Comments on: Double Disappointment

By: Joselle

Joselle — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:06:00 +0000

I don’t know if this will make you feel any better but I’ve not heard of these two writers. I’ve heard of you, though.

And I don’t have any of their books. I have both of yours.

You’re a published author whose work actually connects to people. I’m not saying their work doesn’t. I’m sure it connects with someone. And I’m not saying you should feel guilty about feeling bitter (feel bitter!). I’m just saying, would you rather be a writer people know and connect with? Or would you rather be, you know, a different kind of writer?

I agree with you, though. It doesn’t seem like Ken Kalfus NEEDS the grant. If the grant is really only for those with elite credentials and much published work, then is it a grant to support the work of artists or an Oscar?

Also, have you seen The Savages? If not, you might want to curl up with that movie tonight. I bawled my way through it (there’s a Guggenheim involved; but also an aging parent and aging dog, which really hit me in the gut).

By: Samara O'Shea

Samara O'Shea — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:55:28 +0000

Joselle, I don’t deserve you. I just don’t! Thank you. That’s all I can say. Thank you for this.

I have seen The Savages. That’s where I first heard of the Guggenheim. Embarrassing but true! I raced home to Google and see if such a fellowship exists. Such enough! It does. How funny that you made that connection.

Thank you again and again.

By: Masa Song

Masa Song — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:03:17 +0000

On my way to work yesterday, I was listening to a story on NPR about a recent graduate working at a used book store while searching for meaningful employment opportunities. Towards the end of the story, she talks about her current situation, in retrospect. She says, “If I’m having grand kids, it’ll mean things worked out, and so the story will have a happy ending. And I’ll say… ‘Perseverance really pays off, kids.’ And I’ll be there for them in the way my parents, friends, and extended family have been there for me.” She then says, “…It’s a great opportunity to say, ‘Things are going to be ok.’ And I’m fully confident things are going to be ok.” (from “It’s Up to You, New York (And Job Growth),” NPR Morning Edition, Monday, 6/8/09) The story reminded me of your grant application, and at the time, I was hoping you might be the recipient. Samara, I’m proud of you for applying for this prestigious grant. You demonstrate creativity exploring ways to pursue your goals. If you didn’t apply just because another Ken Kalfus may apply, you may lose out on many other opportunities. Besides, every time you submit an application, that’s an opportunity for exposure of your wonderful works to the judges, right? Even though you may not be a recipient, a judge may think, “You know what? Samara may be a good fit for an upcoming project, or ABC foundation’s grant which will be accepting applications soon.”

Samara, you have so much to offer, and I enjoy reading what you have to say. It may take several grant applications before you get a “yes,” but, like Tsivia Finman in the NPR story says, I know that you’ll be in a happy situation when you can say, “Perseverance really pays off, kids.” Don’t give up.

And Joselle, thank you for your kind words of encouragement to Samara. How heartwarming!