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"It's been shocking, honestly. I've never had a very high opinion of the MFA experience, as I've heard many tales from friends of mine who have been through some pretty prestigious programs -- and I've read plenty of mediocre stories from grads -- but I still was not prepared for just how viciously passive-aggressive some of the students can be toward their classmates and their teachers."

That's novelist and Five Easy Question-ee Nick Mamatas being interviewed on BookSlut. Mamatas is not your average MFA student, however. While studying with fledgling writers, he published Under My Roof with Soft Skull Press and his first novel came out as a trade paperback.

We should take this heaping spoonful of reality. You can ignore criticism within the safety of the MFA writing program, but everybody struggling to publish knows you aren't so safe in the real world.

There are only two options. You can either quit now or grow a thicker skin. When your ego feels too bruised, check out supportive, funny sites like How Not To Write. If they don't cheer you up, nothing will...