On July 20, 2014, the final day of the
upcoming residency, the MFAC program will have a Graduate Recognition ceremony,
honoring the men and women who have just completed their studies and will
receive an MFA from Hamline University. Between now and residency (July 11)
we'll be posting interviews with many of the grads. Maria Macioci is today's
grad; Last semester her paper “Letting Girls Play Too: Writing a Quality YA
Female Sports Novel” won the Jane Resh Thomas Prize for critical writing. Maria
lives in Brainerd, Minnesota.
What do
you do when you’re not working on packets?
I love reading, working out, teaching, hitting up garage sales, and hanging out with my awesome family and friends. Also, to pass the time while working out or sitting in stultifying meetings, I dream up these elaborate fantasies where I befriend celebrities.
I love reading, working out, teaching, hitting up garage sales, and hanging out with my awesome family and friends. Also, to pass the time while working out or sitting in stultifying meetings, I dream up these elaborate fantasies where I befriend celebrities.
How did
you hear about the Hamline MFAC Program?
I’m an English teacher, and I’d reached the point in my career where I wanted to pursue my graduate degree. I was looking for a low-residency program that didn’t take place on the moon or some other intangible venue (AKA an unaccredited, online “school”). I knew Hamline was an actual place with actual human beings. That’s the long answer. The short? Google.
I’m an English teacher, and I’d reached the point in my career where I wanted to pursue my graduate degree. I was looking for a low-residency program that didn’t take place on the moon or some other intangible venue (AKA an unaccredited, online “school”). I knew Hamline was an actual place with actual human beings. That’s the long answer. The short? Google.
What
was your writing experience prior to entering the program?
I’m an English teacher with a Communications degree as well, so I’ve always dabbled in writing of all types. In kindergarten, I wrote a moving essay about my deceased goldfish, David.
I’m an English teacher with a Communications degree as well, so I’ve always dabbled in writing of all types. In kindergarten, I wrote a moving essay about my deceased goldfish, David.
What do
you especially remember about your first residency?
Not much!
Not much!
Have
you focused on any one form (PB, novel, nonfiction; graphic novel) or age group
in your writing? Tried a form you never thought you’d try?
I’m currently writing a YA novel. I’d like to write a musical screenplay about my bestie Kristen Wiig and I doing quotidian, best friend things like eating at Cinnabon, rollerblading, barbequing, and singing. See question #1.
I’m currently writing a YA novel. I’d like to write a musical screenplay about my bestie Kristen Wiig and I doing quotidian, best friend things like eating at Cinnabon, rollerblading, barbequing, and singing. See question #1.
Tell us
about your Creative Thesis.
It’s a young adult novel that both exhilarates and stresses me out SO MUCH. It’s been a ton of fun, however, and I’d like it to be done this summer.
It’s a young adult novel that both exhilarates and stresses me out SO MUCH. It’s been a ton of fun, however, and I’d like it to be done this summer.
What
changes have you seen in your writing during your studies?
I’m much more confident and less rambly. As you can see by my use of highbrow terms like “less rambly”, I’ve gotten super awesome. Okay, I’m obviously kidding about the super awesome, but I’ve got to say that the Hamline instructors are just that – super awesome! They know their stuff, and since joining the program, I’ve learned so much. This experience has definitely been a life-changer.
I’m much more confident and less rambly. As you can see by my use of highbrow terms like “less rambly”, I’ve gotten super awesome. Okay, I’m obviously kidding about the super awesome, but I’ve got to say that the Hamline instructors are just that – super awesome! They know their stuff, and since joining the program, I’ve learned so much. This experience has definitely been a life-changer.
With
packet deadlines removed as an incentive, do you anticipate it will be harder
to keep writing? Any plans for your post-Hamline writing life?
Yes, I do anticipate it being more difficult. Post-Hamline, my plans are to keep writing and loving it!
Yes, I do anticipate it being more difficult. Post-Hamline, my plans are to keep writing and loving it!
Any
thoughts for entering students or for people considering the program?
Do it!
Do it!
***
The public is welcome to attend the graduate recognition
ceremony on Sunday, July 20, 3:30pm, (Anne Simley Theatre, Drew Fine Arts
Building). Vera Williams is the speaker.
Maria I love you Woman! Your writing touches on aspects of girlhood that often aren't represented. I have learned so much from you, love your smile and our Selena marathons, all girl all day!
ReplyDelete