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