Seton Hill graduate and active duty member of the U.S. military Troy C. Bucher has recently signed a three-book publishing deal with DAW. The first book in the trilogy, "Lies of Descent," was released in August 2019. As an author, Troy focuses on the genres of science fiction and fantasy. Seton Hill's Writing Popular Fiction MFA helped him kick-start his career.

"As someone committed to a career in another industry, a low-residency program was my only option for completing an MFA," Troy said. "After researching more than a dozen programs, Seton Hill University was the obvious choice."

"The mentors and faculty are masters in the craft of writing."

Seton Hill's online program features two short on-campus residencies per year. This low-residency format allows students to earn their MFA while working a full-time job, or caring for a family.

"The Writing Popular Fiction program is about teaching marketable skills in writing commercial fiction, with the goal of selling to a major imprint," said Program Director Nicole Peeler, Ph.D. "We're very proud of Troy and his work both in the program and after."

A 2014 graduate, Troy remains an active member of Seton Hill's Writing Popular Fiction community. "The mentors and faculty are masters in the craft of writing, and they provide an in-depth understanding of the professional side of the publishing industry you cannot find in any other program," Troy said. "What I didn't expect was the lifelong support network of like-minded friends and allies I would gain. Without them, and the skills I learned at Seton Hill, I could never have sold a three book deal to a big four publisher."

Photo: Troy (center) with fellow Seton Hill Writing Popular Fiction grads Erin Bales (left) and Anna Zabo (right) at World Fantasy Con.