not only did I learn a lot from my mentor, Sydney J. Shields, but I truly learned own my writing process. Two years later, and a majority of my workshop group--4 out of the 7 writers--continue to meet They're genuinely my friends, a great support system, and writers I respect and trust.

Takeaway: It is a decent time commitment--2.5 hour workshops every week, plus assignments outside of the workshop--and fairly expensive, but it was well-suited for what I needed at that particular time of my life. If my husband had not been deployed, I doubt I would've tried it.

Author Mentor Match (2022)

I applied to Author Mentor Match (no longer active) in 2022 with my middle grade fantasy book. Receiving the email that a mentor wanted to read more was one of the most exciting writing milestones ever! Ultimately, the mentor did not select me, but she did invite me into a casual writing group, where I ultimately made great writing friends and joined a writing critique group. Now we've been meeting for... four years?? The mentor also gave me helpful insight and great resources that changed the way I wrote, and I will be eternally grateful for the support and the next stepping stone.

Takeaway: When there are reputable writing programs to find mentors and support, apply.

Writing Retreat @ Boyd Mills (Highlights Foundation) (2023)

In 2023, I decided that before the birth of my first child, a writing retreat would be the perfect birthday gift, especially during my husband's two month work trip. I learned about Boyd Mills (at the time, called Highlights Foundation) and saw they offered personal writing retreats. We didn't live far, and my husband told me to go for it.

From the moment I parked on the campus and entered my writing cabin, I felt the magic. My cabin was cozy and clean, and it truly felt like my own little world to escape to. All the meals were provided, and as awkward as it is to stumble around an unfamiliar place and strike up small talk with strangers, I know I'm better for it. (The food was also delicious, might I add.)

Takeaway: Boyd Mills offers so much for groups and individuals, and it truly felt like a place that has been inhabited by creativity and magic. I can't wait to go back one day.

NYC Midnight Short Story Contest (2018-2021)

I discovered NYC Midnight's contests at the end of 2017 and signed up for their short story contest in 2018. I loved my fiction workshops in college, and this was a great opportunity to dive back into short story writing. I'd never written horror before, but when I was assigned horror, advice, and a very tall woman, I was thrilled with the story I came up with. I received honorable mention for the first round, and signed up again for the following year, in which I also received an honorable mention. In 2020, my short story involving the fantasy genre, a jeweler, and marriage counseling placed third, and I ultimately sent on to the second and third (out of four) rounds. It was this fantasy short story that showed me that despite my initial reluctance to write fantasy, it was where I belonged as a writer.

Takeaway: Unfortunately, the cost of the contest has increased over the years (I think my first year it was $30 or $35), but it's a great way to hold yourself accountable to writing (the contest has a very specific time frame) and push yourself to try something new. Some stories were definitely weaker than others, but I enjoyed pushing myself. If you're looking for a challenge or something to accomplish in a shorter time frame, this might be for you.

Pocket MFA (2024)

Author Mentor Match (2022)

Writing Retreat @ Boyd Mills (Highlights Foundation) (2023)

NYC Midnight Short Story Contest (2018-2021)

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