The smell of salt in the air, the whisper of waves along the shore, and the rustle of pages turning—welcome to the 20th Annual Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with Mary Alice Monroe. This celebration of books and the transformative power of storytelling is set against the idyllic backdrop of Isle of Palms.
For three days this January, literary lovers will gather for a rare opportunity to engage with some of today’s top writers.
This year’s event, held at the Osprey Ballroom of the Sweetgrass Inn, runs Jan. 17-19, 2025. It will feature three New York Times best-selling authors in conversation with Isle of Palms author Mary Alice Monroe, who launched this literary experience two decades ago.
Joining her on the main stage will be Kwame Alexander, a literary sensation whose accolades include two Newbery Awards, a National Book Award nomination, and an Emmy. Alexander’s best-selling Crossover series was adapted into an Emmy-winning television series on Disney+. His historical fiction series The Door of No Return and its sequel, Black Star, have also captivated audiences. His memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night, will be a featured title at Sunday’s main event.
Saturday evening offers “Cocktails and Conversation” with Alexander. Picture sipping cocktails at sunset at the rooftop Indigo Room as Alexander and Monroe share insights on the art of writing and the emotional power of children’s literature.
Also joining the event are Kristin Harmel, whose emotionally rich historical novels like The Paris Daughter have become international bestsellers, and Patti Callahan Henry, a celebrated master of Lowcountry and historical fiction. Henry, the recipient of the Harper Lee Award, is a perennial favorite among Wild Dunes audiences.
The weekend wouldn’t be complete without Monroe, the beloved Lowcountry author and event host, who promises to tease details about her upcoming novel, Where the Rivers Merge, set to debut in May 2025.
More Than an Event: A Literary Experience
The Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend offers more than book signings and conversations; it’s a full literary immersion.
Start Saturday morning with an intimate “Books & Brunch” featuring Monroe and Polly Buxton, joined by Gretta Kruesi, Monroe’s artist daughter. Kruesi will begin a live painting demonstration inspired by her mother’s book, with the artwork to be auctioned on Sunday.
Later, unleash your inner poet with South Carolina’s former poet laureate Marjory Wentworth, who will guide attendees through crafting poetry for life’s most special moments.
The festivities culminate on Sunday afternoon with the headline event: a conversation moderated by Monroe in the elegant Osprey Ballroom. Attendees will enjoy a complimentary cocktail, appetizers, and a discussion with Alexander, Harmel, and Henry. The event will include opportunities to meet the authors and have books personalized. A curated silent auction will benefit Reading Partners of South Carolina.
General admission tickets ($70) include a hardcover book, while the VIP package ($155) includes exclusive perks like reserved seating, a pre-event signing, and a collection of signed books. VIP ticket holders will also receive a Buxton Books tote bag and preorder gifts for forthcoming titles.
A Weekend That Gives Back
Beyond its star-studded lineup, the Wild Dunes Author Event supports literacy efforts in South Carolina. Proceeds benefit Reading Partners SC, a nonprofit dedicated to one-on-one tutoring for local elementary school students. One hundred percent of auction proceeds and a portion of every ticket sold will help foster a love of reading in the next generation.
Monroe, a longtime advocate for literacy and environmental education, shared her passion for the event: “For the past 20 years, every author, sponsor, and volunteer has donated their time to support literacy. It has been my joy and honor to bring this high-profile literary event to my home, the Isle of Palms. This event celebrates books. We all know how a book can change a heart, a mind, a life.”
Don’t Miss Out
Tickets are already selling quickly for this extraordinary weekend of storytelling, inspiration, and community. For tickets and more information, visit maryalicemonroe.com.