A Story of Two Brains
“That’s what artists do: We imagine possibilities. . . . But the thing is, sometimes we get it wrong.” More
Attention and Affinities
“As writers, many of us are caught in the middle. Our creative imaginations are not discursive, but organic. We are pulled where the muses and where the fertile blindspots… More
The PEN Pod: On Self-Censorship, Book Bans, and Biden’s Virtual Democracy Summit
“Students are really crucial allies. They have, I think, an instinctive sense of not wanting to be told what they can and can’t read.” More
The PEN Pod: Writing, Healing, and Redemption with Natashia Deón
“We’re extremely happy for Danny Fenster. . . but I think the real question is, do we see any loosening vis-à-vis the free expression of Myanmar’s own reporters and… More
Conservative Activist Encourages Students to Record College Professors
"This is shockingly wrongheaded. While professors are struggling to facilitate meaningful learning experiences for their students, Kirk is encouraging ‘gotcha’ videos to report on them." More
MSNBC’s Decision over Sam Seder Emboldens Political Activists to Silence Critical Voices
MSNBC has signaled to provocateurs that, with a little research, they can quickly shut down nearly any voice that challenges their opinions and ideas. More
SLAPPs: The Greatest Free Expression Threat You’ve Never Heard Of?
SLAPPs are a prevalent and serious—but still under-acknowledged—threat to free speech and expression. It should never be “unaffordable” to speak up. More
PEN San Miguel: Advocating for Journalists in Dangerous Climate for Free Expression
Threat in Mexico is not abstract. Over 70 journalists have been killed here in recent years…Mexico is a terrifying place to be trying to exercise free expression... More