As I write this I’m
struck by how entirely personal inspiration can be – here are some observations
I’ve had in the last 15 years of grant writing.
I hope they are a bit inspiring or at least help you think about what
might work for you.
The spark – what gets
your writing going?
As a grant writer I’m fortunate because most of my inspiration
comes from programs I am honored to try to explain on paper. I’m currently writing for an organization
that focuses on many different aspects of social justice through its programs
across the country. That spark of
believing in a program, getting excited by its stories is critical in my
writing. From that spark – a small fire
of persuasive information can start and you are able to tell their story with
clarity and heart. So pick your clients or focus on fundable projects in your
organization that you truly believe in – your belief in the project will come
out in the writing. It will also motivate you to keep going as you put together
the proposal.
Set the table – making
the time and space to focus
Pick a time to write and stick to it. Inspiration needs a
channel so set aside the time when you are mentally at your best. I never thought I would be a morning person (my
mother really NEVER thought I would be) but like many writers I find the
morning hours are best for writing and editing.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s really that first cup of coffee, but I’ll
take whatever feels like inspiration. My friend Amy swears by the 4 to 6
afternoon time frame when her energy is at its peak. Find the time that works for you and clear
your schedule of meetings and other tasks to focus on your writing.
My office space environment is sometimes part of my
inspiration – or procrastination I’m never quite sure. I have a piece of a tree that was struck by lightening,
I have pictures of my family all around, quotes on my bulletin board, little
zip toys, and many different types of pens and lots of erasers. Sometimes these can be objects to focus on
while my brain is working out a sentence or next thought – letting go so that the
words can flow in.
Take a break – empty
your head of what you are working on for a while
We all need time to recharge our creative energy. Experiment
with taking a news fast for at least a day – the wars and politics of the world
will still be there – give yourself space to think about other things. Take a walk in nature – clear your head and see
the beauty of the world, realize that there is something much grander your
current proposal. Look at art in a
museum – let the quiet and the great talent fill up your head for a while.
Leave it – let your
work sit for awhile (at least overnight)
Sometimes the best thing you can do to reignite your
inspiration around a project is work until each section is filled or partially
filled with words – then let it sit. I
usually like to let a proposal sit overnight then tackle it again in the
morning. Like certain recipes sometimes
a grant gets better – the ingredients come together in your brain - by letting
it ferment for a short while.
Get on with it – force
yourself to sit and write
We all know that sometimes finding inspiration comes through
just doing. Sometimes when things are really not going well in writing a grant
I think of the Winston Churchill quote “When
in hell, just keep going.” Sometimes we
just have to get something on a page – whether good text or not, it’s a start
that you can build upon.
Edit it – get a fresh
set of eyes
A good editor, someone to take a fresh look at what you’ve
been reworking is sometimes the best source of inspiration. While catching typos or incomplete thoughts a
good editor can also ask questions that spark you to think about a project more
deeply getting you to explain it with more enthusiasm and clearness.
Let it go – when the
proposal is out the door download the work from your brain
The wonderful thing about grant proposals is that the
majority of them are time sensitive.
There is usually a deadline that you must meet. So while you may want one more edit or chance
to change something – time is up and you have to send it out. When the proposal is gone – let it go and fret
no more because it is now in the hands of the reviewers and fate. Take some time to move all the files and
information regarding this grant into a separate place. Record the submission in whatever tracking
sheet you use and give your brain and body an opportunity to regroup from the
stress of getting the grant out the door.
Giving yourself even a short
breather before diving into the next project will free up space in your brain
to begin the process again.
