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In Conversation with Mary Alice Monroe

Spring Event

The annual “In Conversation with Mary Alice Monroe” event, part of the Wild Dunes Literary Series, is a distinguished and eagerly anticipated springtime gathering that has been enriching the literary community for 20 years. Each year, this event shines a spotlight on a unique and special author, handpicked to join Mary Alice Monroe, a renowned author herself, in a focused and engaging discussion about their latest book.

This intimate event goes beyond a mere book presentation; it offers an exclusive opportunity for guests to delve deep into the creative process of the featured author. Attendees get to explore the inspirations, challenges, and stories behind the books that have captivated readers worldwide. The authors, in turn, provide personal insights and share their journey in crafting these narratives, making the event not only a celebration of new literature but also a platform for an in-depth understanding of the art of storytelling.

Featured writers have included best-selling authors Elizabeth Berg, Signe Pike, and many more.

Spring 2025 Event

About Annabel Monaghan

Annabel Monaghan is the USA Today bestselling and Library Reads Hall of Fame author of Summer RomanceSame Time Next Summer, and Nora Goes Off Script, as well as two young adult novels and Does This Volvo Make My Butt Look Big?, a selection of laugh-out-loud columns that appeared in The Huffington PostThe Week, and The Rye Record. She lives in Connecticut with her family.

about the event

We are thrilled to welcome Annabel Monaghan, author of Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Summer, to Wild Dunes Resort as part of the Wild Dunes Literary Series. Enjoy a glass of wine and charcuterie as Annabel is joined in conversation by Mary Alice Monroe. They’ll be discussing Annabel’s new book, It’s a Love Story, and the secret to writing romances that are as moving as they are swoony (an Annabel speciality).

Each ticket includes a signed copy of It’s a Love Story which celebrates its release just a week before the event. Hang around after the main program to shop the Buxton Books pop-up, get your books personalized, and chat with both authors.

We hope we’ll see you there for good conversation and a kick-off to your summer reading season!

Please note: Tickets to this event are non-refundable. If you are no longer able to make the event, we are happy to hold your signed copy of the book for pick up at the store or shipping (at an additional cost). Please email [email protected] with any questions or concerns. 

TICKETS

General Admission tickets: $32.50 per person.Each ticket includes a signed copy of It’s a Love Story which celebrates its release just a week before the event.

Spring Reflections: Celebrating Past Events

In spring 2024, the Wild Dunes Literary Series welcomed acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and TV personality Vivian Howard for a memorable luncheon and conversation with New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe. Held at the Indigo Room & Rooftop at the Sweetgrass Inn, the sold-out event featured a curated Southern-inspired menu from the Wild Dunes culinary team, showcasing recipes from Howard’s celebrated cookbooks This Will Make It Taste Good and Deep Run Roots. Guests enjoyed a lively and heartfelt dialogue between two beloved Southern storytellers, with book signings and sales available on-site.

The 2023 Spring Wild Dunes Literary Series event, “In Conversation with Mary Alice Monroe,” proudly welcomed New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Berg to Isle of Palms, South Carolina. This special event, held on Thursday, May 25th at 11:30 a.m. in the Indigo Room & Rooftop of the Sweetgrass Inn, offered a unique opportunity to engage with Berg over a luncheon. The focus was on her latest novel, “Earth’s the Right Place for Love,” a touching narrative set in Mason, Missouri, exploring the life of Arthur Moses, a character cherished by readers from “The Story of Arthur Truluv.” Elizabeth Berg, acclaimed for her bestselling novels like “Open House” (an Oprah’s Book Club selection), “Talk Before Sleep,” and “The Year of Pleasures,” has seen her work published globally and adapted into television movies and stage performances. As the founder of Writing Matters and a renowned speaker, Berg’s participation in this event offered guests an insightful glimpse into her creative process and the stories that have resonated with readers worldwide. This gathering not only celebrated Berg’s latest contribution to literature but also provided an intimate platform for literary discussion and connection.