At the 2026 #PENGala, Ali Velshi spoke to us about the courage of writers in the face of censorship — and the reason why the book banning movement will never succeed.
#writers #censorship #bannedbooks
#writers #censorship #bannedbooks
June 3, 2026 at 4:27 PM
At the 2026 #PENGala, Ali Velshi spoke to us about the courage of writers in the face of censorship — and the reason why the book banning movement will never succeed.
#writers #censorship #bannedbooks
#writers #censorship #bannedbooks
At the 2025 #PENGala, Wesleyan University President Michael Roth received the PEN/Benenson Courage Award for standing up to government assaults on higher education as well as for his commitment to academic freedom.
Read his full remarks: pen.org/wesleyan-uni... #Censorship #HigherEducation
Read his full remarks: pen.org/wesleyan-uni... #Censorship #HigherEducation
May 25, 2025 at 3:06 PM
At the 2025 #PENGala, Wesleyan University President Michael Roth received the PEN/Benenson Courage Award for standing up to government assaults on higher education as well as for his commitment to academic freedom.
Read his full remarks: pen.org/wesleyan-uni... #Censorship #HigherEducation
Read his full remarks: pen.org/wesleyan-uni... #Censorship #HigherEducation
MS NOW journalist and author Ali Velshi joined us at the 2026 #PENGala, where presented the PEN/Benenson Courage Award to the Rutherford County, Tennessee, Library Alliance.
On the event's red carpet, he spoke to us about the challenges journalists face within the U.S. today.
#journalism
On the event's red carpet, he spoke to us about the challenges journalists face within the U.S. today.
#journalism
June 14, 2026 at 5:15 PM
MS NOW journalist and author Ali Velshi joined us at the 2026 #PENGala, where presented the PEN/Benenson Courage Award to the Rutherford County, Tennessee, Library Alliance.
On the event's red carpet, he spoke to us about the challenges journalists face within the U.S. today.
#journalism
On the event's red carpet, he spoke to us about the challenges journalists face within the U.S. today.
#journalism
What is the role of the writer in times like these?
At the 2025 #PENGala, we took the opportunity to pose that question to Rita Dove and @jodipicoult.bsky.social.
#writers #writing #freedomtowrite
At the 2025 #PENGala, we took the opportunity to pose that question to Rita Dove and @jodipicoult.bsky.social.
#writers #writing #freedomtowrite
May 27, 2025 at 10:06 PM
What is the role of the writer in times like these?
At the 2025 #PENGala, we took the opportunity to pose that question to Rita Dove and @jodipicoult.bsky.social.
#writers #writing #freedomtowrite
At the 2025 #PENGala, we took the opportunity to pose that question to Rita Dove and @jodipicoult.bsky.social.
#writers #writing #freedomtowrite
At this year's #PENGala, bestselling and prize-winning author and Nashville bookseller Ann Patchett (Bel Canto, The Dutch House) was honored with the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award. See her full acceptance speech at: https://youtu.be/23XGC_FopR8?si=dMdLr2CsgDXKc_VR
May 22, 2026 at 10:12 PM
At this year's #PENGala, bestselling and prize-winning author and Nashville bookseller Ann Patchett (Bel Canto, The Dutch House) was honored with the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award. See her full acceptance speech at: https://youtu.be/23XGC_FopR8?si=dMdLr2CsgDXKc_VR
AI hasn't replaced us yet, says B. J. Novak.
"Real life, real things, real ideas are on their way back. And books are at the forefront of that," said the host of the 2026 #PENGala, who brought some real-world statistics to back that up.
#books #reading #bookstores
"Real life, real things, real ideas are on their way back. And books are at the forefront of that," said the host of the 2026 #PENGala, who brought some real-world statistics to back that up.
#books #reading #bookstores
May 31, 2026 at 8:52 PM
AI hasn't replaced us yet, says B. J. Novak.
"Real life, real things, real ideas are on their way back. And books are at the forefront of that," said the host of the 2026 #PENGala, who brought some real-world statistics to back that up.
#books #reading #bookstores
"Real life, real things, real ideas are on their way back. And books are at the forefront of that," said the host of the 2026 #PENGala, who brought some real-world statistics to back that up.
#books #reading #bookstores
What kind of unhinged writing habits lead to a book series like Game Changers and a TV phenomenon like Heated Rivalry?
"I'll be like, let's just start having the characters have a conversation and see where it goes," said bestselling author Rachel Reid on the red carpet at the 2026 #PENGala.
"I'll be like, let's just start having the characters have a conversation and see where it goes," said bestselling author Rachel Reid on the red carpet at the 2026 #PENGala.
May 30, 2026 at 5:38 PM
What kind of unhinged writing habits lead to a book series like Game Changers and a TV phenomenon like Heated Rivalry?
"I'll be like, let's just start having the characters have a conversation and see where it goes," said bestselling author Rachel Reid on the red carpet at the 2026 #PENGala.
"I'll be like, let's just start having the characters have a conversation and see where it goes," said bestselling author Rachel Reid on the red carpet at the 2026 #PENGala.
PEN America Honors Literary Giants and Advocates at Annual Gala theknockturnal.com/pen-america-... #PENGala
PEN America Honors Literary Giants and Advocates at Annual Gala - The Knockturnal
Fearless writers and advocates gathered last night in New York City at the PEN America annual Literary Gala…
theknockturnal.com
May 16, 2025 at 10:08 PM
PEN America Honors Literary Giants and Advocates at Annual Gala theknockturnal.com/pen-america-... #PENGala
"We are in a battle for the right to think freely," said Jelani Cobb on the red carpet at the 2026 #PENGala. But, he told us, informed participation in democracy remains possible because "the undertaking of journalism remains vibrant."
May 26, 2026 at 6:54 PM
"We are in a battle for the right to think freely," said Jelani Cobb on the red carpet at the 2026 #PENGala. But, he told us, informed participation in democracy remains possible because "the undertaking of journalism remains vibrant."
“Writing is glamorous. Reading is glamorous. Freedom of speech is glamorous," said B.J. Novak in his welcome speech at the 2026 #PENGala, using the examples of Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, Kaia Gerber, Dua Lipa, Emma Roberts, Laufey, Harry Styles, and Ann Patchett to explain why.
May 27, 2026 at 3:16 PM
“Writing is glamorous. Reading is glamorous. Freedom of speech is glamorous," said B.J. Novak in his welcome speech at the 2026 #PENGala, using the examples of Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, Kaia Gerber, Dua Lipa, Emma Roberts, Laufey, Harry Styles, and Ann Patchett to explain why.
What "unhinged writing habit" did Ann Patchett learn from Susan Orlean?
Here's what the bestselling author told us at the 2026 #PENGala, where she was honored with the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award.
Can your unhinged writing habit compete? Tell us in the comments.
#writing #writinghabits
Here's what the bestselling author told us at the 2026 #PENGala, where she was honored with the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award.
Can your unhinged writing habit compete? Tell us in the comments.
#writing #writinghabits
May 19, 2026 at 3:50 PM
What "unhinged writing habit" did Ann Patchett learn from Susan Orlean?
Here's what the bestselling author told us at the 2026 #PENGala, where she was honored with the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award.
Can your unhinged writing habit compete? Tell us in the comments.
#writing #writinghabits
Here's what the bestselling author told us at the 2026 #PENGala, where she was honored with the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award.
Can your unhinged writing habit compete? Tell us in the comments.
#writing #writinghabits
For its intrepid efforts to lead a grassroots fight against censorship, PEN America honored the all‑volunteer Rutherford County Library Alliance with the PEN/Benenson Courage Award at the 2026 #PENGala. Keri Lambert and Tatiana Silvas accepted the award on RCLA's behalf. pen.org/rutherford-c...
May 27, 2026 at 5:27 PM
For its intrepid efforts to lead a grassroots fight against censorship, PEN America honored the all‑volunteer Rutherford County Library Alliance with the PEN/Benenson Courage Award at the 2026 #PENGala. Keri Lambert and Tatiana Silvas accepted the award on RCLA's behalf. pen.org/rutherford-c...
At the 2025 #PENGala, @jennyboylan.bsky.social, author and president of PEN America’s board of trustees, spoke of explosive challenges to free expression emanating from Washington, rebuking the current administration for its campaign against programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion.
May 16, 2025 at 9:54 PM
At the 2025 #PENGala, @jennyboylan.bsky.social, author and president of PEN America’s board of trustees, spoke of explosive challenges to free expression emanating from Washington, rebuking the current administration for its campaign against programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion.
What book would YOU gift America on its 250th birthday?
Here are the selections we heard from some of the high-profile writers in attendance at this year's PEN America Literary Gala.
#America250 #PENGala #AmericaSpeaks
Here are the selections we heard from some of the high-profile writers in attendance at this year's PEN America Literary Gala.
#America250 #PENGala #AmericaSpeaks
July 3, 2026 at 5:21 PM
What book would YOU gift America on its 250th birthday?
Here are the selections we heard from some of the high-profile writers in attendance at this year's PEN America Literary Gala.
#America250 #PENGala #AmericaSpeaks
Here are the selections we heard from some of the high-profile writers in attendance at this year's PEN America Literary Gala.
#America250 #PENGala #AmericaSpeaks
Literary world gathers for PEN America dinner-gala hosted by Amber Ruffin www.8newsnow.com/entertainmen... #PENGala
Literary world gathers for PEN America dinner-gala hosted by Amber Ruffin
NEW YORK (AP) — Hundreds of writers, editors and publishers are to gather Thursday night for PEN America’s annual gala, hosted by Amber Ruffin and featuring a tribute to actor-publisher Sarah…
www.8newsnow.com
May 15, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Literary world gathers for PEN America dinner-gala hosted by Amber Ruffin www.8newsnow.com/entertainmen... #PENGala
At the 2025 #PENGala, we honored @wesleyanuniversity.bsky.social President Michael Roth with the PEN/Benenson Courage Award for standing up to government assaults on higher education as well as for his commitment to academic freedom.
May 16, 2025 at 7:04 PM
At the 2025 #PENGala, we honored @wesleyanuniversity.bsky.social President Michael Roth with the PEN/Benenson Courage Award for standing up to government assaults on higher education as well as for his commitment to academic freedom.
Literary supporters, including Amber Ruffin and Sarah Jessica Parker, called for the right to free speech at the 2025 PEN America Literary Gala.
people.com/amber-ruffin... #PENGala
people.com/amber-ruffin... #PENGala
Amber Ruffin, Sarah Jessica Parker Advocate for Free Speech at 2025 PEN America Gala
Amber Ruffin, Sarah Jessica Parker and more called for free speech at the 2025 PEN America Literary Gala on May 15 in New York City. The annual ceremony honored “the freedoms to write, read and speak,...
people.com
May 16, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Literary supporters, including Amber Ruffin and Sarah Jessica Parker, called for the right to free speech at the 2025 PEN America Literary Gala.
people.com/amber-ruffin... #PENGala
people.com/amber-ruffin... #PENGala
Read USA Today's report on the speeches and honorees at the 2025 #PENGala: www.usatoday.com/story/entert...
Sarah Jessica Parker, Taye Diggs, more warn against threats to free speech, libraries
Sarah Jessica Parker, Taye Diggs, Jodi Picoult and more took the stage at PEN America's gala to criticize book bans and the Trump administration.
www.usatoday.com
May 17, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Read USA Today's report on the speeches and honorees at the 2025 #PENGala: www.usatoday.com/story/entert...
At the 2025 #PENGala, Sarah Jessica Parker, @tayediggs.bsky.social, @jodipicoult.bsky.social warn against threats to free speech, libraries www.usatoday.com/story/entert...
Sarah Jessica Parker, Taye Diggs, more warn against threats to free speech, libraries
Sarah Jessica Parker, Taye Diggs, Jodi Picoult and more took the stage at PEN America's gala to criticize book bans and the Trump administration.
www.usatoday.com
May 16, 2025 at 5:41 PM
At the 2025 #PENGala, Sarah Jessica Parker, @tayediggs.bsky.social, @jodipicoult.bsky.social warn against threats to free speech, libraries www.usatoday.com/story/entert...
At the 2025 PEN America Gala, comedian and writer Amber Ruffin, host for the evening, underscored the perils of the moment driven by government censorship: “Free speech is something we have to fight for. We can joke about it – until we can’t. That’s the reality of where we’re at right now.” #PENGala
May 16, 2025 at 4:54 PM
At the 2025 PEN America Gala, comedian and writer Amber Ruffin, host for the evening, underscored the perils of the moment driven by government censorship: “Free speech is something we have to fight for. We can joke about it – until we can’t. That’s the reality of where we’re at right now.” #PENGala
“Writing is glamorous. Reading is glamorous. Freedom of speech is glamorous," said B.J. Novak at the 2026 #PENGala... And judging by the star-studded event celebrating outstanding contributions in literature and the defense of free expression, Novak is onto something.... people.com/b-j-novak-ho...
B.J. Novak Hosts PEN America Gala Honoring Jason Blum and Ann Patchett
The May 15 gala at the Museum of Natural History in New York City honored 'outstanding contributions in literature and the defense of free expression.'
people.com
May 16, 2026 at 1:33 PM
“Writing is glamorous. Reading is glamorous. Freedom of speech is glamorous," said B.J. Novak at the 2026 #PENGala... And judging by the star-studded event celebrating outstanding contributions in literature and the defense of free expression, Novak is onto something.... people.com/b-j-novak-ho...
At the 2026 #PENGala, we asked writers about their unhinged writing habits.
In the process, we learned the "very cruel" expectations Maya Hawke puts on her friends and family.
And, thanks to B.J. Novak, we've put together the ultimate hack for overcoming procrastination, Ann Patchett-style.
In the process, we learned the "very cruel" expectations Maya Hawke puts on her friends and family.
And, thanks to B.J. Novak, we've put together the ultimate hack for overcoming procrastination, Ann Patchett-style.
May 19, 2026 at 7:37 PM
At the 2026 #PENGala, we asked writers about their unhinged writing habits.
In the process, we learned the "very cruel" expectations Maya Hawke puts on her friends and family.
And, thanks to B.J. Novak, we've put together the ultimate hack for overcoming procrastination, Ann Patchett-style.
In the process, we learned the "very cruel" expectations Maya Hawke puts on her friends and family.
And, thanks to B.J. Novak, we've put together the ultimate hack for overcoming procrastination, Ann Patchett-style.
Read more about the #PENGala and our 2025 honorees: theknockturnal.com/pen-america-...
PEN America Honors Literary Giants and Advocates at Annual Gala - The Knockturnal
Fearless writers and advocates gathered last night in New York City at the PEN America annual Literary Gala…
theknockturnal.com
May 16, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Read more about the #PENGala and our 2025 honorees: theknockturnal.com/pen-america-...
E esse calor einnn? *balançando a pengala pra refrescar*
January 25, 2025 at 9:36 PM
E esse calor einnn? *balançando a pengala pra refrescar*
At the #PENGala, novelist and PEN America trustee Dinaw Mengestu presented the 2025 PEN/Barbey #FreedomToWrite award to Egyptian poet, lyricist, and pro-democracy activist Galal El-Behairy who was arrested and has been unjustly imprisoned since 2018 on multiple charges. More: pen.org/press-releas...
May 19, 2025 at 9:58 PM
At the #PENGala, novelist and PEN America trustee Dinaw Mengestu presented the 2025 PEN/Barbey #FreedomToWrite award to Egyptian poet, lyricist, and pro-democracy activist Galal El-Behairy who was arrested and has been unjustly imprisoned since 2018 on multiple charges. More: pen.org/press-releas...