Monday, November 29, 2010

A Crab and a Lobster walk into a bar . . .

. . . but more about that later.

On the recommendation of a fellow writer who knows my work, I applied for the PEN USA Emerging Voices Fellowship. I filled out the application -- 60 pages, by the way, including a writing sample -- and sent it on its merry way. I waited on tenterhooks for two months and FINALLY, FINALLY I got the call. Out of hundreds of applicants, I'd made it to the fourteen finalists. After interviewing each of the fourteen, only five would be chosen for the EV Fellowship.

Some times, some things you dream about, pray for, and plan on just aren't meant to be; but then sometimes you get exactly what you need. Someone should write a song about that . . . The Rolling Stones, perhaps?

A week after my interview, I get another call: I didn't get the fellowship. And when you see the type of writers who won it, you'll understand that I was lucky and blessed to have made it to the finals. (A PhD, a BFA, a filmmaker and two internationals among them.)

I was, however, awarded the PEN Community Access Scholarship -- of which they only give out ONE per year -- and that is more than a consolation prize. That's like ordering King Crab, but getting Maine Lobster instead. They are both crustaceans.

A crab and a lobster walk into a bar . . . and I got a scholarship to the UCLA Writer's Program, Number 120 on my Bucket list.

13 comments:

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Whoo hoo!!! Congratulations, Arlene! :)

PatriciaW said...

Arlene, that's fantastic! Enjoy the Writer's Program.

Cathy C. Hall said...

TOTALLY awesome! So thrilled for you-and I know you'll do great things with this opportunity.

MsALWalker said...

Thanks Madeline and Patricia! I plan to enjoy my scholarship to the max.

MsALWalker said...

Yes, Cathy, it IS an opportunity, and I plan to use it to the fullest! Thank you!

Kay said...

This is FanDamTastic! I'm toasting you with a virtual glass of champagne as I type this.
(Can I say I know you when you're famous? Heck, can I say I know you now?) Way to go!!!

MsALWalker said...

Kay, you have a way with words....LOL.
Thank you!

Anonymous said...

AWESOME! They certainly recognize your talent. Best news of the day...way to go, Arlene! (turtonc@aol.com)

MsALWalker said...

Thanks, Miss TurtonC. It really was good news! Thanks for all your encouragement.

Margo Dill said...

WOW! How exciting. Congratulations!!!When do you go to UCLA?

MsALWalker said...

I've already enrolled for the upcoming winter quarter, Margo, and I'm chomping at the bit to begin!

Donna Volkenannt said...

How wonderful! Congratulations on your accomplishment!
Donna V.
http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com

MsALWalker said...

Thanks, Donna! I'm glad you stopped by here!