I am writing this blog to invite you, my dear talented Iranian.com writers and poets, to apply for the 2012 PEN USA Emerging Voices fellowship. This program is a true opportunity for those of you who are passionate about creative writing (Fiction, Non-Fiction and Poetry) but lack access to the traditional for launching a literary career.
http://www.penusa.org/programs/emerging-voices
I had this great opportunity to be among the five 2011 EV fellows and I have to say that it has been the most amazing experience of my life. There are still days when I wake up, remember the author that I am about to meet, and I pinch myself to make sure that I am not dreaming!
Besides having an established author as a mentor and several public readings, PEN USA has organized for the EV fellows Master Classes in Creative Writing and weekly Author Evenings. So far, we’ve met with Janet Fitch, Aimee Bender, Bernard Cooper, Samantha Dunn, Graham Moore, John Freeman…and the list goes on. Believe me! This is a great opportunity and don’t let it pass you by. I know there are many wonderful writers and poets on IC who would easily make it.
Please be obsessive with your EV application. Don’t rush! Last year, it took me a few weeks to fill it out and to chose the best sample of my work to include in my application.
Voila a short video of the last presentation we had at Silver Lake Jubilee:
Please feel free to contact me if you have any specific question.
