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Hi
Welcome to your latest dose of Pen to Print inspiration!
Fresh from their own adventure at Trewern Outdoor Education Centre and Hay Festival, Lena and Lisa are back and turning the page to Pen to Print’s Adventure Writing Month.
 Image: Young People's Writing Retreat Students - Walking back from Hay-on-Wye 2026.
We’re starting the month with the Artisan Creative Touring Show, The Spirit Dog, as it journeys to Barking & Dagenham libraries, joined by local schools for live storytelling and music performances that bring the children’s adventure book vividly to life.
On 22 June, award-winning poet Jenny Mitchell will lead an uplifting workshop for both new and experienced writers in celebration of World Music Day. Participants will explore how music inspires poetry and creative expression.
Meanwhile, shortlisted finalists for our Poetry, Short Story and Audio Play competitions will soon be contacted with invitations to attend our annual Awards Evening on 23 July. If you’ve entered, keep a close eye on your inbox and best of luck!
We’re also excited to announce the release of Write On! magazine Issue 29, launching on 22 June. Sponsored by London Writers' Salon, this issue features award-winning travel writer Tharik Hussain with plenty of inspiration for your own writing journey. If you would like copies of Write On! distributed to a library near you, email us at pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk Please note that a minimum quantity is required to be eligible.
With the England national football team travelling overseas in pursuit of World Cup glory, the spirit of adventure is everywhere. Why not bring that excitement into your own writing? Whether it’s a poem or short story inspired by football, travel or adventure, we’d love to see your submissions for Write On! Click here for more info on how to submit.
Read on to discover what else we have coming up…
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!
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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
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Write On! Issue 29
Due out on 22 June!
Sponsored by London Writers' Salon, this issue features an exclusive interview with award winning travel writer, Tharik Hussain.
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.
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Pen to Print Upcoming Events
 Writers' Group
Saturday 20 June, 10.30am to 12.30pm at Dagenham Library
Tickets: FREE
Please note this is an in-person event only
In response to growing demand in Barking and Dagenham, Pen to Print now hosts a Writers’ Group that meets every two months on the last Saturday.
If you are a local writer and interested in leading one of the Writers’ Group sessions, email us directly at pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk to express your interest.
 Poetry & Music Creative Writing Workshop with Jenny Mitchell
Monday 22 June, 5pm to 7pm at Barking Learning Centre
Tickets: FREE
Please note this is an in-person event only
Award-winning poet Jenny Mitchell leads an uplifting workshop for new & experienced poets, exploring writing about music for World Music Day.
Come along to this inspiring session, where participants will be offered creative prompts from established poets writing about music to spark new work.
 Writing for Screen with Inua Ellams
Saturday 27 June, 11am to 1pm at The London Library
Tickets: £2
Please note this is an in-person event only
Celebrated writer Inua Ellams will introduce participants to the fundamentals of writing for the screen, exploring how stories can be shaped for film and television.
The workshop will examine key elements of screenwriting, including visual storytelling, character development, dialogue, and structure, offering insight into how ideas move from the page to the screen.
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Pen to Print's Competitions
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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.
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Speech and Drama Festival
This weekend is the last chance you have to enter!
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.
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Pen to Print's Regular Classes
 Writing for Performance Class with Kelly Jones
Saturday 13 June, 10am to 11.30am at Barking Learning Centre & Online
(Next Month Saturday 4 July, 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 Ten: Writing for Audio Mediums
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 13 June, 12pm to 1.30pm at Barking Learning Centre & Online
(Next Month Saturday 4 July, 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 Nine: How to Write a Query Letter
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 13 June, 3pm to 4.30pm at Barking Learning Centre & Online
(Next Month Saturday 4 July, 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 Ten: Poetry as Time Travel - Memory, History and Imagination
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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Check out Write On! Extra
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Monday Moments is about sharing stories and ideas that help us understand the present and shape the future.
Click here to discover more
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Thoughtful Tuesdays is about ideas and ideals drawn from a variety of communities that can be shared to inspire us all.
Click here to discover more
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On Wednesdays, Write On! Showcase highlights poetry, short stories, flash fiction and book extracts you send us.
Click here to discover more
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Thursday Connectors is for sharing culture and heritage through the art of writing from writers of all backgrounds.
Click here to discover more
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On Fridays, Write On! Features welcomes opinions and essays from the writing community.
Click here to discover more
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Saturday Spotlight celebrates new book releases from a diverse range of authors.
Click here to discover more
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On Sundays, Write On! Interviews hears from writers and creatives about their work, ideas, and lived experiences.
Click here to discover more
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Every Tuesday, Write On! Audio shares readings, conversations, advice and insights from writers and creative partners.
Click here to listen and subscribe
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The Digital Storytelling Trail
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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.
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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.
 Creative Walk with The Travelling Drawing Club
Saturday 20 June, 12pm to 2pm at The White House, Dagenham
Tickets: FREE
Please note this is an in-person event only
A free creative walk around Dagenham led by The Travelling Drawing Club.
The walk, Domestic Thresholds and Suburban Roots, begins in The White House garden, followed by a short route around the neighbourhood. It finishes back at The White House at 2pm, in time for the Garden Party with food, music and art workshops.
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