I Love to Write Day

The I Love to Write Day on November 15 is a celebration created to encourage people of all ages to pick up a pen (or sit at a keyboard) and write something – whether that’s a poem, a letter, a short story, or the start of a novel.

History of I Love to Write Day

The day was founded in 2002 by John Riddle, a writer based in Delaware, who wanted to inspire people—especially children and adults who had put writing aside—to spend time writing something meaningful.
Riddle launched the website and promoted the idea across schools, libraries, bookstores, and community centres. In its early years, thousands of schools participated and some U.S. states officially proclaimed November 15 as I Love to Write Day.

Why is I Love to Write Day important?

Writing is a powerful tool for expression, creativity, and communication. On this day, the focus is on unlocking human expression—helping people give form to thoughts, feelings, and stories that might otherwise remain unspoken.
Moreover, the day emphasizes that writing is not only for professional authors—it invites everyone, regardless of experience, to engage in writing, thereby fostering confidence, literacy, and creative habits in communities.

• It invites people to make time for writing even if they haven’t done so in a while.
• It makes writing a communal or shared activity rather than a solitary one.
• It helps schools, libraries, and community groups build writing-friendly events around a defined date.
• It highlights that creative expression through writing is accessible to everyone.
• It celebrates the act of writing in many forms—not just novels, but letters, poems, journals, and blogs.

How to Observe I Love to Write Day

A practical and meaningful way to observe the day is to schedule a dedicated time (for example, 30 minutes) to write something—anything—with no judgment or pressure. Set aside distractions, pick a format you like, and simply write. Then share what you’ve written (if you feel comfortable) with a friend, family member, or community group.
You can also turn this into a group activity: invite friends or family to join you for a “mini writing session,” or organise within a school or club a write-and-share event where everyone reads a short piece. The shared experience can make writing feel less solitary and more celebratory.

• Write a poem, letter, or short story just for yourself.
• Invite someone else to join and write alongside you (virtually or in person).
• Share your writing piece (if you choose) on social media with mention of the day.
• Visit a library or bookstore, pick up a writing prompt or journal, and write refill pages.
• Use the day to start a writing habit—commit to writing something weekly/monthly.

I Love to Write Day Dates Table