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.
Kristin Harmel New York Times bestselling and #1 international bestselling author of 16 novels with books translated into more than 30 languages. Kristin is a co-founder and co-host of the popular Friends & Fiction. Her latest novel, The Paris Daughter, is now in paperback and a featured title at this year’s event, as well as her upcoming June release The Stolen Life of Collette Marceau.
PRE-ORDER THE STOLEN LIFE OF COLLETTE MARCEAU
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.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE 2025 WINTER EVENT
SUNDAY JANUARY 19TH
Sunday is the weekend’s headline event! Guests will enjoy a 75-minute in-depth and lively author conversation moderated by Mary Alice Monroe. She’ll dive deep into a discussion of their novels, writing journeys, the writing life, and inspirations. Audience questions conclude the discussion.
Sunday’s experience will include a coffee bar, signature cocktail, and special dessert. A curated silent auction, Buxton Books pop-up book shop and more.
Program begins at 2pm.
The Wild Dunes Author Event with Mary Alice Monroe proudly supports literacy, and proceeds from the event and 100% of the auction will go to Reading Partners SC, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides weekly one-on-one tutoring for local elementary school students. We’re grateful to the authors for donating their time and to our sponsors for their generous support.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Guests who reserve their tickets to the Wild Dunes Author Event with Mary Alice Monroe unlock access to an array of additional Saturday offerings!
- General Admission Ticket: $70.00 The general admission ticket includes general seating in the Osprey Ballroom at Sweetgrass Inn, a complimentary cocktail, coffee, cake, appetizers, plus one (1) autographed hardcover of a featured title of your choice. This ticket is a key to participate in all of the additional ticketed weekend events.
- VIP Ticket: $155.00 The VIP ticket includes 5 books: one each of all four featured titles plus a gift of a signed backlist copy of Mary Alice Monroe. In addition, VIPs receive a preorder gift for Henry and Monroe’s pre-order books with autographed bookplates. Plus a Buxton Books tote bag. MORE! VIP tickets include premiere seating in the front rows of the Osprey Ballroom at Sweetgrass Inn. AND the ballroom doors will open early for the VIP ticket holders only for an exclusive pre-event book signing time with authors. Ticket also includes a complimentary cocktail, coffee, cake, and appetizers.
This ticket is a key to participate in all of the additional ticketed weekend events. There is a limited number of VIP tickets available.
SATURDAY JANUARY 18TH
The weekend includes an exciting array of events on Saturday, January 13th. Registration to these literary events is only available to guests who have purchased a ticket to the Sunday Main Event. These events have a very limited capacity, so get your tickets early.
11 am PRE-LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE EVENT Books & Brunch with Mary Alice Monroe ($54.00)
Enjoy a delicious brunch, mimosas and a coffee bar in the luxe Indigo Room & Rooftop with Charleston’s queen of lowcountry fiction Mary Alice Monroe for a special conversation about her upcoming, long awaited novel Where the Rivers Merge. Polly Buxton, owner of Buxton Books, will moderate. They will be joined by special guest Gretta Kruesi, artist, muralist, and Monroe’s daughter for a heart-to-heart talk about the novel as well as the creative, nurturing bonds between women as family and friends. Your ticket also includes a signed, first-edition hardcover of Where the Rivers Merge that will be mailed to your home when the book is released AND take home a specially printed and signed excerpt from Where the Rivers Merge, along with a custom-made gift from Monroe. This is the ultimate experience for fans of Mary Alice Monroe novels.
2:00 pm Writing Poetry for Special Occasions with Marjory Wentworth ($15.00)
Guests will have a rare opportunity to learn the art of writing poetry with South Carolina’s former poet laureate and area favorite, Marjory Wentworth. Using her latest book for inspiration–One River, One Boat, Wentworth will share tools, techniques, and encouragement to help you craft your own poetry for special occasions. Wentworth will be joined by special guest, Asiah Mae, Charleston’s current poet laureate. Guests will also receive a custom notebook and keepsake pen. A pop-up bookshop will be on site. Ticket includes a coffee and pastry station. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to nurture your creativity with one of South Carolina’s most distinguished poets!
5:00 pm Cocktails and Conversation with Kwame Alexander and Mary Alice Monroe
Enjoy an up-close conversation between the wildly diverse and talented Kwame Alexander and Mary Alice Monroe as they talk about the dynamic world of children’s literature–and more. Sip wine and nosh appetizers as you enjoy a glorious sunset view on the rooftop of the Sweetgrass Hotel. Ticket includes a signed paperback copy of The Door of No Return, Kwame’s #1 New York Times bestseller and the first in this profoundly beautiful children’s book series that adults love, too.
Saturday events are only available to those who are Sunday Main Event ticket holders.
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.
