creative writing uc davis

Department of English

A celebratory reading to hear from each of our Second Year MFA Graduates, and the writing they've been hard at work creating. Register online . Readers: Rowena Chodkowski: Rowena is a founding member of the Beijing-based Spittoon Literary Collective, China's largest multilingual literary collective; her work has been published in local indie publications, including the Shanghai Literary Review.

For more information please contact [email protected] , [email protected] , or [email protected]

Event sponsored by the English Department’s MFA in Creative Writing in collaboration with Shields Library

Three poets in conversation

From left: Jessica Laser, Margaret Ross and Noah Warren

photos of poets Jessica Laser, Margaret Ross and Noah Warren from left to right.

The UC Davis Creative Writing Program in the Department of English will present online readings March 2 and 3 — one by a star of the literary world, and another by three UC Davis alumni with newly published books. In April, three lyric and narrative poets who create long-form works will take part in a conversation and give readings. All the readings are co-sponsored by the UC Davis Library.

Poets Jessica Laser, Margaret Ross and Noah Warren, whose work makes equal use of music and story, will have an online conversation April 8 at 3 p.m. with poet Katie Peterson, director of the UC Davis Creative Writing Program, and a Q&A session with audience members. The three will give a reading at 4:30 p.m.

Laser has written two books of poems, Sergei Kuzmich from All Sides and “ Planet Drill,” being published this year. Her work has recently appeared online at the Poetry Foundation, in the Bennington Review, and in Aurochs. A graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, she is a doctoral candidate in English at UC Berkeley.

Ross is the author of A Timeshare and her poems have recently appeared in The New Republic, The Paris Review , Poem-a-Day and The Yale Review . A former Stegner Fellow at Stanford University, she is a Harper Schmidt Fellow at the University of Chicago.

Warren’s “The Complete Stories” will be published in May, and his The Destroyer in the Glass was chosen for the Yale Series of Younger Poets. His poems have been published in The Paris Review, POETRY, The American Poetry Review and Ploughshares. He is a doctoral student in English at UC Berkeley.

***Past Events***

Alumni share new novels

From left: megan kaminski, kiik araki-kawaguchi and becky mandelbaum.

Three graduates of the Creative Writing Program will return to campus virtually March 2 at 4:30 p.m. to read from their books published last year.

Megan Kaminski (M.A., English, ’05) is author of three poetry collections, the most recent titled Gentlewomen . An essayist as well as a poet, her writing has been published in the American Poetry Review , The Atlantic and other publications .

Kiik Araki-Kawaguchi (M.A., English, ’11) is author of the novels The Book of Kane and Margaret , published in 2020, and Disintegration Made Plain and Easy . He also is a widely published poet.

Becky Mandelbaum (M.A., English, ’16) won the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction and the High Plains Book Award for First Book for her story collection Bad Kansas . Her new book is The Bright Side Sanctuary for Animals . Her work has appeared in One Story , The Sun , Prairie Schooner and other publications.

R egister for the alumni readings here.

National Book Award finalist Carmen Maria Machado reads

Carmen Maria Machado is the author of the bestselling memoir In the Dream House and the award-winning short story collection Her Body and Other Parties . In the Dream House traces the arc of a harrowing relationship with a charismatic but volatile woman and Machado’s struggle to make sense of how what happened shaped her. She will read March 3 at 4:30 p.m. Machado is winner of the Bard Fiction Prize, the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction, the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Nonfiction, the Brooklyn Public Library Literature Prize, the Shirley Jackson Award and the National Book Critics Circle's John Leonard Prize. She was a 2017 finalist for the National Book Award.

Creative writing Master of Fine Arts students Anna Tuchin and Brianna Cockett-Mamiya will also read.

The reading is co-sponsored by the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art.

R egister for the readings by Carmen Maria Machado and M.F.A. students here.

(Content by Jeffery Day)

UC Davis Graduate Studies

Katie Peterson, Associate Professor of English at UC Davis, with creative writing students

UC Davis Creative Writing Program to Begin Offering MFA Degree

by Jeffrey Day, College of Letters and Science
July 09, 2018

The creative writing program, part of the College of Letters and Science’s English department , will offer a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing starting in the 2019–2020 academic year.

“Our graduate program in English is ranked among the top 20 in the country by U.S. News and World Report ,” said J.P. Delplanque, Interim Vice Provost of Graduate Education and Dean of Graduate Studies at UC Davis. “Transitioning our creative writing program to an MFA will raise its profile and attract more talented writers from across the country to come to Davis.”

“The most important thing is the MFA is the highest degree in creative writing,” said Katie Peterson , English professor and head of the creative writing program. “But it will also make our community more connected to the larger world of creative writers. You don’t need a degree to be a writer, but you need a community in what is often an isolated art form. The MFA attaches you to that community and also attaches UC Davis to that community.

“We expect to get students who would have applied for the M.A., along with those with more direct creative writing experience,” she said. “It will expand the pool of students who are poised to enter the writing community.”

Along with creative writing, the M.A. program includes literary studies and that will continue under the MFA.

“This mix is unusual and innovative for the MFA,” Peterson said. “It is what some MFA programs are moving towards, but it's still fairly rare. It provides graduates who enter the academic world with the ability to teach a wider range of courses enhancing their career possibilities."

In the M.A. program , students teach undergraduate creative writing classes and MFA students will continue to do that. That teaching experience is also valuable to them in their careers, Peterson added.

The M.A. program has produced many writers who have received widespread notice and publication along with awards. Austin Smith (M.A. ’13) was named Wallace Stegner Fellow in fiction at Stanford University and won a 2018 National Endowment for the Arts fellowship ; Becky Mandelbaum (M.A. ’16), Melinda Moustakis (M.A. ’11) and Kirsten Lunstrum (M.A. ’03) have all won the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction in recent years; and Jamil Kochai (M.A. ’17) received the 2018 O’Henry Prize for his story “Nights in Logar” and his novel of the same name will be published in January by Penguin

Along with a graduate degree in creative writing, the department offers a doctorate in literature , and bachelor’s degrees with an emphasis in literary theory and criticism and creative writing.

The program will begin accepting applications for admission this fall. For more information about the MFA program and its admission requirements, please email Katie Peterson, Graduate Program Chair and Associate Professor of English at [email protected] or visit the creative writing program website .

About Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies at UC Davis includes 99 dynamic degree programs and a diverse and interactive student body from around the world. Known for our state-of-the-art research facilities, productive laboratories and progressive spirit – UC Davis offers collaborative and interdisciplinary curricula through graduate groups and designated emphasis options, bringing students and faculty of different academic disciplines together to address real-world challenges. UC Davis graduate students and postdoctoral scholars become leaders in their fields: researchers, teachers, politicians, mentors and entrepreneurs. They go on to guide, define and impact change within our global community. For information on Graduate Studies’ current strategic initiatives, visit the Graduate Studies strategic plan page .

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Creative Writing: Fiction

In this informal workshop, you will learn how to write an effective piece of short fiction. Having been introduced to key elements like plot, character, dialogue, setting and so on, you will compose your own short story in three stages, sharing each installment with the group as you go. You will also read and discuss some classic short stories and tackle brief in-class writing exercises. Suggested reading: Ron Carlson Writes a Story , by Ron Carlson, Graywolf Press (paperback).

Next Week: Creative Writing, Design Lectures Round Out the New Year

by Karen Nikos-Rose
January 07, 2021

It's a new year, so for this week's "Weekender," we decided to let you know about some great events next week and preview some for the weekend after. And, we are letting you know about some virtual programs that can be enjoyed anytime, as well as some art grants up for grabs. B Street Theatre is starting an outdoor performance series starting this weekend.

This blog compiled by Michelle Villagomez, UC Davis Media Relations Intern.

Lecturers read and perform their work Tuesday

Tuesday, Jan. 12, 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., free, via Zoom. Register .

“They Live!” features English faculty Val Brelinski , Rae Gouriand , Andre Naffis-Saheley, and Greg Glazne . They will be reading and performing sections of their fiction and poetry. This event is sponsored by the Creative Writing Program, the Department of English and UC Davis Library.

For more information on their works, go here .

Sparking innovation and creativity: human-centered design presentation is Wednesday

Wednesday, Jan. 13, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., free, via Zoom. Register .

The UC Davis Department of Design has a very ambitious mission: to change this world for the better. As the only comprehensive design program in the UC system, faculty and students seek to accomplish this goal in everything they do – from promoting sustainability, to solving real-world problems and addressing inequality in the industry.

This virtual event will be moderated by Ari Kelman , Interim Dean of the College of Letters and Science and will feature three esteemed faculty members in the Design department — Brett Snyder , Gozde Goncu-Berk , and Thomas Maiorana — as they showcase their ground-breaking work in the field. From developing wearable products for people with disabilities or chronic diseases to reimagining shipping containers as housing for lower-income families, the discussion will tackle the broader issues of waste, the human experience and climate change.

For more details, go here .

2021 California Arts Council announces grants

State arts grants will support organizational operations, individuals, and project-based activities; prioritizing relief and recovery for organizations and individuals impacted by COVID-19

The California Arts Council announced the opening of its 2021 grant season with applications now being accepted for all six of its funding opportunities, responding to the current and urgent needs of the state’s arts workforce and businesses.

The California Arts Council is a state agency with a mission of strengthening arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. The Arts Council is California’s only public arts grants provider with funding that is accessible to all 58 California counties. As a state agency, the Arts Council prioritizes racial equity and has a broad geographic reach into communities of all sizes. California’s arts sector is large and diverse, and its businesses and workforce are a significant contributor to our state economy and identity.

“The arts are an essential part of the California ecosystem, and we are made all the more aware of their importance during these troubled times,” said Nashormeh Lindo, Chair of the California Arts Council. “As we open another grant season, we hope to help center our communities’ healing and resilience by carefully considering what the Council and the agency can do to best support the creative practices of artists and arts organizations in those communities, to help them survive this upheaval and uncertainty and to creatively thrive in the future.”

The Arts Council’s 2021 grant funding has been streamlined, allocating funding to meet the greatest needs of the field during this challenging time. Funding is aligned with three categories and six specific grant offerings, including general operating support for organizations and fellowships to support the creative practice of individual artists, as well as continued support for project-based activities. This year’s grants have been informed and developed by public input and data in alignment with the Arts Council’s Strategic Framework Decision Support Tool.

New for the 2021 grant season, applicant organizations are required to submit a racial equity statement. As the Arts Council has been evolving its own racial equity practices , the agency invites applicants to start, continue, or strengthen their racial equity practices as a part of the arts community. The racial equity statement requirement is an opportunity for applicant organizations to explain their commitment and tangible efforts to advancing the leadership of and service to Indigenous people, communities of color, racially and ethnically diverse individuals, tribal communities, immigrant and refugee communities, and communities whose principal languages are not English.

In October, the Arts Council offered a public webinar, titled Why Race? A Learning Journey to Achieve Racial Equity , to share the history and background of the agency’s relationship with racial equity and to support a community-based learning practice. The recorded webinar is available online as a resource for prospective applicants.

2021 California Arts Council 3 category grants include:

Project-based support

General operating support

Individual artists support

Read the full story here .

Sacramento’s the B Street Theatre holds virtual concerts

As part of their “Six Feet Apart” series, B Street Theatre is hosting virtual concerts featuring local, national and international musicians create an intimate, virtual concert just for you. Following the concert, there will be a Q&A with the artist. Register here .

Dates and artists include:

Jan. 8 — Jeremiah Johnson. Blending Texas style blues with the voice of Mississippi River blues leaves with you with the sound of Jeremiah Johnson, three time winner of the Houston Regional Blues Challenge.

Jan. 15 — Laurie Rubin. Classical singer. Author. Educator. Advocate. A young mezzo-soprano whose voice is darkly complex and mysteriously soulful, and of whose memoir “Do You Dream in Color? Insights from a Girl Without Sight” it has been said “should be required reading in that it underscores the triumph of the human spirit."

Jan. 22 — Samuel James. Roots music. Storytelling. The Blues. I am not sure what you can label Samuel James. Rare. Special. Let's leave it at that.

Jan. 29 — Artist to be announced!

Feb. 5 — RATBOYS. Pop. Punk. Poetic. Powerful. Hear Chicago's critically acclaimed Ratboys' re-imagining of Americana on Six Feet Apart.

Find out more about their series on B Street Theatre’s website .

UC Davis music next Thursday: MFA performances and opera panel discussion

'new words and music with voice'.

Worlds collide as UC Davis graduate students in music and the creative writing program come together to bring us a performance. This concert will showcase collaborative works among five creative writing MFA students and four doctoral students in music composition and theory. The noon concert will also include music, theatre and dance students performing, as well as music faculty. The prerecorded concert will be shown on the Department of Music Youtube channel and available for viewing after its premiere on Thursday, Jan. 14, 12:05 p.m to 1 p.m. This is the third year of the collaboration. Originally scheduled for spring 2020, the concert was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Performances include:

Next week: UC Davis discussion of opera's future

'opera 2021: hopes and challenges' .

Thursday, Jan. 14, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., free, via Zoom. Register .

Opera companies around the world have shuttered their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to better understand challenges and hopes for the world of opera and hopes in the present crisis and in the foreseeable future, Pierpaolo Polzonetti, professor of music at UC Davis, will interview the internationally recognized director of opera Francesca Zambello, and moderate a roundtable discussion including orchestra conductor and UC Davis Professor Christian Baldini, and two professional opera singers: Malcolm MacKenzie, who also teaches at UC Davis, and Brett Polegato. This event is co-sponsored by the Jan and Beta Popper endowed professorship in opera.

To learn more about the event, go here .

Geographies I

for soprano and piano

words by Jen Soong (MFA student, Creative Writing)

music by Daniel Godsil (PhD student, music composition)

— Anushka Kulkarni, soprano (PhD student, musicology)

— Courtney Fiduccia, mezzo-soprano (undergraduate, Theatre and Dance)

— Kate Campbell, piano

a musical drama

story by Mangai Arumugam (MFA, Creative Writing ‘20)

music by Emily Joy Sullivan (PhD student, music composition)

lyrics by Mangai Arumugam and Emily Joy Sullivan

— Kurt Rohde, viola and Professor of Music at UC Davis

— Kate Campbell, piano and celesta

can you hear me?

words by Anna Tuchin (MFA student, Creative Writing)

music by Orkun Akyol (PhD student, music composition)

— Sarah Miller, solo voice (PhD student, musicology)

— Orkun Akyol and Reuben de Lautour, electronics

Spaceman / Watchman

text by Sawyer Elms and Jordan Dahlen (MFA, Creative Writing)

music by Trey Makler (PhD student, music composition)

— Leanny Muñoz, soprano (PhD student, musicology)

— Sawyer Elms, speaking role 1 (MFA, Creative Writing)

— Jordan Dahlen, speaking role 2 (MFA, Creative Writing)

For more information, click here .

UC Davis Basement Gallery starts a podcast, art call, and collaborative playlist

As UC Davis continues with remote instruction, the Basement Gallery is finding new ways to engage with their community of artists and those interested in art. The campus gallery recently started a new segment, The Basement Gallery Podcast . In the first episode, team members discussed the upcoming quarter and their feelings towards being students and artists during the COVID-19 quarantine. The episode can be listened to here .

If you would like to be part of these conversations or are interested in being interviewed you can email [email protected] or direct message the Basement Gallery on Instagram .

The Basement Gallery has an art call for their upcoming virtual art show, Making Changes . The artists selected will have the option to be featured on the Basement Gallery’s Instagram as well in their podcast. Artists are also allowed to remain anonymous and all majors/mediums are welcome to apply including short stories, poems, and music. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Jan. 8 . For more information about the art call and how to submit work , go here .

If you are looking for new tunes to listen to, the Basement Gallery has your back!

The team at the Basement Gallery created a collaborative playlist, that rainy winter quarter aesthetic . Listen to it on Spotify .

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Creative Writing Student Wins PEN Award

by Jeffrey A Day
February 28, 2018

UC Davis Creative Writing graduate student Cristina Fries is one of the 12 winners of the PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers. It is given by PEN American, an organization that offers a wide range of support to writers.

Her winning story "New Years in La Calera" is set in Colombia, South America, and follows a girl and her family encountering the rebel group FARC.

"Some of it is based on my own experience growing up and going to Colombia every year," said Fries, who grew up in Los Altos but returned to her family's homeland each summer. "Our Colombian culture is very important to us and we grew up speaking both Spanish and English."

The award, now in its second year, is given to writers for their first published story. "New Years in La Calera" appeared in the magazine EPOCH , put out by the Cornell University Creative Writing Program.

The unnamed girl in the story lives with her grandparents on a farm in an area with a great deal of guerilla activity and the family is constantly on guard. When she speaks with the rebels her grandfather punishes her by putting her in the basement. In a nod to magical realism of Latin American literature the basement is filled with butterflies.

The farm is based on Fries' grandfather's in a remote area of the Andes that saw much rebel activity prior to a 2016 cease fire. Her aunt was badly injured in a 2003 rebel bombing and has since been active speaking out for victims of the 50-year-long war.

Fries wrote the story when she was an undergraduate studying English and art history at UC Davis about five years ago and reworked it over time. After graduation she worked for several years including for a marketing firm in the San Francisco Bay Area and as a teacher in South America before returning to UC Davis.

Ironically, the story made its way to EPOCH magazine because it was included in her application to the creative writing program at Cornell University - a program she didn't get in to.

The winning stories will be published in The PEN America Best Debut Short Stories that will be available later this year.

The Creative Writing Program is part of the Department of English in the College of Letters and Science.

— Jeffrey Day , content strategist in the College of Letters and Science

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