How to Write a Bio
A newsletter about writing, art and living more creatively
Let's talk about artist/writer/creative bios! They can be tough to craft. Here are some tips if you don't know where to start or want to revise your bio. Just keep in mind: Your bio is ever-evolving and you want to make sure you don’t forget to include any recent events, accolades or projects.
Ask fellow creatives, friends and family to read through your bio to make sure that it adequately represents you (and that it doesn’t have any typos). I like to keep three major questions in mind when writing a bio:
Does this clearly state what I do?
Do: I’m a journalist and creative non-fiction writer focusing on arts and culture and memoir.
Maybe Don’t: I’m a sorceress of wordplay who transports readers to other worlds through my holographic imagination (unless you’re applying to a science fiction fellowship).
Does it mention my most important work?
Do: Brag about yourself. Put the most important accomplishments first and don’t look back.
Don’t: Sell yourself short. “I’m an okay writer who has a blog no one really reads but I’d love this opportunity. One time the Los Angeles Times mentioned my podcast so that was cool, I guess.” This isn’t the place to downsize your accomplishments — you should really be emphasizing them.
Does it show the direction of my work, and how this opportunity will help?
Do: Be clear about your goals. If you’re working on a visual art series or a book, mention that if it applies to the opportunity.
Don’t: Mention unrelated projects in other mediums or any flights of fancy that you are curious about but might not follow.
🎧 I also got to talk with Rubén Mendive, host of La Lista podcast, about my childhood, writing, South Central LA, USC and disrupting the model minority narrative. Listen here.
Your favorite small but feisty writer,
Eva
Banner design by Ludi Leiva ✨
What I'm Reading
Books:
📷 The New Black Vanguard (visual art) // Read this if you're interested in learning about contemporary Black photography.
🔍 The Vanishing Half (fiction) // Read this if you love page-turners and stories about twins.
*I receive a small affiliate commission if you buy through these links via Bookshop, which donates 10% of sales to participating indie bookstores.
On the Web:
💕 On Joy, Communal Care, and Designing Liberatory Futures
✏️ Six Professional Writers Talk Finances
💰 This Non-Profit in Oaxaca, MX Is Aiding & Empowering Vulnerable Communities
Opportunities of the Month
$1,000 grants to Black Brooklyn-based
artists and movement workers
Silent Partners
Applications open Aug 1
More info here
Literary Arts Emergency Fund
arts orgs/publishers/non-profits
Applications due Aug 7
More info here
Creative Non-Fiction Contest
Evocations Review
Submissions due Aug 15
More info here
California Relief Fund for
Artists and Cultural Practitioners
Application cycle closes Aug 18
More info here
Illuminations Grant for
Black Trans Women Visual Artists
Applications due Aug 30
More info here
Montana Rep Indigenous Artist Commission
Proposals due Aug 31
More info here
Worcester Center for Crafts
Annual Cup Show
Submissions due Sept 1
More info here
Art at a Time Like This Exhibition
Submissions due Sept 1
More info here
Foundation for Contemporary Arts
Emergency Grant
Rolling deadline
More info here
Red Bull Arts Microgrant Program
Rolling deadline
More info here
*shout-out to Pick up the Flow NYC, a great resource!
Quote of the Month
“If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for a moment.”
— Georgia O'Keefe
Want to treat me to a ☕️ or 🍷 to help fuel this newsletter?
Venmo: @Eva-Recinos or Cash App: $EvaRecinos
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