Coming Home to Creativity: How UNO’s MFA in Writing Helped Christine Nessler Rediscover Her Spark

When Christine Nessler began the Master of Fine Arts in Writing program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), she wasn’t just returning to the classroom—she was returning to herself.

“Entering the MFA program felt like coming home,” Christine said. “Somewhere in the grind of adulthood, I had lost touch with my creative spark. Though I wrote professionally in public relations, marketing, and business, my work lacked the imagination and energy that once defined me. The twinkle in my eye and my voice had dimmed.”

Through the UNO MFA program, Christine found that spark again. Immersed in a community of writers and guided by dedicated mentors, she rediscovered the joy of storytelling—and the power of humor to connect people.

The Power of Humor

For Christine, humor isn’t just about laughter—it’s about connection.

“Humor is one of the strongest points of connection in life,” she explained. “I’m drawn to people that bring humor to every interaction. I love sharing or hearing stories about the absurdity of everyday life because those moments of vulnerability help us relate to one another.”

That philosophy guided her creative nonfiction essay, “Letter to a Harried Mom – It Gets Better,” published by The Motherly Collective in March 2024. The piece explored motherhood, exhaustion, and the bittersweet passage of time—and it struck a chord with readers.

“The audience’s laughter during my reading lifted my soul,” she remembered. “With so much darkness in the world, I realized I might offer a little light. After it was published, I received heartfelt messages from mothers young and old who saw themselves in the essay.”

Humor, Christine believes, creates an emotional bridge between writer and reader. “It reminds us not to take things too seriously and to find joy even in adversity,” she said. “When we notice the humor woven through daily life, both living and writing become richer, more meaningful—and a lot more fun.

Mentorship That Made a Difference

Christine credits her mentors in the UNO MFA program with helping her find—and trust—her voice.

“Having different mentors each semester gave me a well-rounded writing education,” she said. “Each brought unique expertise and style, offering fresh perspectives and valuable feedback.”

One of those mentors, Charlene Donaghy, became a turning point in Christine’s creative journey.

“Charlene supported me through a big shift in my writing,” Christine said. “I moved away from a serious historical fiction based on my grandmother’s struggles in the 1940s and focused instead on a side character—her granddaughter, Josie. Through the lens of this spirited eight-year-old, I wrote a series of short adventures set in the 1980s.”

Donaghy’s mentorship was transformative. “She was my biggest cheerleader,” Christine said. “Her enthusiasm and curiosity about my characters pushed me to dig deeper. She challenged me to bring conflict to fruition rather than letting it fizzle out and to develop richer character perspectives through detailed character bios. With her mentorship, I found my voice—and felt truly heard.”

Other mentors offered equally lasting lessons:

• Patricia Lear taught Christine to “draw readers into the heart of the action” and give characters “flaws that make them vulnerable and real.”
• Tom Paine showed her how “the small moments between big scenes” can reveal character and growth.
• Teri Youmans helped her refine her prose and “trust the reader” through poetic precision and historical consistency.

“Looking back, each mentor provided just what I needed at the right time,” Christine said. “The program fostered not only my growth as a writer but also as a person. Finding my voice—and my people—gave me confidence and clarity about who I am.

From the Page to the Classroom

During her final residency in the program, Christine interviewed for an adjunct position at Gustavus Adolphus College. What began as a single class quickly grew into a full-time role in the Department of Business and Economics.

“Although I didn’t anticipate teaching business courses, I’ve found the position incredibly rewarding and the campus environment invigorating,” she said. “I credit my opportunity to teach at the college level to the skills and confidence I gained through the MFA program.”

Today, Christine teaches multiple business courses and advises students—all while weaving her storytelling skills into the classroom.

“Storytelling plays a central role in my teaching,” she said. “It’s how I connect with students—and yes, a little humor helps too. Sharing real-world stories allows me to impart wisdom, build credibility, and illustrate that I’ve truly ‘walked the walk’ in the business world.”

Writing That Resonates

Even with a full teaching schedule, Christine continues to write—and to seek representation for her work. Her passion remains the same: to move readers through connection, humor, and authenticity.

“I’m passionate about writing pieces that resonate,” she said. “I hope to make readers feel something deep inside—by using honest, subtle humor to connect them with my characters and stories.”

The UNO MFA program, she said, gave her the confidence and clarity to share her work with the world.

“As a reader, my favorite stories are the ones that make me laugh and cry,” she reflected. “I hope my readers feel that same deep emotion and connection to my work. The UNO MFA gave me the confidence and clarity of voice to connect with them in a meaningful way.”

About University of Nebraska at Omaha’s MFA in Writing

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Writing program connects aspiring writers with accomplished mentors and peers in an inspiring, flexible environment. Learn more about how UNO helps writers like Christine Nessler find their voice, strengthen their craft, and share their stories.

Explore the UNO MFA in Writing Program