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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.

James HannahamIn our final PEN to Paper episode, multidisciplinary artist and PEN/Faulkner Award-winning novelist James Hannaham wants to know what you are “serving” in your writing. What juicy details about you, your time, and your place do you reveal through language?

Warning: To make the most of this mini workshop, please take a brief, required quiz. Then, pour yourself a cool cocktail and dive into crafting authentic characters that reveal more than plot points alone.

Check out his video now, and order his most recent book, Delicious Foods, on Bookshop or Amazon.


About James Hannaham

James Hannaham’s most recent novel, Delicious Foods, won the PEN/Faulkner and Hurston/Wright Legacy Awards, and was a New York Times Notable Book. He teaches in the Department of Writing at the Pratt Institute.