Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend
Winter: Premier Event
The Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with Mary Alice Monroe is an annual literary experience on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina. Held in January, the event is co-hosted by The Club at Wild Dunes at the world-class Wild Dunes Resort, in partnership with Buxton Books.
Mary Alice Monroe, the award winning and New York Times bestselling novelist and island resident, founded the event nearly twenty years ago with a simple goal that remains true today– to connect readers with notable writers in an intimate setting while raising money for literacy. What started in 2004 at the Wild Dunes Club with an attendance of fifty, later expanded to the Sweetgrass Conference Center for 250 people. Today the event has blossomed into a weekend-long literary experience held at the Osprey Ballroom that attracts over 500 readers to Isle of Palms.
The literary event is held over the three-day Martin Luther King holiday with the main event on Sunday featuring two or three headlining authors. Additional activities held over the weekend allow guests to choose smaller ticketed workshops, a brunch or luncheon, and outings.
2025 Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend Tickets On Sale!
Tickets are on sale now for the 20th Annual Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with Mary Alice Monroe January 17-19, 2025 in Isle of Palms, South Carolina–one of the biggest literary weekend experiences of the year. Come see why Forbes Magazine calls this event one of “10 Reasons to Visit Charleston This Winter.”
This three-day event attracts more than 500 readers to the island town just outside of Charleston for memorable conversations and experiences with some of America’s bestselling and award-winning writers. We are excited to welcome this year’s headlining authors!
MEET THE HEADLINING AUTHORS
Kwame Alexander #1 New York Times bestselling, 3 time Newberry award winning author, Emmy-winning producer, poet, and author of 41 books. Kwame’s numerous accolades and awards include a National Book Award nomination, the Newbery Honor, the Caldecott Medal, and shortlisted for the prestigious UK Carnegie Medal. Kwame was executive producer, Showrunner, and Writer of Disney TV series The Crossover . A regular contributor to NPR’s Morning Edition, and creator and host of the podcast Why Fathers Cry. His memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night, is a featured title at this year’s event.
Patti Callahan Henry New York Times bestselling author of 18 novels. Patti is the recipient of the Christy Award, the Harper Lee Award, and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year. Patti is a cofounder and cohost of the popular Friends and Fiction. Her upcoming The Story She Left Behind is a featured title at this year’s event.
PRE-ORDER THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND
Mary Alice Monroe is the New York Times bestselling author of 30 books. Her numerous awards include South Carolina Hall of Fame, The Southern Prize for Fiction, Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, and International Award for Green Fiction. Her novel, The Beach House, is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. Mary Alice is a cofounder of Friends and Fiction. Monroe founded and hosts The Wild Dunes Author Series and moderates the conversation. Her upcoming Where the Rivers Merge is a featured title at this year’s event.
Treat yourself to this literary experience at the beach!
The season of gift giving is approaching! A ticket to the Wild Dunes Author Event is a perfect gift for your book-loving friend, spouse, or family member. And it’s perfect for book clubs!
Winter Reflections: Celebrating Past Events
The 19th annual Wild Dunes Author Event, spearheaded by New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe, was a resounding success from January 12-14, 2024. This year’s event spotlighted exceptional authors including William Kent Krueger, acclaimed for his Cork O’Conner mystery series and his newest novel “The River We Remember”; Shelby Van Pelt, celebrated for her New York Times bestseller “Remarkably Bright Creatures”; and Stacy Willingham, known for her national bestseller “A Flicker in the Dark” and her latest novel “Only If You’re Lucky”.
The Wild Dunes Author Event commenced with a complimentary meet-up at Islander 71 Fish House & Deck Bar on January 12th, featuring local emerging authors Victoria Benton Frank, Kristen Ness, and Brittany Butler. The next day, ticket holders to the main Sunday event enjoyed exclusive literary workshops, starting with Stacy Willingham’s Morning Mimosas Book Launch, followed by an enlightening excursion to Dewees Island with Shelby Van Pelt and Mary Alice Monroe, benefiting the Dewees Island Conservancy. The day wrapped up with a Happy Hour session led by William Kent Krueger and Mary Alice Monroe. This weekend combined engaging discussions, unique author interactions, and support for local conservation efforts, offering a memorable experience for literature enthusiasts.
The 2023 Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with Mary Alice Monroe was a showcase of literary brilliance, highlighting the works of three distinguished authors. David Baldacci, renowned for his suspense and legal thrillers, marked his first visit to Charleston with his latest novel, “Long Shadows,” a New York Times #1 bestseller. Kathy Reichs, a neighbor and friend of the host, presented her instant NY Times bestseller, “Cold Cold Bones,” continuing her legacy of forensic thrillers and the famous Temperance Brennan novels, which inspired the TV series “Bones.” Lastly, Deborah Goodrich Royce, a former actress and award-winning author, featured her latest novel, “Reef Road.” Her multifaceted career, spanning from soap opera roles to literary series hosting, added a unique flair to the event. This gathering not only celebrated these authors’ latest works but also provided an intimate connection with their diverse and captivating storytelling.
The 18th annual Wild Dunes Author Series, hosted by New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe, was a captivating literary event. Held at the Sweetgrass Pavilion in Wild Dunes Resort on January 16, 2022, it featured a panel of celebrated writers: Patti Callahan Henry, Kristin Harmel, and Kristy Woodson Harvey, known collectively with Mary Alice Monroe as the “Fab Five.” Although Mary Kay Andrews couldn’t attend, the group’s shared foundation in the popular web series and podcast Friends & Fiction added a special allure. The highlight was an Author Conversation, engagingly moderated by Friends and Fiction Podcast Director Ron Block, where the authors delved into their backlist to discuss personal favorite novels in a fresh and insightful way. Guests enjoyed an immersive experience that included a meet-and-greet with the authors, a book signing hosted by Buxton Books, a unique silent auction, and delightful amenities like a signature cocktail and a selection of hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. This event was not just a celebration of books and authors, but a lively, intimate gathering for literary enthusiasts.
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.
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 Alliance
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.
