Acclaimed children’s and young adult author Betsy Byars reflects on a writing career that began almost by accident and grew into a lifelong passion. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and now living in Clemson, she attended Furman University and once believed writing would be dull; only to discover it was nothing like she imagined. She began writing while her husband was in graduate school as a way to stay busy and earn extra money, publishing her first novel, Clementine, which found little success.
After working for magazines, she was inspired to write for young readers by the books her own children brought home. Her most celebrated novel, The Summer of the Swans, which won the Newbery Award, grew from her experience volunteering with students with disabilities and tells the story of Charlie and his sister Sarah’s life growing up together.
Byars reads an excerpt from the novel in the interview and discusses her beloved Bingo Brown series, which was originally meant to be a single book but expanded into four simply because she loved writing the character so much. She closes by sharing plans for her next project: a new series centered on a strong young girl.
Patti Just, host of the Writers' Circle of South Carolina, talks with authors and poets from across the state and country whose work highlights South Carolina’s rich history, diverse culture, and people.
