Join Jaime Parker Stickle, Leanne Phillips, Brenna Humphreys, and Lisa Diane Kastner at the Central Coast Writers Conference on September 25th and 26th, 2026, for “Does an MFA Matter?” There’s a lot of noise around the question to MFA or not to MFA. So let’s have a conversation that explores the role of an MFA in shaping craft, building a literary community, and opening professional doors. We will discuss the benefits of workshops, mentorship, networking, and teaching opportunities. Whether you’re considering graduate school or questioning its value, we’ll provide an honest look at what an MFA can and can’t do for a writing career. Panel with Jaime Parker Stickle (Vicious Cycle and Take Hart); Leanne Phillips (California Is an Earthquake, fall 2027); Brenna Humphreys; and Lisa Diane Kastner (Running Wild Press).