Beaufort’s Pat Conroy Center Hosting Open Mic Night and Writing from Photography Workshop in August

Beaufort’s Pat Conroy Center Hosting Open Mic Night, Offers Writing from Photography Workshop in August

Hey, fellow Beaufort homebodies, get ready because two super cool virtual programs are on tap from Pat Conroy Literary Center this August! This gives all the passionate poets, interested writers, and students a chance to showcase their talents and learn something new from the comfort of their own homes.

Virtual Open Mic Night: August 8

First up, do you fancy yourself a budding poet or storyteller? Then dust off your pens and prepare your best reading voice for the Conroy Center’s monthly Open Mic Night. This fun-filled affair is scheduled to take off on August 8, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Going virtual this time round, the August version will spotlight the mesmerizing wordsmith, Jessica Goody. Her potent poems from “Phoenix: Transformation Poems” are sure to enthral and inspire.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. Other writers from different literary genres will also get a chance to read brief titbits of 3 to 5 minutes each from their work. If you want to participate, just let the Conroy Center folks know by dropping an email at contact@patconroyliterarycenter.org. And if you would rather sit back, relax, and enjoy the readings, that’s cool too! Just head over to the Conroy Center’s Facebook page after 6:00 p.m. on the Open Mic evening to catch the live-stream. The evening will be held together by Melissa St. Clair, a pretty amazing poet herself.

About Jessica Goody

Jessica Goody isn’t just any poet. She’s an award-winning author whose words have graced over a hundred publications. “Defense Mechanisms,” her astounding book, was chosen as a “Power Read” by Hilton Head Monthly and even scored an Honorable Mention for the 2020 North Street Book Prize. She’s no newbie to the area either, having run poetry slams and taught writing courses right here at USC Beaufort. Jessica was also honored with the 2016 Magnets and Ladders Poetry Prize. Now, her poem “Beachcombing” has been added to the Hilton Head Poetry Trail. Go, Jessica!

Writing from Photography Workshop: August 14

Next up, on August 14th, 6:00-8:00 pm, award-winning author Amber Wheeler Bacon is all set to lead an online workshop called Expose & Compose, a blend of photography and creative writing. Using a combo of pro and amateur photos, including meaningful family ones too, participants will be sparked to pen down compelling new works of art. It’s open for all genres, so whether you are into prose, poetry or anything in between, this workshop has something for you. Just come prepared to write! The workshop will be held via Zoom and is open for 15 everyone who wants to join in, at $45/person. Register at https://patconroyliterarycenter.eventbrite.com to claim your spot.

About Amber Wheeler Bacon

Amber Wheeler Bacon, helming the workshop, is a published writer and teacher. Her work has shown up in reputable publications and online platforms, and she’s been recognized with the 2018 Breakout Writers Prize, a 2021 Bread Loaf scholarship, and the 2022 Lit/South Award for flash fiction. With an MFA from Bennington College, she teaches English at Coastal Carolina University and has lent her editorial hand to Four Way Review and South Carolina Writers Association publications. Interested folks can learn more about Amber and the Pat Conroy Center by visiting www.patconroyliterarycenter.org.

Let’s welcome all these opportunities to learn and grow as a community through the shared love of literature. We hope to virtually see you all there!