Inside the Poet’s Mind

Go beyond the page with an intimate, in-depth conversation with Marjory Wentworth, Past South Carolina Poet Laureate. Explore the craft, the inspiration, and the stories behind the lines in a rare, behind-the-scenes experience. Help us celebrate National Poetry Month.

Up close. Unfiltered.
Reserve your spot and experience poetry from the inside out. 

MARJORY WENTWORTH is the New York Times bestselling co-author of Out of Wonder, Poems Celebrating Poets, and the author of the prizewinning children’s story Shackles. She is also the co-writer of We Are Charleston, Tragedy and Triumph at Mother Emanuel, and Taking a Stand, The Evolution of Human Rights. She has published five collections of poetry. In 2021 she received South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts, where she served as the poet laureate from 2003-2020. She is the Director of the Writing Center and Oral Communication Center at Wittenberg University, and she is the Ohio codirector of Authors Against Book Bans. She also serves on the steering committee of Right to Read Ohio.

Time is closing in on your opportunity to register for South Carolina Writers Association’s 2026 Storyfest Literary Retreat Friday, April 24, through Sunday, April 26, featuring award-winning writers, editors and publishers. The retreat will be held at the AC Hotel in downtown Spartanburg.

The deadline to register is Sunday, April 19.

NEW EVENTS ADDED:

• We have added two masterclasses as add-on options. The are set for 4-5 p.m. Friday, April 24. They are $85 each; just select the session you want when you register.

Masterclass #1: Andrew Geyer: Make it POP! How to Nail the Opening of Your Manuscript
Masterclass #2: Tayler Simon: The Ins and Outs of Self-Publishing

• A one-on-one option with developmental editor Ragan Fry also has been added, at an add-on cost of $75. She will offer a focused manuscript evaluation of up to 10 pages. The process begins with a brief intake conversation at the retreat to discuss the manuscript, goals and project scope. Registrants will be provided with details of the process after registration. (Limited to 10 registrants; meetings will be on Friday and Saturday, with times TBD. A waitlist will be created should the program be filled for opportunities following the retreat. Email Laura Corbin at administrator@myscwa.org to be added.))

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE REGISTERED for the retreat and wish to add a Masterclass or a One-on-One session, email Laura Corbin at administrator@myscwa.org.

An Open Mic session will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday. Attendees have the chance to read short pieces and get instant feedback from fellow writers and editors. Bring your pieces with you and get ready to take your writing to another level.

SPEAKERS AND PRESENTERS INCLUDE:

Keynotes by Dan Leach, Caleb Wygal, Dr. Stacey Hettes; and presentations by Amy Trainor Ashby, Andrew Geyer, Andrew Mack, Dakota McElhinny, Michael J. McGandy, Alison Mero, Rick Mulkey, Lib Ramos, Tayler Simon, Sara Sobota, Pam Stone, Diane Vecchio and Susan Beckham Zurenda

TOPICS INCLUDE:

The Petigru Review Panel: Things That Go Bump in the Night
Publishing Panel: Models, Realities and Strategic Choices
Student awards readings
Thinking Outside the Box
Writing Our Truths: Social Justice Storytelling
Reflections on Turning Life into Fiction
Poetic Design: Organizing Your Poetry Manuscript
From Brain Surgery to Career Novelist: Rebuilding a Writing Life
The World at Your Window: Art in Times of Crisis

REGISTRATION:

Regular Registration/Members: $250
Regular Registration/Nonmembers: $375
Students: $125
Saturday Only: $150

REGISTER FOR STORYFEST LITERARY RETREAT

If you are not a member of SCWA, join now to enjoy the member rate for Storyfest along with other SCWA benefits. Membership is $75 annually; go to Join Us. (Be sure to renew if you haven’t already!)

Registration for Storyfest may be canceled up until 14 days before the start of the conference for a full refund. No refunds after that date.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS, SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS:

Hub City Press
University of South Carolina Press
Warren Publishing
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Clemson University Press
Cyndi Sandusky Editorial Services
Tayler Simon/Liberation Is Lit Pop-Up Bookstores
Publish Pros LLC

Join us for this new series that weaves its way through the tapestry of South Carolina. This state has a rich main character energy. Learn more about it to help you improve your characters, settings and plots. From the Mountains to The Sea weaves South Carolina through your writing. Members: $20 per class, $60 for all six classes, with first class free; nonmembers: $25 per class, $100 for all six classes.

All sessions are via Zoom and start at 7 p.m.'; link provided upon registration, which will open soon.

May 28 - Gullah Geechee Diasporas
June 11 - Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquis and United Tribes
July 9 - The Revolution in the Backcountry of South Carolina
July 30 - Beach Music
August 6 - S.C. Military Historical Importance
August 13 - Baseball