Grants for fiction writers are available – you just have to know where to look.
As I fill out the application for the Big Sur Children’s Writers Workshop, I once again feel grateful and very lucky to have the funds to go (assuming I’m accepted). The only reason I can is because I heard about the Indiana Arts Commission Grants several years ago and was encouraged to apply. I received that one, and received a second grant this year which will pay the tuition, plane fare and other expenses of the conference.
If I hadn’t heard about the grant by word of mouth, I’d still be sitting here wishing, and I’m probably not the only writer in that position. So I’ve started a series of articles about state grants and will go from there to other grants available to fiction writers. Some are for established, critically acclaimed writers, and others are open to “emerging” writers – those of us who are in the somewhat early stages of our careers.
In general, your application does need to show a track record of writing, whether it’s short story publications, conferences attended, and/or awards that you’ve received. Something to show that writing is not just a whim and that you’re working to improve your craft. So build those credits and even enter a few contests. Meanwhile, read Applying for State Art Grants” and follow the links to your state.
