Judy Said:

Writing sample for Creative Writing MFA?

We Answered:

Twenty-five pages of prose is twenty-five pages of prose. A couple of short stories should work well as long as it adds up to 25 pages.
Good luck with it.

Samuel Said:

what kind of writing samples are expected for a master's program in English?

We Answered:

I'd suggest using something that has been through some serious revision, such as a story you've written for a class/workshop, revised, resubmitted, and gotten further comments on (that you can use to revise some more). Failing that, get some literary-minded and bluntly honest friends or profs to read a couple things and offer feedback for revision.

It is true that they would probably prefer something more "literary" than genre/formula fiction or preschool-type stuff. But if children's literature is what you do best and that's what you want to focus on, go for it, as long as it's thought-provoking, uses literary techniques and shows potential for other kinds of literature too. The most important thing is that it be good.

Good luck!

Violet Said:

What's a good site to post creative writing for others to comment on?

We Answered:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/critical_w…

Sidney Said:

I have a 500 word creative writing sample?

We Answered:

you could try absolutewrite.com
i would say writerscafe.org but the damn site is down again.

Betty Said:

Writing sample to creative writing camp- mention teen drinking or not?

We Answered:

Unless it's some sort of Christian university or something, they won't be in the least bit shocked or bothered by references to teen drinking. Also, if it's a writing camp that you're applying to, they won't be stupid enough to think that just because you're writing about something, you must do that yourself.

Honestly, don't worry about it. You're really over-estimating the shock value of what you've written. They won't be in the least bit disapproving of references to teen drinking. All they'll want to see from you is work that's well-written and has potential.