Stetson University Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing

10/15/2026

Tonight is the opening reception of the 37th Annual Student Juried Art Exhibition at the Hand Art Center from 6:00-8:00 PM.

The exhibit will run October 15 – November 21 and can be viewed by the public during the Hand Art Center’s regular business hours.

This year's exhibit features two current Stetson MFA students: Robin Mimna & Salma Belakbir.

Congratulations Salma & Robin!!!!

More info here: https://handartcenter.org/calendar/37-juried/

10/14/2026

In lieu of our bi-weekly MFA spotlight, we are taking a moment to remember and honor Stetson MFA alumna Carol Ann Moon.

Carol Ann Moon, graduated Stetson MFA’s first class of 2018 and was beloved by all.

“Moon's recent accomplishments include, being asked to submit a poem for an Anthology, sponsored by the Walt Whitman Birthplace, and finishing as one of the top finalists in KEEPSTPETELIT's Yellow Jacket Press Chapbook Contest. Her recent publications include a chapbook of poems titled Sometimes A Breast Is Not A Breast Is Not A Breast, as well as multiple poems in other publications, most recently: Poem "To Dream or Not to Dream - My Father Just Tugged" published in Spring 2025 in The Sandhill Review and Poem "Women of the Road" published in Spring 2024 in The Sandhill Review.

Carol was a Full Professor and the Reference and Instructional Outreach Librarian at the Daniel A. Cannon Memorial Library at Saint Leo University. Ms. Moon's academic credentials included a Masters in German from the University of Florida, a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida, a Master in Fine Arts focused in Poetry in the Expanded Field from Stetson University, and a bachelor's degree in German and Literature from Bucknell. Ms. Moon was dedicated to the students, faculty and staff of Saint Leo University and will be sorely missed.

She was deeply committed to her family, her friends, and her community.”

Carol Ann Moon's Memorial Page : https://www.hodgesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/carol-moon?fbclid=IwY2xjawUqIzRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6-uVsXRsdE1ZmjWtvcLf-doQFtQ2DrJH5DWxHTPk9ChAOQwS-3dR1I3CxZhQ_aem_ahsMnhky6Q6bS25AV1dIxQ

A collection of Carol Ann Moon's publications: https://www.stetson.edu/artsci/mfa/students-and-alumni.php

Carol Ann's chapbook "Sometimes a breast is not a breast is not a breast": https://keepstpetelit.org/pages/preorder-carol-ann-moon-s-chapbook-sometimes-a-breast-is-not-a-breast-is-not-a-breast

09/15/2026

Are you a local Volusia writer thinking about pursuing your MFA?

We are hosting a FREE virtual info session this Thursday where you can learn about our upcoming residency & scholarship opportunities.

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/BJEtuXZLHQnK9b3z7

If you're looking for a local writer's group, join our co-hosts, who meet monthly at the Museum of Art DeLand: https://www.facebook.com/groups/volusiawriters

09/09/2026

Stetson's MFA has new scholarships and an upcoming residency—all that’s missing is you!

Join us for our upcoming info session: https://admissions.stetson.edu/register/?id=ca036491-4749-4ab3-9db6-a4bc77bc6e76

Students have always loved our stays at the Atlantic Center for the Arts: a gorgeous ecological preserve located in New Smyrna Beach (think moss, catered meals, artist studios, beach walks and more).

Currently, we are approaching our Winter residency, with an application and scholarship deadline of October 1st, 2026. This means that you could join us as early as December with the possibility of additional funding!

AND we have multiple forms of scholarships available to students! In addition to our merit-based scholarships, we’re collaborating with Stetson World to provide room and board scholarships that could partially cover all residencies at the ACA.

Don't worry, applying is easy and free when you attend an info session!

We can't wait to connect with you!

09/04/2026

Throwback 😍 one month left to apply for the upcoming residency this December! We will be reconvening at the Atlantic Center for the Arts.

Scholarships available.

https://www.stetson.edu/administration/admissions/information-sessions/creative-writing.php

Have you seen the front page of the Hometown News?

“Stetson Graduate Program Features World-Renowned Talent.”

08/18/2026

Picture this: you take 9 days to shut out the outside world, work on creative projects you've been wanting to dedicate time to, experience nightly readings & daily workshops run by master artists, all while being surrounded by nature and having your meals prepared by a private chef.

This is how you start your MFA journey with Stetson University at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, this December.

Scholarships available. Deadline approaching.

Learn more here:

https://www.stetson.edu/other/academics/graduate/creative-writing.php?utm_medium=web&utm_source=webpage&utm_campaign=DecemberACA2026

08/14/2026

This week we are featuring Stetson MFA alums R.A. Allen (2026) and Shaun O. Smith (2024).

❄️R.A. Allen presents Harmony of Ice, which originated from his MFA thesis, and is now available on Amazon:

“With vengeance fueling his every move, Urdan hunts for the former general of King Mergigoth, Abas. As he makes his way through Simpana with the help of Barbadus, an ogunth he befriended, he is joined by a Snow Elf by the name of Vale. Having rescued her from the clutches of the orcs, it was decided that it was best for her to come along on the journey for revenge. Will Urdan get his revenge? What do the orcs want with Vale? Find out in the second story in the Hoivin Saga!” Find it here: https://a.co/d/03QCoffB

⚠️OFFICIAL USE ONLY (OUO) originated as Shaun O. Smith’s thesis at Stetson University’s MFA program:

“Three copies of the original were produced, withheld from circulation by design.

One is in the Stetson archive. One is with the author. One is still available.

The second iteration consists of 42 prompts across 425 cards. Each one is handwritten and claimable. The public ARCHIVE tracks every card, and prompts remain redacted until the holder makes a claim.

The 425 cards are distributed across 7 sets — by request, free public placement, and limited paid waves. KINDRED is available to those with connections to Shaun, and the form to request is currently available (no guarantee). On September 2nd, over 100 cards will be placed to be found across Florida State University’s campus. Each paid WAVE has its own unique feature, and any remaining cards in these sets will be destroyed at project close.

A free card and a paid card are claimed the same way, recorded the same way, and subject to the same deadline.
OFFICIAL USE ONLY runs July 1 – December 18, 2026.”

Full information and request forms can be found here: https://sospublishing.org/official-use-only

Congratulations to both R.A. Allen and Shaun O. Smith on turning your MFA theses into published work/working art for the world to interact with!

R.A. Allen Shaun O. Smith

08/13/2026

Attention Stetson MFA students, alumni, and faculty (past or current):

“We are excited to announce that the 1st edition of Elsewhere MFA Anthology is seeking its Summer/Winter round of submissions. Elsewhere is an annual literary anthology created by students in Stetson University’s Master in Fine Arts in Creative Writing program.”

Find submission guidelines here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvpNIkhsuVQyf3e1c6Iy9MKl_BhzqksFMZuhwjjAUkwNFDPw/viewform

Follow Elsewhere: .anthology