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Interviews & Features

PEN America produces a breadth of interviews and features throughout the year. 

The PEN Ten Interviews • Pen Pals Prison Writing

Rayna Taher

The M Word Stories: Rayna Taher

It's supporting any Muslim actor or actress, public figure or speaker. It's feeling a connection to people you've never met, and having exceptional faith that they will be the… More

Cinelle Barnes

The PEN Ten with Cinelle Barnes

We all already know that it is important to use literary techniques in creative nonfiction for the sole purpose of delivering facts, but I think as a collective, we… More

Nadia Eldemerdash

The M Word Stories: Nadia Eldemerdash

Today, we share Nadia Eldemerdash’s story on being a Muslim American. The piece is Eldemerdash’s response to The M Word’s questionnaire.  More

Sidra Sheikh

The M Word Stories: Sidra Sheikh

Now, even though I have a complicated relationship with the religion in terms of day-to-day practices, its teachings on social justice and treating others and oneself with kindness are… More

Hisham Marwan

The PEN Ten with Marwan Hisham

I think misinformation, which we now see can lead to certain misconceptions and stereotypes, is the greatest threat to freedom of expression. People take many things for granted now and leave only… More

PEN Haiti

PEN Haiti: A Sanctuary for Writers

PEN Haiti began in 2002 and is part of PEN International, a global organization that promotes freedom of expression as a way to advance human rights. The house was… More

Leslie Jamison

The PEN Ten with Leslie Jamison

I’m also actively resisting both hopelessness and complacency—as well as the belief that art is irrelevant in politically troubled times. More