In 1971, PEN established the Prison Writing Committee to implement and advocate for creative writing programs in prisons throughout the U.S. The PEN Writing Committee improved prison libraries, inspired volunteer writers to teach prisoners, persuaded authors to host workshops, and founded an annual literary competition for prisoners. Workshops and classes help prisoners build self-esteem, make healthy social connections, and learn new skills, which can ease prisoner reentry. Creative writing programs offered in juvenile correction facilities have also proved beneficial. In Alabama, Writing Our Stories began in 1997 as an anti-violence initiative to encourage positive self-expression among incarcerated youths. The program found that the participants gained confidence, the ability to empathize and see their peers in a more positive light, and motivation to want to return to society and live a more productive life. One California study of prison fine arts programs found art education increased emotional control and decreased disciplinary reports. Participation in creative writing and other art programs result in significant positive outcomes for the inmates' mental health, relationship with their families, and the facility's environment. The study evidenced improved writing skills enhanced one's ability in other academic areas of study, portraying writing as a fundamental tool for building one's intellect. Teaching prisoners creative writing can encourage literacy, teach necessary life skills, and provide prisoners with an outlet to express regret, accountability, responsibility, and a kind of restorative justice. Elements Action Character Conflict Dialogue Genre Narration Pace Plot Point of view Scene Setting Style Suspense Theme and motif Tone Voice Forms and genres of literature Autobiography/Memoir Creative non-fiction (Personal & Journalistic Essays) Children's books Drama Epic Flash fiction Graphic novels/Comics Novel Novella Play Poetry Screenplay Short story Dialogues Blogs See also Asemic writing Author Book report Clarion Workshop Collaborative writing Creativity Electronic literature Expository writing Fan fiction Fiction writing High School for Writing and Communication Arts (in New York City) Iowa Writers' Workshop Literature Show, don't tell Songwriting Stream of consciousness (narrative mode) Writer's block Writing Writing circle Writing process Writing style Writing Workshop References Further reading Republished as External links Creative Writing Guide - The University of Vermont Writing in the disciplines: Creative Writing - Kelsey Shields, Writing Center, University of Richmond Writing Communication design Creativity