Writers' Series

The English Department and its partners bring nationally and internationally acclaimed authors to the University of South Carolina through three ongoing programs: the Fall Literary Festival (in collaboration with University Libraries), The Open Book each spring (with the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences), and the MFA-run Shark’s Parlor. Events in these series feature public talks and readings, conversations, and book signings that connect contemporary writers with our students and the broader Columbia community. Lineups vary annually; see individual pages for current schedules.

Fall Literary Festival

Readings by three or four major authors on successive Wednesdays in October and November. Sponsored by the English department and the U of SC Libraries, with generous funding from an anonymous donor. Recent authors include Claudia Rankine, Galway Kinnell, Michael Ondaatje, Etgar Keret, and Louise Glück.
The Open Book

A literary series, a public course, and a community reading experience all in one. Hosted each spring by Elise Blackwell and sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences. Recent authors include Teju Cole, Ian McEwan, Jennifer Egan, David Mitchell, Chang-Rae Lee, and Marilynne Robinson.
Shark’s Parlor

Visiting writers, MFA students, alumni, and faculty read from their work on the first Friday of each month, September through December and February through April. Recent authors include Virginia Konchan, Ari Banias, and Gabrielle Fuentes.

Department of English Language and Literature

Writers' Series

Fall Literary Festival

The Open Book

Shark’s Parlor

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.