Events
Through community writing, Communal Pen showcases stories to explore the dynamic and ever-changing state of South Carolina. We connect unheard voices through writing workshops, curated publications, and a digital platform.
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Clicking the Pen January
Clicking the Pen is Communal Pen’s ongoing un-themed workshop series, designed as an open space for anyone who wants to write, reflect, or share stories. Held during lunch hour each month, this series offers a relaxed, welcoming environment where participants can respond to short prompts, exchange ideas, and connect with others through writing. Whether you’re…
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Love Letters: Writing an Ode to Your Favorite Home Town
Every hometown carries its own rhythm and people who leave lasting marks on who we are. In this workshop, we’ll turn those connections into words, exploring the places that shaped us and the ties that keep us. Guided prompts with Melanie McGehee will ask participants to recall meaningful landmarks, everyday rituals, and the stories that…
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Cultural Literacy: Family First
The second installment of Diann Williams’s Literacy series, Cultural Literacy, turns attention to the shared family experiences that shape our identities. From reunions and funerals to graduations and birthdays, these gatherings hold deep cultural meaning, carrying traditions, emotions, and memories that pass from one generation to the next. In this workshop, Williams will guide participants…
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Foodways – Gullah Geechee Community Day
Gullah Geechee Community Day celebrates the enduring legacy and living traditions of Gullah Geechee culture and its vital contributions to South Carolina. Rooted in the history of West African descendants who, through resilience and creativity, preserved their languages, stories, foodways, and customs, Gullah Geechee heritage continues to shape the cultural identity of Horry and Georgetown…
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Harvesting Heritage
Food is the core of many cultures; it brings together communities, families, and creates some of our fondest memories. Join us with our partners at the SC Arts Commission and SC Humanities on this community writing workshop and pop-up story recording where we will explore our heritage through the lens of a recipe, sharing the…
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Roots and Routes Writing Workshop
We each have our roots; where we grew up, where our families are, and where our dreams are fostered. Our roots ground and support us, showing the routes we’ve taken to get where we are today—as well as those that wind beyond the horizon ahead of us. In this workshop, facilitated by award-winning author Joshua…
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The American Revolution Today: Coker University
In the wake of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we want to explore the impact of this historical moment as a country and as individuals. What does the revolution mean to you today? What do you think our founding fathers would think of what our country has become? This workshop invites you to…
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The American Revolution Today: Bennettsville
In the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, what does the revolution mean to you today? Come to this workshop to share your own connections to the revolution as we explore the morals and foundations of America’s independence and its lasting impacts on our own community.
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Spring Break: Writing Vacation Memories
Spring break often means fun, parties, and chaos…but it could also mean curling up with a book and your cat for a week. In this workshop, you’ll be invited to write about the trips that shaped you, such as beach getaways and road trips, or the quiet stay-cations spent close to home. Guided prompts will…
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Clicking the Pen
Clicking the Pen is Communal Pen’s ongoing un-themed workshop series, designed as an open space for anyone who wants to write, reflect, or share stories. Held during lunch hour each month, this series offers a relaxed, welcoming environment where participants can respond to short prompts, exchange ideas, and connect with others through writing. Whether you’re…
Past Events
While our process is still evolving, the Communal Pen initiative has created an amazing array of events, workshops, and pop-ups. While these events are in the past, you can still explore the stories and activities associated with them. If you’d be interested in attending or hosting a similar event or one on a related topic, please reach out to us to get involved.
