Write On! 11 is out today! The theme of Writing With Wonder – The World Through Children’s Eyes, reflects the fact we’ll never look at things the way we once did. Our interview with the iconic children’s writer, the Costa-Prize winning Frances Hardinge, echoes this. Her conversation with Claire Buss shows how whimsy and magic can be brought into the everyday and that seeing the world differently can lead to the hope we all crave. We’re also featuring a Spotlight On Illustration while, The Big Debate explores whether, in times when children and young people are facing unprecedented challenges, we should be sugar-coating writing aimed at them.

Born in Barking and Dagenham, Write On! 11 continues to shine a light on local people. Columnist HB O’Neill brings us A Local Flavour, looking at creative initiatives in the area and in Destination Barking And Dagenham, we showcase highlights from the IG11 & RM10 Art Trail.

Issue 11 is sponsored by All Stories, a free mentorship programme for children’s book writers from underrepresented groups. All Stories are offering free mentoring sessions to review cover letter, written submission and synopsis for three eligible children/YA writers. We are also, once again, including our popular postcard gifts. This issue they come  courtesy of new partners, The London Library, with a free day pass for every reader.

SEE ISSUE 11 HERE

Launched in April 2019, Arts Council England Library NPO (National Portfolio Organisation) Pen to Print’s Write On! continues to reach new readers – all united by a desire to come together beyond boundaries of geography, culture and expectations. Created by and for writers, Write On! is available through libraries in Devon, east London and Essex as well as digitally. Increasingly, we are sharing the printed magazine with writers from across the UK who are asking for copies for their writing groups and local bookstores.

We believe an inclusive community spirit, reaching beyond boundaries of place, can create wider ripple effects around engagement and transparency. We are therefore delighted that Write On! Extra has encouraged over 58,000 users from 183 countries to respond to our ideals and Write On! Audio is also growing apace.

Write On! 12 is out on 22 April.

A Call to Action:

In keeping with Pen to Print’s vision that everybody should have the chance to tell their story and so, inspire potential in others, we welcome new writing and ideas from London, the UK and internationally.  Featuring iconic poet and RSL Chair Daljit Nagra, Write On! 12 will be out on 22 April January. The theme – Nature, Inspiring Creativity: Past, Present And Future will also inform content for the digital Write On! Extra (accessible through pentoprint.org) and podcast Write On! Audio (on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Just type Pen to Print into your browser. Alternatively, find us via our Anchor FM hosting site).

1. 1. For up-to-date editorial information, including how to submit to the Write On! suite of publications, including audio, see: The Editor’s Introduction.
   2. Partnerships: Write On! has already facilitated partnerships and co-operation with All Stories, Bloomsbury, Penguin, the Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation, Write Back UK, the Curtis Brown Agency, Margate Bookie, Edge Lit (events), University of Derby, the Romantic Novelist Association (RNA), the Alternative Stories and Fake Realities Podcast, Libraries Unlimited (Devon), The London Library, Becontree Broadcasting Station and the Barking and Dagenham Talking Newspaper (making Write On! available in a spoken form) many others are currently being explored. If you would like to discuss ideas, please do get in touch at: pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk
   3. To advertise online or in the next issue please see: Our Media Pack