2023 State Tournament photos by JW Cooper Photography

The Power of the Pen

Seventh- and eighth-grade students learn writing skills that last a lifetime in Power of the Pen.

Power of the Pen empowers young people to find and develop their own unique creative voice through participating in district, regional, and state writing tournaments.

The Power of Competition

Nearly 300 schools across Ohio currently compete in Power of the Pen. Schools select a coach, register in the fall for tournaments, then form Power of the Pen teams/creative writing clubs to prepare for tournaments held in the winter and spring. The thrill of competition provides strong motivation for practice.

The Power of Mentors

Each participating team gets ready for competition using the Book of Winners, which features the the most compelling student writing from the previous season. During team practices, students engage in conversations about the writer’s craft and the impact of these stories written by their peers. 

The Power of Collaboration

These conversations teach student writers how to collaborate and give feedback on each other's writing. Participation in Power of the Pen improves writing skills and confidence, enhances leadership skills, and encourages teamwork.

Published authors, museum and library directors, engineers, marketing professionals, teachers – these are just a few of the many alumni who credit Power of the Pen with helping them develop the skills that led to their successful careers. 

Start planning now to have a Power of the Pen team! Email info@powerofthepen.org for details.

2022 Book of Winners
Available for Purchase

The 2022 Book of Winners is now available for purchase. This edition features Platinum Pen winners of the 2021-2022 season. Click here for an index of students whose writing appears in the book.

Not only is the Book of Winners an excellent model of the best 7th and 8th grade writing, but it is also fun to read. Purchase your copy today!

Teams who participate in the 2023-2024 season will receive one free copy of the 2022 Book of Winners.

The 2023 Book of Winners, featuring Platinum Pen winners from the 2022-2023 season, is currently in production and will be available for purchase this winter.