Writing whilst in difficult times can be very therapeutic and helpful to constructively vent stress and anxiety. Persons spending time in hospital or convalescent after a period of hospitalisation or recovering from a debilitating condition. Often find time to write as a positive response to their situation that can also prove to be a very profitable use of their time. I recall studying English Literature years ago the poems of Sylvia Plath who famously wrote of "Tulips" while experiencing a painful recovery from an operation.
The Prison system within the constraints of confinement has also inspired many Authors to write their stories. For there is little distraction in certain particular cases a pen can be the minds only escape whilst incarcerated, and to be somewhat liberated in instances of harsh fate or injustice... PEN America Prison Writing program includes more than 30 mentors working with imprisoned Writers.
Last November PEN American announced a New Competition sponsored by a grant from the estate of the late Madeleine L'Engle for the participants of the competition in the Literary and human rights organisation's prison writing mentorship program.
Eight winners all received $250 and a set of books chosen by their Mentor/Mentee. The honour is called the PEN America L'Engle-Rahman prize for Mentorship named for the author of the classic "A Wrinkle in Time" and for the late educator and Black Panther Leader Ahmad Rahman whom L'Engle became friends with whilst he was in prison.
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