Writing a proposal based on a clear story line is one of those tricks that tilt a proposal on top.
Why storytelling for grant applicants?
Each research we do tell a story. Each grant application we send out is based on a story. Writing a proposal based on a clear story line is one of those tricks that tilt a proposal on top.
Yet, writing a grant application is a daunting task. Writers often get lost in formulaic writing, losing sight of their unique research story; the story that in the end will tilt their proposal on top.
A strong narrative is not only pretty wrapping for the ‘real science’. It can be its backbone.
Jørgen Carling
What to expect:
This two-session workshop provides researchers with hands-on writing tools to uncover their research proposal’s story. Researchers will practice with the corner stone of storytelling techniques while working directly with their proposals.
The workshop is structured as two sessions of 2,5 hours each, with the possibility to merge them into one longer session.
Each session is structured around two on-the-spot writing exercises, followed by peer-review.
To maintain a high quality of interaction, sessions are preferably limited to 12 participants.
The working language can be English, Dutch, or French.
Who benefits this workshop?
All researchers applying for a research grant, from PhDs to full professors.
What researchers will gain:
The aim of the workshop is to make the proposal more competitive.
In addition, experience shows that tuning into one’s work narrative also reinvigorates researchers in their writing practice; it helps them to reconnect with the purpose of their work while merging their own story with their research story.
Why doing this workshop with me?
I am an accredited teacher with a rich experience in small scale and interactive teaching.
In addition, I have experience in applying for research grants, having succeeded at different levels of my academic career, from small scale grants during my research master, to a fully funded PhD position, followed by a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship.
I’m both trained as a literary scholar and in creative writing, knowing both the theory and practice of storytelling. Next to proposing these workshops specifically designed for grant applicants, I offer more general workshops Creative Writing for Academics.
When bringing creative writing techniques to academic researchers I am first and foremost pragmatic: I know that creative writing techniques will help researchers to write better and faster. But there is also a philosophical background to this work, which I talk about in my article Doing Academia Differently: Loosening the Boundaries of Our Disciplining Writing Practices.
Sign up!
Universities in Amsterdam, Nijmegen, Brussel, and London have already signed up.
Are you the next one?
As part of the launching celebrations, institutes who book before the end of 2022 will benefit from a 300-euro discount.
I look forward to hearing back from you.