What are we doing here? The question's claimed permanent residency in my head. With AI closing in from every direction, threatening to colonize all human interactions, I've been thinking about what we do in this writing program and trying to work out why it (still) matters.   The truth is, writing's always been under threat, not only from technology, but from the easier paths through life: the surface, the obvious, the already-said. AI is the latest incarnation of this threat

Here's the truth: As an MFA program chair, I read hundreds of personal statements every year. Most are forgettable, some are painful, and a select few make me think, "We NEED this person in our program." What's the difference between a forgettable personal statement and a memorable one? It's understanding that your personal statement isn't a cover letter or a resume recap—it's a literary document unto itself. It's a personal essay that should be as well-written, as carefully

Here's what nobody tells you about becoming a writer: it's not only about what you do—it's about what you stop doing. The most successful...

Originally presented as a virtual information session for prospective MFA students at California College of the Arts Deciding whether to...

The Bay Area literary scene can feel overwhelming when you're new—a sprawling network of bookstores, weekly reading series, and coffee...

This fall, the MFA in Writing program at California College of the Arts is throwing open the doors to our literary home for a very...

On May 15, 2025, the CCA MFA in Writing program gathered in the Homeroom for an unforgettable evening of words, warmth, and community....

It's one of the most common—and complicated—questions that comes up in an MFA program: Is now the right time to publish?   This is a...

Around here, we believe that writing is both an individual pursuit and a collective endeavor. We write alone—but we build our writing...

What does it take to become a writer? For Libby Flores, associate publisher at BOMB Magazine, the journey was anything but traditional....

by Jasmin Darznik, Chair of MFA Writing at California College of the Arts It is that time of year, the time of year where the acceptances...

WHY DID YOU WANT TO INTERN AT A LITERARY MAGAZINE? During undergrad I was a staff reader and eventually the Head of Literature for The...

WHY CCA? What attracted me the most about studying at CCA was the open concept of the school, in all terms of the word. I adored the idea...

Program Chair Jasmin Darznik is one of five recipients of this year's Creative Citizens Award. Jasmin will use the grant to collaborate...

We're thrilled to announce that Zeina Hashem Beck has joined our community, leading one-on-one mentorships with our students. “Zeina...