Hi Hunter - first off, congratulations on the success of your channel. I'm a fan of your videos, and I'm excited to see what you'll make next! I've written out some you-specific advice based on the information you provided. I hope it's helpful. 1. Overall, the differences in your background (academic and otherwise) will prove to be your greatest strengths, as long as you use them. They add a level of depth to you as an author, and intrigue for your future fans. 2. There's this idea of the brilliant writer who sits in the ivory tower all day and writes; and once they're finished, the rest of the world can't wait to read what they wrote. Unfortunately, this is a fantasy. Every writer has to become a marketer eventually, unless they get extremely lucky (which, in this field, you can't count on). With a marketing degree, it sounds like you're ahead of the game. Remember - it's a strength, not a weakness! 3. Similarly, there's a huge market for readers who like finance and economics, both fiction and non-fiction (think John Grisham novels). Any and all of your knowledge could one day translate into your next project. 4. Literature is an old-person's field. When we're young, that's tough; but there are massive benefits to choosing this path now, while we're young. For instance, writing is a craft that you can keep getting better at for your entire life. You can keep reading more, adding new craft techniques to your tool belt, and inventing new characters and stories. Don't worry about catching up - that will come over time. For now, produce what excites you and stay curious. 5. Read a combination of classic writers and new writers who have the career, or have produced the type of work, that you like. It's like a chess master studying games; the classic games will teach you tricks that other writers have forgotten, while the new ones will teach you tricks that the older players never learned. Be curious; always look to add new tools to your belt. 6. Writing is a craft. Keep that in the back of your mind. Producing your own work will always teach you more than learning from someone else. Usually, the best thing a teacher or a friend can give you is encouragement to do what you already know you need to do. 7. The MFA application process sucks. There's no way around it. The applications take forever, schools will take their time getting back to you; some won't respond at all. Many programs are underfunded, and you'll have to make hard decisions, even when you're accepted. You'll have days where you think your work is terrible, and no one will ever read the project you put your heart and soul into. You'll go through existential crises and think about switching careers at least once a week. All this is normal. Try to be gentle with yourself and know that there are people out there who will become your fan, and who can't wait to read your work, even if they don't know you yet. 8. Find two or three people that you trust, who are rooting for you, to share and discuss your work with. These friends and advisors will be invaluable for your entire career. 9. If it hasn't happened yet, let me be the first to welcome you to the community of writers. Remember that you can produce the projects that you've always dreamed of, there is an audience who can't wait to read your work, and there are people rooting for you to succeed. I hope this helps, and best of luck with your application process! Additionally, would you be interested in a vid collaboration? I think my viewers would get a lot out of being introduced to you, and hearing about your journey into creative writing. Let me know!

@@aaronsalzman Thank you SO MUCH for the thoughtful reply! I really appreciate the time you took to share that insight with me :) All of your points were extremely validating, helpful, and pushed me to realize that I should be focusing on my strengths rather than my perceived weaknesses. I’m looking forward to watching more of your content as I embark on my application journey! I would LOVE to do a vid collaboration! I think my community would also be interested in hearing your thoughts on engaging with literature, and creative writing! Let’s connect!

Sorry I'm getting back to you so late! Ultimately, it's going to be up to your best judgement. Previously published stories can be a good bet, since a gatekeeper has already accepted them; but your writing also improves over time, so maybe your most recent stuff will be best. You can successfully apply with all sorts of work. Either way, make sure you follow the University guidelines. I would say that, if you do have work that matches the University's specialties, apply with that work. If not, don't sweat it. Other work should be fine. Best of luck on your applications!

​That's great! Could you suggest me some resources or stories I could consider to learn from? As a writer I wanna learn more to improve my portfolio. (These days I'm writing story selling kind of content as a LinkedIn ghostwriter 😅) I don't wanna lose my grip from the fiction. For style, stream of consciousness is my fav.

I'm glad you liked the video! I had just typed out a long reply, and accidentally deleted it on the editing board - hate when that happens. This reply will be a bit shorter, but I hope just as thorough. A contribution to an anthology absolutely counts as a publication. However, you want to make sure the anthology matches up with the program that you're applying to. Is it a well-known literary anthology, or an anthology for Warhammer Fan-fiction? It's a bit of a ridiculous example, but the literary contribution would be looked upon more highly by a literary institution. You could mention it in your application in your cover letter or resume. I have a "Publications" section on my resume - a publication could also go under "Awards." That being said, it's totally ok if you don't have any publications. Most students applying to most graduate programs don't have academic or literary publications. I didn't have any literary publications during my application process, and still received four acceptances. The most important part of your application is the writing sample. I view a portfolio as a folder of completed written works. The works could have been published, or not. The main thing is that they are completed, and ready either to be shown or edited further. The more stories that you have in your portfolio, the more potential pieces you have for applications, publications, and awards. I try to always have a working portfolio, and add and remove pieces depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. Best of luck in your process!

Hey Yash - this is a great question, and I just made a video to respond to it. Would it be alright with you if I embedded this comment at the beginning of the video to give you credit for the idea? It should be up by the end of the day today!

@@aaronsalzman No worries! Looking forward to the video Aaron :)

Hey Yash, this is a year later but did you get accepted anywhere? I’ve been working as a copywriter as well and will be applying this year, so any tips will really help!

@@sk83ryashdid you get into any school?

Hi Daniel - glad you liked the video! Fairbanks is fully funded for most students. Some students are accepted without full funding or a teaching position. However, these students usually receive both after one full semester in the program.

You totally can. You just need a high level of English as that's the only requierment.

Hi Daisy! It is absolutely possible. While there were no international students in my program, I know of some in other programs. I'm sure that international students are accepted to American MFA programs all the time. The main thing to remember is that fully funded positions are highly competitive for all students. Professors often make admission decisions based a students fit with the department.The best advice I can give is to find a program and a professor or two that match the type of writing you want to do. As you do some research, you might find that certain programs are looking for more international students. That's the kind of thing to absolutely use to your advantage. Good luck!