The Butler creative writing program gathered together to celebrate Thanksgiving, MFA style — abundant food, plenty of drink, and student readings. Thanks to all who joined in the merriment. A special thank you to Denise who prepared the Turkey in addition to several of her delicious sides.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the blog asked the MFA community what was about the program that made them thankful.
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Karin Salisbury: It’s a home away from home. I’m grateful for insightful faculty, supportive staff, and faithful friends I adore. I am also grateful for the many outreach programs, including Writing for Wellness.
Luke Wortely: Writing in the Schools
Lydia Johnson: I’m thankful for friendships, writing support, encouragement and being a part of a community of writers and the Butler community at large. Also that the programs and events are open to alumni so that we can still be involved!
Lisa Frazeur: I am thankful to be in an environment where we want to see each other succeed. I don’t feel pressure to be better than the person next to me, just encouragement to consistently become a better me.
Bailey Merlin:The Writing for Wellness program made me want to be a better, more compassionate human being. I’d say I’m pretty damn grateful for that. 
Tracy Mishkin: The Butler MFA has helped me meet all the goals that I had coming in: write more, write better, send more stuff out, get published. We have great faculty, students, and staff supporting us!
Andrea Boucher: I am thankful to the Butler MFA program for helping me establish a second and far better life as my alter ego Butler Andrea. Exceedingly thankful. I finally found my people.
Annie Sullivan: Besides the wonderful writers and mentors I met, I’m thankful for a program that welcomed writers who write in different genres and for different ages. Not every program welcomes people who write YA and MG, but Butler always made me feel valued and respected for my writing.