MFA Winter Residency Recap

Zoom Headaches, Book Launches, and Becoming Unstoppable

The University of King’s College offers a dynamic online program that perfectly complements its on-campus spring residency.

Now in the second semester of the MFA, I joined one hundred students from across multiple cohorts, fifty-three guest speakers, and twenty-three faculty members.

Despite the cold outside, I hunkered down by the fire to log in to Zoom and felt the apricity on my face through the sunlit window. (I just had to use the word apricity, it needs work, but it’s the first time I heard of it from a knitting podcast!)

Despite the intimidating scale of MFA events, excitement buzzed beneath the surface. I was ready to dive into all things publishing.

Even though I’m self-publishing my first novel, every lesson I absorbed through the teachings will serve me well in future endeavours.

As we all know, knowledge is the key to making bold decisions.

Seven days brimmed with webinars, workshops, and presentations from esteemed publishers, agents, and editors. The week overflowed with insight and inspiration. I won’t lie—logging that much screen time left me with a whopping headache for three days.

New assignment ideas are on the horizon, eager to jump off the keyboard. If I finish them promptly, I’ll earn more precious time with the characters in my latest writing project.

Speaking of writing projects—here’s my big news: I wrote a book!

Mark your calendars: the official book launch is set for February 14, 2026, at my favourite café. The event will feature exclusive merch and goodies, with a portion of sales going to a local shelter. From that day forward, proceeds from my novel will continue to support our furry companions.

Bring your debit card, charge your smartwatch, and empty your piggy banks—every little bit helps make a difference!

Lastly – Word of the year

Unstoppable.

I hesitated to claim this word until now, but it resonates with me for a reason. I’d do myself a disservice to choose something less meaningful. Ready?

Too often, I convinced myself I wasn’t worthy of great things—but that ends now. I’ve set some lofty goals, and to achieve them, I must push through discomfort and become unstoppable. This is my one and only life.

Lastly, a lovely human named Heather Weidner was kind enough to put this article together. Please consider supporting her blog.