The PEN Ten: An Interview with 2018 Prison Writing Award Winner Matthew Mendoza
"My best writing is about moments of magical awareness. I refused to give voice to the monotony, the bullying and violence that make up prison life." More
The Named and the Nameless: 2018 Prison Writing Awards Anthology
For the first time, the 2018 Prison Writing Awards Anthology brings the winning works together in a beautiful print collection to share with the world. More
The Named and the Nameless
In this week's special edition of the Illustrated PEN, we present "The Named and the Nameless," a series of illustrations that accompany winning manuscripts from the 2018 Prison Writing… More
My Penal Vacation
"I caught the elderly lady looking toward the bus stop a few times, probably disappointed at the loss of a customer. Count your blessings lady, I think to myself.… More
The Bizarre Conclusion of Walter Germany
"Look at yourself, sitting there with your teeny pop gun, defending your castle against what? Where are the intruders? Remember what they say: the best defense is a good offense, right?" More
The Named and the Nameless
"I had never known Vince very well. He was of my father's generation, and during the sixties and seventies that was reason enough for me to maintain a respectful… More
Regret’s Tragic Romance
"Didn't anybody understand he was MY dad long before he was anything to them? I admit I was jealous and a little angry. I may even have subconsciously wandered… More
The Glitter Squirrel in Me
"You / bring out the Glitter Squirrel in me / The reading dreamer / The yearbook’s class clown / The nacho-eating Twin’s fan" More
Limp Gray Fur
"I am neurotically productive, reading, studying, writing, exercising – doing something at all times, anything except nothing." More
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