Seventh- and eighth-grade students learn writing skills that last a lifetime in Power of the Pen, an Ohio-wide interscholastic writing program.

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.

“Power of the Pen was an awesome mile marker along my path to becoming a best-selling author.”
~ justin a. reynolds, Power of the Pen alum and author of Opposite of Always, Miles Morales: Shock Waves, and more.

justin a. reynolds will be the guest author at the Power of the Pen State tournament at Ashland University, May 18-19, 2023. During Friday's keynote, he'll share insights about making writing a career and connecting with readers. State tournament participants will have the opportunity to talk with justin during book signings on Thursday and Friday.