Wednesday, February 27, 2008

NEA $25,000. Creative Writing Fellowship

Funding Opportunity Number, 2008NEA03LFCW






Funding Opportunity Number, 2008NEA03LFCW







"Before you apply through Grants.gov for the first time," says the NEA Application Calendar, "you must be registered. Register with Grants.gov:

* It is a multi-step process.
* Takes time; allow a few days.
* Must be completed before you can submit your application."


This year it wasn't simply a matter of not getting the grant (which is usually the case, though I've had some good luck in the past), but of trying and trying, and not even getting the application. Three days on the computer, locating the Funding Opportunity Number, 2008NEA03LFCW, downloading latest Adobe Reader and other software to "read" the application (pot of gold at end of rainbow), getting e-Authentication User ID, returning to the Grants.gov website, selecting "Home," going back to the ORC eAuthentication main page, selecting the blue "Credential Check" button, entering the User ID and password. Then my password gets rejected, then my User name gets rejected, then I start the process all over again... then my Safari browser crashes...

Back to the ORC e-authentication help desk... four hours, five hours... and I've written software user manuals for a living, I thought I knew how to do this stuff. Grow fascinated with the stupefying process, forget even why I'm doing it... more and more investment of time, figure "I can't quit now..."

I imagine Franz Kafka putting in for a writing fellowship... Kafka at Grants.gov... I call my friend David, more skillful and versatile with handling himself online... He too is stymied, but knows another person, a fellow poet, who has managed to download and complete the application.

"You're 74 years old," says my wife. "They're not going to give it to you anyway. They want younger people."

"But if it's this hard to get an application," I say, "the odds are fewer people will apply. Therefore, I'll have a better chance."

NEA Day 3 - she brews an espresso, suggests phoning for hard copy application, which I do. Get directed, then re-directed back to the very place on the website where I've spent all these hours... "Look, sir, they're no longer providing hard copy application forms," says a lady on the other end of the line.

Back to work. And I have just the poem, "Woof Fuckin' Woof," one of the new ones I've been seeking to set aside time to complete.

6 comments:

thrillpier said...

Close to the centre of
virtually every large cluster is a giant
galaxy. The space between galaxies is
not completely empty, as appears to be
the case in pictures of the visible spectrum.
abbigliamento da tennisLocation d\'appartements de vacances à Madère

Blackcat said...

Paid Work Abroad

custom rubber stampsOh my god I absolutely love your blog!!
I read every post immediately and I have to say I like every one of them!!

I love you........ said...

Immigration Attorney New York City

Programas GratisA very well-written post. I read and liked the post and have also bookmarked you.
All the best for future endeavors.

robinson fps said...

Really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us.Great site and a great topic as well i really get amazed to read this. Its really good.robinson fps

Halloween Costumes said...

It was arguably high enough to induce cancer if done repeatedly. Today many OEMs have introduced effective dose control features and numerous techniques that result in lower dose exposure,” Sujith says.Halloween Costumes

Sophie Grace said...

very interesting post.this is my first time visit here.i found so mmany interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion..thanks for the post. PLease check link 192.168.l.254 to find more 192.168.1.1 for yourself.