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X-WR-CALNAME:Pat Conroy Literary Center
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Pat Conroy Literary Center
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T183000
DTSTAMP:20260908T174510Z
CREATED:20260618T164507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T174510Z
UID:10001560-1789059600-1789065000@patconroyliterarycenter.org
SUMMARY:Author Event: An Evening with Susan Beckham Zurenda in Conversation with Cassandra King
DESCRIPTION:Thursday September 10 – 5:00-6:30 PM EDT\nPrice: Free\nRegistration: Seating is limited; please call to reserve your spot: 843-379-7025.\nVenue: Pat Conroy Literary Center | 601 Bladen St.\, Beaufort \nABOUT THE BOOK:\nHer latest novel\, No Way Out but Through\, scheduled for August 2026\, continues her exploration of Southern life and human connection. Two women of different generations—one scarred by an abusive teen marriage and the other by an alcoholic husband—come together to grapple with their inner demons and confront their untold stories. \nABOUT THE AUTHORS:\nSusan Beckham Zurenda- taught English for 33 years on the college level and at the high school level to AP students. Her debut novel\, Bells for Eli (Mercer University Press\, March 2020; paperback edition March 2021)\, was selected the first place winner for Best First Book—Fiction in the 2021 IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Awards)\, a Foreword Indie Book Award finalist\, a Winter 2020 Okra Pick by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance\, a 2020 Notable Indie on Shelf Unbound\, a 2020 finalist for American Book Fest Best Book Awards\, and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize for 2021. Susan has won numerous awards for her short fiction\, including winning the South Carolina Fiction Prize twice. Her second novel\, The Girl From the Red Rose Motel (Mercer University Press\, September 2023)\, was the recipient of the 2024 Patricia Winn Award in Southern Fiction\, Gold Medal winner in the 2024 IPPY Awards for Southeast Fiction\, a 2024 Pushcart Prize nominee\, a Shelf Unbound 2023 Notable 100 books\, and a finalist in the American Book Fest Awards. The author lives in Spartanburg\, SC. \nCASSANDRA KING- is the award-winning author of two books of non-fiction and five novels\, Making Waves\, The Sunday Wife\, The Same Sweet Girls\, Queen of Broken Hearts\, and Moonrise\, as well as numerous short stories and articles.The Sunday Wife was a Book Sense Pick and a People magazine Page Turner of the Week; on release\, The Same Sweet Girls was the number one Book Sense selection nationwide. Queen of Broken Hearts\, was a Book of the Month Club and Literary Guild selection. Her latest book\, Tell Me a Story\, was named SIBA’s non-fiction Book of the Year. In 2025\, Cassandra was the recipient of the Harper Lee Prize\, a lifetime achievement award presented by the Harper Lee Foundation. A native of L. A. (Lower Alabama)\, Cassandra resides in Beaufort\, South Carolina\, where she is honorary chair of the Pat Conroy Literary Center.
URL:https://patconroyliterarycenter.org/calendar/author-event-an-evening-with-susan-beckham-zurenda-in-conversation-with-cassandra-king/
LOCATION:601 Bladen Street\, Beaufort\, SC\, United States\, South Carolina 29902
CATEGORIES:Other
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260918T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260918T190000
DTSTAMP:20260908T174510Z
CREATED:20260831T154511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T174510Z
UID:10001752-1789750800-1789758000@patconroyliterarycenter.org
SUMMARY:Welcome Robert Gwaltney Reception
DESCRIPTION:Please Join Us in Welcoming Robert Gwaltney! \nThe Pat Conroy Literary Center invites you to join us for a special afternoon as we welcome our new Executive Director\, Robert Gwaltney. \nABOUT THE EVENT \nFriday\, September 18\n5:00PM-7:00PM\nPat Conroy Literary Center \nRegistration: Refreshments will be served and space is limited; PLEASE CALL to reserve your spot: 843-379-7025.\nVenue: Pat Conroy Literary Center | 601 Bladen St.\, Beaufort \nCome meet Robert\, enjoy good food and drinks\, and spend some time with friends of the Literary Center as we begin this exciting new chapter together. \nCatering by Debbi Covington will provide the food\, and a complimentary bar will be available. \nPrice: Free \nDonation:\nWe encourage you to consider making a donation in Robert’s honor either by check\, or you an go here:\nhttps://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/pat-conroy-literary-center/conroy-center-primary-form \nYour support will help the Literary Center continue bringing writers\, readers\, and the power of storytelling together in our community. \nABOUT ROBERT GWALTNEY:\nRobert brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership and community service to the Center\, along with a deep appreciation for literature\, storytelling\, and the legacy of Pat Conroy. We hope you’ll come introduce yourself\, hear a little about his vision for the Center\, and help us give him a warm Lowcountry welcome. \nAgain\, there is no charge to attend\, but if you’d like to help us welcome Robert and support the work ahead\, we would be grateful for a contribution in his honor.  \nRSVP requested. \nRegistration: Refreshments will be served and space is limited; please call to reserve your spot: 843-379-7025.\nVenue: Pat Conroy Literary Center | 601 Bladen St.\, Beaufort
URL:https://patconroyliterarycenter.org/calendar/welcome-robert-gwaltney-reception/
LOCATION:601 Bladen Street\, Beaufort\, SC\, United States\, South Carolina 29902
CATEGORIES:Other
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260926T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260926T150000
DTSTAMP:20260908T174510Z
CREATED:20260623T164506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T174510Z
UID:10001563-1790413200-1790434800@patconroyliterarycenter.org
SUMMARY:10th Annual Lowcountry Book Club Convention-Tickets Now On Sale!
DESCRIPTION:Reserve your tickets now for the 10th Annual Lowcountry Book Club Convention\, hosted by the Pat Conroy Literary Center\, on September 26\, 2026. \n Where: Culinary Institute of the South | 1 Venture Dr\, Bluffton\, SC 29910. \nTickets:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/10th-annual-lowcountry-book-club-convention-tickets-1996493138722?aff=ebdssbdestsearch \nThe nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center will host the 10th annual Lowcountry Book Club Convention on Saturday\, September 26\, at the Culinary Institute of the South at the Technical College of the Lowcountry in Bluffton. Ideal for book club members\, those interested in joining a book club\, or anyone who simply loves the joy of reading. \nThere will be book signings after each session and gourmet box lunches available\, provided by Catering by Debbi Covington. \nThis is also a great time to meet Robert Gwaltney\, the new Executive Director of the Pat Conroy Literary Center.  \nHere’s the schedule:\n9:30am \n Registration\n10-11am Keynote speaker:Colleen Oakley in conversation with Cassandra King\n11-11:30am Book sales and signing\n11:30-12:30Author conversation\, Dana Ridenour and Susan Zurenda interviewed by Margaret Evans\n12:30-1:30Book signing break and lunch (Catered box lunches)\n1:30-2:30 \nAuthor presentation\, Jennifer Moorman in conversation with Annette Flavel\n2:30-3pm \nFinal book sales and signing \nThis is a ticketed event\, so if you’re interested\, go ahead and reserve your tickets today.
URL:https://patconroyliterarycenter.org/calendar/10th-annual-book-club-convention-save-the-date/
LOCATION:Culinary Institute of the South at Technical College of the Lowcountry\, 1 Venture Drive\, Bluffton\, SC\, 29910\, US
CATEGORIES:Other
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T180000
DTSTAMP:20260908T174510Z
CREATED:20260622T144507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T174510Z
UID:10001562-1790870400-1790877600@patconroyliterarycenter.org
SUMMARY:Author Event:  Book Launch and Lowcountry Celebration with Author Lynn Seldon
DESCRIPTION:Thursday October 1 – 4:00-6:00 PM EDT\nPrice: Free\nRegistration: Refreshments from the Pat Conroy Cookbook will be served and space is limited; please call to reserve your spot: 843-379-7025. \nVenue: Pat Conroy Literary Center | 601 Bladen St.\, Beaufort\nJoin us for a book launch and lowcountry celebration in honor of Lynn Seldon’s new book:Pat Conroy’s Lowcountry.  \nABOUT THE BOOK:\nDiscover the landscapes\, culture\, and communities that shaped one of the South’s most beloved literary voices through an immersive journey across South Carolina’s storied Lowcountry. From the tidal marshes and historic streets of Charleston to the quiet charm of Beaufort\, readers are invited to explore the places that inspired a lifetime of storytelling by Pat Conroy. This engaging history and travel narrative highlights the region’s rich heritage\, coastal beauty\, and vibrant culture while tracing the author’s deep personal connection to the communities he called home. \nFollow the path through beloved Lowcountry destinations including Fripp Island\, St. Helena Island\, and Daufuskie Island―locations that appear frequently in Conroy’s novels and memoirs. The journey also explores formative chapters of his life\, from his time as a cadet at The Citadel to his years teaching in Beaufort County schools and on remote coastal islands. \nBlending literary history\, regional storytelling\, and practical travel inspiration\, this richly detailed guide offers readers a unique perspective on the South Carolina Lowcountry. Along the way\, it highlights historic landmarks\, Gullah Geechee heritage\, scenic waterways\, renowned coastal cuisine\, and authentic local experiences that continue to define this extraordinary region. \nABOUT THE AUTHOR:\nLynn Seldon is a veteran travel journalist who has written for Southern Living\, Garden & Gun\, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution\, and hundreds of other print and online publications. He has also authored or coauthored more than a half dozen books\, including 100 Things to Do in the South Carolina Lowcountry Before You Die\, 100 Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die\, and 100 Things to Do in Savannah Before You Die (with Cele Seldon);\nOur Vanishing Americana: A South Carolina Portrait (with Cele Seldon and Mike Lassiter); and Virginia’s Ring and Carolina’s Ring\, the first two novels of his “Ring Trilogy.” Seldon’s friend and mentor Pat Conroy called Virginia’s Ring “a triumph and a tour de force\,” while Cassandra King called Carolina’s Ring “an unforgettable story of love\, loss\, and redemption.” Seldon and his wife\, fellow travel journalist Cele Seldon\, live in Beaufort\, South Carolina
URL:https://patconroyliterarycenter.org/calendar/author-event-book-launch-and-lowcountry-celebration-with-author-lynn-seldon/
LOCATION:601 Bladen Street\, Beaufort\, SC\, United States\, South Carolina 29902
CATEGORIES:Other
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261025T160000
DTSTAMP:20260908T174510Z
CREATED:20260618T164506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T174510Z
UID:10001559-1792688400-1792944000@patconroyliterarycenter.org
SUMMARY:11th Annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival
DESCRIPTION:Tickets NOW ON SALE! \nThe 11th Annual Conroy Festival will be held on Thursday October 22\,through Sunday\, October 25\, as a series of free and ticketed events in Beaufort\, SC\, featuring author discussions\, writers workshops\, a screening of one of a film adaptation of one of Pat’s beloved novels\, and more.\nHeld in locations throughout Beaufort and surrounding lowcountry\, this is sure to be an amazing journey.\nSee link on this post for tickets\, or go to our website under ‘Events’
URL:https://patconroyliterarycenter.org/calendar/11th-annual-pat-conroy-literary-festival/
LOCATION:601 Bladen Street\, Beaufort\, SC\, United States\, South Carolina 29902
CATEGORIES:Other
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261029T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261029T183000
DTSTAMP:20260908T174510Z
CREATED:20260908T164522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T174510Z
UID:10001753-1793293200-1793298600@patconroyliterarycenter.org
SUMMARY:Author Event: An Evening with Renea Winchester (in convesation with Mary Ellen Thompson
DESCRIPTION:Thursday October 29 – 5:00-6:30 PM EDT\nPrice: Free\nRegistration: Seating is limited; please call to reserve your spot: 843-379-7025.\nVenue: Pat Conroy Literary Center | 601 Bladen St.\, Beaufort \nABOUT THE BOOK:\nSadie Bird lives in Shaconage\, North Carolina\, with Lazarus\, a mixed-breed dog she rescued from the forest. Sadie supports herself by harvesting medicinal plants which she uses in her tonics and salves. Having recently buried her husband and children\, Sadie is more worried about surviving the winter than the federal government’s plan to create the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When Bowman Marks\, a government agent tasked with acquiring thousands of acres of land\, arrives at Sadie’s place\, their initial meeting does not go well. Bowman secretly vows to acquire her land by any means necessary and soon presents an unacceptable offer to purchase. In 1929\, a woman without a husband is a woman without a voice. Forced to swallow her pride\, Sadie asks for help from church members who had cast her out. She soon realizes that to help herself and her neighbors\, she must take an active role in a lawsuit against the government filed by the timber baron who employed Sadie’s husband. \nABOUT AUTHOR RENEA WINCHESTER:\nRenea is a daughter of Appalachia who began her writing career in Georgia where she penned several non-fiction works including\, Farming\, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches (Mercer University Press) which was nominated for the prestigious SIBA award\, earned Renea a Georgia Author of the Year\, and received the endorsement from The Pulpwood Queens\, the largest book club in the country. Renea is the recipient of the Wilma Dykeman Award\, the Appalachian Writer’s Award\, and the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for women who elevate the world.  \nRenea has served on the Atlanta Writers Board\, Georgia Writers Association\, and judges multiple literary awards. In April 2020\, Firefly Southern Fiction released Outbound Train. Set in her hometown of Bryson City\, North Carolina\, in 1976\, Outbound Train is a triumphant story of perseverance and hope despite the harshness of poverty. The novel released internationally titled\, De l’autre côté des rails. \nRenea is passionate about literacy\, Appalachian Heritage\, preserving rare seeds\, fiercely defending libraries\, cultivating endangered plants\, and meeting new friends. \nABOUT MARY ELLEN THOMPSON:\nSince I was a child\, I have loved to write. My first rejection letter came in August 1970\, from Mademoiselle magazine. Since then\, thankfully\, I have had more acceptances than rejections. During the eight years I wrote for Beaufort Lifestyle and her sister magazines\, in 54 issues my portfolio consisted of 119 profiles of people/stories\, 16 restaurant profiles\, and 20 advertorials.\nI have written for other print publications and on-line websites listed below. I have also written a speech for the Mayor of Wandsworth\, London\, UK which was delivered at a women’s empowerment conference.\nI am currently an Associate Editor for Southern Literary Review.\nProbably what is dearest to my heart in the world of writing\, is the inclusion of an interview I was joyful to experience with Pat Conroy\, in the book A Lowcountry Heart. My greatest accomplishments in life are my daughter\, Elizabeth\, and my son\, Alexander.
URL:https://patconroyliterarycenter.org/calendar/author-event-an-evening-with-renea-winchester-in-convesation-with-mary-ellen-thompson/
LOCATION:601 Bladen Street\, Beaufort\, SC\, United States\, South Carolina 29902
CATEGORIES:Other
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