News Summary
The Hub City Writers Project, founded in 1995 in Spartanburg, SC, marks three decades of promoting literary culture and community development. With initiatives like Hub City Press and Hub City Bookshop, the nonprofit organization has made significant contributions to local literacy and economic growth. Upcoming anniversary events will include community outreach and the launch of a new anthology, reflecting its ongoing commitment to education and the promotion of regional literature.
Spartanburg, SC – The Hub City Writers Project is set to commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2025, marking three decades of access to literary culture and community development in Spartanburg. Founded in 1995 by local writers Betsy Teter, John Lane, and Gary Henderson, the nonprofit organization has evolved from its humble beginnings at a kitchen table into a significant force in the literary scene, now boasting a staff ranging between nine and twelve members and managing two distinct spaces.
The organization is renowned for its commitment to fostering literary talent and enhancing the local community’s literary culture. At the heart of its mission are two principal initiatives: Hub City Press, which publishes between eight to ten literary titles each year, and Hub City Bookshop, an independent bookstore recognized nationally as the first full-service independent bookstore operated by a nonprofit organization, located at 186 W. Main St.
As part of the upcoming anniversary celebrations, the Hub City Writers Project is organizing a series of outreach events and book donation activities designed to engage the community. These events will culminate in the launch of a new anthology this fall. Additionally, the organization is committed to enhancing library collections in local schools through programs like Books As Mirrors, aimed at providing diverse literature to students and supporting their educational journeys.
The organization has also played a crucial role in the revitalization of Spartanburg, facilitating the renovation of four buildings and promoting local economic growth. This effort reflects its broader commitment to education and community service, particularly through its literary arts programming. Over the years, Hub City Writers Project has increasingly focused on cultivating readers and nurturing writers, while also seeking to reshape narratives about the American South within literature.
In addition to its publishing endeavors, the project hosts annual writers’ conferences, summer camps for aspiring authors, and a series of author readings that connect writers with readers. Since its inception, Hub City Press has published over 100 books across various genres, many of which reflect the culture and history specific to the region of Spartanburg.
Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the organization has donated thousands of books and directly supports local schools and libraries. This proactive approach not only enriches educational resources but also nurtures a love of reading among students, particularly through initiatives like the Books As Mirrors program. The Writers Project aims to transform perceptions of the South in literature while providing local authors with the necessary support to thrive in the publishing world.
Among the notable authors published by Hub City Press is Michel Stone, whose debut novel, The Iguana Tree, was released in 2010. As a testament to the project’s supportive environment for writers, Stone encourages aspiring authors to embrace authenticity, vulnerability, and a strong work ethic. Her forthcoming book, Fig Days, has recently been accepted for publication, further showcasing the project’s contribution to nurturing local literary talent.
As the Hub City Writers Project looks forward, it continues to evolve and innovate. Plans are underway for new initiatives, including the Watson-Brown Foundation Southern Studies Fellowship in Arts and Letters, which will further expand opportunities for literary engagement and scholarship in the arts.
In summary, the Hub City Writers Project remains a pillar of support for writers and readers alike in Spartanburg, fostering a vibrant literary community. With its ongoing commitment to education, community outreach, and the promotion of regional literature, the project is poised not only to celebrate its rich history but also to continue contributing meaningfully to the literary landscape in the years ahead.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Hub City Writers Project 30 Year Anniversary
- GoUpstate: Kirk Neely of Spartanburg Dies
- Post and Courier: Author Michel Stone
- GoUpstate: Hub City Writers Project Launches Books as Mirrors
- GoUpstate: Betsy Teter – Spartanburg is Hub of the Hub
- Wikipedia: Literature of the Southern United States
- Google Search: Spartanburg Literary Culture
- Google Scholar: Hub City Writers Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literature
- Google News: Hub City Writers Project
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