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Pen to Print November 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to your latest dose of Pen to Print inspiration.

Prepare for launch as we journey into our Sci-Fi Fantasy Month!

As we wrap up another fantastic year at Pen to Print, November brings a final burst of creativity! Whether you're an aspiring writer, a poetry enthusiast or passionate reader, there’s something for everyone.

Our first stop on this month’s adventure is the Writing Sci-Fi Fantasy Series Workshop, led by author and acclaimed creative writing tutor, Alex Davis. This session welcomes writers at all stages of their creative journey. You don’t need to be planning a series to take part -just bring your curiosity and creativity! Expect practical advice, thought-provoking discussions and engaging exercises designed to help you think big and bold in your genre storytelling.

On 20 November at Dagenham Library, Pen to Print are excited to bring back A Gentleman’s Evening of Poetry – Open Mic Night, celebrating both International Men's Day and National Poetry Day. Hosted by local author and poet Danny Fenn, aka The Boleyn Poet, this relaxed and welcoming evening invites men and poets from all communities to come together and share their voices. Whether you're a seasoned performer or trying spoken word for the first time, you're welcome to come along to share your creative work or simply soak up the atmosphere and be inspired.

To round off the month, award-winning poet Jenny Mitchell will be hosting an empowering Poetry workshop on 22 November. This session focuses on overcoming internal blocks to writing and submitting work. Together, we’ll explore how judgement and praise influence our creative process. You’ll be writing in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment, with plenty of time to reflect and create.

In case you missed the announcement last month, our regular competitions are back! Submit your original poem, short story or audio play by Monday 23 March 2026, 12pm for a chance to win a FREE Tablet PC and other exciting prizes. There’s also an opportunity to perform your work at the Pen to Print Speech & Drama Festival. Plus, Our writers' mentoring programme The Book Challenge is now open to submissions! Click here for more details and ensure you read the terms and conditions before entering.

Keep scrolling to discover more events, competitions and opportunities in November.

Write On! Together

If you would like to get involved, either to be a part of our talented Write On! team, partner with us as an advertiser or sponsor an issue, uncover a host of opportunities in our Write On! Together booklet.

For more information email: pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk

Write On! Issue 26

Sponsored by Libraro, this issue features an exclusive interview with social commentator, campaigner and and cultural historian, Patrick Vernon OBE.

Pick up a free copy in libraries and selected venues or read it free online.

Click here to submit your poetry, flash fiction, short stories & artwork.

Write On! Audio, Podcast

Ranked in the top 10% most popular podcasts globally!

From writing tips to author interviews, our podcast has something for everyone in the writing community and book lovers.

Write On! Audio is available on every major podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Simply search ‘Pen to Print’ or ‘Write On Audio’ to discover a world of literary inspiration.

If you want to explore podcasting and get involved with Write On! Audio, we are always open to submissions! For more details on what we’re looking for and to submit, visit: pentoprint.org/submit-to-write-on

The Digital Storytelling Trail is Now LIVE!

The Pen to Print Digital Storytelling Trail is an ongoing project to record and share stories about Barking and Dagenham.

We have been working with our new partner Bloomberg Connects and now we are pleased to announce the trails are now live!

Using new technology to help read, watch or listen to stories new and old.

You can add your memories and creations, send us photos, drawings, audio recordings, video, poems and stories fact or fiction about anywhere in Barking and Dagenham and add to the trails now! We will be adding a Becontree Estate Trail and a Trewern/Hay Trail soon.

Click here for more details and how to submit.

Other Barking and Dagenham Culture and Heritage venues can also be discovered on the platform, so if you want to explore Valence House Museum and Eastbury Manor House, from the comfort of your home, scan the barcode now and download the App.

Bloomberg Connects: Offers access to exhibitions, collections and renowned artists at over 800 museums and other cultural organisations. Connects you to arts and culture at any time, from anywhere. Free to download and use with no limits on how many digital guides you can explore.

Scan the QR Code to download Bloomberg Connects

Pen to Print's Upcoming Events

A Debt of Love – Honouring and Thanking Our Parents with Madeeha Maham
Saturday 1 November, 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Dagenham Library

Tickets: FREE

Please note this is an in-person event only

Local author, Madeeha Maham, invites you to celebrate the launch of her debut novel, A Debt of Love: Honouring and Thanking Our Parents - a powerful tribute to the love, sacrifice, and guidance of parental figures. This inspiring book honours not only parents, but also grandparents, foster carers, guardians, and all those who take on the role of caregiver.

The event will feature original handmade artwork from the book, offering a visual journey into its themes of love, unity, and appreciation. Whether you're a parent, a caregiver, or someone who has been shaped by one, this event is a space to celebrate the universal experience of being cared for and giving thanks in return.

Writing a Sci-Fi or Fantasy Series with Alex Davis
Thursday 6 November, 6pm to 8pm (Online)

Tickets: £1.99

Please note this is an online event only

The epic and rich worlds of Science-Fiction and Fantasy are not often contained within one book, but why is that the case? And how can we make the most of that as writers? 

Alex Davis, author and acclaimed creative writing tutor, will lead this two-hour session exploring the appeal of series writing for readers and publishers, the creative opportunities and challenges it presents, the importance of solid worldbuilding and the planning required to write a trilogy or longer series.

A Gentleman's Evening of Poetry – Open Mic Night
Thursday 20 November, 6.30pm to 8pm at Dagenham Library

Tickets: FREE

Please note this is an in-person event only

Hosted by Danny Fenn aka The Boleyn Poet, we are inviting men and poets from all communities, whoever you are and wherever you are from, to come together for an intimate and interactive evening, featuring poetry and spoken word.

If you've never read your poetry aloud before - this is the opportunity for you. Providing a safe, comfortable atmosphere, bring your favourite poetry works, reading in any form, including Free Verse, Rap or Limerick, encouraging more men to confront their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Suitable for anyone aged 18+ as there may be mild language!

Finding Your Voice on the Page with Jenny Mitchell
Saturday 22 November, 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Barking Learning Centre

Tickets: FREE

Please note this is an in-person event only

Led by Jenny Mitchell, this poetry workshop invites participants to explore the poems they dare not write, the personas they hesitate to embody, and new ways to strengthen their poetic voice.

Through creative prompts and discussion, the session will challenge internal blocks to writing and submitting work, while examining the roles of judgement and praise. There will be plenty of time for writing in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.

Pen to Print's Competitions

The Book Challenge Have a novel idea or a finished book but unsure what’s next? Submit your idea for a chance to be mentored by a professional writer and get your book ready for publication. Selected writers will receive 12 months of free mentoring in 2027. Deadline to enter: 30 September 2026, 12pm. Click here for full details including how to enter.

Poetry Competition Write a poem in any style, up to a maximum of two A4 pages. You can choose any subject, and you’re welcome to submit more than one poem, but no more than three entries will be accepted per person. Deadline to enter: 23 March 2026, 12pm. Click here for full details including how to enter.

Short Story Competition Write a short story of up to 2,000 words on any subject. You may submit more than one story, but a maximum of three entries will be accepted per person. Deadline to enter: 23 March 2026, 12pm. Click here for full details including how to enter.

Audio Play Competition In partnership with Alternative Stories, submit an audio play with a running time of around 30 minutes, which is a script length of approximately 4,000 to 5,000 words. Include a synopsis of your story, no longer than 250 words. Deadline to enter: 23 March 2026, 12pm. Click here for full details including how to enter.

Speech and Drama Festival Write and perform a poem or monologue lasting no more than three minutes. Entries will be judged on both writing and performance and all entrants must be available to perform at the Speech and Drama Festival auditions on Saturday, 18 July 2026, between 9am and 5pm. Deadline to enter: 1 June 2026, 12pm. Click here for full details including how to enter.

Pen to Print's Regular Classes

Writing for Performance Class with Kelly Jones
Saturday 8 November, 10am to 11.30am at Barking Learning Centre & Online

(Next Month Saturday 6 December, 10am to 11.30am)

In-Person Attendance Tickets: FREE           Online Attendance Tickets: £1.99

Please note this event can be joined either online
or attend in-person at Barking Learning Centre

Session Three: Understanding the fundamentals of dramatic writing

A series of dynamic and engaging workshops that explore the art of scriptwriting for both stage and audio. Designed with flexibility in mind, participants can join at any point during the course.

This course covers a broad spectrum of performance and creative writing, including theatre scripts, radio dramas, performance art texts, digital storytelling, podcasts and stand-up comedy.

Creative Writing Class with Ian Ayris
Saturday 8 November, 12pm to 1.30pm at Barking Learning Centre & Online

(Next Month Saturday 6 December, 12pm to 1.30pm)

In-Person Attendance Tickets: FREE           Online Attendance Tickets: £1.99

Please note this event can be joined either online
or attend in-person at Barking Learning Centre

Session Three: To understand the various points of view and how to use them in your writing

If you've always dreamed of writing a book but didn’t know where to begin, or if you're an experienced writer wanting to revisit the foundations of storytelling, this course offers the perfect opportunity.

Over eleven monthly sessions, our expert tutor will guide you through the essential elements of creative writing. From structure and dialogue to description, point of view and beyond - you’ll explore every key aspect of the writing process.

Poetry Writing Class with Mab Jones
Saturday 8 November, 3pm to 4.30pm at Barking Learning Centre & Online

(Next Month Saturday 6 December, 3pm to 4.30pm)

In-Person Attendance Tickets: FREE           Online Attendance Tickets: £1.99

Please note this event can be joined either online
or attend in-person at Barking Learning Centre

Session Three: Poetry as self-enquiry – Identity and the body

If you're just beginning to explore poetry and want to build your skills and confidence, these sessions are perfect for you.

Learn the fundamentals and receive guidance on how to shape your ideas and develop your poetry writing style - whether you're writing for personal enjoyment or aiming to enter poetry competitions.

Our poetry classes welcome participants of all levels, from complete beginners to published poets, you can join at any point of the course.

Newham Festival of Stories is back this November for another vibrant, borough-wide celebration of storytelling

Festival dates: 13 to 23 November 2025

Enjoy an exciting range of inspiring talks, creative workshops, performances and activities, bringing together authors, storytellers and local voices to showcase the rich diversity of experiences across Newham. All events are free to book and hosted in libraries, community centres, cafes, schools and venues near you. 

Click here to view the full programme and book your tickets!

Big Deal Youth Programme Big Deal offers FREE weekly sessions in Drama and Dance for young people aged 8 to 20 years. Each week, participants have the opportunity to work with top performers and industry professionals in drama, street dance, spoken word, and more. The programme builds towards a public showcase performance as well as external performance opportunities throughout the year. Click here for more details and how to register.