REALITY OF A PRISON WRITER 7—E.C. THEUS-ROBERTS
Community is an important aspect of writing. Though most imagine it as a solitary endeavor, writing’s reality is usually far from a cloistered author in some isolated attic or country bungalow. The world of literary creatives is full of writer groups, workshops, associations and more. Some of the most important people in a writer’s life are other writers.
Such groups and associations help a writer develop, mature and produce more complete literary works for others to enjoy. Writers depend on other writers. This is no less true, no less important for prison writers. Although, in prison writers pursuing a publishing career are few and far between. Because of that, creating a prison writer community is that much harder and necessary.
Writing in prison is actually a solitary endeavor. One that demands fortitude, determination and an astronomical level of self-confidence. All the benefits of literary associations, memberships in organizations and such are generally out of incarcerated writer’s reaches. The disadvantages already faced grow that much larger. Just imagine if James Patterson or Sherrilyn Kenyon had to rely solely on their mind’s eye, books they had read, and their life experiences? How many fewer bestsellers would they have?
But allow us to go several steps further. If prison writers and the same benefits of a literary community, how many more Orange is the New Black or A day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, or The Rose that Grew from Concrete, or Blue Rage, Black Redemptions would there be today?
Prison Writers Support Organization 