Patricia Spear Jones's book, The Weather that Kills, grew out of her MFA thesis. Several of the poems, most notably "The Usual Suspect", "Joss Sticks", and "The Birth of the Rhythm and Blues" were developed under the guidance of Lynda Hull, Mark Doty and David Rivard. Rivard's sharp eye really helped her arrange the collection. The book was well-received, critically acclaimed and is still in print. Several of the poems in the book have been anthologized and "The Perfect Lipstick" is often taught.
"My decision to enroll in the Program at VT College was the most important in my life. I have grown immeasurably as a writer. The outstanding faculty I’ve worked with have taught me perhaps more than I yet realize about the craft of writing...I only wish I had enrolled twenty years ago."