Dominican University of California's Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program will host a conversation between Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jason Roberts and MFA writing mentor Lee Kravetz at 6:30 p.m. June 6.

The conversation is free and open to the public. To reserve a seat, please email [email protected]. For more information about the MFA program, please visit dominican.edu/mfa.

In his book, "Every Living Thing," Roberts writes about how conflicting approaches to knowledge in the 18th century have created and shaped the field of biology. Roberts wrote parts of his prize-winning book in the Dominican library.

"The Archbishop Alemany Library at Dominican has been a creative oasis of mine for over a decade now," Roberts says. "I don't remember the research task that brought me there in the first place, but I know I've kept coming back on the slightest of pretexts."

"Unlike far too many other libraries, the Alemany is designed for reading. The atrium pours light onto the page. The dual levels let the ceiling soar without feeling cavernous. If you're far from a window, it's by choice. You're comfortable, but not insulated from the outside world. It's easy to register the weather outside, and the changing seasons … nestle with a book or three, or focus on filling your own pages. I probably owe at least a chapter's worth of 'Every Living Thing' to the Alemany, and I'm grateful for that."

The Summer MFA residency runs from June 4 to June 13. This year, the residency will focus on story/line, particularly how to craft a story. Visiting writer Shobha Rao will give a talk on method writing. Related to a similar technique in acting, this process involves stepping into a character through the senses. This sensory exploration can imbue our stories with authenticity, humanity and depth. Dr. Judy Halebsky, MFA program director, will lead a series of workshops in live storytelling.

MFA faculty and alumni will also lead a panel discussion on community engagement. Maw Shein Win, MFA writing mentor and recipient of the 2026 AWP George Garrett Award for Outstanding Community Service in Literature, will discuss her work in teaching, organizing literary events, editing, and publishing as ways to create and expand a literary community. MFA alum Melanie Dines (MFA '24), a registered nurse, will join the panel. Melanie focused on narrative medicine while in the MFA program and will discuss her role leading a breast cancer writing group.

The MFA program is also offering a noncredit, three-day creative writing course open to the public June 5-7. This course welcomes writers to Dominican to have an immersive experience that dovetails with the MFA student residency. Called "Green Room," the course is geared toward serious writers along with MFA alumni. It includes morning workshops with MFA faculty members, group lunches on campus and afternoon sessions that include special guest speakers, a poolside pizza party and a dedicated reading open to friends and family. For more information visit the Green Room creative writing course page here.

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• School of Liberal Arts and Education
• Creative Writing
• MFA