The Poetry Society of South Carolina
Poetry Society of South Carolina Writers Groups
PSSC Poetry Group in Charleston
The Charleston Poetry Group is facilitated by PSSC Vice President Layle Chambers and launched in January 2026. The group meets monthly on the first Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Charleston County Main Library in downtown Charleston.
Sharing the sentiment that the act of creation is often a solitary endeavor, Chambers believes a poet grows through a process of refinement that relies on the shared practice of craft. By building a community dedicated to supportive response, the group provides poets with the outside eye necessary to encourage the natural evolution of their work.
Following a traditional workshop protocol, the group focuses on close reading and constructive dialogue to transform the solitary work of writing into a shared, iterative journey. To express interest or join the mailing list for the next session, please email laylechambers@gmail.com.
PSSC Poetry Group in Beaufort
The Beaufort Poetry Group, organized & facilitated by Jackie Markham, and co-sponsored by the Pat Conroy Literary Center, launched in September, 2025. The group meets monthly on the third Sunday from 2-4 p.m.
A long time member of PSSC and a current PSSC board member, Markham is a former professor of creative writing and has facilitated workshops and classes in community and academic settings. “Although much of our work as poets takes place in solitude, it is important for poets to feel part of a community, so I am hoping that this group will address that need,” she said. The Poetry Group will focus not only on critique, but on process, including elements of craft and creating new work. To express interest, please send an email to jacquiepoet3@gmail.com.
PSSC Poetry Group in Columbia
The Columbia Poetry Group began in January 2026 under the leadership of Elaine Mathis. Chris Errol Maw began as the facilitator in May 2026. This group meets monthly on the third Monday from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the Main Richland Library in downtown Columbia.
Chris is the founder and coordinator of the Columbia Readers & Writers Group and administers an online poet group called Together in Poetry. She has been the literary publicist for two local poets and has written some poetry herself. Chris loves writing but her main strength is in planning and facilitating events.
The Columbia Poetry Group shares their own work and encourages others to share their work of poetry. We aim to provide members with inspiration, education, social connection, and opportunities for personal and creative growth. To express interest or become a member, please send an email to errolmaw@gmail.com.