How to create CLOB within ANYDATA ?

Hi: I am attempting to use the ANYDATA type from within Oracle 9i (from SQL, mostly via JDBC) and find documentation very sparse. This line works:
INSERT INTO ATABLE VALUES (123,SYS.ANYDATA.CONVERTNUMBER(3.1416)) but an attempt with CLOB
INSERT INTO ATABLE VALUES (123,SYS.ANYDATA.CONVERTCLOB(EMPTY_CLOB())) or
INSERT INTO ATABLE VALUES (123,SYS.ANYDATA.CONVERTCLOB('abcde')) gives error:
"Connection fails: ORA-22370: incorrect usage of method AnyData Insert"

I would be working with 'internal' CLOBs, and according to the Oracle docs, EMPTY_CLOB() should create a new CLOB. Must I create a CLOB by some other means before I insert it in an ANYDATA column, and if yes, is it possible to do this plus the insert within a single SQL statement? Or with a stored procedure, if necessary? I am just getting started with Oracle, but have the impression that I am heading into a swampy region of the terrain.

                          thanks,  Steve Herb