The Sentences That Create Us

by PEN America

The Sentences That Create Us draws from the unique insights of over fifty justice-involved contributors and their allies to offer inspiration and resources for creating a literary life in prison. Centering in the philosophy that writers in prison can be as vibrant and capable as writers on the outside, and have much to offer readers everywhere, The Sentences That Create Us aims to propel writers in prison to launch their work into the world beyond the walls, while also embracing and supporting the creative community within the walls.

The Sentences That Create Us is a comprehensive resource writers can grow with, beginning with the foundations of creative writing. A roster of impressive contributors including Reginald Dwayne Betts (Felon: Poems), Mitchell S. Jackson (Survival Math), Wilbert Rideau (In the Place of Justice) and Piper Kerman (Orange is the New Black), among many others, address working within and around the severe institutional, emotional, psychological and physical limitations of writing prison through compelling first-person narratives. The book's authors offer pragmatic advice on editing techniques, pathways to publication, writing routines, launching incarcerated-run prison publications and writing groups, lesson plans from prison educators and next-step resources.

Threaded throughout the book is the running theme of addressing lived trauma in writing, and writing's capacity to support an authentic healing journey centered in accountability and restoration. While written towards people in the justice system, this book can serve anyone seeking hard won lessons and inspiration for their own creative--and human--journey.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts

339 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Rocco Versaci · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of essays on writing craft that *anyone* interested in writing can learn from even though the book as a whole is aimed at (and written by) people who are incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, or allies of these first two groups. This book was the brainchild of Caits Meissner as part of her excellent work with the PEN America Prison Writing Program, which provides copies free of charge to anyone who is currently incarcerated. Aside from the great advice contained within, every chapter makes the case--both explicitly and implicitly--that writing is one of the most important ways that we make sense of the world, the people in it, and ourselves.

[Patrick O'Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book last night and was totally floored by the instructional details, knowledge, and excellence of craft. There is an overabundance of insight, honesty, grace, intelligence, vulnerability, and beauty with every story. I’m totally honored to be included in this project with such an amazing list of gifted writers.

[Denise Caruzzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writers, humanists, and activists must read this collection of perspectives, hopes, and liberation.
There are lessons for all of us, and the reminder that words are one of our greatest gifts. (and the program, itself, is an incredible example of real work that provides real opportunities in our world)

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer myself, I was extremely appreciative and surprised. This book expressed helpful tips for all writers. I am also happy to see people who are incarcerated given a chance to create. Art and creative expression is a tool. I am happy to see it used in this fashion as well.

[cyny · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this for my internship with PEN america, amazing resource for writers, educators, and anyone curious about the prison education system. lots of great essays written by those who’ve done a bid or work with those that are incarcerated !!!!

[Cheryl Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides great background on a program for encouraging reading and writing among prison inmates. The chapter on grammar and other writing techniques was the most impressive. The writer made the content accessible to someone without a high school education, which is unfortunately the status of many in our prisons. Yet I consider this one of the best resources for grammar I have read. I refer to it first when I have a question.