Editor David Coogan explains the importance of telling the story of mass incarceration, which began in the 1960s, and exploring it through the eyes of the writers who experienced it firsthand.

Read more about his new book 🔗 https://cup.org/4sQgtbK

#PrisonWriting #MassIncarceration

We all carry our own assumptions and need to continuously challenge them. Ask yourself what assumptions you might have about people who are #incarcerated and how that might #impact the way you write. #prisonwriting #abolitionist #praxis

It’s really important that we all take some time to ask ourselves what we want to get out of this #penpal #friendship. It is absolutely okay to not have a full articulated answer, but it is good to ask yourself what your motivations are. #prisonwriting
#abolitionist #abolitionism

Why do I want to #write to someone in prison? #prisonwriting

David Coogan, Ph.D.

“The Cambridge Companion to American #PrisonWriting & Mass Incarceration” traces history through the eyes of those who lived it.

jlusa.org/2025/11/28/new-collectio...

Courage This piece of writing placed second in the 2024 PEN America Prison Writing Awards. Courage I don't remember the Mexican kid's name anymore but I do remember his age which was 18. He looked young, younger than 18 although he carried himself like a man much older. Let me clarify, he was young and stupid and full of bad decisions but his stupidity was that of the young and his bad decisions were of that as well.

Robert Hiraeth's PEN Award-winning prison writing explores what it costs to survive institutional violence - and what it costs everyone around you.

#PrisonWriting #PENAmerica #LiteraryNonfiction #CreativeNonfiction #CriminalJustice

A Double Portion Lancelot, an offshore platform supervisor turned writer, found purpose in prison by sharing uplifting narratives and amplifying marginalized voices. Despite his dark past, he emphasizes hope, authenticity, and the potential for positive change. His journey highlights the importance of community support, personal reflection, and recognizing the unique talents within everyone.

"Your life is not over. No matter how dark your past is, you still have worth." Powerful words from Lancelot, who found his way back to helping others through writing. #prisonwriting #hope #secondchances

Day 29 – May Writing Challenge What might we learn from watching the growth of a tree? What secrets do trees hold about the human experience? Writing from prison, Omar Wilkins finds profound parallels between the forest and our own lives—in the seeds that never sprout, the saplings stunted by circumstance, and the mighty oaks that weather decades of storms. His observations cut deep: not every seed becomes a tree, just as not every person reaches their full potential.

What can trees teach us about life? Omar Wilkins finds profound parallels: not every seed becomes a tree, some grow stunted by circumstance, others thrive. Nature mirrors humanity—teaching resilience, community & grace. #trees #lifelessons #nature #resilience #prisonwriting

Day 28 – May Writing Challenge Omar Wilkins shares how words profoundly impact his life from prison, emphasizing that the most transformative language comes from within. He highlights the importance of self-affirmation and inner dialogue, recognizing that we are both creators and destroyers of our narratives. Ultimately, personal words foster resilience and self-inspiration.

Words CREATE, SAVE & DESTROY daily. From prison, Omar Wilkins shares a powerful truth: the most important words aren't from others—they're the ones we whisper to ourselves. We are our own creators, destroyers, governors. #words #selftalk #innerstrength #prisonwriting

Day 27 – May Writing Challenge Omar Wilkins, writing from prison, advocates for global equality as a solution to humanity's problems. He envisions a world where merit, not wealth or status, dictates success, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all. His radical vision involves justice for every individual, eradicating inequalities related to race, gender, and wealth, fostering a harmonious society.

What global problem would you solve? Omar Wilkins chooses inequality—imagining a true meritocracy where teachers earn equally worldwide, justice isn't for sale, and walking past any stranger means meeting someone with your exact same rights. #equality #justice #meritocracy #prisonwriting

Day 26 – May Writing Challenge Is technology bringing us closer together or pushing us further apart? Technology—is it our bridge to connection or the wall that divides us? It's a question that cuts to the heart of modern life, one that takes on deeper meaning when viewed from behind prison walls. Omar Wilkins, writing from incarceration, offers a perspective shaped by both limitation and gratitude. For him, technology isn't just an abstract debate—it's the lifeline that allows his voice to reach beyond concrete and steel, connecting him with people thousands of miles away.

Is technology bringing us together or apart? From behind bars, Omar Wilkins sees both sides: tech as lifeline connecting him to the world, yet also as divider through hate & misinformation. His insight? It's not the tech—it's us. We choose. #technology #connection #choice #prisonwriting

Day 25 – May Writing Challenge Omar Wilkins recounts a transformative dream encounter with the man he killed, leading to an unexpected healing journey. Despite not remembering the conversation's content, the experience lifted his burden of guilt and inspired a sense of purpose and empathy, marking a significant shift in his life while emphasizing the power of forgiveness and redemption.

Sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen in dreams. Omar Wilkins shares how a dream encounter with the man whose life he took became his path to forgiveness, healing & purpose. Grace finds us in unexpected ways. #redemption #forgiveness #healing #prisonwriting #grace #secondchances

Day 24 – May Writing Challenge Omar Wilkins explores the essence of hope through a sensory lens, likening it to the intoxicating scent of passionate love. He emphasizes that hope is personal and unique to each individual, driven by deep desires and memories. Ultimately, hope embodies a profound connection to fulfillment, transcending mere abstract notions.

What does hope smell like? For Omar Wilkins, writing from behind bars, it's the intoxicating scent of passionate love—sweat, pheromones, connection. Hope isn't abstract; it lives in our bodies, memories, the very air we breathe. #hope #prisonwriting #love #senses #connection #writing

The cover for Solitary by Albert Woodfox features a black and white closeup photo of Albert’s face, that of an elder Black man with soft eyes and a dignified smile looking off to the right. The background is white. The text is a simple sans serif block letter, which at the top of the cover in crimson says Solitary, at the bottom in black text says Albert Woodfox, and in the middle says Unbroken by four decades in solitary confinement. My story of transformation and hope. The cover also features a grey seal in the top right indicating the book is a National Book Award Finalist.

📚⛓️‍💥 34/100

📖: Solitary, by Albert Woodfox
Genre: Memoir, Politics
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Thoughts: Reveals the brutality of the racist criminal punishment system, and how a man survived by choosing community care. The word “inspiring” feels trite, but this book is.

#BookSky #PrisonWriting

subhuman. by Kashawn Taylor is an unflinching exploration of life behind bars. Through the lens of a Black, queer man, it sheds light on the physical, emotional, & spiritual challenges of incarceration. A powerful, necessary read.

wayfarerbooks.org
#PrisonWriting #QueerLit

Review of Unit 29: Writing from Parchman Prison Unit 29: Writing from Parchman PrisonMississippi Prison Writes Initiative. Edited by Louis Bourgeois.VOX Press. 2024.Book review by Sarah GelbardIn the context of the current cultural moment that is o...

My book review of "Unit29: Writing from Parchman Prison" by Mississippi Prison Writes Initiative" ed. #LouisBourgeois is now up on #ProgressiveCity #prisonwriting #Unit29

www.progressivecity.net/single-post/...