For years I played with writing by taking courses and writing on the side. I began to take it seriously and even wrote a novel. In 2002, after a couple publications, I started a Masters of English program.
I enjoyed a year of classes and learned a lot about literature, but my writing faltered as I juggled a job, commuting, marriage, and tons of reading and writing essays.
So I'm no longer taking classes as I focus on writing fiction. My goals are to publish more short stories and eventually novels.