Coastal Carolina University’s Athenaeum Press and Palmetto Literacy Council are partnering for a morning writing workshop titled “In Your Words.” Open to writer of all ages and abilities, the workshop will take place at the Chapin Memorial Library (400 N. 14th Ave., Myrtle Beach), on Saturday, April 27, from 9-11 a.m. The workshop is themed to National Volunteer Week, celebrating each person’s power to make their community better through words of encouragement, tutoring, and literacy. The event is free, but registration is required.

This workshop is part of Communal Pen, a community writing initiative that supports the belief that everyone is a writer, and everyone has a story to tell. The initiative aims to showcase the diverse and dynamic stories of South Carolinians in their own words. It is made possible through a partnership with the South Carolina Arts Commission and The Athenaeum Press.

The Palmetto Literacy Council is a volunteer-powered organization that helps people who struggle with reading, writing, and math.

“This workshop is so important for those who want to share their stories,” said Dodi Hodges, Ph.D., executive director of the Palmetto Literacy Council. “It doesn’t matter if you write just a few lines. Your grammar doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if you draw your story. What’s important is to share that story, to use your voice in whatever way that works for you. We are proud to be part of this initiative.”

Of the multiple organizations and initiatives that have collaborated with Communal Pen, the Palmetto Literacy Council is one of the most special, said Alli Crandell, Athenaeum Press director.

“The Palmetto Literacy Council does such transformative work in helping members of our community read and write,” said Crandell. “We are honored to be a part of sharing the stories of volunteers and students, which really cut across all communities that call the Grand Strand home.”

According to Crandell, workshop participants will be given a set of short writing prompts that last between three and five minutes each.

“It’s amazing how diverse and creative our writing can be when we don’t care about spelling, punctuation, or grammar,” said Crandell. “Some people just write a series of words, some people draw, but everyone leaves the workshop transformed.”

Written by Alli Crandell, Athenaeum Press director.