An academically rigorous,
low-residency MFA program
for those aspiring to recover a faithful, theologically rich
approach to creative writing.
The Camperdown Writers’ Kiln. What's in a name?
Only one Camperdown Elm has ever been found naturally occurring in the world; all others have been grafted from that original sole source. Our mission with the Camperdown program is to help writers develop the ability to tell stories that successfully imitate and honor the true Sole Source of all human creativity--The Author of authors.
In addition, this low-residency program is built around intensives where our writers and their words are kiln-tested and refined--placed in the fires of criticism and instruction. The entire course is a refining process, integrating a theologically rich perspective of God’s Word and God's world with our call to shape words and narratives that honor Him and enrich those made in His image.
What makes Camperdown unique?
God’s Word
We are committed to Scripture as the authoritative, inerrant, and inspired Word of God. Sadly, in the field of creative writing, that foundational commitment alone makes this program a unicorn.
Finished Manuscript
We want our graduates to publish and create professionally. This is not a degree to create teachers, as much as we love them. Our goal is for every successful MFA candidate to leave the program with a completed manuscript and the confidence to finish and edit their own work in the future. Students will understand the various routes to publication and what to consider for their own writing careers.
Professional Faculty
Our faculty is made up entirely of creative professionals, all of whom are currently successful in publishing, writing, editing, marketing, and production. We are those who can do, but still teach, because the world needs more good stories... and storytellers.
“Stories are the closest our own words can ever come to being made flesh—gifts unwrapped in the imagination.”
— N. D. Wilson
Who are we looking for?
With the bar set so high, we accept a limited number of students each year whose writing leads us to believe that they have professional potential. We will never accept unqualified students just to "pay the bills", but as long as we have spots open in the program, we will consider any application.
In Search of the Storytellers
Two Years, Six Visits
This two-year program is broken up into six residencies (three per year) that occur on an Alpha/Beta schedule. Each track consists of eight year-long modules. Over the course of the two years, students will take sixteen modules worth thirty-two credits.
Three Theological Foundation seminars: Biblical Theology (6 credits total).
Eleven MFA Writing Seminars (22 credits total).
Final MFA Creative Writing Project – Completed Novel (4 credits total).
Whereas, other programs offer classes that run eight to ten weeks long and end (just in time to have a finished rough draft), our year-long format allows for a real-life writing experience; writing, rewriting, and more rewriting.
Students do not need to be in Moscow, Idaho, to write. This is why our program is built around three one-week residencies per year. Simply fly in for five days crammed full of lectures, workshops, and supervisions. Most students can even hold full-time jobs while completing this program.
As stated above, we’re all working professionals (both students and teachers), so we’re not interested in assigning or grading busy work. All assignments are designed to be necessary for developing writers whose work reflects Jesus Christ. Additionally, assignments will tie directly to the students’ portfolios or final manuscripts.
2023/2024 Schedule
October 22-28, 2023 — On CampusFebruary 18-24, 2024 — On CampusJune 9-15, 2024 — On Campus
Tuition
$700 per credit
*Other fees to consider: transportation, room and board, and meals for the intensive week.
Ready to enter the Kiln?
Apply Here
“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings