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February 4, 2026
The Newsletter [[link removed]]
And the finalists are...
The finalists for PEN America’s 2026 Literary Awards – spanning fiction, poetry, essays, translations, and more – showcase the stunning breadth and depth of literary excellence emerging today. In its 62nd year, the awards, known as “the Oscars for books,” will confer 10 book prizes with a total purse of nearly $350,000 at the ceremony on March 31 and honor two career achievement winners – Haitian-American novelist Edwidge Danticat and playwright and screenwriter Julia Cho .
See the finalists >> [[link removed]] Save the date >> [[link removed]]
State Violence Threatens – but Cannot Silence – Free Expression
The fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents on the streets of Minneapolis shocked the conscience of an already shaken nation. The willingness to deploy state violence against civilians – to kidnap, detain, and kill – is unquestionably a moment of crisis for democracy and free expression that echoes dark moments in our own history. PEN America Interim Co-CEOs Summer Lopez and Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf write that Minneapolis presents a powerful demonstration of peaceful resistance, and a potent reminder of the power of writers who make meaning out of grief and horror.
Read the essay >> [[link removed]] Help the literary community >> [[link removed]]
The PEN Ten With Brad Meltzer
[link removed] [[link removed]] Brad Meltzer writes illuminating stories that explore history, power, and the choices people make under intense pressure. His latest thriller, The Viper , builds suspense through vivid characters, sharp pacing, and carefully timed reveals. In our latest PEN Ten interview, Meltzer explains how he uses time shifts to build suspense, what comics taught him about storytelling, and how his writing process has changed over time.
Read the interview >> [[link removed]]
Banned, Bruised, and Broke: The Price of Book Bans
As part of a recent action for “Fall of Freedom,” led by visual artist Dread Scott , playwright Lynn Nottage , and novelist Hari Kunzru , we invited PEN America members to write a poem using some of the more than 350 words banned or restricted by the federal government, or a piece of fiction or nonfiction responding to current threats to free expression and culture. Talented writers including A.S. King, Yahia Lababidi , and Megha Sood answered the call.
Read more about the financial cost >> [[link removed]] And the emotional toll >> [[link removed]]
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In 2025, members of PEN America have published over 100 works, spanning fiction, children’s and young adult literature, translations, nonfiction, and more. Join us in congratulating our members by checking out their publications! [[link removed]]
Browse the titles >> [[link removed]]
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[[link removed]] PEN America Reads: Honoring Black History
In recognition of Black History Month, the PEN America staff is sharing a reading list that honors the depth and range of Black storytelling. These titles cross generations and genres, but all stand as vital in the legacy of Black literature – to be read, revisited this month and all year round.
Check it out >> [[link removed]]
Check out the full list of 30+ titles >> [[link removed]]
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PEN America Members Respond to Banned Words
As part of a recent action for “Fall of Freedom,” led by visual artist Dread Scott , playwright Lynn Nottage , and novelist Hari Kunzru , we invited PEN America members to write a poem using some of the more than 350 words banned or restricted by the federal government, or a piece of fiction or nonfiction responding to current threats to free expression and culture. Talented writers including A.S. King, Yahia Lababidi , and Megha Sood answered the call. See what they wrote >> [[link removed]]
Missing Voices in Iran
For Just Security, Summer Lopez wrote about the absence of writers’ voices in the Iran protests. “In the weeks leading to the protests that started on Dec. 28, the regime had done what it so often does when it is feeling vulnerable — targeted writers for arrest and harassment as part of a broader crackdown on free expression,” she wrote. Read the piece >> [[link removed]]
More on the arrest of writer and translator Ali Asadollahi >> [[link removed]]
College Professors Watched
Jonathan Friedman told The New York Times that surveillance of professors and syllabuses in “this McCarthyist environment is really dangerous.” Some states, including Florida, have mandated that the syllabuses be in databases searchable by keywords. “There you see the clear aim to essentially scan and scrutinize for hot-button topics,” he said. Read the article >> [[link removed]]
Safeguarding Journalism
NPR interviewed New York Times columnist M. Gessen about co-founding Kronika [[link removed]] , a PEN America and Bard College initiative that aims to help journalists around the world safeguard history. Listen on WBUR >> [[link removed]]
Journalism is Not a Crime
Tim Richardson said the Trump administration “trampled the First Amendment” by arresting independent journalist Don Lemon on charges that he violated federal law while covering a Minneapolis protest. Read more in The Guardian >> [[link removed]]
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“The Trump administration’s willingness to deploy state violence against civilians – to kidnap, detain, and kill – is unquestionably a moment of crisis for democracy and free expression that echoes dark moments in our own history.”
— PEN America Interim Co-CEOs Summer Lopez & Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf [[link removed]]
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