Meet the Grad: Olivia Ghafoerkhan

July 19, 2015, on the final day of the upcoming residency, the MFAC program will have a Graduate Recognition ceremony to honor the men and women who have just completed their studies and will receive an MFA from Hamline University. Between now and residency we'll be posting interviews with the grads. Olivia Ghafoerkhan is today's grad; she lives in Woodbridge, Virginia.

What do you do when you’re not working on packets?

I have four young kids, and a very needy dog. When I’m not working on packets, I am Super Mom complete with cape. Okay, it’s a rumpled cape that needs ironing, and my uniform has a few stains in it, but there you go.

How did you hear about the Hamline MFAC Program?

An online search. I knew I needed something more, something to help me bring my writing to the next level, and I was desperately searching.

What was your writing experience prior to entering the program?

I studied creative writing at Florida State as an undergraduate student. Then I became a naptime novelist, writing in between parenting.

What do especially remember about your first residency?

Being extremely tired and somewhat overwhelmed. I’m not the most social person, and the constant interaction was a bit much for me at first. Now it’s one of the things I look forward to.

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’ve been working on novels most of the program. I do wish I had been brave enough to try a picture book.

Tell us about your Creative Thesis.

Story Spinners is about a young girl who is trying to save her sister in a world of fairytales and magic. The Story Spinners are hired by merchant families to create elaborate fairytales about their children in hopes of making a royal match. Ana’s stepfather creates such a fairytale for Ana, and she finds herself betrothed to a prince who is in love with his missing princess. Together they embark on a quest to save the missing princesses and uncover the truth about the Story Spinners.

What changes have you seen in your writing during your studies?

I am much more aware of the faults in my writing. Seriously, though, my writing, and my ability to self-edit, have grown tremendously throughout this program.

Any thoughts for entering students or for people considering the program?

Relax. Everyone is wonderful and supportive, there’s absolutely nothing to stress out about. Just work hard and try to enjoy every moment.

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The public is welcome to attend the graduate recognition ceremony on Sunday, July 19, 3:30pm, (Sundin Music Hall, Hamline University). Tim Federle is the speaker.

Meet the Grad: Zach Arrowsmith

July 19, 2015, on the final day of the upcoming residency, the MFAC program will have a Graduate Recognition ceremony to honor the men and women who have just completed their studies and will receive an MFA from Hamline University. Between now and residency we'll be posting interviews with the grads. Zach Arrowsmith is today's grad; he lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma

What do you do when you’re not working on packets?
When I’m not working on packets, I’m probably out in the yard planting flowers or running from snakes and snake-like earthworms. I also like to paint local architecture and find old antiques to restore or repurpose. Then there is Nintendo and, of course, Lego…both of which are big names in our house. Bigger than Oprah and Colonel Sanders.

How did you hear about the Hamline MFAC Program?
Honestly, I just stumbled upon it while researching nontraditional MFA programs. I think it was on a list of the top underrated programs that few people know about or something. I was like, “That sounds like me…I should give it a shot!” And then I saw the required reading list…and Chaucer wasn’t on it! So I signed up.

What was your writing experience prior to entering the program?
Just a few creative writing classes for my undergrad in English at the U of A. Workshops were not as lovely as they are at Hamline. There was, as they say, writers’ blood on the walls. And I’m a pacifist.

What do especially remember about your first residency?
Rumchata. And professors singing showtunes.

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 came in thinking I was going to do YA and that’s that and you can’t change me; however, my creative thesis was entirely picture books. Like Justin Bieber, I never say never, but I’ll probably not return to YA or self-indulgent first-person narrators in small-town Southern settings. On the flip side, I also came in thinking picture books were about ABCs and keeping pee in the potty. I am so pleased to walk away from the program having a deeper understanding of this genre. Not to sound like Celine Dion, but children are the world and they care so deeply about their stories. The people who write them should care that much, too.

Any thoughts for entering students or for people considering the program?
I know everyone says this, but do try to experiment across genres during your time at Hamline—even if just for one semester. That genre—or even the advisor you get—might say something to you that you might otherwise not have heard. Also, don’t worry too much about mixing potions to control your fate while in this program. I truly believe that you will have the advisor you’re meant to have at the exact moment you’re meant to have them. Everything will work out. Just keep your pen moving and, when you’re not writing, keep your nose in a crack.

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The public is welcome to attend the graduate recognition ceremony on Sunday, July19, 3:30pm, (Sundin Music Hall, Hamline University). Tim Federle is the speaker.