FAQ

How is the brief-residency program at Eastern set up?

• Each year, students will participate in one to three on-site writing residencies. Students may choose to attend the annual Winter Residency (a 12-day event held each year during early January in Lexington, KY), the annual Summer Residency (held each year in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico*), or a combination of both residencies. Students choosing to travel to Mexico may study for two weeks (earning credit for one residency) or for a full month (earning credit for two residencies). During each residency, students will participate in workshops with fellow students, and attend readings and lectures. They will also prepare for the online coursework that will take place during the regular semester following each residency. Students will spend each regular semester at home, interacting with mentors and other students online and through conference calls.

*The Summer Residency in Mexico is hosted by EKU in partnership with the creative writing programs of the University of New Orleans and Cal-State University, Fresno.

Why pursue a brief-residency program at Eastern?

• Ours is far more affordable than most other brief-residency programs in the nation
• We provide our students access to many more writers than a traditional resident program
• Students can work full-time and still complete their degrees
• Students don't need to move to campus to take classes
• We offer opportunities to study in multiple creative genres – poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction
• We offer opportunities to study abroad

Do you admit unpublished writers?

Yes, of course. Most students in the program are unpublished writers who aspire to publication. The program is designed to prepare unpublished writers to produce work of  publishable quality.

Do I need to complete the degree program in two consecutive years?

No. The two-year time frame is the minimum required to complete the degree. The maximum allowable time period for completion is seven years from the start date.

Will I work with the same faculty mentor throughout my time as a student?

No. Our curriculum is designed to expose students to multiple points-of-view and creative philosophies. Thus, students will have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of authors.