Much of the notable literature penned by South Carolinian writers is, unsurprisingly, influenced by the history and landscapes of the local Southern culture. That strong influence has shaped many notable writers over the years, as well as the Hub City Writer's Project, dedicated to preserving the sense of place in South Carolina. Numerous contemporary authors either grew up in or currently live in South Carolina.
Contemporary Authors
South Carolina's most well known author is probably Pat Conroy. Known for The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, Beach Music, The Water is Wide (subsequently made into the movie Conrack), and more recently, My Losing Season, he is one of most famous contemporary Southern writers today.
John Jakes, author of the famous North and South trilogy, currently lives on Hilton Head. His books are partially set in South Carolina, and the mini-series of North and South was also shot in the state. Likewise, Anne Rivers Siddons' work bears the influence of southern culture. Living part time in Charleston, she set several of her books in the Lowcountry area of the Carolinas, including Low Country, Sweetwater Creek, and Up Island. Another Charleston resident, Sue Monk Kidd, wrote the acclaimed novels The Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair.
Yet another bestselling author who both makes a home in South Carolina and often sets her stories in the area is Dorthea Benton Frank. Born on Sullivan's Island, where she still lives, her popular books include Sullivan's Island, Pawley's Island, and Full of Grace. And Dorothy Allison set her attention-garnering Bastard out of Carolina in her home town, Greenville. She has also written short stories about the South.
Places to Visit
To visit one of the most famous locales in Pat Conroy's works, take a trip to Daufuskie Island. His book The Water is Wide was based on his own experience teaching poor African-American children on the island in the 1960's, and the social issues that resulted in his ultimate firing. (The movie version, Conrack, refers to the island by a fictional name, Yamacraw Island.) Today, much of Daufuskie Island has been developed into high-end beach resorts, but its history of cotton farming and oyster harvesting still can be glimpsed through a visit. Tours of the area are available by sailboat and catamaran.
Several well-known literary works have been brought to life at Boone Hall Plantation, located in Mt. Pleasant, north of Charleston. Boone Hall served as a filming location for John Jakes' North and South, Nicolas Sparks' The Notebook, Alex Haley's Queen, and Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind.
For a more historic bent on South Carolina literature, DuBose Heyward's novel Porgy, set on Catfish Row in Charleston, must be considered. Published in 1925, it became the basis for both a play and Gershwin's famous opera, Porgy and Bess. Heyward, a Charleston native, was named the state's first Pulitzer Prize Laureate. In addition, Heyward became a successful screenwriter, playwright, novelist, and poet. Several tour companies offer tours of Catfish Row, as well as other historic areas of Charleston.
Dubose Heyward also co-founded the Poetry Society of South Carolina, which is still in operation today. Headquartered in Charleston, The Poetry Society's mission is to support the reading, writing, and enjoyment of poetry across the state. It hosts public readings, workshops, book signings, and competitions throughout the year.
For both aspiring writers and those who are interested in preserving the ‘sense of place' in the South, the Hub City Writers Project in Spartanburg aims to give its home state a literary identity. The group includes writers from across South Carolina, and it has published many books from all genres, including poetry, essays, biographies, humor, fiction, and children's books. The project also hosts many events, ranging from writing and publishing workshops, to poetry slams and book signings.
The South Carolina State Library is housed on Senate Street in Columbia. The library includes a general collection, the South Carolina Fiction Cooperative, the South Carolina Collection, and other research resources. Also located at the library is the South Carolina Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The Center celebrates the literary heritage of South Carolina. It also holds events, such as numerous writing workshops, book clubs, literary discussions, and the South Carolina Book Festival.
Held in February each year, the South Carolina Book Festival is the state's largest literary event, making it a great place to learn more about South Carolina's literature. Over 70 authors and 100 exhibitors come together to offer literature, discussions, and book signings for the public.
Over the years, the Palmetto State's authors have created a rich body of literature. But South Carolina is not only home to a large number of talented writers, it's an inspiration for writers and visitors alike.
