I recently read an article in the magazine The Writer about creating your own MFA program. I personally have considered an MFA about a zillion times, but always abandon the idea due to high costs, school locations and limited enrollment. I have also read extensively on both sides of the MFA debate and never feel strongly that an MFA is a career maker for aspiring authors. However, I do think that learning the craft of writing is an important part of improving as a writer and I continually search out books, articles and free workshops to do just that.
Videos online are a great (free) way to learn more about writing, publishing and everything that falls in between. Check some of them out below:
Mary Kate Mackey explains, "How to Write Using a Story Arc." (Author shares a short segment from her workshop The Writer's Workout)
MIT World: The Craft of Science Fiction (Full lecture with author Joe Haldeman)
How to Write Your Book with Lisa Tener (This is a 3 part series about writing a book that includes scheduling, outlining, support and more - geared towards nonfiction)
The Writing Show (A variety of great podcasts with writing tips. There are other articles here as well)
The Power of Place on the Forum Network (Travel writer Tom Haines on time and place)
Writing Tips from Writing Alchemy: Marinate your Head in Character Research (Video about author David McCullough's process when writing characters. There are many good writing videos by Writing Alchemy)
Publishing Advice for Writers (Very short video about publishing resources on the web and other tips)
Internet Marketing for Writers (Author Matthew Peterson on craft, marketing and building readership)
Joyce Carol Oates on Writing Characters (Short video about characters)
Techniques for Memoir Writing (Author Michele Longo Eder on crafting a memoir)
Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. ~Rainer Maria Rilke
