The Wild Dunes Literary Series
The Wild Dunes Literary Series is a year-round celebration of literature and storytelling set in picturesque Isle of Palms, South Carolina with four seasonal author events, spearheaded by Mary Alice Monroe, in partnership with Wild Dunes Resort and Buxton Books.
The year begins with the annual flagship event in January, known as The Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with Mary Alice Monroe. This premier winter experience is renowned as one of the most prestigious literary events in the Charleston area, offering a unique blend of engaging discussions, literary workshops, book signings, cocktail hours, and myriad opportunities to mingle with authors and fellow book lovers.
January’s event is listed as one of the top “10 Reasons to Visit Charleston This Winter” by Forbes Magazine. It attracts hundreds of book lovers annually from across the state and beyond who flock to the island for this unique literary experience.
We are proud that this annual event has raised many tens of thousands of dollars for local charitable endeavors that support literacy in South Carolina.
Beyond the renowned winter event, the Wild Dunes Literary Series offers an array of smaller gatherings in the spring, summer, and fall. In spring and fall, the series presents one-on-one conversations with Mary Alice Monroe and the featured author, offering deep insights into their works and creative processes. The summer event celebrates children’s literature, inviting families to celebrate the joy of reading together in a fun and festive way.
Each seasonal event in the Wild Dunes Literary Series is carefully crafted to create memorable experiences for booklovers, fostering a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for the literary arts. Come celebrate the books and writers you love–seaside– in Mary Alice’s beloved home island, Isle of Palms, SC.
Featured writers have included best-selling authors Kathy Reichs, David Baldacci, William Kent Krueger, Shelby van Pelt, Stacy Willingham, Kate Quinn, Elizabeth Berg, Debbie Macomber, Andie MacDowell, Lisa Wingate, Dorothea Benton Frank, Patti Callahan, Signe Pike, Mary Kay Andrews, the late Pat Conroy and Billie Letts, Nancy Thayer, Cassandra King, and many more.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE FALL 2024 LITERARY EVENT
TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE 2025 WINTER EVENT
2024 Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend Tickets
Tickets are on sale now for the 19th Annual Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with Mary Alice Monroe January 12-14, 2024 on Isle of Palms, South Carolina for the island’s biggest literary weekend experience of the year. Come see why Forbes Magazine calls this event one of “10 Reasons to Visit Charleston This Winter.”
Enjoy presentations from acclaimed authors including William Kent Krueger, Shelby Van Pelt, Stacy Willingham, and Mary Alice Monroe, each bringing their unique literary flair to the event.
What To Expect at the 2024 Premier Event
JAN 12 – Friday Night Cocktail Kickoff
We’re kicking of the 19th annual Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with some of the Lowcountry’s coolest debut authors and their hot new books– Victoria Benton Frank (My Magnolia Summer), Kristen Ness (At Loggerheads), and Brittany Butler (The Syndicate Spy). This is the perfect place to enjoy a drink, catch the sunset, and hang out with friends and authors. Complimentary light apps and cash bar. Books will be available for purchase by Buxton Books. Click here for your FREE RSVP and to be automatically entered into a raffle to win a prize!
JAN 13 – Saturday Literary Workshops
Exclusive workshops, such as “Morning Mimosas Book Launch” with Stacy Willingham, “Nature as a Muse: Excursion to Dewees Island,” and “Happy Hour and Mysteries” with William Kent Krueger, offer intimate experiences with authors.
JAN 14 – Sunday Main Event
A 75-minute in-depth conversation with authors, moderated by Mary Alice Monroe, offering insights into their novels, writing journeys, and personal lives. The session includes audience interaction, signature cocktails, appetizers, a coffee bar, and desserts.
Wild Dunes Resort Hotel Reservations
Special Discounted rates for the wild dunes author event weekend!
That’s right! You heard us! The Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with Mary Alice Monroe includes an opportunity to treat yourself to stay on property at the world-class Wild Dunes Resort at special discounted rates!
This is a special opportunity for friends, couples, and book clubs to gather at a luxury seaside resort to celebrate a shared love of books while attending literary events with your favorite authors! Call Wild Dunes Resort at 866-499-7122 to receive an exclusive promo code for your room rate.
Nestled on the northern tip of Isle of Palms, a lush barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, Wild Dunes Resort, a Destination by Hyatt resort, occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise with a variety of accommodation options, including the AAA Four-Diamond Rated Boardwalk Inn, the Village at Wild Dunes, private condos, luxury home vacation rentals and its new 153-room Sweetgrass Inn opening in 2021.
Wild Dunes Resort, located just 30 minutes from the charm and grace of historic downtown Charleston, is the largest resort of its kind in the region with the addition of Sweetgrass Inn, offering groups of up to 650 people the chance to enjoy a Lowcountry getaway.
With year-round championship golf, nationally ranked tennis, award-winning recreation, spa services and restaurant options, Wild Dunes Resort has been distinguished by many publications and associations as a top destination for families, golfers, tennis lovers and meeting and event planners. Visit Wild Dunes Resort online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Opportunities to golf, swim, enjoy the spa, and of course walk the beach await you!
Our Literary Alliances
Our partnership with Buxton Books elevates the joy of reading and writing, creating a lively literary community. This collaboration, rooted in a mutual love for storytelling and cultural discovery, enriches our Wild Dunes Literary Series events. We are excited to join forces with them, bringing together authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts.
Teaming up with Blue Bicycle Books, a gem in Charleston known for its eclectic mix of books, including rare and locally authored works, we build a passionate literary community. This collaboration, driven by our mutual reverence for the written word, adds excitement to the Wild Dunes Literary Series events, fostering connections among book lovers.
Joining hands with The Village Bookseller, inspired by the picturesque Scottish-island-inspired heritage, we cultivate a spirited community of book aficionados and authors. This alliance, emphasizing local culture and storytelling, enriches our Wild Dunes Literary Series events, creating memorable literary experiences.
Collaborating with Barnes & Noble, we nurture a thriving literary circle of enthusiastic readers and authors. Our shared dedication to the literary world is celebrated through our Wild Dunes Literary Series events. Engaging activities such as author presentations, book signings, and discussion groups underscore the vitality of this partnership.