How to Write Your Essay for the Michael Cleary Creative Writing Award

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your experiences that have shaped your interest in creative writing. Consider significant moments or influences in your life.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments related to writing. Include metrics, such as publications, awards, or relevant coursework.
• The Gap: Identify what you feel is missing in your current skills or knowledge and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique as a writer. Share anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and writing style.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline is crucial for organizing your ideas. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or experience. Follow this with a structured body that explores each of the four material buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus and transition. Conclude with a reflection on how the scholarship will impact your future writing endeavors.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Be specific in your descriptions and avoid vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about writing, illustrate this passion with concrete examples and reflections. Aim for clarity and coherence, ensuring that each paragraph contributes to your overarching narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences connect to your goals? This reflection will help deepen your narrative and enhance the impact of your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and overused phrases that can dilute your message. Avoid vague language that lacks evidence. Also, ensure that your essay is free of invented facts or experiences. Authenticity is key—your unique voice and genuine experiences will resonate more with the committee than generic statements.