GrubStreet's Emerging Writer Fellowship is open for 2025-26 applications now! The Fellowship aims to develop new & exciting voices by providing writers tuition-free access to GrubStreet’s classes and Manuscript Month. We had a chance to check in with one of our 2024-25 Emerging Writer Fellows, Danielle Shandiin Emerson, at their halfway point and ask a few questions about their time at GrubStreet so far.

GrubStreet: Can you discuss any projects or pieces you've been working on during the fellowship? How has the fellowship supported or influenced your work?

Danielle Shandiin Emerson: Of course! I’ve been working on a collection of short stories and a couple of poems that haven’t really found a home yet. The fellowship has really allowed me to connect with other writers, receive valuable feedback, and fall more into a routine, since writing can often feel so unstructured and chaotic, especially if you have a day job or household responsibilities.

GS: We would love to know more about your craft experiences during the Fellowship. What courses have you taken and instructors have you met? Has there been any specific piece of feedback or advice you received that helped you overcome a writing challenge?

DSE: I’ve taken quite a few short fiction and a couple of memoir-based classes. These include: Writing Autofiction, 6 Weeks, 6 Stories, Developing Your Short Fiction, and Jump Starting Your Memoir. I received so much helpful feedback, specifically on a story I’ve been meaning to write for almost a year, and finally felt inspired to finish. I really think there’s something so important about the community aspect of writing and storytelling that helps us develop and converse with our own writing.

GS: Are there any unique aspects of the Fellowship experience you would want to highlight?

DSE: I love the people I’ve connected with over the course of the fellowship. I've got to meet such amazing writers and editors. These connections are truly the highlight.

GS: One of the benefits of a writing community is kinship and workshopping. How has interacting with other Fellows and the GrubStreet community impacted your work and perspective?

DSE: It’s really shown me how wide and, ultimately, how thriving the storytelling world is–and will continue to be! I don’t feel alone in my craft and I’m supported by people who really care about telling stories. Knowing this is super motivating and it helps that I can reach out to someone whenever I feel like I’m hitting a wall in the process.

GS: What advice would you give to writers considering applying for the Emerging Writer Fellowship in the future?

DSE: It’s a cliche, but be honest. All writers have a unique voice, don’t be afraid—either of rejection or judgement—to be yourself. And also, before joining a new writing community, take a moment to consider the communities that helped you get to where you are now. I really feel like an understanding of the communities you come from is not only an important part of applying to the Emerging Writer Fellowship, but also an important part to being a storyteller.

Applications for the 2025 - 2026 Emerging Writer Fellowship are open now. Learn more about the Fellowship here.