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Welcome to your latest dose of Pen to Print inspiration!

Our Poetry, Short Story and Audio Play Competitions are now closed for entries and we hope you managed to get your entry in on time. We are now in the judging process and the winners of each competition will be announced during our Awards Evening on 23 July 2026, a date to note in your diary!

Would you like to learn how purposeful writing can raise unheard voices, spark meaningful conversations, and help create safer, more inclusive environments for those living with chronic or life‑altering conditions? Allergy writer Mirabel Lavelle will lead an online workshop on 24 April, where guided activities and real‑world examples will help you craft your own impactful piece and explore how storytelling can drive meaningful community change. Keep reading for more info!  

In other news, we are looking forward to the release of Issue 28 of Write On! magazine, due out on 15 April. This issue is sponsored by Hay Festival and will feature bestselling historical novelist, Alison Weir. If you are interested in participating and contributing to Write On! magazine, Editor, Madeleine F White, will be hosting an online introductory session on 20 April, 6pm. This session will cover the processes of putting a magazine together and suggesting ways you can get involved with our talented team of volunteers.

In Case You Missed It! A Royal Visit to the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham!

What a wonderful day we’ve had at Pen to Print!

Lena and Lisa from Pen to Print, Madeleine from Write On!, Farzana our Book Challenger & Pen to Print Alumna all got to meet Their Majesties, shake hands and have a little chat. King Charles III and Queen Camilla showed genuine interest in the Pen to Print project and the books we have published. An amazing experience for us and for the borough.

Click here to read more about the Royal visit.

The National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide campaign designed to inspire people to make reading a regular part of their lives. We all understand the benefits of reading and how it expands our minds, builds confidence and fuels creativity, yet fewer people are doing it. With growing distractions and limited time, reading for pleasure is declining across many groups. This national campaign aims to change this by reconnecting reading with everyday culture. It is not about guilt or obligation, it is about showing that stories, ideas and imagination have a place in everyone’s daily life. Click here to find out more!

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 28

Due out 15 April

Sponsored by Hay Festival, this issue features an exclusive interview with bestselling historical novelist, Alison Weir

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. 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.

Scan the QR Code to view our Digital Storytelling Trail

Click here for more details and how to submit your story.

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.

Pen to Print's Upcoming Events

Writing for Children with Maz Evans
Saturday 18 April, 11am to 1pm at The London Library

Tickets: £2

Please note this is an in-person event only

Award-winning children’s author Maz Evans, will introduce the craft of writing for young readers. Maz will explore how stories for children are structured, how character and voice shape a narrative, and how writers can balance humour, pace and emotion to keep young audiences engaged.

Introduction to Write On! - What Makes a Magazine?
Monday 20 April, 6pm to 7pm (Online)

Tickets: FREE

Please note this is an online event only.

An introduction to making a magazine with an insight to the process and publishing. Now planning Issue 29, Madeleine White, Editor of Write On! Magazine, invites you to join this session, for anyone interested in participating or contributing to Write On! Extra or Write On! Magazine.

Click here to discover how you can submit your work to Write On!

Write with Purpose with Mirabel Lavelle
Friday 24 April, 12.30pm to 2.30pm (Online)

Tickets: £1.99 

Please note this is an online event only

Learn how purposeful writing can raise unheard voices, spark meaningful conversations  and create safer, more inclusive environments for those living with chronic or life‑altering conditions.

Through guided activities and real‑world examples, you’ll craft your own impactful piece and explore how storytelling leads to real community change.

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.

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 11 April, 10am to 11.30am at Barking Learning Centre & Online

(Next Month Saturday 9 May, 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 Eight: Writing for Television, Film and Digital

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 11 April, 12pm to 1.30pm at Barking Learning Centre & Online

(Next Month Saturday 9 May, 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 Seven: To understand the fundamental techniques of Line Editing

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 11 April, 3pm to 4.30pm at Barking Learning Centre & Online

(Next Month Saturday 9 May, 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 Seven: Poetry as Philosophy - Ideas and Paradox

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.

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