Welcome to the Department of Creative Writing
The mission of the Department of Creative Writing is to make our writers attentive readers of the literatures of the world and socially aware members of society, who can use writing for self-expression, explorations of the possibilities of the medium, as well as in service of social causes and concerns.
Why Creative Writing at SF State?
In Creative Writing classes, students work with an active, publishing faculty. They learn by vigorous practice; by focused studies of craft; and by extensive reading, analysis and discussion of their work, as well as that of published authors.
Our well-published and well-recognized faculty teach in our undergraduate, masters and masters of fine arts program, in which they guide students in the production and revision of their craft in creative nonfiction, fiction, playwriting, poetry and literary translation. Learn more about our faculty.
A great many of our students, and alumni go on to publish imaginative work of distinction; many others are in positions of leadership in publishing firms, foundations and art organizations. View our extensive list of alumni publications.
Announcements
Congratulations to Matthew Davison on Debut Novel "Doubting Thomas"
Novel by alumnus/faculty member explores impact of anti-LGBTQ tropes. Read more on SF State News.
The President and the Frog by Associate Professor Carolina De Robertis
De Robertis’ novel “The President and the Frog” (Knopf, 2021) was a finalist for the 2022 PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. Read more about the book.
Tomorrow in Shanghai long-listed for the Story Prize
Tomorrow in Shanghai long listed for the Story Prize. Congratulations to Professor Chai!
New Scholarships Boost Department of Creative Writing Diversity Efforts
Read more about the new scholarship in the Campus Memo!
The What’s Next Panel discusses the variety of pathways in which students might apply their Creative Writing degree. Writers Matt Ortile, Lydia Jen, Trevaughn Roach-Carter, Emily Hunt Kivel and Matthew Clark Davison share aspects of their personal writing journey post-graduation.
The Department of Creative Writing presents a virtual panel of four distinguished authors describing their own pathways to publication in different genres of writing, including first publications, how they determine where and with whom they'd like to be published, working across genres, advice for emerging authors, etc. with a Q&A from audience members.