I'm a "woodturner" that is interested in becoming a pen turner. I've used about every method available. I've used DNA (Denatured alcohol) to dry bowls, vessels and boxes. I recently stopped that method since there are still several variables, how much have you used the alcohol will matter, how green the wood is, what species, etc. It will still take time for it to dry. I switched to a "hobby kiln". It's a freezer or fridge that has the usual mechanics gutted, that has holes drilled in the top and bottom along with a 60 watt bulb. The Bulb heats the air, draws in through the bottom-heat rises, and out through the top. The constant airflow dries the wood to 6% to 8%. With increasing the wattage of the bulb, starting low and ending higher I can dry a sopping wet roughed bowl of 1" thick walls to about 7% in less than a month. For pen blanks I'd stack the sticks alternatively so air can pass around them and through the stacks. I'd also put endgrain sealer, anchorseal, on the end grain to help with checking. A moisture meter is also nice to have.
A food "dehydrator" for eithr fruit or making beef jerky would work as well as long as you can control the "power" of the machine.
These are two good options along with the microwave. I've just learned alot of times the DNA adds another "variable" to the process. The simplier you can keep it the easier it will be.