the craft. everything is a writing sample.

Fellowships and writing programs can be a great jumpstart to the career you’re looking for in writing. It’s not the only way, but it’s something a lot of us pursue as a way to build our networks, grow as writers, and decorate our bios. My whole publishing journey started with a fellowship rejection, honestly. And yet, still, I write the applications, the bios and artist statements in hopes to get access to those same things as a published author.

Although I'm not applying to as many literary retreats these days, I have been applying for programs in TV writing. After a tweet from another developing TV writer, I decided to take Script Anatomy’s annual bio and artist statement workshop. Honestly, I think the information is applicable whether you’re doing TV or literature, but there was one statement that literally blew my mind.

“Everything is a writing sample.”

There it was. While I felt confident that maybe I’ve had some good scripts and strong writing samples, I can say for a fact that I haven’t treated my bio or essay questions like a writing sample. Typically, I’m just trying to relay the information. This is who I am, what I’ve done and what I hope to do. This is how culture affects my storytelling. But in this 3-hour workshop, it was like finally a key had unlocked what may or may not have been holding me back from getting my desired result.

I’ll save the specifics for another time because I won’t regurgitate their IP. We’re also planning a workshop on this, hopefully in the fall, that I began discussing with another writer well before I took the class. So stay tuned. But I wanted to share this very essential idea because it may or may not be holding you back as well.

When you think about it, there are a lot of talented people who can write. Writers who may have advanced degrees, wider networks. So while we tend to think sheer merit is going to will us into these programs, it’s not necessarily the case. The work has to be good, yes, but what happens when you have two very well written samples? You go back to those bios, essay questions, artist statements. And the reality is, we have to make those sing just as much.

I almost wanted to toss my laptop out of the window because I’d recently submitted two, maybe three program applications before I took the class. And again, I wasn’t writing crap. But I don’t necessarily feel like I was using that opportunity to highlight why I’m uniquely me. How special experiences have led me to writing and keep me motivated to do so. I didn’t think about how if I’m submitting some comedy pieces to tell a joke or two in my statements, you know? I was writing proficient language over beautiful prose.

Sometimes, it can honestly be the simplest thing. While you’re thinking it’s some type of indictment on your ability, you just don’t know what you don’t know. Listen, programs are competitive and I’m not saying all of a sudden I’ll be the fellowship maven of the world. But I’m excited to give some of the things I’ve learned a spin. See if they make a difference so I can add some stamps of approval to my bio. (I hope you hear my sarcasm) because that is the validation people in the industry need, not one that I need for myself. However, I do believe in the invaluable opportunity to become a better writer and meet other talented writers because that has been an amazing part of this whole journey.

Writing/Job Opportunities

Edition By Modern Luxury is looking for pitches for their summer music issue’s “Innovation” section that highlights notable POC talent fusing music with tech, finance and/or business! Send pitches to Bianca Gracie at bgracie@modernluxury.com. Rate: $400-$500

Sistah Girls Book Club is accepting submissions for short stories.

Pitchfork is hiring an Associate Staff Writer. (Part-time)

Rolling Stone is hiring a Senior Entertainment Reporter. ($95-110k)

Square is hiring a Social Media and Content Manager.