The Excellence in Literary Fiction (ELF) Scholarship, established in 2008 by TCU alumnus and successful novelist Sandra Brown, awards a successful candidate two full years of tuition for the candidate’s junior and senior years.

The ELF scholarship is an endowment that provides passionate writers, and the reason for its creation was to do just that.

Michael Brown, Sandra Brown’s husband, created this scholarship in admiration for his success as a writer.

“It was a surprise birthday present for Sandra,” said Dr. Dan Williams, ELF scholarship facilitator. “She actually left school to marry Michael, and so to make up for her pressing break in her writing career, he proposed that this scholarship be made in her name.”

Over the past 13 years, the ELF scholarship has awarded more than $ 700,000 to 13 student-writers enrolled at TCU.

To apply, students must submit a 50-75 page writing portfolio. The work must be original fiction, either as part of a longer story or in a collection of short stories. Applicants must also submit a self-presentation and two letters of recommendation.

Students do not need to have a major in English or writing when applying, but must register in either major once they have won.

ELF 2021 scholarship recipient Wafa Shaikh submitted a collection of short stories dealing with women’s issues for her application. Shaikh admits that the path to her candidacy was stressful enough for her, but the result was life-changing.

“My life has changed a lot,” Shaikh said. “I like being able to devote myself more to writing. I think that’s what university should be, a commitment to study without major worries getting in the way. Having my tuition covered did that for me.

Matt Grubb, the 2020 recipient is also grateful to have been selected.

Grubb decided to submit part of a fictional novel he started writing at the age of 16.

“When I heard about this scholarship, I thought about the book I started when I was 16. So I thought I might have a chance to win if I finished it. “said Grubb.

Both recipients urge students who are considering applying to think big and stay disciplined.

“Just try to do something big. Don’t do something that will barely exceed the word count or something that is a safe choice,” Grubb said.

He also advised applicants to remember that their writing has value – win or lose.

“The stock market is just a bonus,” Grubb said. “At the end of the day, if you’re a creative writer and that’s what you love to do, then you’re putting your time and effort into something that matters to you.”

The deadline for the scholarship is December 4, 2021. For more information on how to apply, go to https://elf.tcu.edu/new/about-the-scholarship or contact Dr Williams at [email protected].