PEN America unveils the Incarcerated Writers Bureau
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The Prison and Justice Writing Program at PEN America has introduced the Incarcerated Writers Bureau, a digital platform aimed at providing enhanced professional and creative opportunities for writers within United States prisons. The bureau, launched on November 25, currently boasts 21 participants hailing from 12 different states, including Washington, Michigan, New York, California, and more.
This initiative from PEN America is a significant step towards breaking down barriers faced by incarcerated writers, making it easier for them to access resources and opportunities in the literary world. The Incarcerated Writers Bureau serves as a valuable information hub, offering guidance on supporting writers in prison and connecting them with potential publishers. Professionals using the platform can expect assistance on communication, compensation, editing processes, and ethical considerations while collaborating with incarcerated writers.
Censorship and restrictive communication protocols in prisons have long hindered incarcerated individuals from pursuing and sustaining careers in writing. Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, co-interim CEO and chief program officer of literary programming at PEN America, highlighted the importance of inclusivity within the publishing industry, underscoring the need to support writers impacted by the justice system. The Incarcerated Writers Bureau strives to bridge the gap and provide a more equitable platform for these storytellers who have been overlooked in traditional publishing channels.
Supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the development of this bureau marks a significant milestone in PEN America’s commitment to championing free expression and human rights through literature. By offering incarcerated writers a dedicated space to showcase their work and connect with the wider literary community, this initiative contributes to a more inclusive and diverse literary landscape.
Among the writers currently part of the program are individuals such as Christopher Blackwell from Washington, a passionate advocate for justice reform, and Ivié Demolina from New York, whose work has garnered recognition in reputable publications. These writers, along with other participants, bring a wealth of talent and unique perspectives to the Incarcerated Writers Bureau, enriching the literary scene with their voices and experiences.
PEN America has always been at the forefront of defending literature and free expression, actively opposing book bans and censorship. In their latest report, “Banned in the USA,” released in October, the organisation documented a troubling trend of book bans in schools across the country. Titles like “Wicked,” “Forever,” and “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” were among those frequently challenged or prohibited. This underscores the ongoing battle for literary freedom and the crucial role organisations like PEN America play in upholding it.
The Incarcerated Writers Bureau represents a beacon of hope for writers behind bars, offering them a platform to share their stories and perspectives with the world. Through this initiative, PEN America continues to champion inclusivity and equality in the literary sphere, advocating for the rights and creative freedom of all writers, irrespective of their circumstances.