It wasn’t just the setting. When I thought about hosting a retreat in Charleston, I knew people would go nuts over the quaint, historic, food-centric, congenial town. I could envision groups of women gossiping and giggling along the waterfront, walking through the market, and grabbing ice cream at Jeni’s. What I couldn’t have known was just how cohesive a group it would be.

Readers from far and wide descended on the Emeline Hotel, bringing stories of loss, love, reinvention, creativity, and connection. They came from Little Rock, Minneapolis, Knoxville, Dallas, Atlanta, and beyond. They brought manuscripts and ideas, favorite books and fellowship. The women (and one man!) shared and laughed, discussed writing craft and swapped favorite books. And when we all spent time together in a bookstore, Buxton Books, it was like bringing Rolling Stones fans into the green room. These were, quite simply, fans of books and reading, all congregating to commiserate and create. And we all can’t wait to do it again.

—Zibby Owens

See the Zibby Mag “Book Lovers Guide to Charleston” for our top recommendations.

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