Ran across this wonderful blog piece about the future of writing workshops, including the mother of all: the Iowa Writing Workshop. The blogger makes a great point -- spending a fortune for an MFA just doesn't make sense anymore, especially when you consider how rapidly the old publishing model is, well, disintegrating. 

For eleven years, I have facilitated a FREE creative writing workshop in Camp Hill, PA, at the Fredricksen Library. I try to emphasize honest but positive feedback -- brutality can march right out the door. In those eleven years, some fine writing has emerged and can be found here: http://www.sunburypressstore.com/A-Community-of-Writers-A-Collection-of-Short-Stories-9781620060490.htm

I agree with the blogger -- these little writing workshops you'll find sprinkled throughout the south central PA area are treasures, a kind of oasis for writers itchin' to write, but not in a vacuum. 

Enjoy the read. And check out a writing workshop nearest you soon!