Solstice MFA in Creative Writing Program

After three years as our Assistant Director, alum Beth Grosart passed the torch to fellow alum Quintin Collins. Since then, Beth has returned every winter to teach a class she designed while AD, and she often comes to hang out with the community every residency. Thank you, Beth!

For all of our multi-genre writers out there, we introduced our Post-Grad Certificate Program to give you a deep dive into another genre after earning your MFA. Learn more about it here: https://www.lasell.edu/graduate-studies/academics/mfa-in-creative-writing/post-graduate-opportunities/mfa-post-grad-certificate.html

Join us for our July 2026 reading series, which runs July 10-17. Most readings start at 7:30 p.m. ET in the Arnow Campus Center 1851 Lounge, located at 131 Woodland Road in Auburndale, Massachusetts. Our graduating student reading starts at 4:45 p.m. ET on July 14. A Zoom livestream will also be available for each reading.

Books will be for sale after the readings conclude, courtesy of Brookline Booksmith.

This summer's lineup includes a mix of staff, faculty, and guest faculty. Hear from a variety of authors representing our five genre concentrations.

You can easily get to our campus via I-95, I-90, Commonwealth Avenue, and the MBTA Green Line D branch. Plus, we have plenty of free parking along the southeast sides of Seminary Avenue and Maple Street.

Note that masking is welcome but not mandatory for in-person attendance. The Arnow Campus Center features ramp access and automatic doors.

Check out the full schedule and get more information to RSVP and register for the livestream: https://events.lasell.edu/event/solstice-mfa-july-2026-reading-series

After a decade as founding Solstice MFA assistant and then associate director, Tanya Whiton passed the torch to alum Beth Cho Little. Since then, Tanya has returned to visit during residencies, teaching classes and hanging out with the community. Thank you, Tanya!

Thank you to all who have so far donated to and otherwise supported our fundraising campaign leading up to our 20th anniversary. We have already raised $400 toward our $2,500 goal!

There's still time to give before the campaign ends on June 30. Donate today: https://www.givecampus.com/s/vi17hg

A huge Solstice welcome to Amy M. Alvarez and Kevin McLellan, the newest writers to join our core program faculty! Amy will begin teaching and mentoring in winter 2027. Kevin begins with us with the upcoming July 2026 residency.

We're thrilled to welcome back Amy after she was a guest faculty member during the January 2026 residency. Students and faculty raved about her class and reading, and we're honored to have her in this role.

“I’m really looking forward to joining the vibrant community of writers at Solstice MFA and supporting students as they explore what’s possible on the page," Amy said.

Kevin also served as a guest faculty member in the past, teaching and reading with our community twice while we were still at Pine Manor College. His visits left an impression on all us, and we're grateful to have him return as a core faculty member.

“I’m excited to help students help themselves become better writers, which is to say, Witness them evolve!” Kevin said.

These appointments represent Solstice's commitment to offering our students instruction and mentorship from acclaimed writers. Moreover, Amy and Kevin continue our focus on building our program around working writers who actively write, read, and publish.

"Both Amy and Kevin have served as guest Solstice faculty members in the past, and are dedicated to our mission of nurturing the diverse voices of our students as well as creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all," Solstice Founding Director Meg Kearney said. "The Solstice MFA Program is honored and lucky to have them join our community officially!"

Check out their bios here: https://www.lasell.edu/graduate-studies/academics/mfa-in-creative-writing/mfa-faculty.html

Congrats to our fall 2026 fellowship winners! Incoming students Asyah Marie Davoudi and Josie Figueroa each receive $1,500 awards.

Asyah has received the Carrie Watson Legacy Fellowship for Young People's Literature, and Josie has received the Monica Hand Fellowship for Nontraditional Students.

Whether you're a confident artist or a confident writer, our Comics & Graphic Narratives concentration can help you elevate your stories. Many thanks to our C&GN faculty members Josh Neufeld and Jennifer Murvin! Read more about it: https://www.lasell.edu/graduate-studies/academics/mfa-in-creative-writing/comics-and-graphic-narratives-concentration.html

About 20% of our students hope to teach writing at the university level, which is why we introduced our Pedagogy Track in 2014. Students in the track get access to a specialized curriculum at no additional cost to learn more about writing instruction alongside their craft. More info here: https://www.lasell.edu/graduate-studies/academics/mfa-in-creative-writing/pedagogy-track.html