Atwood, other major writers to be at literary festival in November

The Charleston Literary Festival is back and bigger than ever. Following a record-breaking year in 2022, this November’s festival is bringing more than 30 events, including talks and workshops with world-class authors.

This year’s line-up includes marquee names such as visionary writer and author of The Handmaid’s Tale Margaret Atwood, Irish literary superstar Claire Keegan, British journalist Gary Younge, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Richard Ford, the New Yorker essayist Adam Gopnik, award-winning storyteller Rebecca Makkai and many more.

In addition, acclaimed poet and memoirist Safiya Sinclair, historian Simon Schama, author Patrick Bringley and biographer Jonathan Eig will attend, promising attendees in-depth dialogues and discussions.

Charleston Literary Festival Executive Director Sarah Moriarty said with so many influential names on their list, it’s hard to pick a favorite.

“It’s always so hard to choose, but for me, there are a couple standouts,” she said. “I have a personal connection to the work of Claire Keegan. … She’s going to come and talk about her book Small These Like These. … The book speaks very much about Ireland, which has undergone a sort of social revolution in the past 15 years. It’s a really exciting cultural revolution, and Keegan’s work reflects that.”

Bringley is another author she is excited to bring to the festival. A former New Yorker staffer, Bringley’s brother died of cancer, prompting him to “press pause” on his own life, Moriarty said.

“He found what he calls a loophole, where he spent 10 years as a museum guard in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” she said. “His book talks about what he’s learned from watching people look at the most beautiful art in the world. He does an incredible job of capturing that. For people who work in ideas and stories, the way he talks about the power of art to connect is gorgeous.”

There is something for everyone, but Moriarty said the heart of the festival is encouraging new conversations and exploring new ideas.

“The festival is really fun, but it’s also really important,” she said. “We put an emphasis on the free exchange of ideas. You’re going to find someone new; you’re going to experience a transformative idea with other people. You might see an author you really like, but you might discover a new author at the same time. It’s the advantage of having a festival — there’s a real fervor and excitement. Everywhere you turn, everyone’s ready to talk and share books.”

Start planning now

Festival goers are encouraged to start reading and planning today. If you’re coming from out of town, secure accommodations and begin making travel arrangements as soon as possible. Whether you’re wanting to immerse yourself in the festival on both weekends, dip in for a few sessions or even just catch one, planning ahead of time is important to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.

The festival is set to run from Nov. 3 to Nov. 12 with live events presented in notable venues across historic downtown Charleston, including Dock Street Theatre and the Circular Congregational Church. All events are within walking distance of local amenities such as boutique hotels, great shopping and plentiful restaurants.

The opening party, aptly named “Books with a Bang!,” is set for Nov. 4 on the College of Charleston campus. The event features live music, award-winning food and a new poem commissioned by the festival from Charleston’s poet laureate Asiah Mae.

A limited number of early-bird all-session access passes are available now for a short time. Details for tickets and complete programming lists and schedules will be announced in early September.

Visit charlestonliteraryfestival.com and sign up for the festival’s newsletter to keep up with all upcoming announcements.