A Story Runs Through It

What: A Story Runs Through It – Pamlico Storytelling + Literary Celebration, a free, all-ages event
When: Saturday, May 16, all day
Where: Locations across Pamlico County
What to Expect: Authors, storytellers, book signings, readings, and a community celebration of the power of stories

What is it? A FREE all-ages community-centered day presented by the Pamlico Arts Council that celebrates the power of words and the art of storytelling. The event is designed to honor Eastern North Carolina’s coastal culture and creative spirit while connecting voices across generations and genres.

Why should you come? To spend the day visiting many of the wonderful places across Oriental and Pamlico County, enjoying live performances, workshops, readings, and conversations by local authors.

10 am - 11 am
Memoir Writing 101: Everyone Has a Story with Dawn Gibson at Mariposa Bakery & Wine Bar. Registration recommended, but not required. 

10 am - 2 pm
Meet the Authors  & Book Signing at the Oriental Town Hall.
Local and Regional authors onsite includes  Amber Harr, Amy Koehn, Dawn Gibson, Diana Bottone, Kevin Duffus,  Joan Aubele,  Julie Lombard, and Mary Scott.

11 am - 12 am
Children's Hour "T-Rex Dino Party" at the Pamlico County Library

1 pm - 2 pm
Writing Workshop: "Writing in the Age of Ai" with Zac Schnell, President of Pamlico Community College at Mariposa Bakery & Wine Bar. Registration recommended. 

1 pm - 2pm
Special appearance by eight-year-old author, Carter Wells and his miniature donkey, Harriet at the Magnolia House. 

2 pm - 3pm 
Storytime Under the Magnolia will be a storytelling event suitable for all ages with acclaimed storyteller Donna Washington at 2 p.m. at Magnolia House in Oriental. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets.  Magnolia House will generously provide light refreshments.

2 pm - 3pm 
Featured Writer Talk + Book Signing: Dawn Gibson
Dawn Gibson will be sharing riveting personal stories from her brand new book (we hope to have first editions hot off the press). Heartwarming and inspirational, she speaks to triumphing over loss.  In the courtyard of Gretchen's Bistro. 

3 pm - 4 pm 
Kevin Duffus, a real-life history detective, researcher, filmmaker, and author of works like Last Days of Blackbeard the Pirate and The Lost Light, will be our Featured Author. He is set to share insights about his writing journey and experiences at the outdoor lounge area of Gretchen’s Bistro in Oriental. Having appeared on a segment of Josh Gates’ Expedition Unknown, this is a talk you definitely won’t want to miss.  

4 pm - 5 pm
Author's panel discussion: Ways to Get Published", exploring various publishing methods along with their advantages and disadvantages. At the Old Theater on Broad Street

6 pm - 8 pm
The Art of Storytelling  "A Night of Humorous + Heartwarming Stories with Kevin Duffus, Donna Washing and local favorite, Allen Propst at the Old Theater.