Drexel’s MFA in Creative Writing program recently welcomed St. Rita's Amazing Traveling Bookstore and Textual Apothecary to campus as part of its first-year residency experience.  

St. Rita's is owned and operated by former educator Rita Collins, who travels across the United States in the customized van-turned-mobile bookstore, bringing used books directly to readers in communities large and small. During its two days on Drexel’s campus, St. Rita's opened its doors to students, faculty, staff and members of the public, offering an opportunity to browse and purchase books directly from the traveling bookstore.  

The MFA program’s first-year residency is an immersive educational experience that combines literary craft with hands-on professional development. Drexel's low-residency MFA is distinguished by its emphasis on experiential learning and direct engagement with the publishing industry, connecting students with authors, agents, editors, publishers and other literary professionals. 

MFA students had the opportunity to speak with Collins about the vital role independent booksellers play in today's publishing ecosystem. They discussed author-bookseller relationships, literary community building, bookselling and other industry topics that are increasingly important for emerging writers navigating the contemporary publishing landscape. 

"Learning how to cultivate meaningful relationships with booksellers is an essential part of building a successful writing career," said Nomi Eve, director of the MFA in Creative Writing program. "Independent booksellers remain among authors' most important champions. Rita Collins has created an extraordinary model for connecting readers and books through community, curiosity and conversation, and we were thrilled to bring her work to our students and campus." 

St. Rita's visit reflects the MFA in Creative Writing program’s ongoing commitment to blending creative practice with real-world professional engagement. Through residencies, industry programming, mentorship opportunities and interactions with publishing professionals, the program prepares writers not only to create compelling work but also to thrive within the literary world.