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The Prison Writing Program sponsors an annual writing contest, publishes a free handbook for prisoners, provides one-on-one mentoring to inmates whose writing shows promise, conducts workshops for former inmates, and seeks to get inmates' work to the public through literary publications and readings. Your donations allow us to continue supporting inmates' voices, as well as expand our programs to reach even more inmates across the country.
Dear Jackson Taylor and Antonio Aiello,
Just a short note to thank you for the PEN: Handbook for Writers in Prison. It is like the writers in prison bible. It has everything in it that can inspire, instruct and guide. How you all put it together is remarkable. I am useing the book in my classes, and in my own studying. People here are already being inspired by it.
So, I just wanted to let you know that and all of your crew involved in it creation did an amazing job. The way it looks, reads, and instructs. Keep the realness flowing!
Respectfully,
Spoon
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Dear PEN,
I was very pleased to receive your book. It was as if you were reading my mind. I had picked up a piece of that I hadn’t worked on in a long time. I had set it aside due to a block. When I picked it back up they called my name and it was your book. However brief it is, it reminded me that I need to stick to the basics in the storyline. It gave me a focused perspective. For that I’m greatful and I thank you. If you find any other’s that you may think inspirational I would be appreciative. Have a wonderful day and be at peace.
Thank you,
Sean Bradley
Blythe, CA
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Dear Mr. Taylor,
We have received the package of 100 copies of the PEN American Center Handbook for Writers in Prison which PEN American Center recently shipped to us. I am writing to thank you 100 times for the 100 books. Our Cell Study teachers have begun to use them in their GED and post-GED programs, and we, in the General Library, are making them available to other inmates at Southport.
There are approximately 900 inmates at this facility. Many of them are writing poetry, songs, novels, screenplays, business plans, or legal documents. And most of them are writing letters to their friends and relatives. Every one of them will benefit by using the Handbook for Writers in Prison.
Yours Truly,
Beth Tomic
Senior Librarian
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Dear Pen Prison Writing Program,
You requested some biographical information for your web-site. I hope the following is what you have in mind.
I was born baby boy Nickel on 6-16-58 in Elgin Illinois, and quickly adopted by the Fox family who named me Thomas Michael Fox. I go by Mike. I’m wheelchair bound but can stand with aid and when I do stand I come to a full 5’ 10’’ tall. I have blue eyes, blondish brown hair, with a slight hint of grey. I use to have my hair long but these days I cut it short. I was married once, and have 2 kids. Twins now turning 25. None of us know where their mother is.
I started getting interested in writing when my kids started having kids. I wanted to leave something behind for them. And every one who knew me said I had a story or two to tell. I have no formal training and the only clues to writing or how to write came from the PEN Prisoner Writing Handbook. The highlight of any had for me is mail call. I’d love to hear from anyone who wants to write. I consider myself a Christian. But my road back to church and faith has been a bumpy ride. Let me hear from you.
Most sincerely,
J. Michael Fox
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Dear Pen/Committee,
I believe that life has no losers in the human race. I will continue to express the gift of writing from the heart. Also, I look forward to sending you more work in the future. If you wish to be known you must make yourself available. I would love to receive a newly revised handbook.
Thank you for sending me words of encouragement, and may peace be with you, and all the blessings that come with life.
Best Regards,
Frederick Sledge
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To Whom it May Concern,
First, I would like to say that learning about your organization is one of the best things that has happened to me since my incarceration began! I am an aspiring writer who has been looking for a wider outlet for my poetry and points of view! I was fortunate enough to come across your “Handbook for Writers in Prison” and I was instantly impressed with the amount of Information that it contained! It appears that you off the best opportunities for Prison Writers that I have seen in my five years of incarceration.
The purposed of this letter is to request my own copy of the “Handbook for Writers in Prison.” I don’t know if there are any prices involved for shipping of the handbook itself or both, but I am willing to pay them if necessary! I would really like to obtain a copy of the handbook and I appreciate any assistance that your organization can provide with any relevant material you may have.
In closing, I would like to thank-you for your Time and Patience in reviewing this request. I hope to hear from your office soon.
Sincerely,
(Name unreadable)
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To Whom It May Concern,
I am a corrections mental health counselor at a maximum security penitentiary in Washington State. Part of my job is running a writing group for inmates in the special housing unit.
An inmate gave me a copy of you “Handbook for Writers in Prison,” and I was very impressed with this tool for this population.
If you could send me a copy, or copies, or any other materials you think would be useful, I would greatly appreciate it. Like most state programs we run on a very tight budget.
Thank you,
David Lundgren CMHCII
819 Chase Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362
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To Whom It May Concern,
Good day to you. My name is Donaldo Gomez Erving, and I am aspiring to aspire to be a writer. Not so much a writer, but a poet. I am very respectfully requesting of you to send me your writing program guide to creative writing and also the guide to starting workshops in prison. I came across your Fortune News Magazine some time ago, subscribed to and received a copy, and after reading it front to back, I feel empowered and confident that I can do more with myself here in prison besides “time”. Thank you for providing us with resources AND the encouragement to transcend, at least mentally, these walls and bars.
Sincerely,
Donaldo Gomez
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