Press Release
Tickets are on sale now for the 19th Annual Wild Dunes Author Event with Mary Alice Monroe, happening January 15th, 2023 at Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms. This year's event features an all-star line-up of bestselling mystery and thriller writers– David Baldacci, Kathy Reichs, and Deborah Goodrich Royce. Tickets can be purchased here.
Attendees will experience an in-depth and lively author conversation moderated by award-winning and NY Times bestselling novelist Mary Alice Monroe, who is an Isle of Palms resident and the creator of this homegrown literary event. Together on stage, Monroe will dive into the authors' storied careers, their personal lives, and what inspires their blockbuster mysteries.
ABOUT THE FEATURED AUTHORS
David Baldacci is known for his bestselling suspense and legal thrillers. Baldacci became famous for his first novel Absolute Power in 1996, with a film adaptation that followed starring Clint Eastwood. Since then he has published more than 50 novels, which includes young adult and middle grade novels as well. His latest blockbuster novel, Long Shadows, is #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers List and will be a featured title at the event. This will be Baldacci's first visit to the Charleston area.
Kathy Reichs is known for her bestselling forensic thrillers. Her Temperance Brennan novels inspired the long-running hit American crime television series Bones which ran for twelve years on Fox. Reichs has published nearly 40 novels, including a young adult series she co-authored. Her latest novel, Cold Cold Bones, was an instant NY Times bestseller when it debuted last summer and is a featured title of the event.
Deborah Goodrich Royce is an award winning, bestselling author of three notable literary thrillers. Royce is also known as Silver, Erica Kane's sister in the long-running ABC soap opera, All My Children, and has starred in feature films and TV movies. Royce hosts a literary series at the renowned Ocean House Hotel in Rhode Island. Her latest novel, Reef Road, will be a featured title at the event.
Charleston's independent bookstore Buxton Books is the event bookseller.
All proceeds from the Wild Dunes Author Event with Mary Alice Monroe will directly support the Pat Conroy Literary Center, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Beaufort that nurtures a diverse community of writers, readers, teachers, and students through educational programs and collaborative special events. All of the authors are generously donating their time to support this meaningful fundraiser.
Guests who reserve their tickets to the Wild Dunes Author Event with Mary Alice Monroe unlock access to additional offerings. Attendees have two Sunday ticket options online.
- General Admission Ticket: $65 – includes general seating, autographed copy of one of the featured hardcover titles, and the opportunity to participate in all of the weekend events.
- VIP Ticket: $85 – includes premiere seating in the rows in front of the stage, first in line at the authors' signing tables, and an autographed copy of one of the featured hardcover titles. There are a limited number of VIP tickets available.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE WILD DUNES AUTHOR EVENT
In addition to the hour-long authors' conversation, the literary event includes a book signing for guests to get personalizations. There will be an exclusive silent auction. Guest will also enjoy a signature cocktail by local spirits maker Firefly Distillery; a coffee bar by Charleston Coffee Roasters featuring Beach House Blend, the signature blend inspired by Monroe's Lowcountry novels; cake provided by South Carolina's award-winning Caroline's Cakes; and hors d’oeuvres showcasing the flavors of Wild Dunes Resort. The event also includes a pop-up store by J.McLaughlin to offer guests a special shopping experience.
WILD DUNES AUTHOR EVENT WEEKEND AND HOTEL PACKAGE
Back by popular demand, the Wild Dunes Author Event with Mary Alice Monroe has once again expanded into a weekend of literary opportunities for guests. These ticketed events are available after purchasing a ticket to Sunday's main event.
- The Islanders: Afternoon Boat Cruise: Calling all Mary Alice Monroe “Beach House” fans! Enjoy a picturesque cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway with Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May on the fabled Barrier Island Eco Tours– the same cruise company that is featured in Monroe's book series. This adventure will also pass by Dewees Island, the private community that's the setting of Monroe and May's bestselling middle grade book series,The Islanders. Ticket includes a signed paperback copy of The Islanders. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2:00 PM Isle of Palms Marina Ticket Price: $50
- Books & Brunch with Deborah Goodrich Royce and Mary Alice Monroe Enjoy a catered brunch with fellow book lovers for a memorable conversation. Books available for purchase. Saturday, Jan. 14, 10:30 AM Palmetto Hall Ticket Price: $35
- J.McLaughlin Pop-Up Shop: Guests can enjoy a special shopping experience with J.McLaughlin at their pop-up store set up exclusively for this literary weekend.
- VIP Wine and Cheese Hour with Mary Alice Monroe and Friends (For event hotel guests only) Enjoy a glass of wine and a casual chat with Mary Alice and her author friends in attendance. Saturday, Jan. 14, 5-6 PM The Gallery at Sweetgrass Ticket Price: complimentary with hotel reservation
Wild Dunes Resort is offering a special hotel package for attendees that includes a 15 percent discount off room rate, invitation to an exclusive Saturday night wine and cheese event with Mary Alice Monroe and special guest authors in attendance, and a welcome bag of goodies. Call 866-499-7122 to make reservations.
