Reviving Literature: How a Florida State University Doctoral Candidate Breathed New Life into an Old Novel During Her Fulbright Experience in France

For many writers, completing a creative project means countless drafts and revisions. Samuel Granoff, a doctoral student in English at Florida State University, experienced this firsthand. His novel about World War I had been left unfinished until the Fulbright U.S. Student Program reignited his passion and creativity.

Granoff spent ten months in France, thanks to the Université Paris-Saclay Doctoral Research Award. This time away allowed him to research and revise his novel, which explores the themes of war, memory, and identity from both historical and modern viewpoints.

“As a writer, you often leave things in drawers and never look back at them,” Granoff shared. The Fulbright experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive back into his work. The program aims to promote understanding between the U.S. and other nations and operates in over 160 countries.

Granoff knew early on that he wanted to use his Fulbright to support his historical fiction. Working closely with Keith McCall from the FSU Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards, he carefully selected his best work for the application. They reviewed each essay and story to make his submission stand out.

Years ago, Granoff started a draft set in Paris during WWI. After reflecting on it, he sought the Université Paris-Saclay award to conduct research for his dissertation in a public research institution near Paris. While there, he tapped into the resources at the Center for Cultural History of Contemporary Societies, a hub for researchers studying contemporary cultural history.

His novel originally focused on a soldier who deserted his post, but after witnessing a World War I reenactment in Paris, Granoff shifted the narrative. He decided to set part of the story in 2018 to connect contemporary identities with historical events. “The best historical fiction still echoes into the present,” Granoff emphasizes.

Traveling through the Fulbright Program transformed his writing. “There’s so much value in being immersed in the culture,” he noted. Granoff found new insights that enriched his story, reinforcing the idea that life experiences can become valuable material for art.

Granoff views the Fulbright as a crucial stepping stone for students and scholars. “It provides the time to create your art,” he said. As he finishes his doctorate and Fulbright fellowship, he’ll be taking on a teaching position at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He plans to continue writing, carrying the lessons he learned during his time abroad.

In today’s shifting cultural landscape, engaging research and immersive experiences like Granoff’s could be vital for anyone looking to make a difference through their writing or art. The Fulbright Program, established over 80 years ago, remains a powerful resource to connect creativity with a broader understanding of the world.

For those considering similar opportunities, the adventure could lead to life-changing experiences and new artistic directions. Granoff sums it up best: “If you have any urge to see the world, do it. You’ll never regret it.”

For more information on applying to the Fulbright Program, see Fulbright’s official website.

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