Deb Maclaren

Pen to Print

2 days ago

**ReadFest 2026**Debut Writers Finding An Identity - 1 Week To Go!When: 15 September, 5-6pmWhere: Barking Learning Centre & OnlineFREEBook Tickets: pentoprint.org/readfestDebut writers Connor Hutchinson, Kuba Shand‑Baptiste, Lisa Smith and Richard Tyrrell talk to Lucy Popescu about their debut novels and the stories that helped shape them.Connor explores masculinity and working-class communities, Lisa investigates race and class, Kuba confronts belonging and the politics of visibility, while Richard follows one man’s journey of self-discovery.Together they consider how fiction can illuminate the different nuances of identity, challenge them, and explore new possibilities. ...

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Pen to Print

3 days ago

Every Tuesday we will be sharing a poem from one of our wonderful Pen to Print and Write On! contributors. We hope you enjoy!**If I Should Meet An Alien by Eithne CullenIf I should meet an alien from distant outer space, he’d have skin as fair as candy floss and a smile on every face. And I'd take him to my Nan's house, I'm sure he'd like it there he'd like her milky tea and scones, and her big recliner chair. We'd have a game of football, he'd do tackles and nutmegs, he'd be running rings around me, as in fact, he has three legs. He'd be joining Zumba classes with my auntie and my mum his four arms would swing wildly, till he fell flat on his bum! And at school he'd sit beside me, and science would be a breeze, some things would be new to him but he'd remember them with ease. And at home he'd be amazing I’d be sure to let him win, and he'd ruin the new sofa with his scaly, leathery skin. Then he'd climb into his space ship, time to be off on his way, I'd be sad to see him leaving, hope he'd come again someday.© Eithne Cullen, 2017 ...

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Pen to Print

3 days ago

The Reading Agency - Teachers' Reading ChallengeAn exciting opportunity for school and library staff to expand, update and diversify their knowledge of contemporary children's books.How it works:Sign in and choose a bookRead and reviewEarn a badgeJoin the mailing listFind out more: www.teachersreadingchallenge.org.uk/ ...

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Write On! Issue 30 OUT TODAY