The “Swirl of Ideas” that Propels Author Jennifer Egan As She Puts Pen to Paper (Literally)
An occasional blog about the writing process and how writers approach their work. By Suzanne Trimel “Writing improv” is the way author Jennifer Egan describes how she starts a novel. Egan says:… More
10 Writers on Writing: PEN America Interviews
PEN America has been in conversation with authors, poets, and other artists from its inception. This holiday season, we are sharing 12 pieces of writing advice. More
Lacino Hamilton on Intentionality and the Language of Justice
Lacino Hamilton, author of "In Spite of the Consequences: Prison Letters on Exoneration, Abolition, and Freedom," speaks with PEN America's "Works of Justice" podcast about the intentionality of language… More
Unsealed: In Spite of Prison Walls
In e-messages sent from a Michigan prison, writer Leo Carmona describes the value of finding and losing community between facility transfers. More
Jennifer Baker on Restorative Justice in Young Adult Fiction
Jennifer Baker, author of "Forgive Me Not," speaks with PEN America's "Works of Justice" podcast about how she wrote restorative justice into her young adult novel. More
Unsealed: On That Old Rock Pile Prison Quilt Project
In this essay, Jeff Elmore explains his process of making paper collage quilts in prison, which he sends to anyone interested in receiving them. More
Damascus James on Witnessing, Letter Writing, and Solitary Confinement
Damascus James, editor of "TEXAS LETTERS," speaks with PEN America's "Works of Justice" podcast about what he learned from people who are in solitary confinement in Texas prisons. More
PEN America, in Partnership with The Bare Life Review Journal, Announces $5000 Grants to Support Works in Progress by Immigrant and Refugee Writers
We have long admired the work of The Bare Life Review and are deeply honored to have this opportunity to support the work of immigrant and refugee writers. We… More
Unsealed: An Open Letter from No More Victims Road
In this open letter, Antwann Lamont Johnson, Sr. considers if the Department of Corrections actually contributes to harm reduction. More
Tommy Trantino on Perseverance and Protest
Jess Abolafia introduces Tommy Trantino, author of "Lock the Lock" (1974), who speaks with the Works of Justice podcast about his experience writing and making art on death row. More