The Grant Year


One year ago I learned the great state of Minnesota was trusting me with an Artist Initiative Grant in support of my writing. This vote of confidence from strangers gave me a specific kind of momentum, and in these past twelve months I’ve published essays in great places ('This Is My Oldest Story" in Creative Nonfiction's True Story #15; "To Be Held" in Sweet; "Look At It Like This" in Up North Lit; & "Clean Lines" in Ninth Letter), was a finalist in a nonfiction contest (Curt Johnson Prose Award), received two nominations each for Best of the Net and the Pushcart Prize (thanks, Sweet, UPL, and Creative Nonfiction!), taught an adult writing class through Minnetonka Community Ed (which I'll be offering again through the Plymouth Library system in late winter), and folks, I’ve gone and written a manuscript. I’ve barely touched its pages since school began in August, but something shifted over this last month, and the story is insisting it’s had enough rest. I say all this because I’m very grateful. And also because here it is: progress, vulnerability, accountability, my wildest dream. Anything can happen in a year. Hotdamn! Anything. Here's to a 2019 that shines and sparkles and stretches us all.

Comments

  1. Good evening! !
    It is 9:30 PM on 30th Japan time now.
    It is the custom of Japan's year end.
    In the year end, we say “Yoi otoshi wo” to each other wishing for the coming
    year to be pleasurable.
    The New Year season is the most significant season for the Japanese.
    All the Christmas décor is switched to the New Year’s in a blink.
    Major New Year icons are the pine tree, bamboo, plums and so on. All of them are symbols of good fortune and longevity.

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  2. Congrats! Weren't we going to get together for coffee during the summer and compare mid-points? Sigh. Still up for coffee and end-of-grant-year chat? It was a great year for me too.

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    1. We were! Pretty typical of what happens when I makes "plans." :) I would love to get together sometime, though. I'm so happy to hear your year was a good one. Hooray!

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    2. Drop me an email at your convenience!

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  3. Congratulations, Emily! What a fabulous year you have had - I'm so happy for you. Post your new class in Plymouth - maybe I'll be able to come! Good luck with your novel, and I wish you a new year filled with wonder, discovery, and joy. xoxo

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    1. I'll do that, Jacey. It would be wonderful to see you again and catch up. Let me know if you ever find a really great Loft class, especially if it is during the week (when I could take a day of PD). Happy wishes to you in the new year!

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  4. Hotdamn was my father-in-law's go-to phrase for all things amazing and inspiring. Hotdamn, Emily, what a year!!!!!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Suzanne! Looking back on it, it gives me a lot of hope for 2019. Big wishes for you, too!

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