Storytelling From East London To The World

Write On! 9 is out today (see digital version here). Over two years ago in April 2019, Arts Council England Library NPO (National Portfolio Organisation) Pen to Print launched its first print magazine. Write On! continues to go from strength to strength and, as such, we are delighted that this issue is sponsored by the Royal Society Of Literature.

“The RSL is thrilled to be issue sponsor for the July edition of Write On! magazine, featuring an interview with our Chair, Daljit Nagra. We so admire the work that Pen to Print do in supporting writing and writers, and look forward to collaborating further on programmes, starting with Write Across London and – we hope – extending across many more initiatives.”

Molly Rosenberg, Director of the RSL

As we move into the summer, we are all hoping to progress from the ‘new normal’ to ‘more normal.’ With that in mind, our theme of Transformation: Releasing And Reshaping is very appropriate. Transformation, as a word, does also particularly matter to writers everywhere. The profession we’ve chosen (or that’s chosen us!), means that, one day we’re in the pits of despair and the next, reaching for the sky. Issue 9 celebrates releasing and reshaping our words and ourselves to unleash a better future together.

This issue’s lead interview is with actor and writer Emma Dennis-Edwards. She challenges industry gatekeepers to embrace excellence by allowing the audience to enjoy a truly diverse offering of talent. We also speak to the Royal Society Of Literature Chair poet Daljit Nagra, about the ‘Write Across London’ Project. Other highlights include the Big Debate on self-editing vs hiring an editor. With regulars including Showcase pages drawn from online Write On! Extra, a Spotlight on events and the return of our popular gift of postcards, there’s lots to keep you entertained!

Born in Barking and Dagenham, Write On! 9 is the sixth magazine of the pandemic and continues to shine a light on local people. Sponsored by Barking and Dagenham (LBBD) Destination Barking And Dagenham features local author Marén Klement and introduces the new Digital Storytelling Trail. 2021 is also the centenary of the Becontree Estate and our Local Flavour page gives an insight into the Becontree 100 celebrations.

Cllr Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, and Chair of the Pen to Print Advisory Panel says: “I really look forward to the release of a new Write On! magazine issue and opportunity to have a read through of all the brilliant articles. The latest issue focuses on the theme of ‘transformation’, showcasing inspiring work from aspiring local writers to a wider audience. It’s fantastic that Write On! magazine has continued to publish great work and adapt in the way that it has throughout this last year.”

We believe an inclusive community spirit, reaching beyond boundaries of place, can create wider ripple effects around creative engagement and transparency and are therefore delighted that Write On! Extra has encouraged 40,000+ from 170 countries to respond to our ideals. To see examples of writers coming together beyond boundaries of geography, culture and expectations please explore the Pen to Print website and Write On! magazine.

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. Write On! 10 and season theme is Keep Going! Creating With Perseverance And Courage. Our next print issue is out mid-September and Write On! Extra, accessible through pentoprint.org publishes new content at least four times a week.

1. For up-to-date editorial information, including how to submit around Write On! + Write On! Extra, please see: The Editor’s Introduction.
2. Partnerships: Write On! has already facilitated partnerships and co-operation with Bloomsbury, Penguin, the Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation, WriteBack 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 (Exeter) and 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