The Helen McCloy/MWA Scholarship for Mystery Writing seeks to nurture talent in mystery writing—in fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting. The scholarship is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents only. Membership in Mystery Writers of America is not required to apply. As the McCloy Scholarship is intended for serious aspiring mystery writers who wish to improve their writing skills, we expect that most applicants will be college students or adult learners.

The scholarship may be used to offset tuition and fees for U.S. writing workshops, writing seminars, or university/college-level writing programs. Applicants must select a specific writing class/workshop/seminar to which scholarship funds would be applied. MWA will present two scholarships for up to $500 each in summer/fall 2009. (Scholarship checks are made out jointly to scholarship winners and their chosen educational institutions.)

Applicants are required to submit:
*Scholarship application form (download PDF application form at http://www.mysterywriters.org/files/2009_McCloy_application.pdf)
* ONE copy of official description of writing class/workshop/seminar (from college catalog, workshop brochure, etc.)
* TWO letters of recommendation (usually from teachers who can speak to the applicant’s writing ability)
* FIVE COPIES of a short essay (300- to 500 words) explaining the applicant’s interest in mystery writing
* FIVE COPIES of a mystery writing sample (e.g., synopsis and 3 chapters from a novel; 3 short stories; 3 short nonfiction pieces; 1 screenplay; or 2 play script)

The scholarship committee may also require letter of acceptance and/or syllabus or other documentation from the writing class/workshop/seminar to be attended.

Submit all materials to:
Helen McCloy/MWA Scholarship Committee
PO Box 16319
Saint Paul MN 55116-0319

All applications must be postmarked by February 28, 2009. No late applications or emailed applications will be accepted. Contact the Helen McCloy/MWA Scholarship Committee at the address above or e-mail mccloy-mwa@lycos.com. No phone calls, please.

Source: The Loop