The Emerald Coast isn't just a paradise for beachgoers and sunset lovers; it's also a hotbed of creativity and storytelling. Topping the list of catalysts for this artistic resurgence is the Emerald Coast Storytellers, a local writers group that's been successful in introducing a slice of big-city culture to our cozy beach town. Celebrating their first anniversary, the group continues to amplify opportunities for storytelling in our community.
Emerald Coast Storytellers, in its brief yet impactful history, has rapidly transformed into a robust platform for writers and storytellers. They curate a plethora of unique events centered around the written and spoken word, with a mission to nurture locals' and visitors' creative passion, both on and off the page. They've garnered praise from distinguished authors, including New York Times Bestselling Author Meredith Wild, who lauded their events as a "magical night going down memory lane with so many talented writers sharing their work."
The magic doesn't end there. This August, the Storytellers Open Mic will kickstart on the 10th at Raw & Juicy in Alys Beach, with stories beginning at 6 PM sharp. The theme for the evening is "Overcoming The Odds," so brace yourself for tales of resilience and triumph, a testament to the human spirit.
Following this, on August 11th, you can join an exclusive "After-Hours Writing Workshop" at Seaside Assembly Hall. This session, led by Texas Poet Laureates Karla K. Morton and Alan Birkelbach, promises inspiration, encouragement, validation, critique, and connection – essentially everything a writer, new or seasoned, needs.
Moreover, Emerald Coast Storytellers continues to expand its mission of inclusivity by offering a blend of physical and digital platforms. Their After-Hours Writing Night on August 17th will take place both in-person at Distillery 98 and online, ensuring accessibility to all storytellers, no matter their location.
These events have resonated deeply with attendees, who bear witness to the transformative power of storytelling. Emerald Coast Storytellers offers multiple ways to get involved, including attending events (virtually or in-person), following their social media channels, subscribing to their monthly newsletter, or purchasing a membership plan. For out-of-towners, the "Pulitzer" membership plan may be particularly enticing, featuring discount codes for online writing workshops at The Porch, a creative organization based in Nashville.
Recently, they debuted several innovative concepts during their one-year anniversary, such as a brand-new membership program featuring partnerships with organizations around 30A and beyond, and a limited-edition Emerald Coast Storytellers journal. As they step into their second year, the excitement for what's next only grows.
As we toast to the success of Emerald Coast Storytellers, we're reminded that stories are the lifeblood of communities, and we're proud to belong to a community that cherishes them. We look forward to continuing our journey with the Storytellers, creating and sharing narratives that enlighten, entertain, and inspire. After all, everyone has a story to tell, and Emerald Coast Storytellers offers the perfect stage to share it. We invite you to grab your pens, notebooks, and join us in this exhilarating journey of storytelling.