@freedomtowrite.bsky.social
Reposted
Love books? Believe everyone deserves to be reflected in stories?
It’s Libraries Are for Lovers Week! We’re celebrating cozy corners, brilliant librarians & free access to stories for all.
Follow us for tools to fight book bans, support libraries & spread bookish joy. Share if you’re already here.
It’s Libraries Are for Lovers Week! We’re celebrating cozy corners, brilliant librarians & free access to stories for all.
Follow us for tools to fight book bans, support libraries & spread bookish joy. Share if you’re already here.
February 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Love books? Believe everyone deserves to be reflected in stories?
It’s Libraries Are for Lovers Week! We’re celebrating cozy corners, brilliant librarians & free access to stories for all.
Follow us for tools to fight book bans, support libraries & spread bookish joy. Share if you’re already here.
It’s Libraries Are for Lovers Week! We’re celebrating cozy corners, brilliant librarians & free access to stories for all.
Follow us for tools to fight book bans, support libraries & spread bookish joy. Share if you’re already here.
1/4 #bookreview: "Today’s publishers aren’t much constrained by obscenity laws. Instead, the pressure comes from staff members and social-media mobs wielding their “militant fragility,” in the words of Adam Szetela, to remake our book culture into an anodyne enterprise that puts “safety” first.
February 10, 2026 at 2:31 PM
1/4 #bookreview: "Today’s publishers aren’t much constrained by obscenity laws. Instead, the pressure comes from staff members and social-media mobs wielding their “militant fragility,” in the words of Adam Szetela, to remake our book culture into an anodyne enterprise that puts “safety” first.
Huge congrats to the 2026 @penamerica.bsky.social Literary Award finalists! 🥂
In a time of rising challenges for authors, these awards remind us why we must protect the #FreedomToWrite. Diverse voices and bold ideas are the backbone of a healthy culture.
#books #penawards
pen.org/2026-pen-ame...
In a time of rising challenges for authors, these awards remind us why we must protect the #FreedomToWrite. Diverse voices and bold ideas are the backbone of a healthy culture.
#books #penawards
pen.org/2026-pen-ame...
Announcing the 2026 PEN America Literary Awards Finalists
PEN America is thrilled to announce the Finalists for the 2026 Literary Awards. Join us for the Ceremony on March 31, 2026!
pen.org
February 5, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Huge congrats to the 2026 @penamerica.bsky.social Literary Award finalists! 🥂
In a time of rising challenges for authors, these awards remind us why we must protect the #FreedomToWrite. Diverse voices and bold ideas are the backbone of a healthy culture.
#books #penawards
pen.org/2026-pen-ame...
In a time of rising challenges for authors, these awards remind us why we must protect the #FreedomToWrite. Diverse voices and bold ideas are the backbone of a healthy culture.
#books #penawards
pen.org/2026-pen-ame...
Reposted
As Narges Mohammadi, PEN America's 2023 #FreedomToWrite Awardee, starts a hunger strike to protest prison conditions for detainees, PEN America as part of the #FreeNarges Coalition steering committee stands in solidarity with Narges and demands her release. www.cnn.com/2026/02/04/m...
Exclusive: Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi on hunger strike in detention, foundation says | CNN
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi is on hunger strike in detention by Iranian authorities, according to a letter by the Narges Foundation, which is run by her family.
www.cnn.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:40 AM
As Narges Mohammadi, PEN America's 2023 #FreedomToWrite Awardee, starts a hunger strike to protest prison conditions for detainees, PEN America as part of the #FreeNarges Coalition steering committee stands in solidarity with Narges and demands her release. www.cnn.com/2026/02/04/m...
Publishing should be courageous. #freedomtowrite #freedomtoread
Publishers are feeling the chill of the book banning movement and a second Trump presidency as literary agents note a more reserved atmosphere for publishing books with LGBTQ+ characters and themes. More: https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/5679251-trump-era-lgbtq-book-bans/
January 14, 2026 at 5:09 AM
Publishing should be courageous. #freedomtowrite #freedomtoread
Reposted
PEN America: Congressional subpoena targeting investigative journalist Seth Harp, "follows a familiar playbook: using government tools to intimidate reporters and deter coverage that officials don’t like. We stand with Seth Harp." pen.org/press-releas...
Congressional Subpoena of Journalist Threatens Press Freedom
PEN America is alarmed over a congressional subpoena targeting investigative journalist Seth Harp, who was wrongly accused of “leaking classified intel” and “doxxing” a Delta Force member in a post on...
pen.org
January 8, 2026 at 8:58 PM
PEN America: Congressional subpoena targeting investigative journalist Seth Harp, "follows a familiar playbook: using government tools to intimidate reporters and deter coverage that officials don’t like. We stand with Seth Harp." pen.org/press-releas...
#Books by women dominated most-borrowed library lists in 2025. All of the top 10 books on Libby were by women. #freedomtoread #freedomtowrite
www.npr.org/2025/12/29/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/29/n...
Genre fiction and female authors top U.S. libraries' most-borrowed lists in 2025
All of the top 10 books borrowed through the public library app Libby were written by women. And Kristin Hannah's The Women was the top checkout in many library systems around the country.
www.npr.org
January 1, 2026 at 5:15 PM
#Books by women dominated most-borrowed library lists in 2025. All of the top 10 books on Libby were by women. #freedomtoread #freedomtowrite
www.npr.org/2025/12/29/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/29/n...
Every year, people say, “Oh my God, it’s terrible, the booksellers are dying out,” Camille Goudeau recounted from the banks of the Seine, “but in fact, we’re still here, and I hope we’ll be here for a long time to come.”
#Paris #books #bookselling #freedomtoread www.cnn.com/2025/12/26/t...
#Paris #books #bookselling #freedomtoread www.cnn.com/2025/12/26/t...
How a 475-year-old book market in the center of Paris is surviving in a digital world | CNN
Flexible hours, being your own boss, fresh air and views of Notre Dame — it’s a job with a lot going for it. Paris’ bouquinistes have been a fixture along the banks of the Seine for some 500 years and...
www.cnn.com
December 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Every year, people say, “Oh my God, it’s terrible, the booksellers are dying out,” Camille Goudeau recounted from the banks of the Seine, “but in fact, we’re still here, and I hope we’ll be here for a long time to come.”
#Paris #books #bookselling #freedomtoread www.cnn.com/2025/12/26/t...
#Paris #books #bookselling #freedomtoread www.cnn.com/2025/12/26/t...
If books weren't powerful, they wouldn't be banned. John Green, author of "Looking for Alaska," the most banned book in Amerika, is hopeful for the future of the #freedomtowrite #freedomtoread @penamerica.bsky.social @johngreensbluesky.bsky.social
youtube.com/shorts/YkaJ3...
youtube.com/shorts/YkaJ3...
"Looking for Alaska" is the most-banned book in America
YouTube video by PEN America
youtube.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:29 PM
If books weren't powerful, they wouldn't be banned. John Green, author of "Looking for Alaska," the most banned book in Amerika, is hopeful for the future of the #freedomtowrite #freedomtoread @penamerica.bsky.social @johngreensbluesky.bsky.social
youtube.com/shorts/YkaJ3...
youtube.com/shorts/YkaJ3...
Salman Rushdie's 7 #writing tips (from his MasterClass):
1. Understand whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist
2. Are you a planner or a writer who improvises?
3. Write b/c there's something you need to express; it has to be essential to you
cont...
1. Understand whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist
2. Are you a planner or a writer who improvises?
3. Write b/c there's something you need to express; it has to be essential to you
cont...
December 16, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Salman Rushdie's 7 #writing tips (from his MasterClass):
1. Understand whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist
2. Are you a planner or a writer who improvises?
3. Write b/c there's something you need to express; it has to be essential to you
cont...
1. Understand whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist
2. Are you a planner or a writer who improvises?
3. Write b/c there's something you need to express; it has to be essential to you
cont...
Writer @elanakarnold.bsky.social, whose books are often banned, says ignorance does not protect innocence. #freedomtowrite #freedomtoread @penamerica.bsky.social www.youtube.com/shorts/wS1n7...
Elana K. Arnold on why ignorance won't protect innocence
YouTube video by PEN America
www.youtube.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Writer @elanakarnold.bsky.social, whose books are often banned, says ignorance does not protect innocence. #freedomtowrite #freedomtoread @penamerica.bsky.social www.youtube.com/shorts/wS1n7...
Reposted
Today, after a year of conditional freedom, Narges Mohammadi—an activist, writer, Nobel Peace Laureate, and PEN/Barbey #FreedomToWrite Awardee—was re-arrested by Iranian authorities. Mohammadi was attempting to speak at a memorial for murdered human rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi.
December 12, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Today, after a year of conditional freedom, Narges Mohammadi—an activist, writer, Nobel Peace Laureate, and PEN/Barbey #FreedomToWrite Awardee—was re-arrested by Iranian authorities. Mohammadi was attempting to speak at a memorial for murdered human rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi.
Brandon Sanderson's 5 #writing tips:
1. Borrow your structure [could I write something like that?]
2. Begin w/ a monologue [have the character tell you about something]
3. Ask what does the character want? What do they need? How are those 2 things different? Why can't they have either?
cont...
1. Borrow your structure [could I write something like that?]
2. Begin w/ a monologue [have the character tell you about something]
3. Ask what does the character want? What do they need? How are those 2 things different? Why can't they have either?
cont...
December 11, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Brandon Sanderson's 5 #writing tips:
1. Borrow your structure [could I write something like that?]
2. Begin w/ a monologue [have the character tell you about something]
3. Ask what does the character want? What do they need? How are those 2 things different? Why can't they have either?
cont...
1. Borrow your structure [could I write something like that?]
2. Begin w/ a monologue [have the character tell you about something]
3. Ask what does the character want? What do they need? How are those 2 things different? Why can't they have either?
cont...
Reposted
PEN America and @bardcollege.bsky.social announce the launch of Kronika, a new digital platform designed to safeguard journalism globally and ensure that the historical record cannot be obliterated by censorship. More: pen.org/press-releas...
Global Platform Launches to Combat Authoritarian Censorship and Preserve Independent Journalism
New digital platform designed to safeguard journalism globally and preserve historical records from being obliterated by censorship
pen.org
December 9, 2025 at 8:55 PM
PEN America and @bardcollege.bsky.social announce the launch of Kronika, a new digital platform designed to safeguard journalism globally and ensure that the historical record cannot be obliterated by censorship. More: pen.org/press-releas...
I donated $500 and arranged for another $750 to be donated to @penamerica.bsky.social because I believe in the #freedomtowrite. PEN America is a necessary advocate for the freedom of expression in the U.S. and globally. Donate today! #GivingTuesday pen.org/2025-support...
Support PEN America
Support PEN America:Defend the Freedom to Read, Write, Speak and Imagine or With a donation of $50 or more, you can become a Reader Member—joining a vibrant community of writers and allies committed t...
pen.org
December 2, 2025 at 4:26 PM
I donated $500 and arranged for another $750 to be donated to @penamerica.bsky.social because I believe in the #freedomtowrite. PEN America is a necessary advocate for the freedom of expression in the U.S. and globally. Donate today! #GivingTuesday pen.org/2025-support...
Natalie Goldberg's rules for #writing:
1. keep your hand moving
2. lose control
3. be specific
4. don't think
5. don't worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar
6. you're free to write the worst junk in the world
7. go for the jugular
1. keep your hand moving
2. lose control
3. be specific
4. don't think
5. don't worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar
6. you're free to write the worst junk in the world
7. go for the jugular
November 28, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Natalie Goldberg's rules for #writing:
1. keep your hand moving
2. lose control
3. be specific
4. don't think
5. don't worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar
6. you're free to write the worst junk in the world
7. go for the jugular
1. keep your hand moving
2. lose control
3. be specific
4. don't think
5. don't worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar
6. you're free to write the worst junk in the world
7. go for the jugular
Reposted
Late-night jokes are protected speech. The FCC chairman amplifying Trump's misguided call for Seth Meyers to be fired is a troubling use of regulatory power and a warning sign for anyone who cares about a free and independent media. www.npr.org/2025/11/17/n...
President Trump wants Seth Meyers fired. The FCC chair amplified the message
President Trump continues to rage over late night comedians who make fun of him. This weekend he posted on social media that Seth Meyers has "no talent" and called for NBC to fire him.
www.npr.org
November 17, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Late-night jokes are protected speech. The FCC chairman amplifying Trump's misguided call for Seth Meyers to be fired is a troubling use of regulatory power and a warning sign for anyone who cares about a free and independent media. www.npr.org/2025/11/17/n...
Mario Guevara was grabbed off the streets of ATL for his reporting; deported 100 days later. Now British journo Sami Hamdi is held by ICE in SF for criticizing Israel. The use of ICE to quash dissent is unconstitutional. Defend the right to report. @penamerica.bsky.social pen.org/2025-support...
Support PEN America
Support PEN America:Defend the Freedom to Read, Write, Speak and Imagine or With a donation of $50 or more, you can become a Reader Member—joining a vibrant community of writers and allies committed t...
pen.org
November 6, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Mario Guevara was grabbed off the streets of ATL for his reporting; deported 100 days later. Now British journo Sami Hamdi is held by ICE in SF for criticizing Israel. The use of ICE to quash dissent is unconstitutional. Defend the right to report. @penamerica.bsky.social pen.org/2025-support...
Reposted
PEN America strongly condemned the Iranian authorities’ detention and harassment of six writers in Tehran this week as “repressive tactics meant to quash independent thinking, analysis, and expression,” said Karin Deutsch Karlekar, Director of Writers at Risk.
pen.org/press-releas...
pen.org/press-releas...
Shocking Arrests of Writers and Scholars in Iran Latest in Escalating Free Speech Crackdown
PEN America strongly condemned the detention and harassment of six writers in Iran as authorities ramp up a crackdown on free expression.
pen.org
November 5, 2025 at 11:04 PM
PEN America strongly condemned the Iranian authorities’ detention and harassment of six writers in Tehran this week as “repressive tactics meant to quash independent thinking, analysis, and expression,” said Karin Deutsch Karlekar, Director of Writers at Risk.
pen.org/press-releas...
pen.org/press-releas...
Reposted
PEN America: New White House press restriction "severs one more line of accountability between the government and the American people, part of a pattern that is straining the nation’s foundational principle of a free press.” pen.org/press-releas...
New White House Restriction on Press Access Severs One More Line of Accountability
PEN America today condemned the White House’s decision to restrict the White House press corps from the press secretary’s office and the “Upper Press” office space, citing security concerns.
pen.org
November 3, 2025 at 8:06 PM
PEN America: New White House press restriction "severs one more line of accountability between the government and the American people, part of a pattern that is straining the nation’s foundational principle of a free press.” pen.org/press-releas...
My hometown library was a Carnegie Library & there's one where I live now, one of the lucky recipients of a $10k grant from @carnegiecorp.bsky.social. These institutions are a part of the bedrock of this democratic society. Thanks for supporting them! #freedomtoread www.carnegie.org/news/article...
Hundreds of Carnegie Libraries to Receive $10,000 Gifts in Celebration of United States’ 250th Anniversary | Carnegie Corporation of New York
The foundation established in 1911 by Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Corporation of New York, honors the country’s democratic ideals with $20 million in new funding to support America’s civic institutions
www.carnegie.org
November 1, 2025 at 10:10 PM
My hometown library was a Carnegie Library & there's one where I live now, one of the lucky recipients of a $10k grant from @carnegiecorp.bsky.social. These institutions are a part of the bedrock of this democratic society. Thanks for supporting them! #freedomtoread www.carnegie.org/news/article...
Reposted
Stephen King is the most-banned writer in America. Thousands of books and writers are banned in school libraries, denying readers looking for stories about them. #writing #freedomtowrite #freedomtoread
abcnews.go.com/US/video/rep...
abcnews.go.com/US/video/rep...
Video Report finds ‘disturbing’ normalization of banned books in U.S.
ABC News’ Stephanie Ramos speaks with Jennifer Finley Boylan, president of PEN America, discusses a report that show there are more banned books than any living American has seen in their lifetime.
abcnews.go.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Stephen King is the most-banned writer in America. Thousands of books and writers are banned in school libraries, denying readers looking for stories about them. #writing #freedomtowrite #freedomtoread
abcnews.go.com/US/video/rep...
abcnews.go.com/US/video/rep...
The #freedomtowrite goes hand-in-hand with the #freedomtoread ... and one of my all-time favorite places to find a great book is the Argosy bookstore in NYC, celebrating 100 yrs in business.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/n...
One Bookstore, 3 Sisters and 100 Years
www.nytimes.com
November 1, 2025 at 3:08 PM
The #freedomtowrite goes hand-in-hand with the #freedomtoread ... and one of my all-time favorite places to find a great book is the Argosy bookstore in NYC, celebrating 100 yrs in business.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/n...
A federal judge ordered the Department of Defense to restore all books banned in five schools at U.S. military installations, a solid first step in a long road to restoring and protecting students’ freedom to read. #freedomtowrite #freedomtoread #censorship pen.org/press-releas...
A Victory for the Freedom to Read, as Judge Orders Banned Books Returned to Shelves in U.S. Military Schools
A federal judge in the Eastern District Court of Virginia today ordered the Department of Defense to restore all books banned in five schools at U.S. military installations, a ruling PEN America calle...
pen.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:05 PM
A federal judge ordered the Department of Defense to restore all books banned in five schools at U.S. military installations, a solid first step in a long road to restoring and protecting students’ freedom to read. #freedomtowrite #freedomtoread #censorship pen.org/press-releas...