In a writers fellowship, how can I contribute to the building or the community?
I’m going to apply for a writers fellowship in New York.
Here are the questions it asks me:
Full Name
Email Address
Describe your project (800 word maximum)
Describe how you can contribute to the building or the community
List the dates you would be able to participate in a fellowship
Anything else you would like us to know?
I’m having trouble with one question:
Describe how you can contribute to the building or the community
Please help.
I have no idea how to answer this.
It almost feels like a trick question.
We are there to write for 3 months straight with a weekly activity for app. 5 hours with the ppl in the building.
But I just don’t know how to answer this.
Tagged with: ppl • trick question • word maximum • writers fellowship
Filed under: Email List Building
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Sounds like a way to know you. While ‘describe your project’ refers to your work, a contribution is strictly you. Since the community will be there for three months, the organizers need to know that you will fit with the group. Odds are this question will evaluate your personality, your experience, and your abilities. Think of it like this:
Everybody is planning a party. Sue will bring chips. Bob will bring dip. Doug will bring soda. Anne will bring beer. Sam will bring pizza. Jean will bring napkins and paper plates. What is it that you will bring? Assume everything is taken care of. They have all aspects covered. There’s nothing left for you to bring. Unless you come up with something grand and original, you won’t be invited to the party. Nobody wants the same boring answer. They probably want someone who stands out. Someone who tells a story and shows what they can bring to the party. Don’t say, ‘I can buy Hostess cupcakes.’ Instead, tell everyone about your trip to South America, where you scoured the tombs and found an ancient recipe for a chocolate bonanza. Describe how Cortez fought to get the recipe from the natives and failed. But you found it and you’re making a treat for the party. It shows that you’re deserving and dedicated. It shows that you can bring more than writing knowledge to the party. You can bring personality and your own style.