PEN to Paper: Embrace the Incongruity with Adam Falkner

Some of the greatest works of literature have emerged from times of crisis, and with most of the world in lockdown, we have more time to write than ever before. But where can we find inspiration?

Look no further than PEN to Paper, a video series of original writing exercises from authors of the PEN America World Voices Festival. Writers we love share short prompts to stir the imagination in these home videos. Our online audiences gain intimate insights into their favorite writers and their unique approaches to craft while putting their own pens to paper.

Poet and educator Adam Falkner encourages us to embrace the incongruities of life this week. He sets the stage with tips from Shakespeare himself and then walks us through examples that lead to our own writing challenge. 

Check out his video now, and order his newest book, The Willies, on Bookshop and Amazon. 

About Adam Falkner

Adam Falkner is a poet, educator, and arts and culture strategist. He is the author of The Willies and Adoption, and his work has appeared in a range of print and media spaces including HBO, NBC, The New York Times, and elsewhere. A former English teacher in New York City’s public high schools, he is the founder and executive director of the pioneering diversity consulting group, the Dialogue Arts Project, which develops and facilitates trainings for school districts, companies, and cultural institutions across the country. He holds a Ph.D. in English and education from Columbia University. Find out more about him at adamfalknerarts.com