How to Handle the Interview for Creative Writing (and not have a stroke)

  1. Don't panic. The interview is simply a way we get to know you on a personal level. We'll ask you complicated, soul-searching questions, like: What are your hobbies? Do you have brothers and sisters? What kind of music do you listen to? Yeah, tough stuff, right?
  2. Be yourself. Be honest. We want to know who you are, not which role you can play for ten minutes.
  3. Speaking of ten minutes - that's usually about the length of the interview. No marathons, just a few minutes of chit chat.
  4. Don't panic.
  5. Read some contemporary work ahead of time. One question we'll ask you, guaranteed: What do you like to read? If your answer is "Anything with vampires and the collected J.K. Rowling," we will probably roll our eyes at you. If you mention some contemporary poets or short fiction writers, you'll score big points. If you need a list of contemporary poets and fiction writers, download a list we've compiled. (link here) In other words, get the list. Read some of the authors. Tell us what you think about them. PS Know the names of the authors you read.
  6. Don't panic.
  7. We want to accept students who are passionate about learning how to write. If you seem apathetic, or if you say things like, "My mom made me apply" or "I'm just looking for a way to get out of the house," we probably won't meet again.
  8. Did we mention not to panic?
  9. Another question we'll ask is: How often do you write? Tip: The correct answer is not, "When I'm really sad or bummed out."
  10. Laugh at George's jokes.
  11. Be familiar with your own work. We'll probably ask about your fiction or poetry.
  12. Don't ask us for critiques. Unfortunately, we don't have time to comment on everyone's work.
  13. Please ask questions about the program. Your curiosity about what we do translates into palpable passion (see #7 above).
  14. Don't panic.
  15. And don't panic.