Hi Everyone,
As we wrap up another incredible year with Pen to Print, we can’t help but feel proud of the creativity and community spirit that has flourished throughout 2025. From inspiring workshops to thought-provoking talks and a new website, our mission to make writing accessible to everyone has never felt more alive. And guess what? The story doesn’t end here, 2026 is already shaping up to be even more exciting!
Celebrating Our Achievements
This year, hundreds of writers have taken their first steps into storytelling, poetry and scriptwriting. Our events have been buzzing with energy and the feedback from participants has been heartwarming. Whether it was a packed creative writing workshop or a lively Q&A with published authors, the message has been clear: stories matter, and everyone has one to tell.
We’ve also launched new partnerships and expanded our digital reach, making it easier for people to join us from anywhere. It’s been a year of growth, learning, and connection and we couldn’t have done it without you, our amazing community.
What’s Coming Up
Looking ahead, we have a calendar full of opportunities for you to get involved in our Histories-themed year. From writing courses to volunteering opportunities with Write On! – there’s something for every storyteller. We’ll also be hosting historical-themed writing workshops and adding new work to our Digital Storytelling Trail on Bloomberg Connects. Explore the trail at https://pentoprint.org/digital-storytelling-trail.
Our story will continue from Monday 5 January 2026, with the National Year of Reading!
Community Voices
One of the best parts of Pen to Print is hearing how our programs impact real lives. This is what some of our participants have shared this year:
“Pen to Print gave me the confidence to share my writing for the first time. It’s been life-changing!”
Workshop attendee
“I never imagined my words could matter. Now, I’m working on my first novel!”
Competition entrant
Stories like these remind us why we do what we do. Every voice matters and every story deserves to be heard.
This year’s Write On! magazines have been incredible. It seems as though the quality just gets better with every issue! The circulation has increased, showcasing our talented pool of writers and contributors to a growing readership and I’m pleased to say the Write On! volunteer team continues to grow and develop. Although, of course, we are always looking to welcome new people.
Get Involved
Want to be part of the magic? Here are a few ways to connect:
- Join a Workshop: Learn new skills and meet fellow writers.
- Enter a Competition: From The Cauldron (see our Destination Barking and Dagenham page) or The Book Challenge (see above), are open now, along with our Short Story Competition, Poetry Competition, Audio Play competition and many more.
- Feeling creative? Here’s a quick prompt:
Write about a moment when you felt truly powerful….
- Share it with us on social media, we’d love to read your words!
Keep updated and inspired through our events, tips and inspiration and enter competitions. Visit: W pentoprint.org
Thank You
As we close out 2025, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your passion and creativity make Pen to Print what it is: a vibrant, welcoming space for stories to thrive. Here’s to more writing, more sharing, and more magic in 2026!
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year from the Pen to Print Team – Lena, Lisa and Mohammed.
All the best
Lena Smith,
Library Programme Manager (Pen to Print CEO)
