What Does a CV for a Writer Even Look Like?
When I first started researching how to craft a CV for an MFA in Creative Writing, I found plenty of examples tailored to copyeditors, freelance writers, or journalists—fields that naturally align with writing. These CVs were polished portfolios showcasing professional experience directly tied to the craft. But what about those of us whose careers have unfolded in completely different spaces? How do we frame our backgrounds to feel relevant and meaningful to an MFA admissions committee when our professional paths don’t directly align with creative writing?
This question stopped me in my tracks. My professional life had revolved around other industries, not writing—at least not in the traditional sense. While I’ve always been writing—privately, passionately, and persistently—those efforts have lived in the margins of my life, woven around the demands of entirely different careers. So how could I reflect this in my CV? How could I show the discipline, growth, and creativity I’ve cultivated while honoring the unique perspective my unconventional background brings?