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Local Voices, Lowcountry Stories: Join Us for the Inaugural Pen & Palmetto Festival

  • Writer: Travis Walters
    Travis Walters
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Celebrate local literature in the heart of Beaufort County this spring on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bluffton Branch Library. Join us for Beaufort County Library’s first-ever Pen & Palmetto Festival. This inaugural event is more than just a book fair; it is a celebration of the Lowcountry's creative spirit. Whether you are a lifelong bibliophile, a student looking for inspiration, or an aspiring novelist with a manuscript in progress, Pen & Palmetto offers a unique, intimate chance to connect with the creators behind the covers.


A Literary Event for All Ages


Attendees will have the rare opportunity to meet approximately 40 local authors, including 25 established adult writers and 15 talented authors of children’s books. The festival is free and open to the public with no registration required. Readers are encouraged to "pop in" and stay for as long as they’d like. Activities include:


  • Direct Access & Book Sales: Unlike large-scale conventions where authors are tucked away, Pen & Palmetto offers one-on-one time. Authors will have copies of their work available for purchase and signing throughout the entire event.

  • Creative Growth: For those who want to hone their craft, the festival offers drop-in writing-prompt workshops and personalized mentorship opportunities. These sessions are perfect for breaking through writer’s block or getting a fresh perspective on a project.

  • Expert Panels: Two featured panels will provide deep dives into becoming an author. "Getting Started with Writing" is a must for beginners looking for that initial spark, while "Publishing 101" will pull back the curtain on the business side of the industry, from traditional deals to self-publishing.

  • Family Fun: To ensure our youngest readers are engaged, the library has organized a literary scavenger hunt. It’s a fun way to explore the stacks while learning more about local storytellers.


Meet the Featured Authors


The festival boasts a robust lineup of local talent covering nearly every genre, from thrilling mysteries and historical fiction to whimsical children’s tales.


Adult Authors:

The roster includes Donna Keel Armer, Kinley Bryan, Didi DeAngelis, Jennabeth Fineis, Debby Grahl, Virginia Hall-Apicella, Edwina Hoyle, Richard Kammen, Frank Lazarus, Robin Lierenberg, Jared Madison, Robert Gibbes McDowell, Mary J. Nestor, Kerry Peresta, Pamela Poole, Kim Poovey, Dana Ridenour, Deborah Serravalle, Annell St. Charles, Brian Thiem, and Michael Wayne Wojcik.


Children & Teen Authors:

Representing the next generation of storytellers and those who write for them are Susanne Blumer, Susan Burnash, Kate Devlin, Joyce Hill Esterbuizen, Margie Cowles Hamner, Dr. Cynthia Gregory-Smalls, Iris Jackson, Deidre Garr Johns, Hailie Johnson, Ann Lilly, Wendy MacCarthy, Nancy Merrill, Doug Snelson, Helen L. Wilbur, and Janet Young.


As this is a community-run event, author appearances are subject to change due to scheduling factors.


A Community Celebration


This event is made possible by the dedicated Pen & Palmetto Committee, Books By the River, and our generous local sponsors. Their goal is to foster a lasting connection between readers and the writers who call Beaufort County home. Beyond the booths and panels, attendees can even participate in a collaborative story, adding their own sentences to a communal narrative that will grow throughout the day.


Join us at the Bluffton Branch Library to discover your next favorite book and support the local voices that make our region a more vibrant place to live and read.


Event Summary:

  • Date: Saturday, March 28

  • Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Location: Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton, SC

  • Admission: Free

  • Ages: All

 
 
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