Patricia Cornwell Creative Writing

I have always known I wanted to be a writer. As a child, I picked up on writing quickly. Although my handwriting today does not show it, I was fascinated by the act of writing, shaping delicate cursive script or scrawling jagged letters. As soon as I learned how to write, I was hooked. I wrote short stories to be shared with my classmates, I wrote journal entries, I wrote not quite properly rhymed poetry. I did not care if what I wrote was any good; I just wanted to experiment and have a little fun. I dreamed of one day writing and publishing my own books and collections of poetry. Over time, writing has become much more personal for me. I have used it as an outlet in times of stress, depressions, and change. When I was diagnosed with a chronic illness at fifteen, my writing became the one place I felt I could express my fear and frustration. Conversely, my writing has given me a way to express joy, humor and love, take a break from the chaos of this world we live in, and possibly inspire emotion and passion in those who read my work. From performing my poetry on stage and trusting others with something I find deeply personal at times, I have gained confidence in myself and a thirst to evolve and share my growth

I have chosen to apply for the Patricia Cornwell Creative Writing Scholarship because I love to write, because I am good at what I do, and because I want to share what I love with as many people as I can. I believe this scholarship will give me the chance to pursue what I love alongside my education in a community that will push me to grow and explore my writing abilities both creatively and academically. To me, there could be no higher honor than this opportunity to learn about something I hold so dearly. Although the challenge to always make time and space for writing in my life is a great one, I am deeply grateful to accept it