South Carolina Writers Association upcoming events

Banned in South Carolina (08 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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Across the nation, a quiet war is being waged against the written word. In the last year alone, over 4,000 unique titles have been challenged, removed, or locked away from public sight. But what is it about these pages that commands such terror? What truths are deemed so volatile that they must be struck from the record?

We invite you to step beyond the caution tape for an evening of rigorous inquiry. This is not merely a discussion; it is an autopsy of censorship. Our panel of experts—authors, librarians, and advocates—will perform a deep-tissue analysis of today’s most "dangerous" texts. We will explore the anatomy of fear, the mechanics of the "gatekeeper," and why the very act of reading has once again become a revolutionary gesture.

Join us October 8 @ 7pm. In a change from normal, SCWA will be streaming this on Youtube Free to the Public.

Panel:

Dan Novack, Vice President Associate General Counsil Penguin Random House

Valerie Byrd Fort, Teaching Assistant Professor, School of Information Science, USC and Freedom to Read SC

Mickie Thompson, Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization

Tayler Simon, Owner of Liberation is Lit Bookstore

Jessica Khoury. Authors Against Book Bans

Moderator:

Paul Davis, Award Winning Journalist

Author's Toolbox: Eden Royce (22 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

When the clock strikes noon, step out of the everyday world and into a realm where the soil holds secrets, shadows whisper, and legends come alive.

Take a break from the daylight and step into the haunting realm of award-winning author Eden Royce. Join us this lunchtime as she pulls back the curtain on ancient rootwork, ghostly legends, and the quiet fears that lurk beneath the surface of Southern Gothic horror.

Whether you are a longtime fan of her spine-chilling stories or looking to discover the craft behind haunting dark fiction, this midday session will give you a rare, behind-the-scenes look into how real-world folklore is transformed into supernatural dread.

The Petigru Review SpookTacular Launch Party (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Gather 'round, book lovers, writers, and literary enthusiasts! The wait is nearly over, and it is time to celebrate. Issue 19 features things that go bump in the night. Join us for readings of pieces in this year's The Petigru Review. Come hear from the Ginny Padgett Award for Excellence in Writing recipients! There will be an open mic session for authors published in The Petigru Review.

Join us from the comfort of your own home for a special virtual launch party celebrating the brand-new pages of The Petigru Review! Let's raise a glass to brilliant new stories, poems, and essays, and toast the talented creators behind them.

Grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join us for a wonderful evening of literary camaraderie. Spread the word, tag a writer friend, and we will see you there!