Welcome to The Rebel MFA Way!

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The Rebel MFA Way is a newsletter where you learn accessible, affordable and actionable ways to study storytelling, mythology, fiction writing, and healing.

This Substack is crafted especially for:

• Writers who want to break out of the traditional MFA educational mold or traditional publishing models and look at writing and mythology through unorthodox and unique lenses to understand storytelling and study craft in a new way

• Writers and readers who want to see how trauma is being represented in storytelling

• Writers and readers who want to understand how they can heal through storytelling

• Writers and readers who LOVE a sneak peek into the brains of other writers

What you get by subscribing to Rebel MFA Way

• Essays on:

  • why and how to create your own Rebel MFA Degree

  • the writing life

  • the intersection of trauma and storytelling

  • the power and uses of mythology

  • real-time writing experiments and case studies

• Access to The Archive — an ongoing, serialized fiction experiment with narration

• Podcast episodes

• Free journaling workbooks, breakdowns, etc.

Why Subscribe?

If, like me, you’re a rebel at heart and have FEELINGS about the traditional routes to becoming a “writer,” then you’re in the right place. The Rebel MFA ethos is simple:

• We prioritize real-life experience and experiential work over conventional MFA-style courses or degrees to understand the craft of writing from different lenses.

• We empower writers who want to grow in their craft holistically rather than reinforce the product-over-process values associated with this industry.

• We explore, excavate, and become curious archeologists of our experiences to enhance our writing and use it to heal from our unhelpful narratives.

• We discuss and explore non-traditional paths to getting our work into the hands of others if that feels like the right direction.

• We support and empower each other in the communities we show up in because the relationships and guidance we exchange with others make us feel like what we’re doing matters.

The Rebel Behind It All

Hi, I’m Jade!

I’m an author of over 20 books, a word witch and mythologist, and a trauma recovery, storytelling, and bibliotherapy coach who specializes in teaching individuals how to harness the transformative power of words and myth for healing and growth.

I’m the creator of the Writing Fiction to Heal method using story and myth as pathways to deeper self-discovery and resilience. I also spread my rebel logic through my Rebel MFA Way: Designing Your Own Creative Education series. I also run the Rebel MFA Sanctuary, a dynamic community for writers, and host the Rebel MFA Way Podcast.

I live in Minnesota with my husband and our small domestic zoo (2 dogs, 6 cats, and a whole bunch of birds).

And yes, I do answer to the name: Crazy Cat Lady.

Please note that while I have extensive experience working both personally and professionally in the realm of mental health and advocacy, I am not a licensed therapist or psychologist. The insights and perspectives shared within this publication are based on my personal experiences and professional work as a mental health advocate. They are not meant to replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek the guidance of a licensed professional or trusted individual in your community.