March 2024 Alumni Updates
The Drexel MFA Alumni Association promotes the writing arts while supporting graduates of our program and the broader literary community through social events, writing workshops, and retreats.
Spring is just around the corner!
The weather is warming, and it’s a perfect time to get outside and find some juicy writing inspiration. Join us over the next few weeks in several exciting events!
In the alumni newsletters, we aim to give you upcoming ways to connect and engage with the community. We will send a newsletter towards the end of each month so we can all stay on top of what’s happening in our community.
With the newsletter, we will also celebrate the successes of everyone in our alumni community, big and small. Either add a comment below or reply in the Substack chat to the writing successes thread. We’ll compile all the accomplishments each month and feature them in our next newsletter!
Upcoming Events
Sunday, March 2nd @ 7 PM EST: Craft Chat with N.E. Davenport
Join us on March 2nd at 7 PM EST on Zoom for an enlightening discussion with N.E. Davenport, acclaimed author of The Blood Trials. Nia will delve into the intricacies of Intellectual Property (IP) in publishing, sharing insights from her own publishing journey and offering valuable resources for those interested in IP and write-for-hire opportunities. Don't miss this chance to learn about the often-overlooked aspects of IP and how they influence the stories we love. Passcode: 4ALSfb
Sunday, March 9 @ 7 PM EST: Craft Chat with Rebecca Danzenbaker
Join us for an MFA Alumni Craft Chat with debut author and professional photographer Rebecca Danzenbaker on March 9, 2025, at 7 PM EST on Zoom! Rebecca will discuss her novel Soul Match, a gripping dystopian YA that explores fate, freedom, and love in a world where soulmates are scientifically assigned. She’ll share insights into writing dystopian fiction, crafting compelling characters, and balancing the demands of an author’s life with a thriving photography career. Whether you're interested in genre writing, time management as a creative, or the journey to publication, this conversation promises inspiration and practical takeaways for aspiring writers. Don’t miss this chance to connect and learn from Rebecca’s unique dual-career perspective! Passcode: 4ALSfb
Sunday, March 23rd @ 7 PM EST: Craft Chat with Xio Axelrod
Join us on March 23rd at 7 PM EST on Zoom for an engaging craft chat with USA Today Bestselling author Xio Axelrod [ZEE-oh]. Known for her award-winning novels like The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes, Xio will share her publishing journey, tips for writing contemporary fiction and romance, and insights on crafting authentic, emotionally rich characters. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best! Passcode: 4ALSfb
Wednesday, March 26 @ 7:30 PM EST: Book Club
The spring book pick is Hank Phillippi Ryan's psychological thriller One Wrong Word. Join your fellow alumni and Hank in a discussion about her gripping novel.
2025 Highlights Retreat Information
Connect and write with your fellow dragons during one of the Highlights Retreats! See below for registration links for 2025:
April 3-6, 2025 (only one accommodation left—register ASAP!)
Looking forward to eating, writing, and exploring with you!
For any questions, contact Mo (‘23) at ms.clark70@comcast.net or Rylee (‘23) at ryleecella@gmail.com.
Book Club
As part of the Drexel MFA alumni book club, the spring book pick is Hank Phillippi Ryan's psychological thriller One Wrong Word. The book club will meet virtually on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:30pm EST.
"One wrong word can ruin your life. And no one knows that better than savvy crisis management expert Arden Ward. Problem is, she's now forced to handle a shocking crisis of her own. Unfairly accused of having an affair with a powerful client, Arden’s life and dreams are about to crash and burn. Then, Arden is given an ultimatum. She has just two weeks to save her career and her reputation.
Is Cordelia Bannister the answer to her prayers? Cordelia needs Arden’s help for her husband Ned, a Boston real estate mogul. Though he was recently acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, his reputation is ruined, and the fallout is devastating not only to the Bannisters' lives, but the lives of their two adorable children. Arden devotes her skill and determination―and maybe her final days on the job―to helping this shattered family, but soon, revelations begin to emerge about what really happened the night of the accident. And then―another car crash throws Ned back into the spotlight.
This case is Arden’s final chance to protect her own future and clear her name. But the more she tries to untangle the truth, the more she’s haunted by one disturbing question―what if she’s also protecting a killer?
Gossip. Lies. Rumors. Words like that can hurt you. And Arden knows the reality. Sometimes one wrong word can kill."
Critique Groups
Polish your manuscript, scripts, queries, blog posts, and pitches with the help of Drexel MFA Alumni’s critique group. Join and receive helpful feedback from fellow alumni who are ready to connect and collaborate with you in a supportive and inspiring environment. If you are interested in joining our asynchronous online critique group, please email andrew.snover@drexel.edu or keli.b.oconnor@gmail.com.
We have also recently added a new critique group for Fantasy! If interested, contact Skylar Fountain at skylarnfountain@gmail.com.
Writing Meet-ups
Come on over to Writing Meet-ups! Writing Meet-ups is a mostly virtual coffee/tea grind-sesh run by a few alumni friends. We Zoom, write, and crank out new narratives for the duration of the meet-up.
Craft Chats & Workshops on Crafting Compelling Fiction
With our Craft Chats and Workshops, you will sharpen your writing skills, continue learning, and gain insights into the craft of storytelling! What to expect:
Insider insights on publishing and writing
Author interviews for inspiration
Interactive workshops on crafting compelling fiction
Inspiration for your writing journey
Interactive Q&A Sessions
We have a bunch of craft chats on tap for the spring including:
March 2 @ 7 PM EST: N.E. Davenport
March 9 @ 7 PM EST: Rebecca Danzenbaker
March 23 @ 7PM EST: Xio Axelrod
April 6, 2025 at 7PM EST: Join us for a Craft Chat with bestselling historical romance author J’nell Ciesielski on April 6th at 7 PM EST! With novels like The Socialite, Beauty Among Ruins, and The Ice Swan, J’nell Ciesielski is known for weaving sweeping historical romances filled with rich detail, heart-pounding tension, and unforgettable love stories. In this session, J’nell will share her approach to crafting compelling romance, building immersive historical settings, and developing characters that leap off the page. She’ll also discuss her writing process, insights into the romance genre, and tips for balancing history and heart in storytelling. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a master of historical romance!
May 4, 2025 at 7PM EST: Join us on May 4th at 7 PM EST for a Drexel MFA Alumni Craft Chat featuring USA Today bestselling author Jenni L. Walsh. With over twelve books for adults and children, Jenni’s works span from gripping historical fiction (Becoming Bonnie, Unsinkable, The Call of the Wrens) to inspiring middle-grade stories (I Am Defiance, Over and Out). Her passion lies in bringing history to life with vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters.
In this chat, Jenni will discuss her publishing journey, writing craft, and the unique challenges of writing across genres and for different audiences. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to gain insights from a versatile and accomplished author!
Craft Chat: Resources and Writing Advice from Drexel MFA Alumni
This site is a hub for writers to share advice, resources, and information. Submit resources or articles on publishing/craft directly to the publication on Medium.
Black Writers Circle
Black Writers Circle (BWC) is back! We’re back with a renewed dedication to celebrating Black creativity and storytelling while driving positive change in our society. Join us for exciting Zoom meetings and in-person meet-ups where we explore the rich world of Black literature and writing. Don’t miss out—contact Angel Hogan at angelhogan@gmail.com to join the BWC community!
Reasons to Celebrate
Success in the Drexel MFA Alumni Community:
Paul Benkendorfer (‘24) was recently accepted into the Rhetoric, Composition, & Teaching of English Ph.D program at the University of Arizona.
Eleanor Keisman’s (‘24) eco-dystopian novella, NEW ANIMAL, which she wrote during her MFA studies at Drexel University, will be published with Broken Tribe Press later this summer!
Keli O’Connor (‘23) signed with Green Crow to publish her novel Rehoming Breanna Huxley! Congrats Keli!
Want your win featured in the next newsletter? Comment below or reply to the Writing Successes thread in the Substack chat.
Calling all Creatives!
Your alumni association is seeking photographers, videographers, editors, and writers to bring their artistry to our events and online platforms. Join our team and make a lasting impression in our community.
Are you ready to showcase your talents and create something amazing? Get in touch! Contact J.D. Myall at jdmyall@gmail.com. Let's collaborate and make magic happen!
Resources
Drexel MFA Resources
Ink Dragon Discord: A community hosted on Discord for fantasy writers at all stages of their writing.
Drexel MFA Alumni GroupMe: A community for all Drexel MFA alumni.
Graduate Career Counseling: As a Drexel alum, you can set up a meeting with one of our career counselors. They can go over your CV with you and give you suggestions about conducting a job search.
Professional Resources
The Author's Guild: Offers services for writers such as legal services, web services, educational events, and other resources.
Publisher Marketplace: Service offered to paid members to research agents and follow deal trends.
QueryTracker: FREE resource for writers to find agents for their books.
Manuscript Wish List: A resource for writers to look at what agents are looking for
Contests/Submissions
LOVENOTES: Submit stories to be considered for the next edition of LoveNotes! Real Stories. Real People. Real Love. America’s Best Love Stories & More. This project - inspired by the Off-Broadway Storytelling Production of Heather Christie Books and published by NY-based 71st Street Books compiles tales of love in all of its romantic incarnations with thoughtful Journal Prompts, Inspiring Quotes, and Fun Puzzles.
Deadlines for Writers hosts free competitions (including 12 short stories in 12 months with prompts and word count requirements) and free classes.