Pen on Fire Writing Competition and Workshop is a contest and skill training program for writers organized by Pennacle. POF is for writers, book lovers and anyone looking to pursue writing as a career or a hobby.

We Believe in the Power of This Art

With POF, Pennacle is empowering writers with the professional resources, inspiration and knowledge they need to master their skills and realize their vision and power.

For the Love of Good Writing

POF is designed to help writers, —whether literary, creative, performative, interpretative, academic, reportage or utilitarian— blend skills and talent with artistic intent to produce good writing.

A Community of High Achievers

Our vision is to build through POF, an environment where reading is valued; promoted and actively encouraged, and a community of writers who are sufficiently inspired to advance their careers creatively and professionally.

So Far?

With 4 editions in 4 years, POF has trained almost a thousand new and experienced writers; setting them up for career success, cash rewards, recognition awards, publishing benefits and other necessary tools to enable them fully utilize their writing abilities.

Our History in Numbers:

POF 1
400 Entries 100 Chosen Participants 500K In Cash and Prizes 4 Winners, 6 Finalists

POF 2
1,000 Entries 200 Chosen Participants 1M In Cash and Prizes 2 Winners, 20 Finalists

POF 3
1,300 Entries 250 Chosen Participants 1.5M In Cash and Prizes 2 Winners, 30 Finalists

POF 4
900 Entries 150 Chosen Participants 2M in Cash and Prizes 2 Winners, 30 finalists

FAQ



Fees

Is there a registration fee?

Yes. Registration for this edition of POF is N 4,500/p>

Are there refunds?

No. We do not offer refunds. However, send us an email at admin@thepennacle.com if you believe you have a special situation that we should consider.

Will there be future fees?

No. The N 4,500 registration fee is a one-time payment for the 5th edition of POF.

What is the registration fee used for?

Your fees are added to foot administrative costs. Where there is excess, they are added to fund Pennacle's literary foundation projects in line with our goal of promoting writers and creatives.


Eligibility

Who can participate in this POF Edition?

Anyone, whether you are an aspiring, up-and-coming or experienced writer, or you love to write and want to test your skills. Students, adults, teenagers etc. If you think you've got what it takes, we would love to have you.

Any age limits?

You must be 13 years or older.


Registration

What does Registration entail?

To register, you'll have to provide your basic information, confirm your email and make payment.

How will I know that my registration has been accepted?

We will send you a confirmation email. We will also send your special membership code which you'll use to gain access to all lessons, discussions and activities during the programme.

What about the entry essays used in previous editions?

We would like to allow everyone to be a part of the workshop and lessons, so we will not do the usual screening in this edition.


Timeline

When does Registration end?

August 10th, 2023

When will the competition stages commence?

Right after all workshop activities. You will receive a schedule detailing the exact date, time and duration of every activity.

Why not post the schedule right now?

It's too precious. Specially reserved for our MVPs, a.k.a; all those who enter for POF5.


Medium

Where will the programme take place?

Right here on the Pennacle Website and all our other online platforms.

Does this mean I have to sign up for an account on the website?

Yes, and please try not to lose your sign-up details.

What about WhatsApp like the previous edition?

Our WhatsApp channels are always open so you can always reach us there but we are moving the bulk of the programme activities to our website.

What about the group discussions and Q&A sessions?

We've prepared a private platform. You'll receive your special access code when it's time.

How will eLearning happen?

Through text and video lessons posted on www.thepennacle.com. Registered participants will receive their private access codes with which they can read, listen and watch all Lessons on their smartphone


Lessons

Does this mean you won't be sharing pdfs like in previous editions?

Yes. We stepped up. Lessons will feature pre-recorded videos and notes that you can take via our eLearning platform. Besides, the PDFs weren't exactly convenient, no?

Who creates the lessons?

All Lessons are taught by Pennacle staff. Our tutors have almost 10 years of experience teaching both advanced and basic-level writing skills. They are full-time freelance writers, editors and entrepreneurs with professional degrees.

What will be taught in the lessons?

Please go through the section tagged "Learning Curriculum".

Will the CBT, Assignments and Quizzes be used in judging and selecting winners?

No. Only the writing tasks will be used in judging winners. However, these activities will help test your assimilation of lessons and improve your overall writing knowledge and skills. They'll be considered in the selection of award winners.


Competition Stages

Explain the Mock Task

After the workshop and lessons, all participants will enter for the Mock Task where they'll receive a topic to write on. The judges will select the best 50 submissions, and these 50 people will proceed to the next round of the competition known as the Qualifiers Round.

What do I get if I don't pass the Mock Task?

The Lesson you've learned (and the personal exercises and workbook designed to help you practice) will furnish you for excelling as a writer whether you chose to pursue writing professionally or as a hobby. You will leave this programme having become a true master of your skill/art. You'll also receive a certificate of completion.

How will I know if I pass the Mock Task?

We'll publish the names of the 50 people selected to enter the next round.

Will you publish the submissions of those that do not make it into the ensuing stages?

No. We keep your submissions private. However, you can post them on the group discussion platforms or your personal platforms.


Awards

How will I receive my award trophy?

Via courier services.

When will the cash gift be sent?

After the competition. You'll find exact dates in your schedule.

Who can win an award?

Any participant who passes the Mock Task and gets into the Qualifiers Round is eligible for an award.

Can I still win an award if I enter the Qualifiers Round but don't make it into the subsequent stages?

Yes. Once you pass the Mock Task and enter the Qualifiers Round, you can win an award even if you don't reach the pre-final and final stages.


About Us

Who are you?

We are Pennacle; eLearning, publishing and content management agency. We exist for creatives and writers.

What is the difference between POF and Pennacle?

POF is a programme founded and organized by Pennacle.

Who is sponsoring this programme?

Currently, we have no sponsors. Contact us at admin@thepennacle.com if you'd like to discuss sponsoring and partnerships.

Are there other programmes and contests offered by Pennacle?

Yes. We'll be posting them in the coming days. Be sure to check back or leave your email with us on the front page and we'll let you know.

I have questions that were not addressed in this FAQ

Contact our help desk. hello@thepennacle.com


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