Write On! 9 is out now! Over two years ago in April 2019, Arts Council England Library NPO (National Portfolio Organisation) Pen to Print launched its first print magazine. Write On! continues to go from strength to strength and, as such, we are delighted that this latest issue has been sponsored by the Royal Society Of Literature (RSL).
As we move into the summer, we are all hoping to progress from the ‘new normal’ to ‘more normal.’ With that in mind, our theme of Transformation: Releasing And Reshaping is very appropriate. Transformation in particular matters to writers everywhere. The profession we’ve chosen (or that’s chosen us!), means that, one day we’re in the pits of despair and the next, reaching for the sky. Issue 9 celebrates releasing and reshaping our words and ourselves to unleash a better future together.
It’s fantastic that Write On! magazine has continued to publish great work and adapt in the way that it has throughout the pandemic.
This issue’s lead interview is with actor and writer Emma Dennis-Edwards. She challenges industry gatekeepers to embrace excellence by allowing the audience to enjoy a truly diverse offering of talent. We also speak to the Royal Society of Literature Chair, poet Daljit Nagra, about the ‘Write Across London’ Project. Other highlights include the Big Debate on self-editing vs hiring an editor, with regulars including Showcase pages drawn from online Write On! Extra, a Spotlight on events and the return of our popular gift of postcards, there’s lots to keep you entertained!
Cllr Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, and Chair of the Pen to Print Advisory Panel said: “I really look forward to the release of a new issue of Write On! magazine and the opportunity to have a read through all the brilliant articles. This latest issue focuses on the theme of ‘transformation’, showcasing inspiring work from aspiring local writers to a wider audience. It’s fantastic that Write On! magazine has continued to publish great work and adapt in the way that it has throughout the pandemic.”
Molly Rosenberg, Director of the RSL said: “The RSL is thrilled to be issue sponsor for the July edition of Write On! magazine, featuring an interview with our Chair, Daljit Nagra. We so admire the work that Pen to Print do in supporting writing and writers, and look forward to collaborating further on programmes, starting with Write Across London and - we hope - extending across many more initiatives.”
Born in Barking and Dagenham, Write On! 9 is the sixth issue produced during the pandemic and continues to shine a light on local people. Sponsored by Barking and Dagenham Council, Destination Barking And Dagenham features local author Marén Klement and introduces the new Digital Storytelling Trail. This year is also the centenary of the Becontree Estate and our Local Flavour page gives an insight into the Becontree 100 celebrations.
We believe an inclusive community spirit, reaching beyond boundaries of place, can create wider ripple effects around creative engagement and transparency. We are therefore delighted that Write On! Extra has encouraged 40,000+ from 170 countries to respond to our ideals. To see examples of writers coming together beyond boundaries of geography, culture and expectations please see pentoprint.org!
You can find the digital version on our magazines page here.